On Saturday, May 24, 2025, Zaporizhzhia Bible Seminary (ZBS) held a graduation ceremony at the Kremenets Satellite, recognizing 20 young men who have completed the Heart of Barnabas program. Because this session was a joint effort between ZBS and READ Ministries, Director Steve Eckert was honored with offering an address of congratulations and encouragement to the class, along with signing their diplomas.
A Brief History of ZBS
Zaporizhzhia Bible Seminary (ZBS) emerged against the backdrop of profound changes and challenges that Ukraine was experiencing at the turn of the 1990s. The period of the collapse of the Soviet Union brought not only independence, but also opened up opportunities for religious freedom. Previously persecuted and banned churches, including evangelical churches, could come out of hiding and openly preach God's Word.
At this time, Ukrainian society had a deep spiritual thirst, but lacked qualified ministers who could provide spiritual guidance and theological education. In response to this need and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, a group of Ukrainian pastors and ministers, with the support of an international mission organization (Greater Europe Mission), initiated the organization of Zaporizhzhia Bible Seminary.
In 1994, ZBS officially began providing quality biblical and theological education to train pastors, missionaries, preachers, and other ministers. The seminary, one of the first in its region, became a source of spiritual inspiration for many believers seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible and skills to serve in their communities.
ZBS quickly gained a reputation as an educational institution that meets the challenges of the times. It developed and expanded its programs to include students from the Zaporizhzhia region and other parts of Ukraine. Over time, realizing the importance of access to education for ministers in different regions, the seminary opened branches in Kremenets, Ternopil region, and Bielefeld, Germany, which was an essential step in expanding its influence and missionary activities.
Throughout its existence, Zaporizhzhia Bible Seminary has maintained its commitment to its mission: to train leaders for ministry who will faithfully preach God's Word and serve in their communities, inspiring believers to live a life dedicated to God.
The Heart of Barnabas
This program is designed to respond to the deep need to provide pastors, their assistants, and ministry leaders with "tools" to support our people in churches and communities who are experiencing emotional and spiritual burnout, especially in the face of instability, stress, and the increasing workload of war.
The Two-Fold Need
First, with their responsibilities to their churches, pastors and ministry leaders often suffer from constant stress. They need spiritual support, opportunities to share honestly, and time for personal rest.
Second, this program is designed to enhance the ability of ministry leaders to support people in their churches who are suffering from ongoing stress or the trauma of war.
The Heart of Barnabas Program seeks to create renewed, spiritually strengthened pastors ready to carry out their ministry with renewed vigor and inspiration, which is vital for the churches in Ukraine today.
This session would not have been possible without the partnership of READ and, ultimately, READ's supporters. Thank you.
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