In the Foundations of Church Growth course, BMTS teacher Ago Lilleorg will shine a light on the nature and Biblical aims of the church, as well as introduce the historical principles of church growth, and supply students with methods for assessing their congregation’s growth and health, and for actively developing it.
TEACHER
Ago Lilleorg, PhD
DATE & TIME
17.01.202 6 at 09.00-15.30
14.02.2026 at 09.00-15.30
07.03.2026 at 09.00-15.30
PLACE
Participation over Zoom OR on-site at the seminary, room 207
Narva mnt 51, Tallinn
COURSE VALUE
18 academic hours, 3 EAP
TARGET GROUP
All are welcome.
LANGUAGE
The course is taught in Estonian with translation available into English and Russian.
GOALS OF THE COURSE
- Give an historical overview of the church growth and the events that have most influenced it throughout the history of the church from the early centuries onwards.
- To introduce students to the development of the church growth movement in the second half of the 20th century, the main principles and trends that emerged from it, and the main models of church growth.
- To equip students with the tools to assess church growth and health.
- To challenge the students to engage in the local church development and in planting of new churches.
- To help students understand and embrace the biblical understanding of the church as the Body of Christ.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student should:
- understand the nature and purpose of the church;
- understand the relationship between church health and church growth;
- be able to use tools fordeterminingand improving the health of the congregation (minimum law, etc.);
- understand the principles and key models of church planting;
- know the main challenges of church growth and church planting in Europe;
The student should be able:
- to use the main principles of the church growth movement and apply them in their church (planting) context;
- to define the main models of church growth and establishment;
- to use the NCD (Natural Church Development) program to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the local church;
- to develop a plan for church planting;
- to identify contextual challenges in building and developing a church in their community.
PRICE
135 € - if the participant wishes to receive credit points (ECTS). Requires a 75% participation rate in classes and completion of all assignments.
105 € - for guest auditors
VAT included in prices. Payment due: 16. Jan. 2026
Pre-registration is required to take the course.
PAYMENT INFO
Recipient: Eesti Metodisti Kirik
Invoice number: EE842200221010980782
Explanation: Avatud kursus: Koguduse kasvu alused
ORGANISER
Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary
CONTACTS
Russian / English : Inna Prysiazhniuk,
Estonian / English : Katarina Eva Ventsel,