Beirut, Lebanon · Since 1989
Grounded in Truth.Growing in Grace.Leading in Mission.
Equipping Christ-like Leaders to Serve Every Arabic-Speaking Community.
Who We Are
Formed in Beirut. Sent across the Arab world.
The Christian Alliance Institute of Theology (CAIT) is an evangelical institution based in Beirut, Lebanon, committed to forming devoted followers of Jesus Christ who are called to serve Arabic-speaking communities. Since 1989, we have equipped leaders across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Sudan, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia through deep theological training and intentional spiritual formation.
At CAIT, we believe that true leadership flows from a life anchored in God’s unchanging truth, cultivated through academic excellence, and lived out in faithful mission.
- 01
Grounded in Truth.
Biblical Authority
We root all learning in God’s inerrant Word, equipping leaders to interpret it faithfully and proclaim the gospel boldly in Arabic-speaking communities.
Rooted in the Word. Bold in the Gospel.
- 02
Growing in Grace.
Christlike Character
We form leaders who reflect Christ’s character, cultivating humility, obedience, and servant leadership for gospel impact in Arabic-speaking communities.
Shaped by Christ. Leading with Humility.
- 03
Leading in Mission.
Church Partnership
We partner closely with local churches to prepare Christ-like leaders who strengthen the Body of Christ and advance His Kingdom in Arabic-speaking communities.
Partnered with the Church. Empowered for Kingdom Impact.
The Impact
Thirty-seven years of sending people out.
Our graduates are planting churches, discipling believers and teaching Scripture across the Middle East and beyond.
- Graduates sent out
- 89 graduates sent out. Equipped to serve the Church throughout the Arabic-speaking communities..
- CAIT’s impact across the region and beyond
- 8 — CAIT’s impact across the region and beyond. Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Sudan, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia.
- Enrolled Students
- Over 65 enrolled students. Equipping men and women from Arabic-speaking communities; many voices, one calling.
- Volumes in the library
- Over 7,000 volumes in the library. Alongside 2,000+ academic articles, print and digital.
Study with CAIT
Academic Programs
We offer rigorous theological training designed to form both the heart and mind of future leaders — six credentials on one ladder, from a first certificate to a master’s degree.
Six credentials
- 01Certificate in Biblical Studies & Ministry (CBSM)
- 02Diploma in Biblical Studies and Ministry (DBSM)
- 03Bachelor of Theology (BTh)
- 04Graduate Certificate in Biblical Studies & Ministry (GCBSM)
- 05Master of Arts in Ministry and Christian Leadership (MAMCL)
- 06Master of Arts in Global Missions and Theology (MAThGM)
Two more are on the way: the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and Care (MACCC), coming soon, and the Master of Arts in Biblical Exegesis (MABE), a future program.
Flexible Learning Options
CAIT provides several ways to study, so students can learn effectively no matter their location:
On-Campus
Students attend classes in person at our Beirut campus.
Online
Students take courses fully online for academic credit toward a degree.
Hybrid
A combination of online courses, on-campus classes, and short-term learning modules in various locations.
On-Site — Regional Delivery
CAIT faculty travel to teach intensive courses in cities where Arabic-speaking Christians live, allowing students to study locally without relocating.
Courses
CAIT offers a wide range of courses designed to equip you for effective ministry, covering areas like Biblical languages, pastoral ministry, Old and New Testament studies, and much more.
See all our coursesHere are just a few examples of what you can explore:
- Bible Interpretation and Hermeneutics
- Survey of the Old and New Testament
- Systematic Theology I, II, III
A library built for research, not just reading
CAIT is committed to providing students with access to the tools they need for meaningful theological study and research. Our growing library, composed of both print and digital resources, offers a carefully curated collection of over 7,000 books and 2,000 academic articles.
Why this work matters
What if you could help equip a new generation of Gospel-centered leaders and bring the hope of Christ to Arabic-speaking communities?
We are equipping bold, faithful leaders to bring hope and renewal to a region often defined by conflict and instability. How far could this impact go with your support?
From our first letter to friends and partners
Read the newslettersThe People
Every number here has a name.
Graduation on the Beirut Campus, June 2025. Student Story
Meet Mazen
Near Sidon, Lebanon · Class of 2025
Raised a nominal Catholic, Mazen Chehadeh came to faith after a fellow CAIT student shared the gospel with him; he and his family were baptised at the Alliance church in Remelieh. In his first year of study he was diagnosed with cancer. The community around him prayed, adjusted his schedule and carried him — and he finished every course, took on more leadership at his church, and graduated in June 2025.
Read his storyAlumni
My time at the seminary was transformational. It shaped me as a servant of the gospel, deepened my knowledge of Scripture, and prepared me for the suffering and responsibility ahead.
Pastor Gaby Batta
Sweida, Syria · CAIT class of 2013
- theology students taught
- 30theology students taught
- discipled in small groups
- 140discipled in small groups
- reached weekly with the Word
- 500+reached weekly with the Word
- local leaders trained
- 20local leaders trained
When conflict tore through Sweida in July 2025, his church stayed open — a shelter for the wounded, the hungry and the afraid.
Read his story
Hermeneutics training in Baghdad, October 2025. Regional Training
95+ leaders in Baghdad
Baghdad, Iraq · October 2025
Over 95 ministry leaders gathered in Baghdad for two days of biblical training — elders, Sunday School teachers, lay leaders and young adults, from multiple cities. The sessions focused on hermeneutics: how to read, interpret and apply the Bible faithfully. Weeks later, 34 more were trained in Egypt. Many of them serve in ministry while working full-time jobs.
Read the report
Even now · Lebanon
Four miles from the airstrikes, the classes did not stop.
In the midst of these difficult circumstances, CAIT remains grateful for the opportunity to continue serving students across the region. Because many of our programs are offered online, students affected by the conflict can still participate in classes and continue their theological education despite the instability around them.
Students who can remain on campus are serving local churches in outreach and relief — learning not only in the classroom, but through hands-on ministry to their own communities.
Through my involvement helping with the humanitarian relief work of the church ministry, I realized people’s profound need to hear the Gospel message within an atmosphere of acceptance and love.
Pray with us
The four things we are asking friends and partners to hold before the Lord with us this season:
- Peace and stability in Lebanon and across the region
- Protection for students and churches serving their communities
- Continued access to theological education for those affected by the conflict
- The Lord’s provision to keep doing the work He called us to
$2,000
is roughly what one student costs us — enough to keep a class open and keep training leaders in Arab communities. Every prayer, every gift, every word of encouragement matters.
From the President
God often works through what appears small.
“It is an honor to serve as President of CAIT, equipping leaders to serve Christ across the Middle East. Despite regional challenges, we are resuming our full-time program and expanding online opportunities for students to grow in God’s Word. Thank you for your prayers and support as we train leaders for His glory.”
Wissam DagherPresident, CAIT
Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM), currently pursuing a PhD.
Stay with us
Join our newsletter and stay updated.
Letters from the president, reports from the field, and the graduates whose names you will start to recognise.
Connect Someone to CAIT
Is there someone you have been thinking about?
A believer in your church who teaches without training. A young leader who would flourish with a year of Scripture behind them. If you know of someone who might want to learn more about CAIT and what the Lord is doing, send them on.
Would you rather we reached out? Send us their details and we will make the introduction ourselves.
CAIT News
Browse the archive- Issue 007The War in LebanonAirstrikes four miles from the CAIT building — and classes carrying on online.
- Issue 006A Christmas Letter from our PresidentMicah 5:2, Bethlehem, and what God does with what looks small.
- Issue 005Ministry in EgyptA full day of Creative Bible Teaching training for 34 leaders in Egypt.
- Issue 004A Season of Thankfulness95+ leaders gathered in Baghdad for two days of hermeneutics.
- Issue 003The Church in SyriaPastor Gaby Batta stayed in Sweida through the conflict and opened his church.
- Issue 002Celebrating Our GraduatesSix students graduated this June — and each carries a story.