Proverbs 24:5 tells us . . . A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge increases power. As we gain knowledge of His Word, God revives our weary spirits and renews our spiritual energy.

Like going without food for days leaves us feeling lethargic, going without the Bread of Life leaves us spiritually famished. For hard-working pastors, the opportunity to learn more about the God they serve and dive deeper into His Gospel is like sitting down to a delicious feast. In his personal testimony, Pastor Viktor explains this profound truth:

After graduating from a missionary program at a Christian University, my family and I started our ministry in 2001. Two years later, the first people came to believe and were baptized. From that, a small church was formed, and God continued to call people to Christ. And the church grew. Having received basic education at university, we used that knowledge for the spiritual growth of the church.

But after 20 years of ministry, I felt spiritual exhaustion and a great need for spiritual growth. So, I decided to enroll in the Pastoral Ministry Program at SGA-supported Minsk Theological Seminary (MTS). Almost immediately after starting the training, I felt God begin to restore my strength and fill my spiritual needs. Each session contributed to the renewal of my knowledge of who God is and my relationship with Him.

I would like to say that various disciplines have helped me to see the integrity of God’s plan. Reviewing the Old Testament, with wonderful Professor Roman, has not only provided academic knowledge, but has taught me how to apply this knowledge. Biblical geography made it possible to realize that all events—from creation, to the life of Christ and the apostles—happened close to where we live now. A practical study with Professor Leonid taught me how the pulpit affects our theology, which led all us students to reflect on the fact that the church needs a fuller biblical teaching—on love, holiness, and judgment.

One of the most important things I gained at MTS is the ability to study the Scriptures myself; and then interpret them correctly, and present them to the church in plain language. This in turn leads to a systematic understanding of biblical teaching by brothers and sisters, so they can speak more confidently about their faith in Jesus Christ and their trust in Him.

I think every minister needs to study at MTS. The education gives understanding to the integrity of Christian doctrine, and emphasizes importance of unity with the brothers, in order to spread the gospel for salvation, and to be a witness to many people.

Praise God for the education that lifts the spirit of weary pastors. Please pray for Viktor, his wife, and his kids, as they continue to serve Christ and preach the Gospel.