Lepta: A New Voice for Central Asian Theology
Suraj Komaravalli
In the heart of Almaty, Kazakhstan, a shift in theological education is unfolding. The Almaty Bible Institute (ABI), a seminary with a clear mission to serve the churches of Central Asia, is challenging long-standing norms by nurturing a theology that speaks directly to the region’s unique context. With support from CBM through a project named Lepta, this initiative is sowing seeds for a distinctly Central Asian theology—one rooted in local experience, expressed in local languages, and responsive to local needs.
Historically, the churches in Central Asia—spanning across a vast region with over 130 ethnic groups and a population of around 70 million—have relied on translated theological materials, often from the English-speaking West. These translations, while valuable, reflect cultural assumptions and religious contexts far removed from the everyday realities of pastors and believers living in predominantly Muslim societies. ABI, recognizing the limitations of these resources, is now pioneering a bold effort to fill this gap.
The medium of instruction at ABI is Russian, a legacy of the region’s Soviet past, and still a lingua franca (a language that is adopted as a common language between speakers whose native languages are different) among the diverse ethnic communities. While Kazakh and other local dialects are spoken in more intimate or tribal settings, Russian remains the primary language for academic and interethnic communication, making it the strategic choice for ABI’s theological endeavors. 
The Lepta project, named after the widow’s small offering in the Bible, is symbolic of ABI’s vision: small beginnings with the potential for transformative impact. This initiative aims to foster the development of theological literature that resonates with Central Asian realities. It is not merely about translating existing works but about creating theology from and for Central Asia.
A key part of the project was an international theological conference held in April 2025. It brought together 42 theologians and pastors from across the region, sparking critical dialogue on interpreting Scripture and ministering effectively in their diverse, complex settings. As a direct outcome, five papers presented at the conference have been selected for publication in the first issue of Lepta, ABI’s new theological journal.
The journal aims to be a platform for Central Asian voices, and will feature 10 to 20 articles per issue, primarily authored by local theologians from various academic backgrounds. The goal is not just academic discourse, but practical theological reflection that helps pastors and churches navigate the challenges of ministry in restrictive and often hostile environments.
The ABI team believes this journal will serve as a lifeline for many, providing a relevant, contextual theological framework for a region where Christianity is a minority faith. The vision is expansive: through thoughtful scholarship and strategic distribution, Lepta could reach churches across all ethnic groups in Central Asia. 
As ABI continues this work, the support from partners like CBM remains crucial. The journey is just beginning, but the signs are promising. Local theologians are finding their voice. Churches are being equipped with theology that speaks their language and culture. And slowly but surely, a new, rooted expression of Christian faith is taking shape in the heart of Central Asia.
