It is evident that the story of the Department of Theology and Catechetics, where teaching began for the first time in September 1993, must have begun earlier. One of the key moments was the meeting of representatives of the smaller evangelical churches (AC, BJB, CB, ECM and KZ) and the missionary organization (AD 2000) in December 1992. At this meeting, a supernatural unity was manifested in the common desire to have our own educational institution in Slovakia for the preparation of spiritual workers of our churches. Subsequently, in January 1993, the Association of Evangelical Churches (ZEC) was registered and the Ministry of Education instructed the brothers to address their request for the establishment of a theological school to the Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica. Within a few months, we managed to prepare everything necessary and on 21.5. In 1993, the Dean of the Faculty of Education issued a decree on the establishment of the Theological and Missionary Seminary at the Faculty of Education of UMB. Teachers were admitted, an additional admission procedure for students was announced, and on 1.9. In 1993, our first students began the first academic year at our department.

After 10 years, the founders and teachers expressed their gratitude for this period in several articles. Among other things, we can read there:

“What will our Bible School and our students look like in the next 10 years? What can we give them? Can we simultaneously develop the depth of their theological knowledge along with the ability to wonder and be excited about what God is doing, or will it be just interesting theological views and knowledge, perhaps exciting for other theologians and philosophers, but not interesting for the mission and growth of the Kingdom of God? Shall we teach them the mystery of silence in the presence of God, so that they may go forth in public and proclaim God’s will powerfully? That depends primarily on us teachers! (Dr. Dalibor Krupa)

“We don’t want to boast about the theological level. We started and it takes a long time to build the department school. In the beginning, we were two doctors of theology with ThDr. Liguš. Since then, teachers have made doctorates, habilitations and inaugurations. Everything takes time. However, it is very important to us that this is not just another theory, but that the “creative word” is taught here. The Pharisees of Jesus’ time overwhelmed the people with teachings in which every step and every hour was governed by the Law of God. But when Jesus appeared, people saw that his word not only instructs but also transforms man, and He does what He says. My wish for teachers and KETM is that they stick to this demanding ideal, because this is the essence of the Christian person and life.” (doc.Ľ.Fazekaš)

“I am filled with deep gratitude to God not only by the visible “successful steps” of KETM. I admire Him even more for being able to guide us through the pitfalls, through defeats, through missteps, through periods of ignorance or doubt, and for showing us that His work depends on His grace and that He loves this department. As a teacher and head of the department, I always wish, not only on this occasion, that our “paths” are direct and that we always follow them together with our students and, if possible, with our graduates. I could not help but express my contribution to this collection in the form of such a personal declaration of gratitude to the Lord. It is not a human merit, but God’s merit that we can enjoy this Jubilee. Therefore , “let the Lord rejoice in his work” (Psalm 104:31)” (Prof. D.Hanesová)

According to some records, in 2000 the department had up to 188 students (106 full-time and 82 remote), in total there are more than 630 graduates of our study programs in 30 years. Many of them are now pillars of church congregations, denominations or missionary organizations, not only in Slovakia, but also in the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and the Balkans. Our graduates have also worked as missionary workers in countries such as India, Ethiopia, Tanzania, or among Indian tribes in the USA.

In 5 years, 5 people took turns in the position of the head of the department: Ľ.Fazekaš (4 years), P.Procházka (9.5 years), D.Hanesová (3.5 years), V.Šoltésová (6 years) and A.Masarik (7 years). Around 2000, we had 10-12 core teachers, today the university pays only 5 teaching positions. Thank God we have another 2 externally paid assistant professors and another 2 as volunteers. We work intensively not only on the professional growth of teachers, but also on improving the quality of our study programs, domestic and foreign partnerships, promotion of the department or the preparation of scientific research projects. In addition to the priority evangelical emphasis on biblical studies, we want to develop especially the field of missiology. So that our graduates can understand the Bible as best as possible, but also the missionary context in which we are called to be light and salt.

In 30 years, the department has undergone several name changes and several of the founding fathers are now with the Lord. But by the grace of God, we can remember 30 years of God’s work among us with a hopeful look to the future. As with the establishment of the department, we are convinced that we are witnesses of God’s action here. For all of us who participate in the life of the department today, it is a privilege and a blessing. To continue this work of God, to wait for His new action and to be part of this story.