Samara Preachers' Institute is a part-time, modular program designed to equip Russian preachers, church planters, and Bible-teachers to be expository preachers, able to handle the Russian biblical text accurately, and preach it with conviction and power. Eight, two-week sessions are offered over two years, and are taught by resident missionary instructors, Seminary trained Russian faculty, and guest instructors.

A Clear Purpose
Samara Preachers' Institute exists to strengthen the church in Russia by equipping pastors, church planters, and Bible teachers to preach God's Word accurately and effectively. This is accomplished through a training program dedicated to teaching sound principles of interpretation, disciplined, prayerful study during the sermon preparation process, and effective delivery of the sermon--all within the context of an emphasis on personal holiness and an undivided commitment to the local church.

Foundational Commitments
Samara Preachers' Institute is committed to:
• the authority, inerrancy, and sufficiency of Scripture, for all Scripture is God-breathed and true (2 Tim. 3:16; John 17:17);

• the centrality of preaching in the ministry of the local church, for it is the preaching of the Word that the Holy Spirit uses to bring men to repentance and into greater conformity to Christ (Rom. 10:14-15; 2 Tim. 3:16; 4:1-2);

• a firm belief that expository preaching is the best means to teach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27);

• a strong emphasis on the high-calling of the preacher, for those who teach God's truth are held to a higher standard (James 3:1; Heb. 13:17; 2 Tim. 4:1).

A Convenient Training Format
The training program at Samara Preachers' Institute is comprised of eight two-week sessions offered over two years. Sessions are made up of three, twenty-five hour courses and are typically held during the months of September, December, February, and May. The May session is held in conjunction with an annual pastors' conference. This modular approach allows busy pastors and Bible teachers who live great distances from Samara to receive training at SPI without having to move their families and leave their current ministries in their home churches.

Experienced Instructors
Three full-time missionaries (all alumni of The Master’s Seminary, and instructors in Samara Theological Seminary) provide much of the teaching in the Institute program. In addition, two Russian faculty teach in the Institute, both of whom are graduates of Samara Theological Seminary and are currently instructors there. To supplement this teaching, several intensives are taught each year by experienced, respected preachers. These seasoned pastors bring with them a wealth of practical insights and experiences.

Eager Students
God has blessed the Preachers’ Institute with many eager students who desire to know God’s Word and to preach it effectively. Since starting in 2000, Samara Preachers’ Institute has graduated over 250 students, some of whom have continued on in the seminary. There are currently 60 students in the Preachers’ Institute.

Prerequisites
With its strong emphasis on preaching, it is expected that students entering Samara Preachers' Institute have already received a basic, entry-level Bible institute education. Students must also be affirmed by the leadership of their churches with respect to their character, giftedness, and calling.

Program Overview
First Session:
Theological Foundations to Preaching
Hermeneutics, Part 1
Vital Theological Issues, Part 1

Second Session:
History & Models of Preaching
Hermeneutics, Part 2
Russian Grammar

Third Session:
The Practice of Expository Preaching
Vital Theological Issues, Part 2
Preaching Lab #1

Fourth Session:
Preaching OT Genres
Galatians, Historical Analysis
Preaching Lab #2

Fifth Session:
Principles of Effective Teaching & Training
Galatians, Lexical & Syntactical Analysis
Preaching Lab #3

Sixth Session:
Preaching the Gospels & Acts
Galatians, Theological Analysis
Preaching Lab #4

Seventh Session:
Intro to Biblical Counseling
Galatians, Homiletical Analysis
Preaching Lab #5

Eighth Session:
Preaching the Psalms
Pastoral Ministry
Preaching Exam