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Equipping Godly Leaders to Win the Lost
and Build the Church in the Volnogorsk Region.

5 new churches have been started in the past few years but more are desperately needed

God is at work in the Volnogorsk region of the Dnipropetrovsk oblast (state) in exciting ways. Through the ministry of the Baptist church in Volnogorsk under pastor Sasha, five new churches have started in the past few years and more Bible Study groups are ready to start. Despite the impressive growth, many more churches and Bible studies are urgently needed.

The Volnogorsk Regional Bible School (VRBS) is launching September, 2003 to help prepare Godly men and women for the ministry of starting and edifying churches in this region. The program is designed for those who are currently in ministry and are not able to leave job and family to attend seminary in another city.

Pastor Sasha has been ministering in this church since his youth. His father, the previous pastor of the church, endured long years of persecution for his faith.

This training institute is being birthed out of a vision given to the pastor of the Baptist church of Volnogorsk to equip people for the growing ministry opportunities in the region. We have come alongside pastor Sasha to help launch the program and give oversight for the first year of operation. We are also blessed to have help from Biblical Education by Extension (BEE Ukraine). The two co-directors for the Dnipr Oblast are coming along-side in an effort to deliver the right kind of Bible and ministry training. Our hope is that within two years VRBS will be completely managed and funded by Ukrainians, with all courses taught by Ukrainians.

Courses will be offered 2-3 Saturdays a month in Volnogorsk by trained teachers who have years of practical ministry experience. More than just an academic program, the training also provides practical, hands-on skill and character development.

As well as core subjects in Bible and Theology, ministry training specializations are also offered for Pastors, Church Planters and Sunday School Teachers.

VRBS is endorsed by the Ukrainian Baptist Union, BEE Ukraine and International Mission Board (USA).

Students working in groups during a course in ""How to Understand the Bible" taught by Jim in Winter 2002-03

Core Curriculum:

• Each student will receive instruction in each of the following subjects as part of the core curriculum.
• Christian Living
• Bibliology – Origins of the Bible; Inductive Bible Study; Hermeneutics
• Systematic Theology
• Survey of the Old Testament
• Survey of the New Testament
  
  * Other courses may be added to this list of core subjects.

Specializations:

Jim with Sergei and Vladimir, the two regional co-directors of Biblical Education by Extension Ukraine - very valuable players in launching VRBS.

In addition to the core subjects, students may choose between 3 different specializations (tracks):

Sunday School Teacher

• Bible Teaching Methods
• Lesson Preparation
• How to Organize a Sunday School
• Creative Activities
• Understanding Age levels

Church Planters

• Understanding the Mission of the Church
• Foundations of Church Planting
• Evangelism
• Discipleship
• Cell Groups
• Preaching
• Leadership

Entrance Requirements:

1. Students may not be younger than 17 years old.
2. Students must demonstrate consistent Christian maturity.
3. Students must submit a written recommendation from their pastor.
4. Students must concurrently be involved in a local church ministry (arranged in agreement between their pastor and the school).
5. Students must be willing to meet with a personal mentor/trainer each week. Mentor/trainers will be arranged in agreement between the student’s pastor and the school.
6. Students must agree to the school’s written doctrinal standards and student guidelines.
7. Students who disagree with any point of the school’s doctrinal statement must agree to not promote their views among other students at the school.

The terms of studying:

• Courses will be conducted 2-3 Saturdays (every other Saturday) with breaks for holidays.
• Students will attend two courses a day; one core and one specialization course.
• Students should expect to spend 4-5 hours a week doing homework as well as maintain involvement in their practical ministry assignments.
• Students will meet with a Practical Ministry Mentor at least once a month.
• The school term runs from September through May.
• Students must pass tests and credits on time.
• Students each receive completion certificates after completing the requirements.