May 3 – Theological Training

Today, we enter Theme 3: TRAINING AND DISCIPLESHIP.

Geneva Bible Institute (IBG)

Location: Geneva, French-Swiss border

Represented by David Niblack

Current Context

La Institut Biblique de Genève exists to offer Gospel-centered training that combines theory and practice in the service of local churches. Although we are based in Switzerland, most of our students come from France and work in France after completing their training. The Institute’s core program lasts a year where students study the Bible, live in community and engage in various practical projects in the region. After the first year, students can continue in the diploma program with a three-year internship in a church or ministry, either on a pastoral track or on a transcultural mission path.

We have seen God through the changes in the lives of the students who spend a year here. Many speak of their time as before IBG and after IBG, when they have more zeal for God’s glory, more love for His Church and a clear growth in their likeness to Jesus. Every year, the trainees testify to the fruit they see in their places of training: in the conversions resulting from the discovery courses, the preaching that touches hearts and the Bible-reading sessions pairing seasoned and newer believers. 

The theme for our Easter conference is “Alive! From Shadow to Light.” This echoes the theme of the prayer guide: God has not simply reformed us, He has regenerated us by giving us new life in Christ. We pray that the young people present will be deeply touched and encouraged by this reality.

Two years ago, a student approached us asking to join the program. We hesitated to accept him after examining his file since he had lived a life of addiction (hard drugs, alcohol) but had recently converted and was involved in a church. After we decided to accept him, he made a lot of progress during the year and, today, he takes on responsibilities in the church and testifies with great courage to his family!

Actions taken and results achieved in 2024 

Our main activity is the training of Christians to equip them for various services for the glory of Christ.

Projects in 2025

-We are launching a new training course for elders and pastors.

-The “Alive” youth conference will take place at Easter, with the aim of proclaiming the gospel and strengthening the hundreds of young participants.

-We want to continue to see Christians transformed through Gospel-centered training to serve and bless the Church in France. 

Prayer request

Pray for God’s extraordinary work through messages, praise music and new friendships at the Easter conference, which will bring together a thousand young people.

Further information

1. IBG on the Impact France website: impactfrance.org/ibg 

2. IBG site: ibg.cc 

Faculty of Evangelical Theology (FLTE)

Location: Vaux-sur-Seine (78)

Represented by Christophe Paya

Current Context

FLTE trains and equips leaders. Located in the Paris area, it is in direct contact with a large number of French and French-speaking churches and ministries. The Faculty’s programs take into account the diversity of ministries, partnering with and nurturing the development of the French and Francophone Evangelical movement, helping churches to structure themselves and train their leaders. 

Many pastors and Christian leaders have passed through FLTE and are now involved in planting new churches, developing various ministries and teaching Christians. 

Going beyond training Christian leaders, the ultimate aim of FLTE is to contribute to the proclamation of the Gospel in France.

Actions taken and results achieved in 2024 

In 2024, we reformed our Bachelor’s and Master’s programs to make them better adapted to the needs of today’s churches and the new generation of leaders. We have also strengthened our distance learning courses, reinforced our teaching team and increased the number of students. 

Projects in 2025

We pray that the Lord will enable us to contribute, directly or indirectly, to the strengthening of the French Evangelical movement, through the training of competent leaders in church planting and church revitalization. 

Prayer request

Pray for the renovation and expansion of our campus, which will take a decisive step forward in 2025 with the construction of a new building to meet our needs. 

Further information

1. FET on the Impact France website: www.impactfrance.org/flte

2. FET website: flte.fr