We remain confident - theology can connect

Dr Anton Tikhomirov on new approaches to theological education in Russia.

At a well-attended public event in Hanover office of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission in Lower Saxony, Dr Anton Tikhomirov reported on the current state of theological education and the situation of the Lutheran Church in Russia. Tikhomirov has been Rector of the seminary since 2007 and the Deputy Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Russia (ELCR) since June 2022. The event was jointly organised by Gustav Adolf Werk and the ELM.

Michael Fendler welcomed the guests in his capacity as Chairman of Gustav Adolf Werk. With reference to Galatians 6:19: "Let us do good and not grow weary, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart", he began by signalling the "both/and" theme that was to run through the evening.

Fendler stated that while there are many things in both Germany and Russia that make us tired, our strengths are not the measure of all things. Rather, "God is with us in the tension that, on the one hand, our strength seems finite, yet at the same time we know what it means to do good, as well as having an idea of what good is."

The Deputy Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Russia, Pastor Dr Anton Tikhomirov, described the current situation as follows: "There is a lot to do with few opportunities. Nevertheless, we remain confident."

Theological training online

Since 2019, theological training has taken place exclusively online. The teaching materials on the digital platform are currently being accessed by 40 students from Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan. "Theology can unite people where everything else divides them," says Tikhomirov happily. "Everything is quite lively!"

As far as the training of future pastors is concerned, congregations that are far away from urban centres and cut off from church training and administrative units are faced with the problem that they no longer have any pastors. It helps if students do not have to leave their homes to study. Since there is no mandatory time frame for taking course, students also have the opportunity to study and take their final exams at their own pace. "This is particularly important for people who are already working in congregations. Many of our students already have a job," reports Tikhomirov. However, face-to-face meetings are also possible, not for everyone at the same time, but in small groups. The team of lecturers is international (although most of the lecturers come from Russia) and interdenominational. The basic requirement is that all lecturers are Russian-speaking, as Russian is also the language of instruction.

After completing the programme, students are ordained and work as ordained pastors in their congregations. One third of the students are women. The course is designed as a three-year Bachelor's degree programme, but is only recognised within the Union of Evangelical Lutheran Churches. Work is currently underway to apply for a state license.

Current situation of the church

With around 20,000 members spread over a huge area in the world's largest country, Lutheran Christians form a "manageable church" in Russia, according to Tikhomirov. "We have a wave of retirements and a huge shortage of pastors and preachers. At the same time, the problems and therefore the solutions are always individual."

Although there are financial problems everywhere, many congregations have discovered that using church buildings for concerts can be a good way to finance themselves. "The Cathedral of St Peter and Paul in Moscow, for example, often hosts cultural events. We also have a good organ there and the concerts are well attended. Organ music is very popular in Russia," reports Tikhomirov.

Tikhomirov sees a further general challenge in reacting quickly to current developments. Traditionally, the decision-making processes in churches and their governing bodies are very long and require a lot of consultation. "We need quick decisions," Tikhomirov is convinced. Church leaders need to be able to recognise developments and respond to them quickly. This will become increasingly important for the well-being and preservation of the church in the future. "In our seminary, we try to do sensible theology in a context of constantly new ecclesiastical, economic and political turmoil and challenges. Today, this includes the need to build bridges across hostilities. Good theological discussion should be an open, sharp but also reconciling discussion."