Greetings from IBTS,
As we move into a new season, we are grateful for the many signs of growth, learning, and community across IBTS. From doctoral successes and new apprenticeships to renewed engagement with our alumni, the months ahead promise to be both encouraging and fruitful.
Celebrating Academic Achievement
This summer, we were delighted to see two more doctoral students successfully complete their studies and defend their theses. It was a privilege to celebrate this important milestone in the lives of Gabriel Stephen and Fedir Raychynets, together with their families, friends, and colleagues who joined the promotion ceremonies.
With these two successful defences, the total number of doctoral completions in 2026 has reached six, making this a remarkable year in the recent history of IBTS and a testament to the dedication of our students and supervisors.
A New Cohort of Apprentices
We have also been greatly encouraged by the engagement of our first official cohort of apprentices. Their ongoing projects are both inspiring and impactful, and several are highlighted in the Learning Network section of this newsletter.
Building on this momentum, IBTS has agreed to launch a second cohort of apprentices this autumn in partnership with the European Baptist Federation. Nine new apprentices have been selected from across Europe and beyond, representing Bulgaria, Croatia, Ukraine/Bulgaria, Ghana/Italy, Brazil/Portugal, Ukraine/Tajikistan, France, and the Netherlands. Their training programme will begin during the EBF Council gathering in Tirana, Albania, this September.
Strengthening Our Alumni Community
Throughout its history, IBTS has been an educational home to students from many countries and traditions. The relationships formed during those years often continue long after graduation, enriching both the lives of alumni and the wider IBTS community.
In the coming months, we will be placing a renewed focus on alumni engagement, exploring ways to continue supporting our graduates while creating opportunities for them to contribute to the academic and learning life of IBTS. The first step in this initiative will be an Alumni Conversation for all graduates from the Amsterdam era of IBTS, to be held online on 16 September.
Paul Ciholas
Many of you who knew the institution during its Rüschlikon years may also remember Paul Ciholas. A scholar, pastor, and professor, Paul graduated from the Seminary in 1959 and faithfully served the church and academy for many decades. He concluded his earthly journey in May of this year. A celebration of his life will be streamed live on 19 September, and information about how to participate will be available through our office.
Paul is survived by his wife, Karin Nordenhaug Ciholas, whose father, Josef Nordenhaug, served first as President of the Seminary in Rüschlikon and later as General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance. As we remember Paul with gratitude, we also give thanks for the generations of faithful service represented by the Ciholas and Nordenhaug families.
Learning Network
This season brings fresh momentum to our Learning Network, with several new projects and learning opportunities now getting underway.
Among these is Ripple, launching on 7 September. Developed by an IBTS apprentice, Ripple is a learning community for young adults, creating space for reflection, dialogue, and shared exploration around identity, meaning, and purpose.
We’re also looking forward to the Sports Ministry Webinar on 11 September, designed for young adults passionate about physical activity, leadership, and making a positive impact in their communities.
Alongside these new initiatives, upcoming courses include Creation Care and the Gospel and The Inner Life of a Leader.
Browse our upcoming events and register today to be part of our growing learning community.