Right Time and Right Place

The Importance of a Missions Training School
The population of Hindus in Nepal is 89%, Buddhist 7% Muslims 3.5% and the Christian 0.3%. However, Johnstone report seems to be more accurate: Hindus, 74.82%; Buddhists, 16.00%; Muslims 5.00%; Christians 1.89%; and others 1.70%. The low percentage of Christian clearly indicates the urgency of evangelization.

Nepal is considered to have the fastest growing Christian church per population in Asia. The rapid growth of the church demands missionary training centers, so that the Nepalese believers can reach out to the unreached in their region and neighboring countries.

The Nepal constitution restrictive clause of Article 14 has prohibited anyone from converting someone else. Thus, restriction of evangelism and conversion is an immense challenge for contextual Missiological training.

It is high time for Nepalese churches to commission their own missionaries to the remotest parts of the country, as well as to Tibet and Bhutan. With the advent of democracy, the opportunity for mission is unlimited. One of the main reasons for not sending indigenous missionaries is a lack of motivation and Missiological education. Therefore, it is urgently required missionary training institute to train for evangelism and missions.

The Need of Short Term Institute
The vast number of believers, especially those who have the burden to serve God, cannot join Bible College. The educational entrance requirement, limited finance, time and family responsibility are roadblocks for most of them. However, to join short term training is much more possible.

Short-term institutes are normally based on specialization. Therefore, they are more focus-oriented than the normal Bible School. They provide more opportunity for various categories of students. They can also run with very limited finances, whereas to establish a long-term Bible school would required much more.

Long-term Bible schools are generally for full-time ministers. However, short-term institutes can be for both full-time ministers and lay people. Knowing the contextual needs and their significance, Antioch School of Missions offers short-term courses. However, in near future a long-term training may also be added.