Middle East (MNN) — In places where following Christ is most challenging, having a leader who is well equipped with biblical knowledge and skills goes a long way in helping the church to stand.
That’s why the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary has been offering theological training and leadership formation among the Arab church for more than 60 years. Hundreds of men and women have graduated from ABTS, located in Beirut, Lebanon.
Loulwa Maalouf with ABTS explains the front-row seat they have on God’s work in their students’ lives.
“We see that the journey began long before they came to ABTS. Many of them came from non-Christian backgrounds. They did not grow up going to church, but they share their stories, and we can notice how God was working in their lives, guiding them even though they didn’t recognize it,” Maalouf says.
“At some point [in their life story], something happens — something significant, maybe a difficulty, maybe they face a crisis. We know that true hope is only found in Christ. So, many of them find Christ — or He finds them.”
She says each of their students has entered ministry of some kind. They soon realize there’s a lot they don’t know yet.
“They learn about the seminary, and then they join ABTS to be better equipped for the ministry that they’re already doing,” Maalouf says. “We only accept students who are in ministry.”
One man named Valentin was a former atheist turned pastor in Syria. An online certificate program with ABTS allowed him to learn remotely without having to leave his congregation.
“God is really using him, like many others in Syria and around the Arab world,” Maalouf says. “[God is] using ABTS and our partners to come alongside him (Valentin) to help better train and equip him to continue serving God effectively.”
ABTS is more than a seminary program. The staff keep in touch with students like Valentin even after graduation. “We always check our graduates’ stories, check their prayer requests, see how we can help support them as much as we can,” Maalouf explains.
Catch the vision for raising leaders alongside ABTS here. Pray for God’s abundant blessing on the staff, instructors and men and women currently enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs.
Header image courtesy of Arab Baptist Theological Seminary.
