International Baptist University: The Birth of a Vision

By Allan Cuthbert

Church planting and evangelism are ABWE's focal points. To achieve these goals, leaders must be trained. Throughout South America, training has been carried out in programs ranging from traditional classroom settings to Theological Education by Extension (TEE).

As developing countries in Latin America entered higher levels of education in every field of study, pressure came upon the theological institutions, also. They realized the need to raise their levels of education in order to produce leaders equipped to meet the challenges of the rapidly-growing Latin American church.

Mission leaders from the southern cone of South America began asking, "How can we work together to provide better leadership training?" They called a week-long Theological Training Summit for institutes throughout Spanish-speaking South America. This was the first of what would be three "Theological Training Summits."

Agenda items included evaluation of curricula and materials, program requirements and levels of study, and the possible interchange of professors. Dr. John White, Jr., ABWE's Director of Ministry Enhancement Services, was invited as a consultant.

Three summits later in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the International Baptist University of Theological Studies (IBU) was born. Four factors determine the development of the university's programs.

Standardized curriculum. In addition to standard course requirements, all courses must be written and taught in a way that reflects the students' language and culture.
Accreditation. The university will seek accreditation to enable adequate evaluation without jeopardizing the purposes of IBU.
Multi-level training. IBU will offer non-degree certification as well as bachelor's and master's degrees.
Diverse learning centers. These will be located in various countries and will provide settings for learning from the traditional classroom to instructor-guided independent studies. Where possible, modular classes will be offered through videos with proctors, and through interactive video conferencing classes.
The mission statement reads,

"The International Baptist University, a distance education institute, is committed to training Christian workers around the world, within their own language and culture, for effective Christian ministry"

While the university will initially target the Spanish-speaking world, in order to meet global needs and reduce overhead, IBU's International Administrative Center will be located in the USA. It will be incorporated as an independent distance education institute functioning as an affiliate of ABWE. IBU will evaluate and accept applications from students at Bible institutes and seminaries around the world. This partnership will result in the sharing of resources, technology, staff, and future accreditation, without altering the autonomy of local Bible institutes. The shared programs of study offered by the university through its national affiliates and learning centers will help provide every leader in his own country the opportunity to better prepare himself to lead churches and Christian ministries.

For further information please write to the International Baptist University at P.O. Box 8002, Kentwood, Michigan, 49518-8002

E-mail: 103130.3711@compuserve.com