Read letters from Marta Bennett
March 2012
December 11, 2011
November 20, 2011
June 2011
April 15, 2011
December 2010
October 2010
June 28, 2010
December 28, 2009
November 28, 2009
August 24, 2009
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Marta Bennett
P.O. Box 21008
Ngong Road
Nairobi 00505
Kenya
Email: Marta Bennett
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After 12 years of serving at Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya, Marta Bennett moved in 2006 to the teaching faculty at Nairobi International School of Theology (NIST). As the new chair of postgraduate leadership studies at NIST, she is responsible for the M.Div. and M.A. programs with concentrations in leadership studies. She also teaches, advises, supervises theses, does curriculum development and leads discipleship groups.
NIST, located near the city center of Nairobi, was founded in 1981 by Campus Crusade for Christ International (known as “Life Ministries” in Africa) to equip pastors, church workers and Christian leaders with ministry skills and theological training. The school’s stated mission is “To educate and train Christ-like visionary leaders to spearhead holistic transformation in Africa and the world.” Students come from all over Africa and beyond, to study in the master- and diploma-level programs in biblical and theological studies, leadership, counseling, education, pastoral studies and mission. In addition short courses on ministry training are offered at a certificate level.
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“Despite all the crises and challenges that Africa presents, there truly is hope,” Marta writes. “While evangelism continues to be crucial, even more strategic is discipleship and professional skill development, so that the gospel can take root and go deep, transforming lives and society as a whole. True peace, justice, and reconciliation can only take place if hearts are changed, if people are willing to turn to God, trusting in him and together seeking to follow his ways.” The focus of her new assignment at NIST seeks to embody this commitment.
Prior to her appointment with NIST, Marta served at Daystar University, a multidenominational Christian university, with accreditation through the Kenyan government. She was a senior lecturer (professor) and served as chair of postgraduate studies. She taught at the graduate level in biblical and religious studies, Christian ministries and leadership development. As department chair, she was also responsible for administrative functions and oversaw all processes for students working on master’s theses.
Marta is a clergy member of the Presbytery of Seattle, where she served as an intern and then later as a parish associate at University Presbyterian Church for 12 years prior to leaving for Kenya. At the same time, from 1982-1994, she served as director of campus ministries and as an adjunct professor at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington.
Marta holds a bachelor’s degree in art, religous studies and secondary education from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Her master’s degree in divinity is from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. She earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Seattle University in Seattle, Washington, and is in the process of earning an M.A. in African Studies at Tangaza College in Kenya, accredited through St. Mary’s University, Minnesota.
Marta has two adopted Kenyan children, a boy, Justin, and a girl, Imani, along with a foster son, Steven.
Birthdays:
Marta - May 24
Justin - November 30
Imani - July 3