It is great to be in Latvia in late summer when the daylight still holds until late evening and the temperature can still be hot. It was a particular delight for me to be there with Anthony Billington, associated with the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity, to teach a weekend course on Whole Life Preaching as part of the two-year School of Preachers programme at the Latvian Biblical Centre (LBC) in Riga.
It had been nine months since the group were able to meet in person. We have managed to maintain the teaching via Zoom involving three languages. It was lovely to have the buzz of personal interaction in those September sessions.
LBC runs many other courses, including its foundation course: Theology and Ministry, and another of higher-level courses: the School of Christianity Work and Society. The latter is aimed at Christian professionals, who want to make the connection between Scripture and their everyday lives.
LBC is running a pilot course called the School of Mission, from January 2022, that is designed to be a church-based programme to develop a mission-focused approach to leadership, preaching, evangelism and other church ministries. The pilot will take place at the Salvation Temple, a Russian-speaking church, which is next door to LBC.
This is not the only institution that provides training in Latvia, but it is a unique one.
LBC offers training to men and woman, young adults and those who are more mature; it serves both Latvian- and Russian-speaking communities, who come from most of the church groups in Latvia. The training, – ranging from basic courses online, through to a BA course offered in conjunction with a Norwegian seminary – is Biblical, accessible, contemporary and practical.
Since 1993 LBC (previously Riga International Bible Institute), has faithfully served the church in Latvia. I enjoy bumping into former students who serve as pastors, chaplains, evangelists and youth workers, or as Scripturally-equipped Christians who serve society in education, business, law, social work, art and politics.
Like most learning institutions, the past year or so has been very disruptive. Therefore, it was a great delight to have 22 new students sign up for the latest academic year. In the circumstances, this is a great intake. Pray for the small country of Latvia – that its churches will continue to produce people who are salt and light.
