Type of training:- Lectures and Discussion Groups
- Presentations
- Handouts
Program is suitable for:For pastors and other church leaders, as well as any Christian who has encountered difficulties defending their faith in discussions with non-Christians.
Study mode:- In-person in the classroom,
- Online.
Study length:1 year / 64 academic hours
Language:- Latvian
- Russian
- English
Distance learning:Online only in parallel with the in-person group.
Aim of the Program
This study program is designed to cultivate a deeper understanding of the core tenets of the Christian faith and develop the ability to articulate them with clarity and reason. In today’s world, biblical truth, the meaning of faith, and the role of Christianity are frequently subjects of debate and varied interpretations. Therefore, it is increasingly vital not only to know biblical truths, but also to understand how to ground your faith in Scripture and thoughtfully address challenging questions.
This program will guide you toward a richer knowledge of fundamental biblical truths and explore essential issues regarding the nature of God, eschatology, progressive Christianity, and interfaith dialogue. Through this course of study, you will gain a clearer insight into how a biblical worldview is formed and why a solid foundation of faith is essential—not only for personal spiritual growth, but also for meaningful engagement with the world around you.
Study Process
The academic schedule is designed to be manageable and inclusive for all students—whether single, married, with children, working, enrolled in other educational institutions, or actively serving in church ministry.
In accordance with the program schedule, on-site lectures take place once a month on a Friday evening and Saturday in September, January, and April. Online lectures are held on one Wednesday per month in October, November, February, and March. Final projects are presented in May.
To reinforce learning and consolidate acquired knowledge, students are assigned homework throughout the program as well as a final capstone project.
Course administration and learning materials are hosted on the Google Classroom learning management system.
All lectures are recorded, allowing students who cannot attend a specific session in person or online to watch the live stream or catch up at their own convenience.
Courses
| Course | Detailed information | Duration of the course |
| Introduction | - | 4 academic hours |
| The Bible & Foundational Truths | Read more | 12 academic hours |
| Defending God's Character | Read more | 4 academic hours |
| Understanding Escatology | Read more | 4 academic hours |
| Jesus is Better | Read more | 12 academic hours |
| Progressive Christianity | Read more | 4 academic hours |
| Weaponized Love & Empathy | Read more | 4 academic hours |
| Tough Topics | Read more | 12 academic hours |
| Presentation of reflection paper | - | 4 academic hours |
| Individual Studies | - | 4 academic hours |
Cost of Education
| On-site Students | Listeners | |
| Registration Fee | € 15.00 | Free |
| Course Price | € 40.00 | € 30.00 |
| Program Handbook | Free | - |
| Total cost: | € 295.00 |
*Amounts shown are subject to change.
Lecturers
Jason Thompson, MA is a pastor and author who is passionate about teaching the Word of God and standing for truth against falsehood. He currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Renovation Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina, in the United States. In addition to teaching apologetics through classes and podcasts and developing a discipleship curriculum, he is the author of Worth No Less, a Christian Living book on rejecting the lies of the devil and embracing our value in Christ. Jason also serves as BBI’s Chairman of the Board.
Dr. Mark Sandberg is a missionary, pastor, and the founder and lead pastor of the international congregation Communitas in Riga, Latvia. He holds a Ph.D. in New Testament Studies. His primary research interests include missional readings of the New Testament, the Pauline Epistles, and Christian apologetics.
Completion of Studies
After successfully completing the program, participants receive a Riga City Council–approved certificate of completion for ‘Christian Faith: understand, justify, defend’ during a special graduation ceremony.
The Latvian Biblical Centre is an adult informal further-educational institution registered at the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia. The program is recognized by the largest Christian denominations in Latvia, but is not yet accredited by the state.
Admission Requirements
Admission is open to anyone who wants to learn more about God’s Word and God’s World. Anyone can attend, but the level of instruction and class assignments will be more appropriate for those who have completed secondary education (general education experience).
If you would like to attend a particular course without taking the whole study program, please fill out this form or write us an email. To ensure that you receive all the necessary information for the course in good time, please email us at least 3-4 working days before the start of the course.
You can check the Academic Timetable here.
Application Process
We are accepting applications until September 6 of this year!
You will be scheduled for an introductory interview with the LBC director before classes begin.
Please fill out the form below by tapping “Apply now” and submit your application. Once received, we will contact you with the next steps.
If you have additional questions about a program that is not listed here, please read the FAQ section on the bottom of the page or fill out an Enquiry Form to receive more information.