Seminary continues to serve faithfully despite 40+ years of Congo upheaval

Located in the capital of the Republic of Congo, the Protestant Theological Seminary of Brazzaville (PTSB) was founded in 1931 as a Bible school and became a full seminary in 1998, amidst civil war and upheaval for more than 40 years. The interdenominational school of 46 graduates trains leaders who are serving to repair the war-torn nation and minister to its people.

PTSB offers several programs, including a Diploma for lay preachers and both Bachelor and Masters in Theology. The seminary’s training addresses the challenges of today’s society, including syncretism, immorality and HIV/AIDS. Global awareness is also a major concern in the institution’s curriculum and is given much attention through topics, such as peace, ecology and economy.

In addition, PTSB offers a “training farm” to expose students to agriculture and other practical skills, as students must be prepared to meet the challenge of poverty. In the future, PTSB plans to open an African Anthropology cycle, as well as a Center for the Research on African Cultures, which will consist of a library, museum, Archives section and an amphitheatre.

Currently in her second year of the three year program, Bachelor of Theology student Sidonie Baganguidila says that, through her training, God is teaching her responsibility and discipline in her use of the gifts and talents He has given her, including preaching and leading Bible studies. “I strongly believe that this training will help me become the good leader God wants us all to be,” she says. Sidonie would like to specialize in Counseling and Teaching Ministry.