Monday, February 06, 2006

The UMC Seminary in Estonia

Going down the blogroll as I compose the MBWR, I am presently Lorna's blog. She has some interesting posts up about the UMC seminary in Estonia and the history of Methodism in the Baltic states during the Soviet occupation.

3 comments:

see-through faith said...
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Anonymous said...

If anyone would like to know more about the seminary - do swing by stf and ask.

There have been some (full time) students from the US - those called to be missionaries in the ex soviet union in the main - but one couple were recalled to the US which was a pity (from our point of view) but still have Russia on their heart.

One thing: in the link it says "The fully accredited theological school is raising up leaders for the Methodist movement throughout Eastern Europe." I would like to point out that it's not only methodist leaders who are being raised up. In our recent practical service presentation session there was an orthodox priest in training, a baptist minister, a couple from a charismatic episcopal church in Estonia. a lutheran pastor to be and a couple of people with pentecostal backgrounds as well as us methodists (UMC) There's also a messianic jew from Russia though she wasn't on that course!

It doesn't mean there's a watering down of Methodist teaching - the Methodist theology course was compulsory for all - as is studying the UMC BoD ! but it leads to VERY interesting discussions at the coffee breaks, and in some of the lectures!

Personally it's given me a greater understanding of the body of Christ in an eucumenical sense which is GREAT.

If God puts the seminary on your heart - I'd like to draw your attention to a couple of things:
1: The library is very under stocked and in need of donations. If any of you have something to spare and can afford to send it over please do. The main site wasn't working the other day - but please feel free to email me
lorna AT heavenlytrain DOT com
and I can connect you with an English speaking lecturerer at the seminary who can give you more advice.

2. I want to say too that without the support of UMC especially in the USA the seminary would never have been built, and as a student there, I am also very appreciative of those semimary teachers in the USA who have used their sabbatical to give electives to us in the seminary. It's been a real gift from God, and has made a real difference. If God leads you to offer of your gift of teaching, please follow it up. The people of the ex Soviet Union are in desperate need of God, and equipping pastors to be (youth workers, and missionaries etc) to work in that area is very much needed!

Thanks John for bringing your readers' attention to the Baltic Seminary. God bless

John said...

Glad to, Lorna. The history of this institution sounds fascinating.