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Pilgrimage of Theological Educators’ Forum
from a fellowship to a Network

In the past, Bible colleges and seminaries in Pakistan tended to work in isolation or even in competition. It was observed that there have been many theological consultations in the past but with little ongoing value. Hence it was felt that a smaller group of like minded, highly motivated and committed people may have a greater likelihood of achieving something useful for a longer term. So local theologians and missionaries which included John Bales, Tim Green, Mike Raiter, Vic Tow, Aslam Ziai and Liaqat Qaiser sat together to see how we can work together.

This initial likeminded group gave birth to Theological Educators’ Forum on 2nd October 1993 aiming for a forum not necessarily encouraging institutional representation rather for theological educators’ mutual encouragement, consultation, and networking. This informal fellowship of Theological educators’ would develop and bring in Theological resources, breaking down denominational barriers and prejudices and would help build the church by breaking out of any narrow parochialism. This idea was welcomed immediately and on January 1994 first Conference of Theological Educators’ Forum was held in United Bible Training Centre in Gujranwala. To get this off the ground DOER Trust facilitated in conducting its SWOT analysis. The conference was such a success that it continued on from 1994 till now. Although there were times when due to host institution’s priorities it failed in initiating the Conference but TEF’s existence is having a big impact on the Theological education and institutions. Rev. Paul Burgess served as the first coordinator of TEF and was responsible for organising conferences and raising funds. After him, Miss Freda Carey served as the coordinator up till the formal formation of TEF National Secretariat. Many International friends took interest in this new concept of Pakistan’s Theological Educators’ unity and contributed in strengthening TEF through attending and leading session at its conferences Dr. Robert W. Ferris, Dr Paul Barker, Dr Bruce Nicholls, Dr. Ajith Fernando, Dr. Richard Harte are few of the names. The Core constituting members of TEF were United Bible Training Centre, Gujranwala Theological Seminary, Open Theological Seminary, Saint Thomas Theological College, Full Gospel Assemblies Bible College, Zarephath Bible Seminary and later welcomed younger institutions such as Assemblies of God Bible School, Quetta, Brethren Institute for Theological Education, Lahore College of Theology and still are welcoming many more till now. In 2016 the members decided to bring this informal structure into a formal one. Hence Saint Thomas Theological College became the Chair, Open Theological Seminary the Secretary and Zarephath Bible Seminary its Treasurer. Since 1993 this Forum has served as a Fellowship of Theological Educators in Pakistan but the members sense that this platform can provide better opportunities in strengthening the Theological Educators in Pakistan. This idea was shared with Pakistan Partnership Initiative- PPI that if TEF becomes a more formal entity it can serve in better way and enhance the standards of Theological education according to context. PPI immediately grasped the idea and promised to support towards Strengthening of TEF. So a formal secretariat for TEF was developed in 2018 and Dr Qaiser Julius volunteered to be the part time General Secretary of TEF. In its initial stages TEF with the support of PPI provided support to 6 partners; United Bible Training Centre, Zarephath Bible Seminary, Gujranwala Theological Seminary, Saint Thomas Theological College, Brethren Institute for Theological Education and Open Theological Seminary which ultimately contributed towards the strengthening of the forum. Till date the number of members in the forum that was once hardly 15 has reached to 57 Theological institutes and like-minded institutes. It has up till now organized 6 Annual Conferences, 4 EELAT conferences for theological students. 2 Mega Theological Education Expos. Collaboration with ICETE academy and ATA and offered trainings courses, provided trainings on Educational Techniques & methodologies, Hebrew, Holistic development, Library Management, Research and writing etc. TEF has connected with networks both National & International such as ICETE, ATA, Increase, Langham, Scholar leaders, City to city etc, ATA Pre evaluation Support, Promotion of Reading & Writing Culture: Inter- seminary writing Competition.

Building Christian Leaders for a Transforming Church

Theological Educators’ Forum (TEF) is a collaborative platform committed to strengthening theological education and leadership development across Pakistan. Established to foster connection and dialogue among theological institutions, TEF serves as a catalyst for renewal, capacity-building, and contextual reflection within the Christian community.

Contextual Theology in Action

Through conferences, training events, collaborative networks, and resource development, TEF encourages contextual theology, missional reflection, and academic excellence. We believe that strong theological education leads to strong churches—and ultimately, to transformation in society.

Building Theological Unity

We bring together theological institutions, educators, and leaders from across Pakistan to foster collaboration, mutual learning, and a shared vision. Through strategic partnerships and regular forums, TEF cultivates a sense of unity within the theological community—encouraging joint initiatives, resource sharing, and sustained dialogue. We have multiple institutions and organizations working in collaboration with us, strengthening our collective impact. Our network empowers Christian leaders to grow together and respond more effectively to the spiritual and societal needs of the nation.