Equip leaders with a comprehensive Chichewa Bible curriculum

Local ministry leaders carry a heavy responsibility to guide their congregations. You can provide the theological preparation they require. A comprehensive Chichewa Bible curriculum gives pastors foundational tools for pastoral ministry.

Pastors require deep theological training in their native language

Many pastors serve with no access to seminary or Bible college. They lead congregations, preach the Word, and counsel members. Very few institutions offer comprehensive Bible training in Chichewa.

Local leaders face difficult questions from their church members every week. They need a solid biblical foundation to address complex pastoral issues. The congregation depends on their leader for spiritual direction.

A local church relies heavily on the biblical knowledge of its leadership. Ministry leaders need the right tools in a language they understand. They desire to study the Bible deeply and understand the text in its proper context.

Prepare your network using a translated curriculum

Ministry leaders can bridge this educational gap by using a structured approach. The Bible Training Centre for Pastors (BTCP) curriculum is translated into Chichewa, and graduates are equipped to lead and train others. BTCP is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, its curriculum is used in 105 countries, and it has more than 200,000 graduates. Partner reports show more than 5,500 people have taken part, mostly in Malawi.

This material provides a framework for pastoral preparation. The training happens directly within the local ministry context. Leaders do not have to leave their families or their churches to receive an education.

Students learn in their own language, and local leaders can study the Bible in their mother tongue. Students study alongside other leaders in their community. They can discuss theological concepts in the language they speak every day.

Join a free introductory Zoom meeting to begin training

You have the opportunity to bring structured biblical education to the leaders in your network. We urge you to join our free introductory Zoom meeting. During this call, we will explain how you can implement this training within your ministry.

We will discuss the practical steps for starting the training process in your area. Do not let a lack of formal education limit the pastors in your network.

You can take action to equip the leaders in your community. Register today. You can provide the foundational knowledge they need through a comprehensive Chichewa Bible curriculum.

Three tracks that fit every level of church leadership

Every leader can start at the right level.

BTCI (5 courses, 275 hours) equips lay leaders and small group hosts. Graduates can apply for advanced standing at Dallas Theological Seminary.
BTCL (8 courses, 400 hours) trains elders, deacons, and ministry leaders.
BTCP (10 courses, 520 hours) is the full program for pastors at any stage.

See the course lists on our three tiers of training page.

Live classes your own church can host

BTCP classes are live and face-to-face, led by a local instructor from your church or ministry. Instructors have theological training through seminary, Bible college, BTCP programs, or equivalent biblical education. BTCP prepares each instructor in a two-day teacher workshop and provides teaching guides and ongoing support.

Fees that keep training within reach

Fees are per student, per course, and depend on where the class meets: $20 in North America and $11 everywhere else. The five BTCI courses cost $100 in North America and $55 elsewhere. Manuals are included, and there are no franchise or subscription fees. If these fees are not workable in your setting, we accept applications for a reduced rate. Partners order materials through BTCP on our ordering page.

Common questions

Is the curriculum available in this language? Yes. The translation is listed as completed on our translations page. Our team will confirm which materials are available when you meet with us.

How long does it take? Partners set the schedule, as long as each course meets its minimum hours. Many classes meet once a week for a few hours; others hold week-long intensives each quarter. The BTCI track (275 hours) usually takes one and a half to two and a half years, depending on how often and how long classes meet.

Where can classes be held? Almost anywhere: churches, homes, rented spaces, even restaurants and other dining establishments.

How are students evaluated? Instructors look at attendance, participation, and consistent completion of the study-question sections in the manuals.

Can students in different tracks learn together? Yes. Students working toward different tracks can study in the same class for the courses their tracks share.

Can students take the courses online? No. Classes are live and face-to-face, so students and teachers learn together in the same room.