Practical Theology Instructor

The instructor of the Institute of Practical Theology, Maksym Mykolayovych Achkasov, holds formal theological education, several professional qualifications in the field of education, and more than twenty years of teaching experience. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Theology (B.A. with Honours) and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies through programs of the University of Manchester, completed at Regents Theological College (United Kingdom). In addition to his theological degrees, he also holds a postgraduate diploma in Psychological Counselling, which enables him to thoughtfully integrate theological and psychological approaches in pastoral care and mentoring.

Throughout his professional career he has taught Systematic Theology, Apologetics, and Biblical Hebrew in a theological seminary, and has also worked for more than seventeen years in the field of teaching foreign languages to adult learners. His academic and practical interests focus on the intersection of theology, psychology, and Christian ethics, as well as on questions related to human identity, inner healing, and spiritual maturity. Particular attention in his work is given to supporting individuals who are experiencing personal crises, traumatic experiences, the loss of previously held inner convictions, and periods of forced life transition.

He is currently continuing his studies in the Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program at The New International University (USA), deepening his research in practical theology, pastoral care, and spiritual mentoring. Within the Institute he seeks to cultivate an environment in which students' honest theological reflection can bring meaning to their lived experience, and where learning becomes a process of both personal and spiritual growth.

In addition to his teaching and mentoring work, Maksym Achkasov is currently developing a research initiative that explores the integration of biblical theology with contemporary psychological insights, particularly trauma-informed psychology, attachment theory, and personality studies. The purpose of this project is to contribute toward a coherent and theologically grounded framework that may assist Christian mentors working with individuals who struggle with complex relational and emotional patterns, including those associated with Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorders. This initiative is presented as an open and developing study. Christian mentors, psychologists, counsellors, and thoughtful readers are warmly invited to engage with the materials, offer constructive questions, and participate in the discussion through the comment sections provided on the research pages. More detailed information about the project can be found in the dedicated research section of this website.

• About the project
• BPD and NPD
• Mentoring
  • BPD CAIs
  • NPD CAIs
  • BPD RAIs
  • NPD RAIs
• Resources