Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo - March 2022 Update

Gathered with our Presbyterian family at ETSC, joyfully together again!

Marilyn Borst delivers the ETSC chapel message on “perseverance”

Professor John Samy (left) with student Sara Nosir and her brother, Nabil

Food, fellowship and the sharing of more stories

ETSC is a haven for learning and for the equipping of the Church

Beloved former President Atef Gendy remains at ETSC to teach New Testament, and oversee the Center for Middle Eastern Christianity, a vision of Dr. Ken Bailey, legendary missionary

Dr. Hani Hannah - from student to professor to President of ETSC

Connections – A Beautiful Tapestry of God’s Work in Egypt

Today we visited the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo. What an incredibly full day of connections! We met with President Hani Hanna followed by a meeting with a group of seven professors including the first and second female professors at the seminary. We then attended chapel, enjoying worship and a powerful word from Marilyn Borst reminding us to tell the stories of the faithful heroes we meet. After lunch, we toured the Center for Middle East Christianity and then met with and heard the testimonies of three students, ending the day hearing from Sharif Salah, the Director of the Center for Church and Society. This center studies the demographics and cultural indicators in Egypt to help determine where a new church might need to be planted. It also guides congregations in helping to discern what ministries are needed to best serve their community.

It was a glorious whirlwind. Spending the day at the seminary helped fill in more pieces of the tapestry of the Presbyterian ministry in Egypt! The churches, the Synod of the Nile, and ETSC work together in this seemingly seamless effort to advance the kingdom of God in Egypt while making a vibrant tapestry.

ETSC exists for the church, and this is not just a statement but the passionate call of all those we met at the seminary. They exist to equip and train not only the pastors but the lay pastors, the elders, and the men and women who lead the ministries of the individual churches. As President Hanna said, “We help the church and we help students observe where God is working in the world and try to join Him, not the other way around.” And they are not afraid of change or growth.

They embraced online instruction five years before it was needed during COVID quarantines so instruction during the pandemic could continue. They have moved from having zero women attend the programs to women making up 35% of the student body. The student body itself has increased from 80 to 510 and they have spread through the country thanks to online classes.

The seminary believes in a practical hands-on approach to ministry in which well-developed internships happen in conjunction with academic instruction. The curriculum is designed so that the student has an intellectual, spiritual, and character transformation. They are missional in their approach so that the church can be missional. The seminary exists for the church so that the church can exist for Christ!

Rachel Segars
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Spartanburg, SC

Read more about ETSC HERE.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of ETSC. All gifts of any size are needed for scholarships and operations, the Center for Middle East Christianity, and capital improvements of a flat that will expand program capabilities. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.