Extension courses are foundation of college’s programs

Founded in 1968, the College of Christian Theology Bangladesh (CCTB) is located in the seventh most populous nation in the world. Challenges in Bangladesh include poverty, overpopulation, poor governance and oppression of minorities. The most critical need in the Bangladesh Church is godly leaders, and CCTB sees this as an opportunity to have a great impact on all Christian education in the Bangladesh Church.

With an extensive reach at the grassroots level, Theological Education by Extension (TEE) is the foundation of CCTB’s programs, providing pastors and lay people with essential biblical training. Currently, there are about 2,000 active students from all around the country. Supported by over 25 affiliated missions, churches and NGOs, CCTB’s affiliates also utilize TEE courses throughout Bangladesh. CCTB has a formal agreement with Agape College as well, giving Agape permission to utilize CCTB material and translate it into Bangla or Bengali, the official language of Bangladesh.

CCTB’s programs have a heavy emphasis on practical experience, including involvement in local church services and leading tutoring sessions, devotions and Sunday school classes. CCTB has begun offering special continuing education seminars as well, focusing on current and practical issues to be integrated into the CCTB curriculum.

Salvation Army Training Officer/Captain Gabriel Dewri helps cadets develop their preaching, counseling and practical outreach skills by leading a TEE course. "The Salvation Army in Bangladesh relies heavily on CCTB’s TEE courses for its foundational teaching,” Gabriel says. “I have studied many of the courses and have gained much from them... The integration of CCTB’s materials into the Salvation Army training program is an excellent model of how Christian organizations can cooperate in serving God and the Church."