Distance learning is making a real difference for church leaders in Botswana

By Susan Akyeampong and Lee Forland

In Botswana, a group of ten church leaders is working through online theology modules often late at night, in between ministry, family responsibilities and full-time jobs. They’re taking part in a distance learning programme run by Union Bible Institute (UBI) in South Africa.

The ten leaders on the programme are all part of a church that SIM works with in Botswana. They’ve each been sponsored by SIM to take part in the training, and they’re being mentored locally by Dr Sidney Berman, an SIM mission worker. As they study, they remain rooted in their local churches, putting what they learn into practice and building up the body of Christ right where they are.

How theological training strengthens the whole church

When leaders are equipped in the word, the whole body of Christ benefits. Ephesians 4:12–13 reminds us that God gives teachers “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” That’s exactly what’s happening here.

Students are reporting real, tangible growth. In Tonota, Tshephang Nthomang shared that her “spirituality was sharpened” and that the way she prepares sermons “has changed.” In Nata, Boitshepiso Sehemo explained how studying bibliology, hermeneutics and the Synoptic Gospels has given her a stronger biblical foundation: “These studies have helped me a great deal… I am able to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

In village settings, where resources can be limited, the ripple effect of training just one leader is especially significant. “Praise the Lord for the great opportunity you have afforded us,” wrote Tebogo Male. Others, like Motshwarateu Moori, see God’s hand in the training and feel compelled to encourage others to follow a similar path. “To God be the glory!” he wrote in his public testimony.

Even experienced ministers like Pastor Tshele are affirming the programme’s value, calling it a “great job” and commending the impact it’s having on the ground. Hon. Col. Ande sees it as a blessing for the wider Church, urging continued support “to bless those who are a blessing to the Body of Christ.”

“These studies have helped me a great deal… I am able to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

More leaders are ready, but they need your support

One of the strengths of UBI’s model is that it allows students to remain active in ministry while they study. Rather than stepping away from their churches, they stay rooted and apply their learning week by week.

Most are taking two modules at a time. To complete a Higher Certificate in Theology, 15 modules are needed, with the option to progress to a Diploma (42 modules). UBI hopes to make the entire diploma available online in the future, a key development, especially for those in rural areas.

Dr Sidney Berman, who mentors these students, sees the growing hunger for biblical training not only in Botswana, but also in remote parts of South Africa like Kathu, where he’s also involved in church work. “There is a huge need for Biblical training,” he says, “and I would love to introduce the distance learning programme there too if sponsorship can be found.”

“There is a huge need for Biblical training and I would love to introduce the distance learning programme there too if sponsorship can be found.”

It currently costs around 1,000 pula to register and 1,720 pula per module. Compared to full time study, this is very cost-effective. But for many would-be students, the cost remains a barrier. Others are waiting, ready to begin if support becomes available.

What these stories show us is this: when we invest in training faithful, servant-hearted leaders, we’re investing not just in individuals, but in churches, families, and communities. This is how God builds his Church, not only through large movements, but through steady, Spirit-led obedience, multiplied across the lives of those willing to serve.

As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11). That’s what we’re seeing already in Botswana – and with continued support, there’s much more to come.