by Walid Zailaa

Last September, ABTS President Elie Haddad posed an essential question: Why do we study theology? In his blog post, he concluded with these powerful words: “Studying theology is not just an academic exercise; it is a journey of transformation that prepares us for meaningful participation in God’s mission. It shapes us as leaders, deepens our understanding of God’s Word, and equips us with the tools we need to navigate the complexities of life and ministry.”

At ABTS, this is more than a statement, it is the very heartbeat of our approach to theological education. Theology is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it is about being shaped, transformed, and equipped for God’s mission. We believe in a learning experience that spreads into the realities of life and ministry. This is how we teach, learn, and grow together at ABTS.

Why ABTS: Educational Philosophy

A close look at Jesus’ teaching reveals key educational patterns. Jesus insisted that intellectual knowledge of Scripture was meaningless without real-life application. Unlike the Pharisees, whose teaching was based on the Old Testament but often lacked heart-driven obedience, Jesus called for a faith that translated into action aligned with God’s purposes. The Great Commission itself underscores this, with Jesus instructing his followers to go and make more disciples, who will not only be taught information but will also live in obedience to Christ. Jesus’ teaching also aimed at holistic love for God, engaging the heart, soul, mind, and strength, making his instruction integrated and multidimensional. Furthermore, his teaching was highly contextual, often emerging from real-life situations and encounters.

This approach to teaching is rooted in essential theological convictions: that humans, created in God’s image, are whole beings: mind, heart, and body; that Scripture’s redemptive message is fundamentally relational; and that Christ’s Incarnation calls us to make the gospel relevant to every time and place.

At ABTS, we have intentionally shaped our curriculum around these biblical principles. First, we recognize the importance of context, allowing our Vision, Mission, and Values to shape our programs’ structure and methodology. Second, we acknowledge that theological education must engage the whole person: intellect, heart, and practice. Each course is designed not only for intellectual growth but also for spiritual formation and practical application, culminating in a call to obedience. Formational experiences such as mentoring and chapel encourage students to reflect theologically on their personal journeys. Lastly, we emphasize integration, ensuring that students not only understand Scripture and theology but also know how to apply biblical truth to their lives and ministries. Our goal is that graduates will not only possess knowledge but will also be equipped to interpret their context through the lens of Scripture and live out their faith in transformative ways.

Why ABTS: Online Education

When COVID-19 struck, we were already in the process of expanding our Bachelor of Theology (BTh) program to include an online format alongside our residential offering. By that time, we had successfully launched the Certificate in Ministry and gained valuable experience in online education. However, as the pandemic unfolded, it became clear that moving all ABTS programs online was not just a temporary necessity but a long-term strategic decision.

Beyond COVID-19, other factors contributed to this shift: the growing difficulty of securing student residency permits, the rising cost of maintaining a full-time residential program, and the need for greater accessibility. Looking back, I am more convinced than ever that this was the right decision at the right time.

On February 1 we celebrated ABTS’s latest graduation, with 34 students completing their programs. This was followed by a two-week residency, which had been postponed from October due to the ongoing war in Lebanon. Listening to the testimonies of our graduates and residency students, one common theme emerged: many of them shared that they would not have been able to pursue theological education had our programs not been available online.

This is a powerful affirmation for us. The shift to online learning has made it possible for committed Christian leaders, many of whom are deeply involved in ministry, to receive quality theological training without having to uproot their lives.

At ABTS, online education is not merely about transferring classroom lectures to a digital format. From the beginning, our leadership team and faculty have intentionally designed an engaging, asynchronous learning experience that allows students to study whenever and wherever they can. We are a community of learners ourselves. We are continually growing, refining, and discovering better ways to serve, embracing the journey of learning as we move forward.

Recognizing the importance of personal connection and community as part of this growth, we have implemented several key activities throughout the academic year to bridge the gap between online learning and in-person interaction:

The Two-Week Residency: This is the cornerstone of our online BTh program, bringing students together on campus to build relationships, engage in theological reflection, and strengthen the learning community.

Faculty and Leadership Visits: We visit students in their home countries, meeting their churches, providing non-formal training, and gaining deeper insight into their ministry contexts. These visits enrich both our students’ experience and our own approach to teaching.

Local Student Gatherings: For students living in Lebanon, we organize in-person gatherings to foster fellowship, mutual encouragement, and spiritual growth.

This blended approach, where in-person activities complement online education, has proven to be a game-changer. It allows us to serve those actively engaged in ministry, providing theological training that is both academically rigorous and practically relevant.

Moreover, transformation in an online setting is not confined to the individual student. As they continue serving in their churches while studying, we see an immediate impact. Instead of waiting years to return from a traditional residential program, students are applying what they learn in real time, shaping their communities in the process.

As we move forward, we remain committed to fostering an accessible, dynamic, and transformative learning experience, one that equips leaders for faithful service in the Arab world, no matter where they are.

Why ABTS: Accreditation

Excellence is at the heart of everything we do at ABTS. We believe that studying theology is one of the most significant investments a student can make, an investment of time, effort, and a deep commitment to God’s calling. That’s why we take theological education seriously, striving for the highest standards in teaching, research, and ministry preparation. In line with this commitment, we have embarked on the rigorous journey of accrediting all our programs with the European Council for Theological Education (ECTE) and the Middle East and North Africa Association for Theological Education (MENATE).

Accreditation is not just about meeting external requirements; it is a transformative process that challenges us to refine our educational approach, sharpen our vision, and expand our perspective. Though it is a demanding, time-intensive, and costly process, it is one we willingly undertake because we believe in the long-term impact it has on our students, faculty, and the church in the Arab world.

Accreditation is essential for ensuring both credibility and quality in theological education. It guarantees that ABTS meets established academic and theological standards, upholding doctrinal integrity and ethical responsibility. By adhering to these high standards, we ensure that our faculty members are well-qualified, our programs are biblically sound, and our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for effective ministry. Accreditation also strengthens our ability to assess and improve student learning outcomes, ensuring that every graduate is prepared to serve in a complex and changing world.

Most importantly, accreditation protects the value and credibility of an ABTS degree. It ensures that our graduates’ qualifications are recognized and respected in both ministry and academic settings, strengthening their opportunities for leadership, teaching, and service in the church and society. Without accreditation, degrees may lack credibility, limiting opportunities for further studies and ministry engagement.

Why ABTS

ABTS remains committed to providing transformative theological education that is deeply rooted in the Bible and relevant to the realities of ministry in the Arab world. Whether through our educational philosophy, online learning approach, or pursuit of excellence, we strive to equip leaders who will faithfully serve their communities. As we continue this journey, we do so with a firm trust in God’s guidance, ensuring that theological education at ABTS is not just about knowledge but about shaping lives for God’s mission through the Church in the Arab world.

Walid is the Academic Dean of ABTS and the pastor of Faith Baptist Church that meets in Mansourieh, Lebanon.