The diploma papers defended at Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary in 2026 cover a wide range of topics — from baptism and biblical interpretation to pastoral care, mission, war, youth ministry, and spiritual burnout. Below you can explore the main themes of the research and listen to English-language audio summaries of the papers.
Andrei Bratchenko
Baptism in the Lutheran and Baptist Churches: Dogmatics and Liturgy
The paper compares Lutheran and Baptist understandings of baptism, examining their biblical foundations, theological perspectives, approaches to infant and believer’s baptism, and differences in liturgical practice. The study helps identify both important common ground and significant differences in how the two traditions understand and practice baptism.
Anastassia Dolgorukova
Diploma paper: “A woman's experience of losing her unborn child: a theological and pastoral analysis (Based on the Example of Christian Communities of the Evangelical Church in the Republic of Belarus)”
The paper explores the experience of perinatal loss from theological and pastoral care perspectives. It examines the biblical and theological understanding of the value of unborn human life, the emotional and spiritual consequences of loss, and the experiences of women who have lost an unborn child. The study also highlights the importance of presence, attentive listening, prayer, acknowledgment of grief, and sensitive pastoral support within the church.
Andreas Fjodorov
Confirmation Catechesis Structure and Sample Lessons for the Estonian Methodist Church
The project develops a twelve-lesson confirmation catechesis model that combines the overarching biblical narrative with teaching methods informed by cognitive science. It uses visual learning, discussion, reflection, repetition, and active recall to help participants move beyond memorizing doctrinal statements toward a deeper understanding and personal internalization of the Christian faith. The model is designed to connect individual theological themes within a coherent biblical framework and help participants apply what they learn to Christian life.
Anton Karhanin
Theology of Atonement and Substitution on the Cross in the Orthodox and Catholic Traditions
The paper traces the historical and theological development of Christian teaching on atonement and compares Orthodox and Catholic understandings of Christ’s saving work on the cross. It examines shared New Testament and patristic foundations alongside different theological emphases concerning substitution, sacrifice, sin, reconciliation, and salvation. The study also considers how these areas of common ground and difference may contribute to further theological dialogue between the two traditions.
Philip Kharchenko
The Suffering of the Servant: An Analysis of Isaiah 52:12-53:13 and a Comparison of Jewish and Christian Interpretations
The paper examines the figure of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah and compares Jewish and Christian interpretations of this theologically significant passage. It considers the literary and historical context of the text, the hermeneutical foundations of both traditions, and their different understandings of the Servant’s identity. The comparative analysis also identifies strengths and limitations in the different interpretations and considers points that may contribute to further Jewish-Christian theological dialogue.
Oksana-Sofiia Koval
Project for an Intensive Course on Presenting the Gospel Message, Including a Personal Testimony in English
The project develops an eight-week intensive course designed to help Christians with beginner and intermediate English skills communicate the Gospel and share their personal testimony in English. The course combines language learning, theological preparation, and the Three Circles evangelism method. Its effectiveness was evaluated through pre- and post-course questionnaires, English-language testing, and analysis of participants’ oral presentations, with the project focusing on practical communication skills for real-life and multilingual contexts.
Milana Nemets
Diploma paper: “An exegetical analysis of John 11:1-45: The raising of Lazarus”
The paper offers an exegetical analysis of the raising of Lazarus in John 11:1–45, examining the passage from historical, literary, linguistic, and theological perspectives. It considers the event in relation to other signs in the Gospel of John and to the New Testament teaching on resurrection. The study shows how the key words, events, and characters of the narrative reveal the identity and mission of Jesus Christ, His authority over life and death, and the significance of faith, resurrection, and hope for the church.
Miriam-Mishel Nikitina
The Theology of Natural Revelation and Human Salvation: A Missionary Perspective
The paper explores the biblical understanding of God’s natural revelation through creation and its relationship to human salvation. A central question is whether knowledge of God gained through nature alone is sufficient for a person who has never encountered the Bible or heard the Gospel. The study presents natural revelation as a means by which people may recognize the Creator and be prepared to seek truth, while emphasizing the essential role of the Gospel and the fullness of God’s revelation in Jesus Christ. It also examines how missionaries may use creation and local culture as bridges for communicating the Christian message.
Mark Ossipov
Theosis and Christian Perfection: A Comparative Study of Eastern Orthodox and Methodist Understandings of Human Sanctification
The paper compares the Eastern Orthodox doctrine of theosis with the Wesleyan-Methodist understanding of Christian perfection. It examines Christian anthropology, divine grace, human participation in sanctification, the work of the Trinity, and the restoration of the image of God in the human person. The comparison identifies both genuine theological differences and significant areas of convergence that may contribute to deeper mutual understanding and responsible ecumenical dialogue between Orthodox and Methodist Christians.
Piibe Piirma
Pastoral Care for the Elderly in the Estonian-Speaking Fellowship of the Tallinn Congregation of the Estonian Methodist Church
The paper examines the biblical and theological foundations of pastoral care for elderly people and considers their particular spiritual, emotional, and social needs within the church community. Its empirical section draws on questionnaires completed by elderly members and interviews with pastors and pastoral caregivers. Based on the findings, the study proposes practical ways to develop the ministry further, including more systematic coordination, a broader team of caregivers, home visits, pastoral care training, and stronger personal relationships with elderly members.
Serhii Shekhovtsov
Ukrainian Baptist Christianity and War: A Theological Perspective Before and After 2014
The paper examines how Ukrainian Baptist theological views on war, the state, civic responsibility, and Christian participation in armed defense changed after 2014. It compares the period from 1991 to 2014 with developments following the outbreak of war and combines analysis of official documents with semi-structured interviews. The study traces a movement from stronger inherited pacifism and political neutrality toward greater emphasis on responsible defense, civic engagement, military chaplaincy, humanitarian ministry, and the responsibility to protect one’s neighbor.
Mariia Shekhovtsova
Evangelization of Generation Z Youth in Russian-Speaking Protestant Churches of Tallinn: methods and effectiveness
The paper examines the cultural and worldview characteristics of Generation Z and the evangelistic methods used by Russian-speaking Protestant churches in Tallinn. The theoretical section considers the social and spiritual context of young people and biblical foundations for evangelism, while the empirical research combines interviews with youth leaders and surveys of young people. The study highlights the importance of authentic relationships, mentoring, open dialogue, meaningful communication of the Gospel, and active involvement, suggesting that effective youth ministry depends not only on particular programs but also on the quality of relationships and the wider church environment.
Samuel Brian Warne
Project: Realign - Retreat Program for Self-Processing and Reflection
The project addresses missionary burnout, insufficient opportunities to process ministry experiences, and the problem of premature departure from missionary service. In response, it develops Realign, a structured retreat program grounded in the Christian disciplines of Sabbath rest, reflection, prayer, silence, and balance. The program uses a guided workbook and practical exercises to create intentional space for rest, self-awareness, and spiritual realignment. Participant evaluations indicated lasting changes in attitudes toward rest, personal limits, spiritual practices, and healthier ministry rhythms, while also highlighting the importance of sufficient retreat time, preparation, and continued follow-up support.