The training of servant leaders for the church continues to be the sole purpose of the Evangelical Theological College as it was when it was first began under the communist regime. It was in response to the request of the Kale Heywet Church, the Evangelical Theological College was found in March 1983 as a ministry of the International Evangelical Church (IEC) in cooperation with Serving In Mission (SIM) under the name IEC Evening Classes to meet the need for biblical, theological, and ministerial training in the many evangelical churches and fellowships in Addis Ababa. Classes were held on the SIM compound where the IEC held its services. In 1988 the name was changed to the IEC Bible Institute, and the first graduation, granting a Diploma of Theology, was held. In 1990 a constitution that created a board of governors was adopted and the school became a candidate for accreditation with the Accrediting Council for Theological Education in Africa. In 1991 the Bachelor of Theology program was begun and the school’s name was changed to the Evangelical Theological College. The constitution was amended in July 1992, giving full responsibility for governing the ETC to a Board of Governors. ETC was recognized as an emerging college by the Ethiopian Ministry of Education in November 1992. In 1994 full accreditation was granted. In addition, the Kale Heywet Church was acknowledged as the owner of ETC with the general oversight of the College. A new board was formed. This board of trustees, the primary level of government, consisted of four members from KHC, three members from SIM, three members from IEC and three members from Ethiopian Evangelical Churches of Ethiopia (ECFE). In 1995 ETC moved off the SIM Compound to its present site, which it shares with IEC. ETC began as a two-classroom college and library catering to about 20 students. There are now ten classrooms, administrative and faculty offices, a lounge, a split-level Library, and a chapel. The student body has grown to over 600 registered students in one semester. The day-to-day operations of the college are directed by the Principal who is advised by an Administrative Council which is composed of members of the College’s administration and faculty.
Our Mission
ETC’s mission is to prepare servants primarily for vocational and non-vocational ministry that expands and matures the church in Ethiopia and beyond!
Our Vision
ETC envisions a mature and constantly growing Ethiopian Church filled with Christ-like servants that fulfills the great commission of the Lord throughout the world.
Distinctives
1. Evangelical Theology
The college maintains a firm stand on the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture, the deity of Jesus Christ and other doctrinal positions which are central to evangelical theology.
2. Diversity
The ETC faculty represent a rich and diverse heritage of evangelical theological traditions and denominational backgrounds. They are firmly committed to the ETC’s statement of faith, yet are free to maintain diversity of view points on secondary issues of biblical interpretation. They challenge the students to study and work out their own theological positions, with sensitivity and respect for those who hold differing viewpoints. ETC’s diversity is also seen in the student body who represent all evangelical denominations in Ethiopia
3. Academic Excellence
ETC offers thorough biblical and theological training for vocational and non-vocational service of the church in Ethiopia and beyond. Many ETC faculty members have distinguished themselves in their own education and in practical research projects to benefit the Ethiopian church. They bring both advanced training and a concern for grass-root ministry into the ETC classroom.
4. Biblical Focus
In all programmes of ETC the Word of God is central. ETC acknowledges the Bible’s authority over all areas of life.
5. In-Service Training
One of the strengths of ETC is in-service training. This means the students are learning while in ministry. Their education is enhanced by church supervised ministry plus an internship for two months during one rainy season.