Slovakian school emphasizes Christian involvement in post-Communist society

The Department of Evangelical Theology and Mission (DETM) was started in 1992 to train evangelical leaders in Slovakia. The sound base and steadily increasing enrollment at the interdenominational school speak well of DETM and indicate how vital the school is for training leaders in Eastern Europe.

The Slovak society still wrestles with their past Communist heritage. Challenges include political instability, unemployment and social differentiation. Because DETM feels strongly that the post-Communist and post-modern society in which they function calls for Christian involvement rather than isolation, their program is designed to prepare leaders who can help believers gain a Biblical worldview and apply Scripture to their lives.

All DETM students are involved in practical ministries, while many are involved in church planting as well. Graduates are joining church denominations across the country and abroad, bringing both theology and mutual understanding. The university regularly holds theological conferences and workshops where theologians and interested lay people are invited. DETM graduates have also joined Christian media that influence a large section of the Slovakian population and abroad.

Student Volodymyr Vuksta says, “I have always wanted my ministry to be more effective and fruitful. That is why I praise my God for an opportunity to study at DETM...I want to be prepared for the work of ministry on both a theoretical and practical level. I believe my study here is allowing me to reach that goal.”