Baptist Theological Seminary
Nicaragua
Brief History
The Central American country of Nicaragua has been war torn for the past three decades. In recent years there has some relative calm and people from the United States are able to get in and out without difficulty. Hurricane Mitch caused extensive damage throughout the country and people are still trying to recuperate from this devastating experience. In the midst of this and in some instances as a result of this many Nicaraguans have turned to the Lord to the extent that 34% of the population identifies itself as Evangelical/Protestant. Through all of these experiences the Baptist Theological Seminary has managed to keep its doors open. While it has been struggling due to the shortage of academically/theologically well trained, it has continued to train people to minister in the existing churches as well as in the ones that are being started. Under the able leadership of Pastor Simon Francisco Pineda, the seminary is committed to train as many people as possible for the Gospel ministry. A Champion Church could come along this seminary, provide encouragement, share resources and engage in activities that will make a significant difference and enhance the implementation of the Great Commission in this strategic nation.
Projects Involving a Champion Church/Partner
The pastors of Champion Churches could be involved in teaching intensive (week-long) courses and/or workshops for the students as well as pastors
Teams from the Champion Church could be involved in evangelism, disciplesip and ministry activities along with seminary students
Work teams from the Champion Church could be involved in renovation of classrooms and improvement of the classrooms
The Champion Church could provide scholarships for the professors of this seminary to enroll in online and virtual Masters and Doctoral programs that enable them to continue to teach while elevating their academic level
The Champion Church could provide financial resources for the seminary to hold workshops for the seminary professors and staff
Projects Related to the Faculty
Professors — There is a need to train professors so they can teach at the Licenciatura (BA) level in the central campus and in the extensions.
Scholarships of $1 ,600 each would cover the tuition costs for the entire Masters in Theological Studies (MTS) offered at Southwestern Seminary totally on line and totally in Spanish
Projects Related to Students
Due to economic limitations of students who come from areas of extremely limited resources a minimum of 10 students who could greatly benefit from scholarships to take courses in the Seminary.
In light of the fact that many of the students in the outlying areas speak indigenous languages instead of Spanish and live in agricultural areas that are economically depressed, financial assistance for these students could greatly enhance theological education in Nicaragua.
Projects Related to the Campus
Expand their very limited library (for printed as well as digital books)
Set up a computer lab (with 6 computers) so students can do their research and writing
In collaboration with Southwestern Seminary, Trinity Academic can make available to this Seminary an electronic portal that will enable the seminary to offer online courses, virtual courses and an untold number of library resources to the students. A Champion Church can assist by providing the initial cost of installing this system and the very affordable cost to maintain thus saving the Seminary thousands of dollars in equipment and local personnel to maintain it.
Projects Related to the Seminary Extensions
This seminary now has 2 extensions which they are using to train people who cannot travel to the central campus to be trained.
Funds to help the seminary professors travel to and from the extensions could be very helpful
Simon Francisco Pineda
President
Email: sifranp@yahoo.es