Samara Theological Seminary is a three-year, full-time, semester-based Master of Divinity program designed to equip Russian nationals to be disciplined exegetes, effective expositors, and influential leaders and trainers in the church in Russia. An intense academic program is balanced with ministry internships, where students gain valuable experience alongside other pastors in the area of preaching, discipleship, evangelism, and spiritual leadership.

A Sacred Calling

The nature of the ministry demands that those who are called to it pour out their lives in the pursuit of fulfilling it. As the famous 19th century pastor Charles Bridges has said, “The Christian ministry has a dignity that is far above any earthly honor or elevation, for it deals with immortal souls”. Such a calling requires serious preparation.

Samara Theological Seminary is committed to the task of preparing godly, Russian men to be leaders in the church, able to handle the Scriptures accurately, preach them with conviction, and live them out consistently in everyday life. This objective is accomplished through a training program with foundational commitments to:

The inerrancy, authority, and sufficiency of the Scriptures
Disciplined exegesis, which requires the study of the original languages of Scripture
The primacy of the local church, and training men who are “churchmen”
The blending of academic instruction with practical ministry
Expository preaching as the best means to teach the whole counsel of God
Spiritual devotion as the basis for true learning

Entrance Requirements

Academically, students are typically required to have completed Samara Preachers’ Institute before entering the seminary. Exceptions are made for students who have received quality theological training at another institution.

Ministerially, students are expected to demonstrate the giftedness, calling, and character that are consistent with the life of a pastor-teacher. As such, ministry experience and affirmation by other leaders is required.

Academic Program

FIRST YEAR:

Fall Semester Spring Semester

Beginning Greek Intermediate Greek

Theology I Theology II

Life of Christ Exposition of the Pastorals

Hermeneutics Biblical Counseling

Russian Grammar I Russian Grammar II

Practicum: Preaching Practicum: Preaching II

Ministry Roundtable Ministry Roundtable II

SECOND YEAR:

Fall Semester Spring Semester

Greek Exegesis I Greek Exegesis II

Theology III Theology IV

Exposition of Genesis Beginning Hebrew I

Church History I Church History II

Research & Writing Apologetics

Practicum: Preaching III Practicum: Evangelism

Ministry Roundtable III Ministry Roundtable IV

THIRD YEAR:

Fall Semester Spring Semester

Beginning Hebrew II Intermediate Hebrew

Old Testament Intro New Testament Intro

Exegesis of Ephesians Exposition of Hebrews

Theology V World Views

Pastoral Ministry I Pastoral Ministry II

Thesis: First Draft Thesis: Final Draft

Ministry Roundtable V Ministry Roundtable VI

To supplement the general curriculum, several intensive modules taught by special guest instructors are offered throughout the program.

Courses on English reading and comprehension are also available to students, especially those pursuing ministries in academic settings which would require the ability to use theological resources in the English language.

Local Church Internships

In addition to fulfilling academic requirements, students are also required to serve in internships in local churches. These internships provide opportunities for students to preach regularly, be involved in evangelistic and church planting efforts, gain valuable leadership experience by serving alongside other pastors, and assist in the training of other saints for the work of the ministry.

Godly Leaders

The seminary has already graduated two classes totaling 30 students. Currently, the seminary has two classes studying simultaneously with 10 first-year students and 12 second-year students. These men represent the incredible opportunity that Samara Theological Seminary has to strengthen the Russian church by training faithful and godly leaders.