1. Why would I support theological studies?
2. What does the ETF want to achieve?
3. Does the ETF receive any government issued grants?
4. How is the financial situation of the ETF?
5. Why are friends of the ETF very important?
6. How will my money be used?
7. Why is it so tense at this moment?
8. What types of research are conducted at the ETF?
9. How can I be sure my money will be spent in a responsible way?
10. Are my donations to the ETF tax deductable?
11. What value does the ETF have for Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Europe?
12. How do I become a friend of the ETF?

1. Why would I support theological studies?

It is our vision to equip leaders to be biblically grounded, well educated, and culturally enriched, bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to our world. Our program addresses contemporary issues that the church and society are facing. Our students not only receive high quality theoretical knowledge, but are also practically equipped through an internship to serve in a church, to teach religious education, etc.

2. What does the ETF want to achieve?

The ETF seeks to strengthen and deepen the international Evangelical movement through biblical and theological training and research. It is all about theological practice that is biblical, academic, interdenominational, international and current for Christianity today.
The ETF desires to participate in contemporary theological discussions from a perspective that is both faithful to Scripture and dedicated to high academic standards. Furthermore the ETF devotes great attention to personal and spiritual equipping.

3. Does the ETF receive any government issued grants?

Like other Flemish universities, the ETF is authorised to issue bachelor, master and doctoral degrees. Additionally we have authority to offer a teacher training program under the same conditions as other universities and to issue a teacher’s degree once the student has obtained a master degree. Yet governmental financial support is limited in comparison to other universities because of the direct link between subsidies and student numbers. And up to now the research efforts of the ETF are not taken into account.. For a small independent faculty it is getting increasingly difficult to acquire sufficient funds to keep offering high quality education. 

4. How is the financial situation of the ETF?

On all accounts it is good. We have no debts and every year our accounting department is able to present a nearly balanced budget. Good stewardship of money is very important to us. Our principle is only to spend what we have. For next year 2011 we haven't been able to balance the budget. On the expenditure side, we expect no major changes compared to the current year. On the revenue side, a number of substantial contributions by organizations will expire and we cannot legally raise the tuition fees any further. We have to rely on friends who want to invest in our ministry.

5. Why are friends of the ETF very important?

As we welcome students from various church backgrounds, we are not affiliated with any specific denomination or movement. Subsequently there is no denomination that carries us financially. However there are individual churches and believers who support us. These are our friends: people who see how meaningful the work of our alumni, our students and our faculty is.

6. How will my money be used?

At the ETF an average of 7000 Euros is needed per student per year to offer university education (through the efforts of many volunteers it is cheaper at the ETF than at other institutions). 
Of that amount the student pays an average of 1200 Euros and 3400 Euros is subsidized by the government. Per student we then still lack approximately 2400 Euros.
Likewise our students make the difference. Because of our vision for missions, we want to invest in students from East-Europe and Third World Countries by offering them a quality education that will benefit them in building a ministry in their homeland. To make the ETF accessible to these students, we want to keep their costs as low as possible.

7. Why is it so tense at this moment?

In recent years the ETF has carried out more own academic research as other universities do. This is important because we want to continue to award degrees accredited by the government. Thus, our students receive scholarships and are better able to become active after their studies are completed. But we have also taken steps to contribute more to our own research, because as a biblically grounded and academic institution we want to grow in international significance. We also want to contribute to the academic theological world and be important to the churches of tomorrow. So far the Flemish government has not been willing to finance all of our activities. For the year 2011 this creates an acute need. That is why we need a circle of friends to provide us with additional oxygen. 

8. What types of research are conducted at the ETF?

In addition to all sorts of biblical research the ETF is conducting research into early Christian texts from the first four centuries AD. Furthermore the ETF is researching the period after the Reformation in the 16th century, specifically the relationship between faith and thinking. Issues in contemporary society such subjects as ethics and leadership, church planting and immigrant churches are also addressed. In this manner the ETF can contribute to strengthening the identity of Evangelical Christians and make contributions on current issues.

9. How can I be sure my money will be spent in a responsible way?

The ETF submits an annual budget, annual accounts and an annual report to the Flemish government. You may download that here. Our accounts are audited annually by an auditor. In our annual report you can find an overview of our spending.

10. Are my donations to the ETF tax deductable?

Yes, your donations to the ETF are tax deductable in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada and the United States.

11. What value does the ETF have for Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Europe?

Students from Belgium (all parts of the country), the Netherlands, Germany and various corners of Europe come to the ETF for their education and training. Consequently there are ETF alumni at work all over Europe. Through our Alumni-network, the three research institutes and the six departments we provide continuous training and information days, e.g. the so-called Heverlee conferences. These conferences are open to all our alumni and interested parties active in a ministry in the church or in religious education.

12. How do I become a friend of the ETF?

Through this link you select what country you're from and you will be redirected to the relevant form. After you complete the form you will receive an email with the necessary information to carry out the payment. This link takes you directly to the web page where the account numbers are listed by country.