SBT Guesthouse

SBT is a nondenominational evangelical Christian seminary that teaches and equips German-speaking students to serve in different areas of the church. Dr. Wasserzug, one of the founders of SBT, was originally a teacher in Germany. During the 1930s and WWII, he saw that Europe was in tatters and needed the gospel. He founded SBT hoping to create missionaries and pastors that they could then send out into the world, and classes began during the last few months of 1945. After three semesters, SBT’s first class of students had graduated.

In 1948, a guesthouse was added to the campus. The SBT Guesthouse is situated on a single country road that winds across the green slopes of Beatenberg, Switzerland. From the guesthouse, one is able to see paragliders floating above the glacier blue Lake Thunersee. Towering ridges capped with snow rise behind the lake.

The original school was founded in a different chalet in Beatenberg in 1934. During World War II, the current guesthouse was used to house both French and Polish soldiers and Jewish refugees. The seminary was relocated to this guesthouse after being bought in an auction. The guesthouse has 60 rooms and 160 beds, allowing students and workers alike to interact with guests from all around the world and welcomes people regardless of religion.

Every year, around 60 to 80 young European Christians come to the guesthouse to study one of two different degree programs, including a three-year bachelor’s degree in theology and a discipleship program. Students are trained by attending classes in topics such as theology, pastoral care, and missions. During their second year, students take part in an internship of their choice, which makes up roughly 25% of their training.

Many students at SBT work at the guesthouse from four to twelve hours a week. They are able to work in various areas, including maintenance and the cafeteria. This decreases the students’ tuition, allowing more students to afford attending classes at SBT.

When Berit Maier applied for the gap year program at the Seminary for Biblical Theology in Beatenberg, she had no idea of how much she would grow throughout her year in Switzerland. The now 20-year-old Berit had just graduated from high school, and she left her hometown near Heidelberg, Germany to work as a receptionist at the guesthouse that simultaneously functions as a family-friendly place for groups and travelers to stay.

During the time that Berit was applying for the gap year program at the guesthouse, she struggled with trusting in God and His plans for her. She was often anxious about trivial things. However, God both gave her the courage to move to Switzerland and placed faithful Christians in her life.

Berit starts her day at the guesthouse praying with all of the staff. Afterwards, she goes to work at the reception desk. It was at this desk that she met Miriam with whom she formed a precious bond. Currently, the two meet every week to drink coffee, read the Bible together, and share their struggles. Berit says, “It was like mentoring over the whole year, getting closer to Jesus just because I’m with her.”

Berit also lives with the staff and students, and she loves sharing life with them. They often begin their days early to watch the sunrise on the mountain and end their days singing praises to the Lord.

When she first arrived at the guesthouse, Berit felt insecure and self-conscious. However, after beginning to work at reception, God revealed many of her strengths to her in her work. In addition, the SBT staff around her build close connections with each other and the Lord by bringing everything to God in prayer. As a result, Berit became more confident, outgoing, and faithful. Berit says, “I have this worth in [God], and I don’t need the approval of people… I have this identity in Christ which will never change.”

The Lord has used the SBT Guesthouse to not only impact Berit’s life, but also the lives of many others. Conferences held at the guesthouse have led to the creation of several ministries, including Trans World Radio. In addition, they host a week of family camp where staff and students are able to directly minister to children and families.

Whether guests stay long-term or short-term, the Lord brought each and every one of them to the guesthouse for a reason. After a year working as the SBT receptionist, Berit will dearly miss her time at SBT after returning to her home in Germany to study therapy. However, Berit says, “We have a home in heaven. It gives me such peace. I have to leave now, but Jesus will never leave my side.” She will carry that back home to Germany with her.

Caroline Hart is from Tapei, Taiwan. She attended WJI Europe 2024.