Engaging the Global Church

Oct 29, 2024

About Reverend Apollos I. Handan

Rev. Apollos I. Handan ‘03 has served in Christian ministry for over 40 years. Rev. Handan’s extensive leadership experience spans both education and pastoral governance. Having served as Principal of the Baptist College of Theology, Jos, for 11 years, he imparted theological training to various individuals, including resident pastors, teachers, evangelists, and church workers across Nigeria and other parts of Africa. He also was President of the Southern Kaduna Baptist Conference, overseeing a vast network of 525 Baptist churches and 126 pastors. He facilitated ecumenical activities throughout his tenure and contributed to various boards, including the Baptist College of Theology, Jos, and the Institute of Church and Society/Christian Council of Nigeria.

Rev. Handan serves on the boards of the Christian Education Development Advisory Centre (CEDAC) and Pilgrim Lighthouse Foundation (PLF). In May 2020, he transitioned to a teaching role at the Baptist College of Theology, Jos, where he continues to mentor and shape the next generation of church leaders for Nigeria and Africa. Rev. Handan has authored four books and is currently writing a fifth.

By Reverend Apollos I. Handan

Reverend Apollos I. Handan ‘03 shares how his education at Western Theological Seminary equipped him to serve the global Church.

 

How did your education at WTS equip you for international engagement?

Handan: The Master of Theology (Th.M.) and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) programs at WTS deepened my theological comprehension and broadened my perspective on leadership development, both within and beyond my denomination in Nigeria. My education at Western Theological Seminary was crucial in guiding me through the accreditation process with the West Africa Association of Theological Institutions (WAATI). I take great pride in the experiences and knowledge I gained in seminary.

What was your learning experience like as a student at WTS?

Handan: Being a student in the Th.M. and D.Min. programs allowed me to meet and learn from various church leaders and pastors from Uganda, Kenya, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Brazil, and the U.S. The Th.M. and D.Min. programs brought students together from various cultural and ecclesiastical backgrounds and theological traditions, such as Lutheran, Baptist, Anglican, and Methodist. The diversity of these two programs provided a rich learning experience in which we pursued cross-cultural studies and engaged in theological dialogue within a Reformed framework.

 

About Reverend Apollos I. Handan

Rev. Apollos I. Handan ‘03 has served in Christian ministry for over 40 years. Rev. Handan’s extensive leadership experience spans both education and pastoral governance. Having served as Principal of the Baptist College of Theology, Jos, for 11 years, he imparted theological training to various individuals, including resident pastors, teachers, evangelists, and church workers across Nigeria and other parts of Africa. He also was President of the Southern Kaduna Baptist Conference, overseeing a vast network of 525 Baptist churches and 126 pastors. He facilitated ecumenical activities throughout his tenure and contributed to various boards, including the Baptist College of Theology, Jos, and the Institute of Church and Society/Christian Council of Nigeria.

Rev. Handan serves on the boards of the Christian Education Development Advisory Centre (CEDAC) and Pilgrim Lighthouse Foundation (PLF). In May 2020, he transitioned to a teaching role at the Baptist College of Theology, Jos, where he continues to mentor and shape the next generation of church leaders for Nigeria and Africa. Rev. Handan has authored four books and is currently writing a fifth.

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