The Need…
For seventy years Communism ruled Ukraine, yet, when presented with the Gospel of Jesus, people respond. They not only open their hearts to the Savior, but their spirits are eager to respond to God's claim upon their lives as His children. The fields are white unto harvest, but the laborers are few. How long will the opportunity to labor in this field remain open; how long will the responsiveness to ministry from outside Ukraine continue? No one can answer these questions, but we do know that evangelism, church planting, and training Christian leaders are great needs in Ukraine.

An Answer…
When the Berlin Wall came down, Greater Europe Mission began to explore ways of reaching people in former Communist countries. The almost unanimous response from Christian leaders in those countries was for training. Most of those serving as pastors had received their training through the local church or an occasional seminar. Full-time Bible colleges were needed. A concept that was working in other countries was teaching provided by North American Bible College or seminary teachers and pastors during a normal academic year. The question now was where would the two-week modular classes be taught. In Zaporozhye, Ukraine, a city of nearly one million, pastors were eager to start a Bible college. The result was Zaporozhye Bible College, founded in cooperation with The Baptist Union of Zaporozhye.

Initially planned as a college for pastors, it was soon discovered that there was a great need for Christian Education workers. Sunday schools were allowed for the first time and trained teachers were needed. It was also recognized that although music played a key role in Ukrainian worship, there was a shortage of music directors.

Three Majors Offered
With the need clearly identified, it was decided to offer a three-year pastor's course, a two-year Christian Education course, and a two-year Music Director's course. We now have candidate status and are offering a four year Bachelor's Degree in Pastoral Ministries. In the first year 85 students attended classes. We now have over 540 students who have graduated and are in active service.

The Classes
Classes are conducted by North American teachers and pastors and trained Ukrainian teachers. The two-week modular courses include five hours of teaching each day for nine days. Teachers arrive on a Friday and leave two weeks later on Friday. Since most students do not know English when they arrive, and much theological material is available in English, an optional intensive course in English is held at the beginning of each school year. Teachers of Bible, Theology, Bible related subjects, and English are needed.

Vladimir Degtyaryov, President Zaporozhye Bible College and Seminary