[I begin this blog by
welcoming my 100th “follower”, Nathaniel Penland. I keep my eyes on
the counter, and so was waiting with bated breath for 100 to appear. As I said
before, it is good to know that there are 100 people out there who have joined
the club of ardent followers. Thanks!
This week’s Bible
College Worth Attending in Zambia is the Baptist Theological Seminary of
Zambia, located right here in Lusaka. It was one of the very first efforts by
Baptists in Zambia to provide residential theological training and clocks 45
years this year. I will allow the Academic Dean, Dr John McPherson, to take us
by the hand through this introductory blog.]
“And
the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to
reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2, NIV).
PURPOSE
From
a central campus and eighteen local training centers in the southern African
country of Zambia the Baptist
Theological Seminary of Zambia (BTSZ) provides contextualized theological
training to God-called and gospel-committed leaders to reach people for Christ
and gather them into reproducing congregations. We are here to prepare godly
leaders for a worldwide church.
LOCATION
The
Seminary campus is located on a 22 acre tract of land in the south-eastern
section of Lusaka, Zambia, along Twin Palm Road. This rapidly growing
residential area provides opportunity for community-based ministry. In addition
students have the opportunity to ministry in numerous local training centers
spread throughout the country. Zambia has proven to be a highly responsive
place for gospel preaching and church planting and development.
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| Student doing an assignment in the seminary library |
A BRIEF HISTORY
The Baptist Theological Seminary opened
its first classes in January 1967, with a student body of five men and four women.
The first classes were held at the Baptist Building on the Great East Road near
downtown Lusaka.
By 1968, some residences for student
housing had been constructed on the 22 acre campus on Twin Palm Road in
southeast Lusaka. Classes were then shifted to the campus with men and women
meeting separately for classes in two of the student houses. This arrangement
continued until the main educational building (classrooms, offices, temporary
library, kitchen, etc.) was completed.
A separate library building was completed
in 1988, and presently holds 15,000 volumes and Internet facilities, followed in
1994 by a 350 seat Chapel. Finally, a conference center, including lodging and
meeting facilities, was completed in 2005.
The Seminary is presently at Candidate
Status, the final step before full accreditation, with the Accrediting Council
for Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA). BTSZ is governed by a Board of
Governors appointed by the Baptist Fellowship of Zambia, composed of over 1,500
Baptist congregations throughout the country. We continue to work in
partnership with the Baptist Mission of Zambia, the International Mission
Board, and Southern Baptist Convention.
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| A section of the seminary chapel that can seat 350 congregants |
STUDENTS AND FACULTY
The Seminary welcomes for study students
from among Baptists and other groups compatible with conservative evangelical Christian
beliefs. We thank God for a total of 261 graduates who are now serving
throughout the country in various ministries such as pastoral, chaplaincy, para-church,
and educational work. Our particular foci for study are the interpretation and
proclamation of Holy Scripture, and practical experience in ministry. Both our
programs of study and faculty are designed for these purposes.
Faculty, both full-time and adjunct,
include: Principal Rev. Ezron Musonda (M.A. in Theology, Cape Town Theological
College), Academic Dean Dr. John McPherson (Ph.D., Southern Baptist Theological
Seminary), Business Manager/Instructor Rev. Misheck Zulu (M.A. in Theology,
Cape Town), Director of Field Education Dr. James Pack (D. Min. in Christian Education,
San Francisco Theological Seminary), Registrar Dr. Van Thompson (D. Min. Urban
Evangelism, SBTS), Mrs. Misheck Zulu (M.A. in Theology, Cape Town), and
Instructor In Biblical Languages Rev. Emile Masabarakiza (M. Div., Golden Gate
Theological Seminary).
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| Former students who graduated in 2010 |
PROGRAMS OF STUDY
Our guiding principle is to provide
quality, biblical instruction at all the levels required by Baptist churches in
Zambia. We aim to "start wherever
they are and go as far as God leads them."
The
Baptist Theological Seminary of Zambia offers two post-secondary programs of
study, the Diploma of Theology (DipTh) and the Bachelor of Theology (BTh).
Educational requirements for the Diploma of Theology are completion of Grade 12
and a minimum of five “O” level passes with one of the passes being in English
language. Full-time students would normally complete the Diploma of Theology in
3 years. Educational requirements for the Bachelor of Theology degree are completion
of Grade 12 and a minimum of five “O” level credits with one of the credits
being in English language. Full-time students would normally complete the
Bachelor of Theology degree in 4 years.
To
meet the needs of those with full-time employment, the Diploma of Theology and
Bachelor of Theology are available on a part-time basis in night classes
meeting in a downtown setting. Requirements
for these programs are the same as above, but the duration of study is
extended.
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| Principal: Rev Ezron Musonda |
For
the spouses who do not qualify for either of the post-secondary programs (and
other interested parties), BTSZ offers a Women’s Ministry Program. This is a
3-year fulltime, on-campus program, which prepares the student for a supportive
ministry in the church and community.
In
order to meet the needs of those unable to qualify for the above due to
educational background or location, we recognize non-residential training at
the Certificate level in 18 centers spread throughout the country. Many of our
faculty, current students, and alumni teach in these centers, benefitting both
the teachers and students. As mentioned
above we aim to “start wherever they are and go as far as God leads them.”
CONTACT INFORMATION
If
you are interested in partnering with the Baptist Theological Seminary of
Zambia as a student, prayer warrior, or supporter, please contact:
Rev. Misheck Zulu baptsem@zamnet.zm
Rev. Ezron Musonda btszambia@zamnet.zm
Dear Pastor Conrad. I am your 100th "follower" and it was surprising to see my name mentioned in your blog this morning. I have actually had thew privilege of meeting you at Grace Life Church of the Shoals. I was interning under the ministry of Brother Paul Washer at the time. I believe you were here to speak at the True Church Conference but during that time, you took some of us interns into a small room and taught us on the 10 Commandments and how the law of God works in the grace of God. I really enjoyed the teaching. So I just wanted to say hello to you since you mentioned my name in your blog. I also have recently started blogging (http://reformedgrace.blogspot.com/) and was wondering if you had any advice for a young, inexperienced blogger like myself. My wife and I continue to pray for your ministry and look forward to seeing you again one day.
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