The majority of the congregations in the Union of Estonian Evangelical Christian and Baptist Churches are smaller than 80 members and many of these are located in rural areas. Because of geographical and financial limitations, students originating from such churches may face additional obstacles on their path toward theological training. And yet, over the history of our Union, many of our most influential and innovative leaders grew up in small church communities before receiving training and serving vocationally. Tomorrow’s visionary servant-leaders may be waiting undiscovered in our small churches. The aim of Maasool (eng “salt of the earth”) scholarship is to encourage and support the studies and ongoing service of Seminary students from rural/small churches in Estonia and to inspire a vision for visionary and effective future service in all of Estonia’s places, both small and large, both rural and urban.

This year’s “Maasool” scholars

Andres Raja (MA)

Tallinna Kogukonnad Church

“I am a 35 year old physical therapist turned theologian from Estonia. I’m married with 2 kids. From already early teens I remember thinking that my dream job would be learning the Bible and teaching it to others and getting paid for it. Now through God’s grace, I have decided to pursue that path and see where it leads to. I attend a small church Tallinna Kogukonnad, where I’m part of teaching team preparing series and Bible studies for our church. We usually gather at homes and once per month all 4 (now 5) groups come together for a service. Through education I hope to be able to provide even better materials for our church to go through and maybe these can also benefit other churches in Estonia.”

Adel Kuznetsova (MA)

Kohtla-Järve Lootus Church

My name is Adel. I am 22 years old and grew up in Ida-Viru County. I currently work as a secretary at the local adult high school. I grew up in the small but active Kohtla-Järve “Peeteli” congregation where my father is the pastor. Our church of 43 members focuses on social work, children’s camps and support for foreign mission. We believe that our gospel proclamation Jesus should be reflected in daily life. My motivation for studying at the seminary is both educational and communal. I want to deepen relationships and develop skills to serve God’s Kingdom, especially through service in youth ministry. I dream of greater collaboration in the Russian Region of the Baptist Union, and I believe my studies will support this goal.

Scholarship Eligibility:

  • Active member of a small church with fewer than 80 members
  • Demonstrate dedication to studies
  • Demonstrate personal spiritual and moral dedication
  • Service both within and outside the church  
  • Full time study on either bachelor or masters level

Scholarship details:

  • Awarded to one female and one male student per school year
  • Awarded for four of concurrent years of study
  • Covers up to 75% of full tuition costs

Scholarship includes the following additional advantages:

  • Rural/small church ministry mentorship
  • Foreign language tutoring/editing assistance
  • Internship possibilities (via Estonian and international partners)

Funding

The scholarship covers up to 75% of tuition for four (BA) or three (MA) concurrent years of study. The scholarship is awarded to up to two students each year. At current tuition estimates and with a possible 8 scholarship recipients each year, the scholarship fund should be able to pay out a total of roughly 8,000 USD annually (based on current tuition estimates).