European Theological Seminary is a school with a distinct mission. That mission is to equip leaders and coworkers for the work of the church and the Kingdom of God. The mandate of the school is to do its part in helping to fulfill the Great Commission, particularly in Europe, the CIS, and the Middle East. This spiritual duty entails a godly attitude and lifestyle, a desire to reach the world with the Gospel and make Christian disciples, the planting and building of churches, and a wholehearted commitment to the authority of Scripture and the Lordship of Jesus Christ. A personal commitment to Jesus Christ is the controlling perspective from which the entire educational enterprise is carried out. The foundational purpose of all educational programs in the school is to develop within students the knowledge, attitudes, understanding, ability, and skills which will prepare them for ministry in the Church and responsible Christian living in the contemporary world. Teaching excellence is valued as the most important faculty role, but Christian community service, practical ministry experience, and involvement in ETS student life are also deemed to be important faculty responsibilities.

It is the sharing of this common mission that gives faculty joy in their work and a sense of collegiality with one another at ETS. It is also the mission that motivates faculty engagement with the students and meaningful participation in their lives and ministries. The overarching qualification for teaching at the European Theological Seminary is a joyful desire and commitment to model through precept and example the mission of the school and its ministries.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

Full-time faculty must normally hold at least a master's degree or its equivalent, from an accredited institution. Under unusual circumstances consideration for teaching may be given to persons holding a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, and/or persons whose practical ministry experience or skills qualify them to make a special contribution to the school and its students. The general expectation of all teaching faculty is that they have excellent teaching skills and know how to make their teaching applicable and relevant to ministry needs.

Full-time teaching Faculty normally teach 12-14 hours per semester and are expected to teach in at least one J-term (intensive course) per year. As time and resources permit, the faculty is encouraged to pursue continuing professional development in their areas of study and skill.

PRACTICAL MINISTRY EXPERIENCE

It is considered highly desirable, and in some cases a condition of employment, for faculty to have had successful practical ministry experience.

ACADEMIC FREEDOM

European Theological Seminary is sponsored by the Church of God, an international denomination committed to a conservative, Evangelical, and Pentecostal theological position. Teachers at ETS are free to work in an atmosphere that encourages investigation in all fields of learning and research. The teacher is entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing his or her subject, but he or she should be careful not to introduce into his or her teaching controversial concepts which have no relation to his or her subject or which might confuse the student as to his or her commitment to the doctrinal position of the seminary.

All full-time theological Faculty are expected to embrace the Church of God Declaration of Faith and agree not to advocate in his or her teaching or publications anything contrary to this doctrinal statement. If a faculty member’s study leads him or her to conclusions contrary to previous commitments to the seminary, he or she should discuss the matter with the administration. If a mutually satisfactory agreement between the teacher and the administration concerning the problem cannot be reached, the teacher should have the privilege of terminating his or her services in a professional and non-intimidating manner. If he or she does not choose to resign, he or she will be considered to have violated his or her agreement with the institution and the Board of Directors shall terminate his or her services.

COMMITTEES AND MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS

All full-time Faculty are expected to serve on faculty committees and take responsibility for other assignments necessary to the functioning of the school. Major assignments may include serving as House Parents, Directing the Library, Campus Pastor, Director of Practical Ministries, Public Relations, Director of Extensions, Coordinating and Supervising Student Work Assignments, or other assignments delegated by the President. These assignments should be within the bounds of reason. Faculty who feel that they are overworked in these areas should feel free to express their concerns and feelings to the president.

FACULTY EVALUATION

The President and Academic Dean evaluate all Faculty on an annual basis. Initially, student evaluations of courses will be examined by the faculty member to provide an indication of strengths and weaknesses. Evaluations should then be passed to the Academic Dean and the President. The President will meet with each faculty member on an individual basis to discuss these evaluations, explore matters of concern, and dialogue on other matters pertinent to the individual’s development. An unsatisfactory evaluation may result in a faculty member being placed on probation for the following year.

FACULTY VACATION

Full-time salaried faculty are entitled to six weeks of paid holiday each year, in addition to German National or Public holidays. Faculty are expected to take their vacation outside of the Semester when the school is closed. Faculty normally take three weeks of their vacation during the Christmas and Easter holidays and three weeks during the summer. Faculty under mission’s appointment who will be itinerating during the summer are required to furnish the President with a copy of their planned summer itinerary by May 1st each year.

FACULTY OFFICES/PHONES/COMPUTERS

The President in consultation with the Academic Dean assigns faculty office space. Faculty offices should be maintained in a clean and orderly fashion. The use of faculty phones and computers is limited to faculty members and purposes directly related to the school.