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Introduction

The European Theological Seminary (ETS) is a co-educational, pre-service institution of academic and practical training for persons called by God to prepare for Christian ministry. The European Theological Seminary is an educational institution of the Church of God in Europe, a Pentecostal denomination that is represented in most countries in Europe as well as throughout the world.  The international headquarters for the Church of God is in Cleveland, Tennessee (USA).  Since 2007 a co-operation has existed with Lee University, Cleveland, TN: to offer graduate studies leading to Masters degrees in Pentecostal-Charismatic Theology and Marriage and Family Studies. Since 2018 the degrees have been accredited by Evalag and are accepted as German University degrees by the Wissenschaftsministerium Baden-Württemberg, as Weiterbildender Masters (Professional Training). The access requirements include at least a year of professional experience following the award of a Bachelor degree (EQF Level 6). As such, evidence of the work experience must be submitted with the application.

Lee University Mission Statement

Lee University is a Christian institution which offers liberal arts and professional education on both the baccalaureate and master’s levels.  It seeks to provide education that integrates biblical truth as revealed in the Holy Scriptures with truth discovered through the study of arts and sciences and in the practice of various professions.  A personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior is the controlling perspective from which the educational enterprise is carried out.  The foundational purpose of all educational programs is to develop within the students knowledge, appreciation, understanding, ability and skills which will prepare them for responsible Christian living in a complex world.

History

Lee University was founded in 1918 as a Bible Training College for the Church of God and is now a private, comprehensive university located in Cleveland, TN, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Over the past two decades, Lee has become one of the largest Christ-centered private institutions in Tennessee. During that period, the university has undergone a remarkable transformation that has included significant growth in academic programs, student enrollment, faculty expertise and diversity, as well as an expanded sense of mission and vision.

The European Theological Seminary, (formerly known as the European Bible Seminary), began training students from Germany and other German speaking countries in 1958. Since 1964 the seminary has trained students from Europe, and other parts of the world. From 1973 - 2002 the school was located in Rudersberg, near Schorndorf, but in the summer of 2002 moved to a new location in Kniebis, near Freudenstadt in the Black Forest.

Theological Commitment

As a Church of God educational institution, the European Theological Seminary is committed to the evangelical, Pentecostal position of its sponsoring denomination.  We believe:

  1. In the verbal inspiration of the Bible.
  2. In one God eternally existing in three persons; namely, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
  3. That Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of the Father, conceived of the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary, that Jesus was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead, and  that He ascended to heaven and is today at the right hand of the Father as the Intercessor.
  4. That all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and that repentance is commanded
  5. of God for all, and necessary for forgiveness of sins.
  6. That justification, regeneration, and the new birth are wrought by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.
  7. In sanctification subsequent to the new birth, through faith in the blood of Christ, through the Word, and by the Holy Ghost.
  8. Holiness to be God's standard of living for His people.
  9. In the baptism with the Holy Ghost subsequent to a clean heart.
  10. In speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance and that it is the initial
  11. evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
  12. In water baptism by immersion, and that all who repent should be baptized in the name of
  13. the Father, and of the Son and the Holy Ghost.
  14. That divine healing is provided for all in the atonement.
  15. In the Lord's Supper and washing of the saints’ feet.
  16. In the premillennial second coming of Jesus.  First, to resurrect the righteous dead and to catch away the living saints to Him in the air. Second, to reign on the earth a thousand years.
  17. In the bodily resurrection; eternal life for the righteous, and eternal punishment for the wicked.
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