Academics
In the context of ministry and spiritual formation
Ministry--whether in a church, class-room, ghetto, hospital, war zone, skyscraper, sales office, or factory floor--is God-focused. We seek to glorify God in all that we do and lead other people into a transformational experience with their Creator, as he guides and gifts. Onto this foundation are built the experiences and education that God uses to prepare us--sharpening, honing, chipping, and sometimes chopping--that we might be living tools within his plan.
Academic education is an important part of our preparation. We must learn about Scripture, the source of our theology, so that we are faithful to what God has revealed; about the history of the church so that we do not become disconnected from the wisdom of those who went before; about the theological understanding of the church so that we do not fall into error; about approaches to ministry from those who have spent years doing that ministry; and about culture so that we understand its influence and know how to faithfully present the message today.
Though study is important, it should not be divorced from our personal, spiritual relationship with God, nor from our experience of ministry. Intellectual ideas will be solely self-satisfying unless they are tied to practical application, whether teaching someone else or integrating an idea into our actions.
Faculty
TEDS has drawn together a faculty made up of scholars with vibrant personal faith, high academic credentials, and a willingness to be involved in the lives of students. Students and alumni repeatedly affirm that this is our greatest strength. These faculty members have proven to be fine and godly mentors for future Christian leaders.
Strong Scholarship
Not by coincidence, this has become a part of our international reputation. We intentionally challenge students intellectually because a vital part of Christ's greatest command is to love God with our minds. The relevance of this scholarship for spiritual growth and ministry development is a constant emphasis.