On June 11 and 12, 2025, graduates of the Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary (BMTS) defended their theses, addressing topics that reflect both personal calling and deep commitment to theology and service in the church. The defenses could be attended in person or followed via livestream.
Here is an overview of this year's theses. Each topic includes an English audio summary you can listen to.
Paul Adjei Brewu – Challenges of International Methodists Integrating into the Finnish Methodist Church as Missional Partners in the Context of Church Growth and Expansion
Paul Adjei Brewu Jnr explored how the Finnish Methodist Church could better include international Methodists as mission partners. The thesis highlighted obstacles such as language barriers, cultural differences, and limited support for immigrant inclusion. Solutions proposed include multilingual services, leadership training, and cooperation with local municipalities.
Audio summary
Kristel Elmi – Building and Developing Children's Ministry in the Estonian Christian Pentecostal Church from 1992 to 2022
Kristel Elmi's thesis analyzed the development of children's ministry in the Estonian Christian Pentecostal Church, focusing on theological foundations and practical changes. Based on surveys with congregational children's workers, the work emphasized the strategic importance of developing children's ministry with a view toward the church’s future.
Audio summary
Naatan Hollman – The History of the Band Sela from the 1960s to the 1980s: The First Gospel Band in the USSR
Naatan Hollman explored the spiritual and musical work of the band Sela in Soviet Estonia, highlighting its resistance to the totalitarian regime and role in spreading the gospel through music. The research was based on interviews and archival sources.
Audio summary
Natalia Koroleva – The History of Bible Translation into the Komi Language: The Relevance and Need for the New 2023 Translation
Natalia Koroleva focused on the history of Bible translations into the Komi language and the importance of the new 2023 translation. As part of her thesis, she also produced a documentary film that raised awareness of minority Bible translations and their cultural significance.
Audio summary
Margaret Menorkpor – Unity in Diversity: Exploring Paul's Teaching on Believers' Unity in Christ and Its Impact on Community and Fellowship in the Early Church
Margaret Menorkpor examined the Apostle Paul's teaching on unity among believers in Christ, emphasizing love, care, and reconciliation that transcends ethnic, social, and gender boundaries. The study demonstrated how this unity shaped the life and fellowship of the early church.
Audio summary
Lilia Ojamaa – Spousal Communication and Its Impact on Conflict Resolution in Christian Families
Lilia Ojamaa focused on communication between spouses in Christian families and how it affects conflict resolution. The empirical research showed that honest communication, forgiveness, and spiritual support—where the congregation plays a key role—are most effective.
Audio summary
Kristiina Seppel – Creating Lesson Plans Based on Christian Values for One Period of 8th Grade Social Studies: A Case Study of Kohila Manor School
Kristiina Seppel developed 8th grade social studies lesson plans focusing on value formation through the Bible and narrative pedagogy. The work supported integrating Christian values into the school environment in harmony with the national curriculum.
Audio summary
Herki Tomberg – The Need for Spiritual and Practical Support for Small Group Leaders in the Estonian-Speaking Fellowship of the Tallinn Methodist Church
Herki Tomberg researched the functioning of small groups and the needs of their leaders in the Tallinn Methodist Church. The thesis proposed specific recommendations for systematically providing spiritual, theological, and practical support within the church context.
Audio summary
Merle Tomberg – Concepts of Christian Social Services in Estonia
Merle Tomberg addressed the theological significance of Christian social services and their role in contemporary Estonian social care. The study showed that although such services are rare, Christian values remain important for service providers and require a clearer conceptual framework.
Audio summary
The thesis defenses demonstrated how diverse and life-connected theological research can be. BMTS graduates now move forward to serve in churches, schools, and society, carrying their knowledge, experience, and calling into all areas of life.
Photo Gallery from the Thesis Defenses:
Watch the thesis defense recordings: