St. Nersess Online Launches Bible Study Leader Training

For the first time, St. Nersess Online offered training for summer conference counselors who will lead Bible Studies during the seminary’s summer youth programs.

Counselors assisting program directors at the Deacons’ Training Program, High School and Post-High School Conferences, and Youth Choir Workshop participated in a two-session online Biblical Studies Training designed to better equip leaders to guide discussions rooted in the Armenian Christian tradition.

The Zoom sessions were led by Dr. Roberta Ervine, Director of Studies and Professor of Armenian Christian Studies at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, and moderated by Arpi N. Bullockian, Chief Program Officer.

“These training sessions helped me to step back and approach a Bible verse with a child-like curiosity,” shared Milla Shirikyan of Holy Archangels Armenian Church in Haverhill, MA. “I was quick to jump to conclusions and try to discern meaning immediately upon reading a verse, but Dr. Ervine’s sessions helped me develop a more careful approach through asking questions. To read the Bible not just for a simple ‘answer,’ but to develop a relationship with Christ through the process.”

We are grateful for all 12 participants who dedicated their time to deepening their understanding of Scripture and preparing to serve our summer conference students. This new online training initiative further expands the seminary’s educational mission and strengthens the spiritual formation of its summer conference leadership.