BIG Impact

The main aim of those who initiated the Pastoral Theology programme was that those who would be equipped throughout the course, would be prepared and motivated to transmit what they had learned, and who in their turn, would continue the process. This programme wants to prepare teacher-leaders for instruction centres that are based in the local church.

The aim of this programme is to continue the education of those who have finished the Entrust programme or equivalent courses, and for them to become “resource” people. We have made the effort to ensure that each participant has the necessary information in order to understand the opportunities and his responsibilities right from the beginning. We reserve the right to bring changes to this programme if they prove necessary.

A review of the Pastoral Theology Programme

Pastoral Theology is a programme designed to assure a high level of preparation and equipping for those who are already educated and qualified, so that they will become even more competent and at the same time become “resource” people for those who teach pastors, evangelists, missionaries and church planters at instruction centres which are based in the local churches. Through an instruction centre based in the local church, we understand that the leaders of the churches whom we teach will have an education programme integrated into their local churches. By “instruction centres” we understand a group organised by teacher-leaders who work together to equip the next generation of leaders.

The emphasis falls on the development of a godly character, and equally, the development of ministry abilities and an academic competence. It is our aim to make the participants aware of the importance of personal spirituality and godliness, humility, honesty and good relationships between teacher and student during the education process.

The programme is coordinated by:

Andy Seidel – President of Entrust, M.S. University of Illinois; Th.M., D.Min. Candidate, Dallas Theological Seminary; Assistant Professor of Mathematics, (1968-1972), Lecturer in Management and Administrative Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas (1972-1976), Pastor, Grace Bible Church, College Station, TX (1976-1990); ATS Pastoral Theology Co-ordinator, 1990-1996; Executive Director, Center for Christian Leadership, Dallas Theological Seminary, 1997-

assisted by:

Mihai Dumitrascu – national co-ordinator of Pastoral Theology, Pastor – Emanuel Christian Church, Galati.

Gelu Paul – teacher, Pastoral Theology, pastor Vox Domini Church Timisoara, president of BIG-Impact (Churches with Global Impact)

Petrica Ursache – administrator, Pastoral Theology, elder at the Brethren Church, Botosani

Ovidiu Ghita – teacher, Pastoral Theology, Pastor Holy Trinity Baptist Church, Galati

Adrian Totan – teacher, Pastoral Theology, Vox Domini Church Timisoara

Adrian Lauran – teacher, Pastoral Theology, Pastor Pro Deo Church, Craiova

Brian Eby – teacher, Pastoral Theology, from Entrust, Professional Counselling degree, in Family & Couples Therapy and in Social Work

The Pastoral Theology programme is conducted at North American University and Theological Faculty level. Andy Seidel has studied and taught at accredited institutions that are recognised at an international level, and also at many local churches. All the teachers share the BIG-Impact philosophy of education, which is very practical and relevant to the needs of the local churches, but at the same time recognise the need of an adequate method of teaching and a high level of preparation, both at academic standards.