Since 1981, the Program for Theological Education by Extension has been providing Arabic speaking church leaders with the opportunity to grow through guided study and reflection. The PTEE is committed to providing adults with study opportunities that add to the development of spiritual life, Bible knowledge, ministry skill, and service to churches and society. The PTEE is interdenominational in scope and conservative in doctrine. Most of the evangelical church groups in the Arabic speaking world find PTEE courses acceptable.
WorldVenture personnel are some of the founders of the PTEE and have served in leadership roles of the organization ever since. PTEE curriculum includes courses that adults can study for a bachelor’s degree or just for better ministry preparedness. Students learn through self-study and facilitator guided interactive seminars. Courses can be studied through books, online, and by using mobile phones.
PTEE degrees are recognized and accredited by the Asia Theological Association and the Middle East and North Africa Theological Education Association. PTEE graduates at every level serve with distinction in the churches in the Middle East and beyond.
The PTEE communication and administration hub is in Amman, Jordan. PTEE members gather annually for in-person or Zoom meetings to approve the auditor’s report for the recently completed fiscal year and the budget for the coming year, receive committee reports, review the strategic plan, and enjoy fellowship with one another.
Fundraising is a key role of the PTEE central office Communication Department. Donors give both monthly and periodically for the development of courses and to support operations. Most of this funding is channeled through WorldVenture Special Project 6418-904-Theological Education-PTEE.
In order to plan for future support of the PTEE, when I would no longer be a WorldVenture worker, I felt it was wise to set up a non-profit agency that could receive donations for the PTEE in Jordan. Program for Theological Education by Extension Tennessee was established in Tennessee and received IRS approval as a non-profit in 2023. Six individuals who are PTEE friends or donors became board members.
Some donors are now giving to the PTEE through the new organization at https://pteetenn.org/
We hope more will choose that option as my time with WorldVenture comes to an end.
Donors can still give to the PTEE through WorldVenture.
