European Nazarene College (EuNC) is committing to theological education in Arabic by working with the Eurasia Region to create the Arabic Learning Center.

EuNC was asked by the Eurasia Region if they would consider creating an additional Learning Centre to serve the East Mediterranean Field due to the anticipated closure of Arabic Nazarene Bible College. The College was glad to do this as it both serves this field as well as many other Arabic speaking individuals both in Europe and throughout the world.   

“Through the EuNC - ALC, we hope to fulfill the vision of the church leaders in the Middle East: provide accredited programs in the Arabic language, make theological education available to all Arabic speakers through online education beyond the Middle East, and offer a broader education than it was possible before,” said EuNC Rector Maria Gusztinné Tulipán. The Arabic Learning Center will not only serve the Eastern Mediterranean Field but also the wider Arabic-speaking population globally. According to the 2022 Nazarene Annual Statistical Report, there are 7,825 Nazarenes that worship weekly in Arabic.

Currently, EuNC has eight instructors approved to teach in Arabic, with another six going through the approval process. During an EuNC Faculty Assembly in February, Eastern Mediterranean Field Strategy Coordinator Khalil Halaseh discussed the vision of making education available to the wider church in Arabic given the growth of the church in Arabic-speaking areas. 

The Arabic Learning Center will not only serve the Eastern Mediterranean Field but also the wider Arabic-speaking population globally. According to the 2022 Nazarene Annual Statistical Report, there are 7,825 Nazarenes that worship weekly in Arabic.

The hope is the program continues to add to the growing unity among Arabic-speaking Nazarenes.
“God wants us to work together in partnership,” Halaseh said. “If we put our resources together, we can build a great generation for the glory of God.”

EuNC has been delivering decentralized education for more than 30 years. The education is primarily delivered in blended or online formats through 17 Learning Centres representing more than 20 countries and in 14 languages. 

Through the Arabic Learning Center, students can earn a Certificate in Spiritual Formation, a Diploma in Christian Ministry, and an Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology. The Diploma of Christin Ministry at EuNC is approved as an ordination track through the International Course of Study Advisory Committee for the Church of the Nazarene.

Eurasia Region Director Jim Ritchie addressed the EuNC faculty in February, reminding them of the necessity for adaptability, and expressed his hope of reaching the Arab world in a new way. 

“The best days of EuNC are ahead of us,” Ritchie said. “We build on a great legacy, but we have a great future.”