Hello fellow Langham scholars,

Blessings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

My name is Petia Zlatarova and I am from Bulgaria. I am writing to you, since I could not meet you face to face during this year’s consultation in Cambridge.

I wanted to share with you just a few things about me and my ministry. I am the Academic Dean of the Church of God Theological College in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. Our college is part of the Bulgarian Evangelical Theological Institute (BETI) in Sofia. I have a Master degree in Christian education, and my current PhD project is also in this area. I am working on creating a paradigm/a working model for contextual theological education for the evangelical church in Bulgaria – education that will help the students develop social awareness & social engagement, as well as develop their Christian character and ministry skills. Our College has a unique combination of academic training and active ministry towards our local society through various initiatives.

My husband and I have been serving God in various capacities since our teen years, but we are full time ministers since we graduated the Church of God Theological Seminary in Cleveland, TN, in 1998. Ever since that time I have been involved in teaching at the Theological College, as well as in my local church (See www.btcollege.com!). I truly believe that teaching and discipleship is my calling from the Lord.

Currently, my husband and I, along with our kids, are located in Davenport, Iowa, USA. We have spent here the last 1 year. I needed this time for my PhD research and writing – something like a sabbatical & I am happy to report that I have been able to write one more chapter (I already have 3 completed chapters). I need to write 2 or 3 more to finish the dissertation. In a few months we will be going back to Bulgaria to continue to serve the Lord there.

I hope I would be able to meet all of you next year! Be blessed!

Petia Zlatarova