Why JETS?

The Need

The birthplace of Christianity is now one of the hardest places to find it. Across the Middle East and North Africa, less than one percent of the population identifies as evangelical Christian. Churches that once stood strong now struggle to survive amid persecution, migration, and isolation.

Many pastors lead faithfully with little or no theological training. They open Scripture to teach others without ever having been taught themselves. In some nations, gathering for worship is dangerous, and conversion from Islam to Christianity is illegal. Believers meet quietly in homes, refugee camps, and remote villages, hungry for biblical truth but starved for resources and leaders who can guide them.

For those called to ministry, the barriers are immense. Students arrive at JETS from across the Arab world, often leaving behind families who do not understand their faith, communities that reject them, and countries that restrict public ministry. Some study in secret, knowing their decision to follow Christ could cost them everything.

And yet, they come. They come because the gospel cannot be silenced. They come because they long to see the Church in the Arab world grow deep roots again.

The need is urgent. Without access to sound theological education, thousands of churches will remain without trained pastors, and generations of believers will be left without discipleship or direction. JETS exists to change that by equipping men and women who will go back to their nations, teach the truth, and shepherd the next generation of believers in some of the hardest places on earth.

Our Response

The Church in the Middle East and North Africa faces extraordinary challenges—persecution, displacement, and a shortage of trained leaders. In this environment, the gospel can only advance through faithful believers who are equipped to teach and serve in their own language and culture.

Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS) responds to this urgent need by preparing Arab men and women to serve the Church throughout the region. Our programs combine rigorous biblical education, spiritual formation, and practical ministry experience to build strong, resilient leaders who can shepherd God’s people in difficult contexts.

1. Formal Training

At the heart of JETS is our accredited theological education program, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees recognized by the Asia Theological Association. These programs equip students with sound doctrine, leadership skills, and ministry tools to serve effectively in local churches, mission organizations, and theological education centers.

Over 600 graduates have completed formal training through JETS and now serve in 22 Arabic-speaking nations, many leading churches and ministries in places where public Christian witness is limited or forbidden.

2. Non-Formal Training

Beyond the classroom, JETS extends theological training to Christian leaders who cannot attend formal programs due to political, financial, or security restrictions. Through partnerships with organizations such as CRU, BEE, and Dallas Theological Seminary, JETS provides accessible courses, workshops, and mentoring to pastors and ministry workers across the Arab world.

These programs empower local believers with biblical knowledge and leadership skills, helping them strengthen churches, disciple new believers, and engage their communities with the gospel.

3. JETS Publishing House

JETS is also advancing gospel-centered scholarship through its Publishing House, which produces academic and theological works in Arabic. To date, 19 titles have been published in Arabic, 1 in English, and 7 English works have been translated into Arabic. Nine additional manuscripts are awaiting funding for publication.

These resources equip pastors, students, and teachers with trustworthy biblical materials designed for Arab readers, promoting theological depth and unity within the Church. Each publication strengthens the reach of JETS far beyond its campus, supporting pastors and leaders who serve where few theological resources exist.

Growing the Vision

JETS is building a lasting foundation for ministry across the Arab world through sustainable growth and strategic expansion.

Our vision is not only to train pastors and leaders for today but to prepare a new generation for tomorrow. The K–12 Christian school on our campus is already shaping young minds and hearts through Christ-centered education. This growing program also strengthens the long-term sustainability of JETS by generating steady income through tuition and facility rentals, allowing the seminary to continue its mission without relying solely on outside funding.

At the same time, JETS is expanding its non-formal training network to reach pastors and leaders who cannot attend the seminary in person. Through partnerships with the Global Pastoral Training Alliance (GPTA) and other regional ministries, we are equipping Christian leaders in countries surrounding Jordan and beyond. Our goal is to train 800 pastors and ministry workers through localized, accessible programs that multiply gospel impact across the Middle East and North Africa.

Through these initiatives, JETS is growing deeper roots and wider reach—building sustainability, expanding influence, and preparing the Church in the Arab world to thrive for generations to come.