Ministry education with an Anabaptist and evangelical theme is going online through Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. First classes planned for fall 2012.

Lynn Jost, seminary dean and vice president and dean of Fresno Pacific University, is directing the creation of a two-step online program. First will come eight courses students can take for 3 units of credit each, or audit them. (These courses will fulfill Mennonite Brethren denominational credentials for pastors.) Part two will consist of making these courses part of a 39-unit master of arts degree in ministry.

On January 6th, 2010 we celebrate the 150th Birth of the Mennonite Brethren Church.

What was started by just a few men on January 6, 1860 in Russia, has now spread to nearly 20 countries.

MB Biblical Seminary President Lynn Jost said in a recent interview “the 150th anniversary allows MB churches to look at milestones.” He added that the event “is an opportunity to think about the ties that bind us together, especially theologically.”

The following is an from an article by the Christian Leader about Global Celebrations year long to mark this occasion.

By Megan E. Richard

This spring Ministry Quest headed off to college. The program facilitated weekend retreats for students at Canadian Mennonite University, Bethany Bible College and Tabor College.

The choirs of Fresno Pacific University, Butler Mennonite Brethren Church and North Fresno Mennonite Brethren Church will combine for a concert Sunday, April 21.

This is the first time these groups have performed together. The featured works will be “Missa Festiva” by John Leavitt and “Gospel Mass” by Robert Ray. Marc Ferguson, music director at North Fresno MB Church, will conduct the first composition, and Roy Klassen, FPU music faculty, the second.