What the Amharic Bible curriculum includes

The Amharic translation is complete. It is one of more than 40 languages on our translations page. Because all ten manuals are available, churches can choose the track that fits their people:

• BTCI: five courses, 275 classroom hours. For lay leaders, small group hosts, and church members ready for deeper Bible training.

• BTCL: eight courses, 400 classroom hours. For elders, deacons, and ministry leaders.

• BTCP: ten courses, 520 classroom hours. The full pastoral program.

You can see the full course lists on our three tiers of training page.

How Amharic classes work

BTCP teaches live and face-to-face only. We do not offer online or correspondence courses, because discipleship happens best when students and teachers meet in the same room.

Your church or ministry provides the instructor. BTCP prepares that instructor in a two-day Teacher Training Workshop, where teachers learn the BTCP model and how to use the course manuals.

The language of the classroom is your choice. Some classes are taught entirely in Amharic. Others are taught in English, with Amharic used to clarify for students who are still growing stronger in English.

Amharic Bible curriculum in Ethiopia

BTCP training has a long record in Ethiopia. These stories from our site show what it looks like:

• Southern Ethiopia. Around 300 pastors and leaders took part in a BTCP training program and celebrated at a graduation ceremony. Years later, a new missionary arrived in the region and found that a revival had broken out. He traced its roots back to those trained leaders. Read the full testimony.

• A BTCL graduate. She has served as a children's ministry coordinator for more than five years. She shares what she learned in her two-year BTCL course, including the authority of God's Word over man-made traditions and cultural practices, and the need to let the Holy Spirit guide message preparation. Watch her testimony.

• A disciple maker. Abdullah, an Ethiopian disciple maker, uses BTCP training and materials to teach basic Bible knowledge to others, who then train others. Hear his story.

More stories are on our testimonials page.

Amharic Bible curriculum in North America

Many Amharic speakers now live in North America, and BTCP training has traveled with them. In Georgia, Abraham Teanso first went through BTCP in Ethiopia. After moving to the United States, he found that BTCP's headquarters were close to home, and he felt called to bring the same training to Ethiopian Christians in Georgia.

A pastor who completed Abraham's program says the training reshaped how he preaches and cares for his congregation. He especially valued the Church History course. Read the full story.

North American churches use the Amharic curriculum in different ways. Some classes meet entirely in Amharic. Others meet in English, with Amharic used to explain difficult ideas.

What the Amharic Bible curriculum costs

Fees are charged per student, per course, and they are the same for every language. The amount depends on where the class meets:

• North America: $20 per student, per course. A student who completes the five BTCI courses pays $100.

• Everywhere else, including Ethiopia: $11 per student, per course. The five BTCI courses cost $55.

Course manuals are included in the fee and are not sold separately. There are no franchise fees and no ongoing subscription costs. If these fees are not workable in your setting, we accept applications for a lower rate.

Partners receive their materials by ordering through BTCP. You can begin on our ordering page.

Frequently asked questions

Can a whole class be taught in Amharic?
Yes. Some classes are taught entirely in Amharic. Others use English with Amharic to clarify.

Is the whole curriculum available in Amharic?
Yes. All ten manuals are translated, so all three tracks are available.

Are there online Amharic courses?
No. All BTCP instruction is live and face-to-face.

Who can enroll?
Our BTCI track is open to all qualified church members, including women and lay leaders.

Partner with BTCP to train Amharic-speaking leaders

If your church or ministry serves Amharic speakers, in Ethiopia or in North America, we would like to help you train your leaders. Register for our free introductory Zoom meeting to see how the program works and how to become a ministry partner.