evangelical theological seminary

ABOUT

Evangelical Theological Seminary is based in Orlando, Florida, and was established as the Educational Division for Theological and Ecclesiastical Studies of Abundant Life Ministries, Incorporated.  It has been in existence since 1981 and is a non-profit religious corporation as defined in section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 

Evangelical Theological Seminary is ecumenical and interdenominational, serving students from many different religious persuasions, nationally and internationally.  The Cross of Christ being the divine factor which joins us all together. 

Evangelical Theological Seminary was founded by Dr. Nathan Killian, who had been scholastically involved in religious academia over the years.  The seminary's governing body consists of a Board of Regents which functions in an advisory capacity to the Board of Directors.

Purpose

The purpose of Evangelical Theological Seminary is to provide a biblically-oriented theological education and training for those who are already in the ministry, for those just beginning their ministry, or laity who have a desire to gain more biblical and theological knowledge. This includes pastors, missionaries, evangelists, Bible teachers, church workers, church staff members, ministry directors, musicians, laity, etc. The degree programs of Evangelical Theological Seminary are designed solely for religious vocations.

Accreditation

Accreditation in the United States is a process whereby educational institutions are qualified relative to the acceptance of credits and degrees in academia. State governmental educational systems do not, in themselves, accredit individual private schools. There are various organizations in the United States, with widely diversified program requirements and differing regulatory standards, which become accrediting agencies for private schools. The accreditation process is completed by educational institutions through accrediting organizations that are recognized by the United States Department of Education, or not recognized by the United States Department of Education. The regional accrediting agencies that are recognized by the United States Department of Education, consist of private corporations that grant accreditation within certain geographical areas of the United States. There are excellent educational institutions that have chosen to become regionally accredited with them, but others, which are also excellent educational institutions, have chosen to become a member of a non-regional independent accrediting organization. Evangelical Theological Seminary has chosen to become a member of a non-regional independent accrediting organization which allows an academic education without compromising Christianity. Under non-regional independent accreditation organizations, some seminary and ecclesiastical institutions have had their credits and degrees accepted by regionally accredited educational institutions, based on their scholarly criterion of education.

It is the preference of Evangelical Theological Seminary to provide its students with accreditation through as independent accreditation agency. Evangelical Theological Seminary is accredited by the Evangelical Accrediting Association. This is a non-regional, independent, and religious accreditation which is not affiliated with any agency of the federal government.  Evangelical Theological Seminary has committed its academic capabilities to provide the highest educational standards for its faith-based theological degrees.

EDUCATIONAL RECOGNITION HISTORY

Evangelical Theological Seminary originally met the requirements for Florida Statute §246.084 Authorization under the State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities, specifically as a §246.084(3) Authorization College.

The State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities was then changed to the Commission for Independent Education, which continued the same authorized educational rights and privileges to Evangelical Theological Seminary as were accorded by the State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities.

Under Florida Statute §246.084 Authorization, Evangelical Theological Seminary was granted the right to offer educational programs that prepared students for religious vocations as ministers, professionals, or laypersons in the following categories: ministry, counseling, theology, education, administration, music, fine arts, media communications, and social work.

Under Florida Statute §246.084, Evangelical Theological Seminary was authorized to grant degrees from the associate to the doctorate.

Evangelical Theological Seminary continues to fulfill the educational standards which are required of the academic institutions by the Florida Department of Education relative to theological degrees under section 1005.06 (1) (f), Florida Statutes.