MEMO DATE: February 14, 2018

TO: ABC churches, IM friends and individuals

FROM: Jim Bell, Associate Executive Director, International Ministries

Comment: Please share this opportunity, post and distribute throughout the ABC family and with others who you believe may have the qualifications or interest in this position.

RE: International Baptist Theological Study Center (IBTSC) seeks applicants for position of Director

The International Baptist Theological Study Center (IBTSC) in Amsterdam is looking to appoint a qualified person to serve as Director, carrying forward the commitment of IBTSC to deliver high quality theological education and research from a baptistic perspective in an international context. IBTSC helps to train leaders and conduct research that can aid the Christian church in its mission and ministry in Europe and beyond. Primary research and education lie in Anabaptist/Baptist histories and theologies, Missiology, and Practical Theology – Identity, Mission and Practice. In addition to developing researchers, educators, and leaders who can serve the mission and ministry of churches in Europe, the Middle East and beyond, IBTSC desires to facilitate learning and theological reflection in and for the churches, pastors and theological leaders of member bodies of the European Baptist Federation.

IBTSC is constituted as a Dutch Association (Vereniging) and is a collaborative partner within the Faculty of Theology of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for the delivery of a PhD program. IBTSC is an approved partner of the University of Manchester for an MA program. Stan Slade, International Ministries’ global consultant for theological education, serves on the Board of Directors of IBTSC.  He is eager to see qualified North American candidates apply for the position.  “IBTSC is a thoroughly European ministry,” he says, “that has long had a vital and very fruitful partnership with Baptists in the U.S.  This strategic work of the European Baptist Federation provides a unique setting for research and teaching that will influence Baptist movements across Europe and far beyond.”

IBTSC has played an increasing role in fostering academic dialogue throughout the global Baptist family. ABCUSA’s General Secretary, Lee B. Spitzer, graduated from its PhD program in September 2016. Dr. Spitzer shares “my experience at IBTSC deepened my appreciation for the heritage and history of our European Baptist partners. Several other American Baptist scholars are also matriculating at the school, and I would encourage qualified applicants to consider this leadership opportunity.”

International Ministries works cross-culturally to invite people to become disciples of Jesus Christ and to proclaim, through both word and deed, God’s reign of justice, peace and abundant life for all creation.

PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0581PHONE: 800-222-3872, EXT. 2201 FAX: 610-768-2155

www.internationalministries.org

Full details of salary, responsibility and duties, and an application form are available by contacting the IBTSC Administrator, Marianne van Zwieten (administrator@ibts.eu) or calling +31 20 210 3025. Applications must be completed and returned by 28 February 2018. Interviews will be held on 19-20 April 2018 in Amsterdam. Appointment of a candidate from the United States will be subject to approval of a visa/work permit.

International Ministries works cross-culturally to invite people to become disciples of Jesus Christ and to proclaim, through both word and deed, God’s reign of justice, peace and abundant life for all creation.

PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0581PHONE: 800-222-3872, EXT. 2201 FAX: 610-768-2155

www.internationalministries.org