Progress made towards KSOM accreditation

by Dr. Andrew D. Sargent, PhD.

The new school year for the Koinonia School of Ministry began in June, and already much has been tackled and accomplished by the grace of God through His Spirit and His saints.

Each year, John Donnelly and I travel to India and take deliberate steps toward the Koinonia School of Ministry's goal of becoming a fully functioning Bible College, built on biblical languages, biblical theology, and solid interpretive methodology, that promotes Global, Cultural, Biblical and Christian literacy, affords the opportunity for developing practical skills in all areas of ministry, and offers accredited degrees on both the Bachelors and Masters level.

This year KSOM expanded its faculty to six. John and I had an intense month of interaction with these professors, acclimating them to the vision of the program as I taught Biblical Hebrew Language, Conceptual Backgrounds to Biblical Theology, the New Testament's use of the Old Testament, and did a four part series on Gospels as Theology. John labored hard teaching the student body all things necessary for the foundations of biblical interpretation. The faculty is a bright group, who seem eager to begin the official establishment of the Bachelors of Theology one year from now. Their articulate input into the design of the program was invaluable.

We also have initiated the process of accreditation through the Asian Theological Association (ATA). We have many steps to take before meeting their full requirements, but this is an important step away from theoretical planning toward practical establishment. The building of the new planned KSOM facility, which will include library space, a dining common and kitchen facilities, appropriate dorm space, multiple properly-designed classrooms, official computer labs, and more, will do much to meet ATA demands. Please prayerfully consider making a financial contribution to this exciting project!

On John's and my part, we must concern ourselves with the following: 1. Finalizing the design of the Bachelors Program, and helping the faculty prepare for the first year of that program by the start of school 2011; and, 2. Gathering and shipping a specific collection of library materials, both bound and electronic, numbering about 5,000, as set by the ATA.

It has always been my dream to design and establish a biblical studies curriculum that fosters the highest educational experience for future ministers from the very beginning. John and I met with one of the Old Testament professors from the main seminary in Pune and talked at length about our program. He was very excited that we planned to establish our program on biblical languages, biblical theology, and interpretive methodology, recognizing it for the necessary, but unique, endeavor that it is. If we are successful, we will establish the strongest biblical studies program in India and may very well bring about a shift in the paradigm for other bible colleges there as well.

Remember, through your prayers and financial support, you too have a vital part in the LORD’s work in India!