| Why study at ETF? |
 Pursuing theological studies at the Evangelische Theologische Faculteit in the lively university city of Leuven might be a good choice. Our vision-statement is: “we equip leaders to be biblically grounded, well educated, and culturally enriched, bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to our world. Biblically grounded: The Bible is the centre of all our teaching. We are confinced that the Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God. In line with the tradition of the Reformation, all our students study the biblical languages preparing them to become better teachers of the Word. Well educated: We offer accredited European academic degrees based on research (Bachelor, Master, Ph.D.). We are convinced that academic training combined with spiritual development , fosters highly competent leadership skills. Culturally enriched: ETF is a European school with more than 30 nationalities in its programs. Our students learn how to appreciate other cultures, both in and outside the classroom. We prepare teachers, pastors and leaders for a multicultural setting. Our students and professors represent different church backgrounds. One has the opportunity to cooperate with Christians coming from various evangelical and reformed churches. The Gospel of Jesus Christ: Our central motive lies in the person of Jesus Christ. Theology without the gospel loses its center. Commitment to the gospel means commitment to the Church and her mission in the world. We desire deeply that more people may know Him as their Savior and Lord. The foundation for the ETF was laid in 1919 with the establishment of the Belgian Bible Institute. Education was provided over the years at various levels. Beginning in the 1980s, the Belgian government officially recognized university-level training at the school. This officially recognized university education now forms the basis for our current programs which are also recognized by the Flemish Higher Education Act of 4 April 2003 and accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This means that the degrees are valid within the European Higher Education Area and beyond. Since 1975, the ETF is located on the grounds of a former Jesuit seminary in the district of Heverlee in the city of Leuven. It is from this historic location where the ETF desires to participate in contemporary theological discussions from a perspective that is both faithful to Scripture and dedicated to high academic standards. Additionally, practical problems of Christian congregations and society are specifically addressed. Moreover, the ETF devotes great attention to personal and spiritual equipping. Although many students come from The Netherlands and Flanders, the ETF has a growing number of students from other European countries and beyond as well. |