Assisting the Lord’s Work in Romania

I have had few privileges over the years that compare with teaching abroad. I just have finished my sixth such opportunity in the country of Romania, now just twenty years post-Ceausescu. Romania has struggled to enter the twenty-first century as it recovered from forty-five years of communism. One of the greatest challenges in the post-Communist era has been educating the Christian leaders there. The Church actually thrived during communism, largely because of the persecution. But by the time communism fell, few evangelical churches had formally-trained pastors. The small Baptist school in Bucharest allowed less than ten students per year to enter their program. There had been an effort to suppress the Church. When the West was allowed access after the fall of the government, many unwholesome influences flooded the country, such as Pentecostalism and some of the cults. Nevertheless, the fall of communism also afforded an opportunity for Bible believers to assist their brothers in the rebuilding of the ecclesiastical educational structure under a new freedom.

In 1994, Central Seminary started a branch campus in Arad, Romania. In the early days, the going was hard as we struggled to find an adequate location and establish something that would truly be helpful. But the perseverance has paid off. In the 15 years since our beginning, something like 20% of the Baptist pastors currently serving across the country have passed through our programs.

Students travel to our campus about five times per year to take block classes in various subjects.  They complete their coursework at home. We buy the books, supply the professors, and pay most of the food and housing costs for the students. This work entails great expense, and many churches and individuals have contributed sacrificially.

The effort has been worthwhile. Some of these men have continued their education and are now pursuing advanced degrees. Gelu Pacurar, a pastor from Arad, teaches Hebrew and Old Testament in the extension campus. In addition to his Central Seminary M.Div., he went on to complete the S.T.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, and he is close to finishing his classwork for a Ph.D. in Old Testament. Six other students are in the Ph.D. pipeline.

The Romanians today do nearly all of the teaching. Initially, students had to have a good working knowledge of English to study with us. Now, they learn almost everything in Romanian. They are using their knowledge to strengthen the churches here.

Some graduates also run Bible institutes for the training of Sunday School teachers and lay leaders. Others are being used of God to teach at Romanian training centers in other parts of Europe. Some are even working with Romanian congregations in the United States.

What a blessing to be a part of this important ministry. What a blessing to see that with the completion of helping Romanians attain Ph.D.s, our main work will be over. What a blessing to serve the Lord here in Romania and at Minneapolis! Slava Domnului! (“Praise the Lord”- Romanian)