Gujranwala Theological Seminary - January 2022 Update
Pakistan
Gujranwala Theological Seminary (GTS) has been training and equipping pastors to lead churches since 1877. Originally a Presbyterian seminary, at one point it was the only seminary in South Asia. It now serves as a united (inter-denominational) seminary. There are currently 78 students studying at GTS on all three levels. Although there were many challenges and difficulties during the last year, we are thankful to God for providing wisdom and strength to achieve much. Here are two of the highlights:
Graduation 2021
Although 2020 was impacted by COVID-19 and many educational activities were disrupted because of lockdowns, etc., we are grateful that we could offer online classes to our students via zoom. As a result, we were able to hold the 140th and 141st graduation ceremonies as a combined event in March 2021. The 2020 graduating class comprised 29 candidates with 31 graduates for 2021. We are thankful that the program went smoothly with 34 students receiving Master of Divinity and 26 students awarded Bachelor of Theology degrees. Our graduates are equipped and trained well to serve in the churches as pastors and in the parachurch (Christian faith-based organizations and ministries) as committed and competent ministry workers. We are humbled to share that many of our previous graduates are serving in leadership roles and having a huge impact.
One graduate says: “I have been blessed to study at GTS. During my three years here, I have been transformed in my behavior and attitude. Our teachers taught us in profound ways and during my fieldwork, I learned how to implement my learning. I will miss the home-like environment and the new friends I made. I want to serve my Lord Jesus here in my country, and GTS has enabled and equipped me to do so.”
Prayer and Fasting Day
We recently celebrated a prayer and fasting day, pictured right, a great experience for our students and teachers.
GTS is Forging Some New Paths as Well
Groundbreaking for New Academic Block
After considering the great need to offer our students a better study environment and modern facilities, we plan to build a new academic block which will be fully equipped to meet contemporary study needs. This block will also offer refresher courses to pastors to update and prepare them to deal with current issues. We organized a groundbreaking ceremony on November 20, 2021, see photo below, during which the board chairman and other board members participated. Please keep praying for provision for this need.
Center for Music and Worship
Gujranwala Theological Seminary recently introduced the Center for Worship and Music Studies, a great initiative and contextually relevant study program. GTS board members, church representatives, and church leaders including Rev. Dr. Majid Abel (GTS board chairman and Presbyterian Church of Pakistan moderator) and Rt. Rev. Alwin John Samuel (bishop of Sialkot Diocese) were present to inaugurate this phenomenal program. Rev. Dr. Eric Sarwar was the main speaker. A committee comprising local and international stakeholders has been formed to oversee this program.
Read more about Gujranwala Theological Seminary HERE.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of Gujranwala Theological Seminary in Pakistan. All gifts of any size are welcomed to help provide scholarship funds and funds for seminary operations as they train new leaders in a strategic mission field. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.