The Next
Chapter for TEDS
The Need for Faithful Shepherds
When Jesus saw the crowds, his heart broke for them—they were “like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36–38). Today,
churches around the world face the same need: faithful shepherds and bold leaders to guide, teach, and protect the flock. For
127 years, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) has prepared these leaders, equipping men and women to lead with
biblical conviction and a passion for Christ’s redemptive mission.
To meet the growing demand for gospel-centered leaders, we are launching a three-year initiative to expand our reach, enhance
our programs, and secure financial support for scholarships, infrastructure, and faculty. At this pivotal moment in TEDS’
story, you can be a catalyst in shaping its Next Chapter.
The Next Chapter in a Legacy of Faithful Leadership
Since 1897, TEDS has been at the forefront of evangelical theological
education, committed to the authority of God’s inerrant Word and
the transformative power of the gospel. TEDS is a “Thumbprint
Institution,” leaving a lifelong mark on its graduates—pastors,
missionaries, and leaders—who are biblically faithful, theologically
driven, and culturally engaged, making a transformative impact
in communities around the globe. Our mission remains clear and
urgent: to train leaders who will serve the global church with
faithfulness, courage, and wisdom in a rapidly changing world
and a culture that desperately needs the message of redemption
through the Lord Jesus Christ.
At TEDS, we are unwavering in our commitment to shape students
who will boldly demonstrate the transformative power of the
gospel—a gospel that, as Dean David Pao reminds us, “challenges
and subverts the competing ideologies that threaten the life of the
church.” As those “entrusted with the gospel” (1 Thess. 2:4), we take
seriously our mission to safeguard its truth. Yet, in every generation,
faithful Christians are called to reimagine how best to communicate
this timeless message and pass it on to the next generation.
Now, we stand on the threshold of our most significant transformation
in 50 years, reimagining theological education to make a TEDS
education more accessible, affordable, and attainable. Following
Kenneth Kantzer’s vision of a truly evangelical seminary, we are
meeting today’s challenges with bold innovation.
Already, these efforts have brought us the largest incoming class
in a decade, with a renewed focus on serving the church through:
Certificate Programs
MA Tracks
Increased Accessibility
Certificate Programs
Our certificates offer a pathway for
those serving in ministry or laypeople eager to deepen their
knowledge. These programs strengthen thinking and skills
in specific areas of study, with credits that can stack toward a
graduate degree. Postgraduate certificates provide continued
education for those already holding graduate degrees.
MA Tracks
TEDS’ refined MA programs now cater to
diverse ministry contexts, including cross-cultural ministry,
discipleship, leadership, preaching, and pastoral care. These
tracks are interdisciplinary and vocation-focused designed to
better equip students for real-world ministry.
Increased Accessibility
TEDS is now more accessible than
ever before. We offer flexible 8-week terms, both online and
in-person, with six entry points throughout the year. Cohorts
of students can pursue certificates together in their local church, fostering deeper connections and engagement with TEDS
faculty, including opportunities for onsite visits. In addition,
both our Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theological
Studies programs are fully available asynchronously online. Our
innovative approach means that instead of students coming
to TEDS, TEDS is coming to them—creating stronger ties
between churches and the seminary.
AN URGENT CALL TO ACTION
As the number of pastors declines, the need for gospel-centered leaders has never been more urgent. Many churches are without
shepherds, but TEDS is uniquely positioned to fill that gap. To ensure we meet this challenge, we are launching a multiyear
initiative to expand our reach, strengthen our programs, and make theological education more accessible to those called to
serve. We are seeking financial partners to join us in this critical work by investing in:
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID
$6 million to help ensure that every student called to ministry can pursue their education, regardless of financial circumstances.
$6 million to help ensure that every student called to ministry can pursue their education, regardless of financial circumstances.
INFRASTRUCTURE
$12 million toward critically needed improvements that will enhance learning environments and community life for in-person, hybrid, and online learning.
$12 million toward critically needed improvements that will enhance learning environments and community life for in-person, hybrid, and online learning.
ENDOWED FACULTY CHAIRS
$6 million to recruit and retain world-class scholars who will shape the minds and hearts of future church leaders.
$6 million to recruit and retain world-class scholars who will shape the minds and hearts of future church leaders.
TRINITY ANNUAL FUND
$9 million to strengthen the foundational ministry of TEDS. Investing in the Future of the church.
$9 million to strengthen the foundational ministry of TEDS. Investing in the Future of the church.
SUPPORT TEDS
Fill out the following form to get in contact with a representative from our Advancement Department.
Your investment today will have an eternal impact—transforming lives, congregations, and communities through the pastors and leaders we equip and send out.