Theology Education in Sacramento

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meakness and fear: 1 Peter 3:15

Opening of EPTC

By the grace of God, on February 25, 2006, we celebrated the opening of Emanuel Pentecostal Theological Center of Sacramento affiliated with Bethany Theological University of Arad. A vizit by the dean of Bethany University, Dr. Ghiocel Moţ to Sacramento contributed to realizing a dream of benefitting the pentecostal christians in the Sacramento, CA area with higher education in theology. The directing board consists of:

• "EMANUEL" Theological Center director: pastor Alin Bob
• Center pastor: pastor, Augustin Costea
• Office director: Dan Hiticaş
• Director of Administration-Finance: director: Pete Toplean
• Director of Internal Audit: Dan Filip

The adminission exam, taken by over 46 candidates, consisted of an interview examination, romanian language knowledge, and Biblical aptitude testing. The courses are divided in two modules each 2 years in length. The faculty will consist of Romanian pastors and professors, including pastors: Valer Brâncovan, Cornel Avram, Luigi Miţoi, Leonard Semenea, Crinişor Ştefan, Cameron Wilson, Alin Bob and others. According to brother Alin Bob, this endeavor is: An investment in character, church and society, for the glory of God and the salvation of people. At such a time as this when the construction of the new sanctuary of EMANUEL church nears completion, we consider that it is a favorable time to invest in the most profitable business - people. We believe that the workers of tomorrow, people used by God in the field of the Gospel, will be formed in this school." At the church service on February 26, we prayed for the Lord's blessing over this work and we officially prezented the authorization of operation of "EMANUEL" Pentecostal Theological Center of Sacramento, to the local church. May God give much grace and progress to those involved in this work of spiritual edification!

"Emanuel" Pentecostal Theological Center - Sacramento

Motto:
Investing in your character, church, and society
for the glory of Christ and the salvation of people!

"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Emanuel Pentecostal Theological Center
- is an extension of Bethany Theological University, Arad, Romania, for meeting the needs of theological education of romanian pentecostal belivers from the Sacramento, California area.
- is open for believers at least 18 years old, who have experienced the new birth, and have made a convenant with the Lord by water baptism, sense the calling to work for God, and are members in an active local church.
- addresses in order of priority the following categories of members: ministers in the local church, evangelists, fellowship group leaders, those believers who desire to know and share the Word of God.
- announces the structure of the 1st year admission exam:

• Examination interview for verification of ministry aptitude and vocation
• Written examaniation of Biblical and romanian language knowledge

Both examinations are graded on an admitted or rejected basis. The requirements to complete enrollment include:

• Pastor recommendation
• Birth and marriage certificates
• ID or passport copy
• Curriculum Vitae
• Copies of diplomas of schools attended
• 4 passport type photos

The tuition fee is $500/year which covers the enrollment and graduation fees by Bethany University Arad, the student courses, travel and compensation fees for viziting professors.

Course duration: Module I is 2 years (4 semesters) followed by a graduation exam.
Module II consists of the following 2 years for graduates of Module I, followed by a graduation exam.
The degree certificate can be obtained following these 4 years by holders of a high school diploma in Romania.
The 4 year courses can be completed by all graduates who lacking a high school diploma don't intend to take the graduation exam.

Teaching plan: Introduction to the New Testament, and old Testament; Pastoral Theology; History of Christianity; Dogmatic Theology; Exegesis; Hermeneutics; Homiletics; Ethics and Christian Morals; Missions; Systematic Theology; Ministry Practice; Professional Communications; Romanian; Greek; Hebrew...

The professoral council will consist of pastors and professors from the US and Romania, with training in theology.

STUDENT BENEFITS:

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

Depending on the seriosity of each student, at graduation each will benefit from:
- Biblical and theological knowledge;
- Aptitude in studying the Scriptures;
- Skills of preaching, leading a Bible study group, or Sunday School lessons;
- Character building and spiritual maturity;
- A graduation diploma.

Collaboration with "Veritas" Bible College(2004-2006):
- Is an extension of "Veritas" International which operates in over 25 countries.
- The purpose of this training is to equip workers in all activity domains of the local Church and to develop in participants a holy character by interaction with the living Word of God.

COURSE PRESENTATION

The courses are entitled "How do we interpret the Bible" (by professor dr. Wolvaardt Bennie) and are structure in four modules which describe the process of exegesis by major literature types found in the Bible (exposition, narration, poetry and prophecy). The courses of "Veritas" Bible College offer its students a practical method of Bible exegesis and hermeneutics simple enough yet ingenious in simplicity and accessibility to both the lay christian and the consecrated theologian.

COURSE CONTENT

"Veritas" Bible College courses are structured in IV Modules as follows:

Module I
-New Testament exegesis
-Pauline epistles

Module II
- Old Testament exegesis
- Pentateuch and historical books

Module III
- Old Testament exegesis
- Psalms and Prophets

Module IV
- New Testament exegesis
- Gospels, Acts and Revelation

WORK METHOD

The structure of Veritas Bible College courses focuses especially on the relationship of three processes of interpretation of Biblical truth, respectively EXEGESIS (understanding), HERMENEUTICS (application) and HOMILETICS (communication). "Veritas" Bible College proposes to aid the church in equiping and forming workers, preachers, sunday school teachers, and fellowship group leaders.