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History

Founding of the CMI in Kremenchug, 1994 y.

The Church Ministries Institute was founded in 1994; the result of a partnership formed between leaders of formerly unregistered Baptist churches in Ukraine and the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE). After years with no access to formal theological education, Ukrainian church leaders recognized the need for a systematized program to begin training pastors and church members. ABWE also recognized the opening of a training program as essential in accomplishing its goal of facilitating a burgeoning Ukrainian church planting movement.

The first classes were held at the Kuyalnik sanatorium in the fall of 1994, with students coming from many regions of Ukraine and Moldova. In 1995, classes were moved to a new International Training Center in the north end of Odessa, Ukraine. This beautiful facility was built by over 100 volunteer workers from North America, and provided ample space for classes, offices, a dormitory, and a growing library.

As the number of students increased, the CMI began to spread out geographically, setting up Bible schools based in local churches. The establishment of an ABWE team in Perm, Russia allowed the CMI to realize its dream of expanding its influence beyond Ukraine and into other regions of Eurasia. By 2007, fifteen CMI Bible schools operated in three countries, with over 200 students. God has used the CMI ministry in a remarkable way over the past 13 years to develop hundreds of church workers to advance the kingdom of God throughout Eurasia. Today, the CMI’s graduates are planting new churches, strengthening existing churches, developing new ministries, and proclaiming Christ to people who have never heard a clear Gospel presentation.

With the changing economic and spiritual climate in Eurasia, and the damage to the International Training Center in a devastating fire in 2005, the CMI is undergoing a major transformation. While continuing to offer courses through extension modules in Bible schools and regional centers, the CMI is seeking new ways to create a learning atmosphere for students who are no longer able to travel to a central location. May God continue to lead and provide for the CMI as it enters this new and exciting phase in its history.