As outlined in Criteria and Procedures, Regular Membership in the ECTE network is available to all institutions of evangelical theological education operating formally at post-secondary or tertiary level (Associate Membership is also available for non-formal tertiary providers of theological education, individuals or organizations that have a vested interest in theological education).
Regular membership does not entail ECTE accreditation, which is a separate, optional, status.
Membership provides several potential advantages:
- ECTE membership thus well represents tangible evidence of the desire to be a part of what God is doing through theological education in Europe and in particular within the evangelical faith tradition.
- Being part of the ECTE network enables confident interchange with fellow institutions that share common values. This interchange can produce lasting friendships among peers and many profitable enterprises.
- As the ECTE engages with the broader context of the European Higher Education Area and international higher education networks (through membership, for example, in the ENQA and INQAAHE), being part of the ECTE network allows institutions to remain abreast of current developments, standards and trends.
- The network is committed to assist in launching and managing networking projects of any member institution and in giving them publicity on the ECTE website and newsletter.
- Member institutions will receive updated information regarding service benefits, projects, seminars, library grants, and all of the ECTE’s publications. Members will also have priority in being invited to participate in reserved events, seminars, consultations and projects.
- Through the ICETE, member institutions will be listed as part of the worldwide network of over 1000 evangelical theological institutions. The ECTE is one of the seven quality assurance agencies that comprise the ICETE, (see icete.info).
- Member institutions may also benefit from orientation visits to investigate ECTE accreditation and access to quality assurance services for institution programmes.
- ECTE members also benefit from free access for all faculty members to all ICETE Academy courses (see https://icete.academy).
Through membership, the ECTE seeks to create an institutional network that groups academic units together for multiple purposes and that promotes projects that deal with multiple aspects and persons involved in theological education.
Regular membership criteria and procedures
The fundamental criteria for Regular Membership in the ECTE are:
- The applicant is an institution of evangelical theological education operating formally at tertiary level;
- The applicant adheres to the ECTE Core Values
- The applicant is recognised as an evangelical organisation;
- The applicant agrees to pay regular ECTE membership fees
In addition, the applicant delivers theological education within the Christian faith tradition, and thus:
- Identifies itself as a provider of theological education focused on Christian theology or of religious studies that include the Christian religion.
- Generally understands the foundations of Christian doctrine as expressed in the main articles of the classical confessions of the Christian faith, such as the Apostles’ Creed.
- Normally serves one or more recognised, reputable and well-established evangelical denominations.
- Is favourable to be associated with Christian institutions representing other traditions and theological convictions, and other institutions are likewise favourable with the association.
- Is respectable within its societal context and is not associated with disreputable organisations.
- Considers the Christian Scriptures (Old and New Testament) as a primary source for theology.
- Reflects core Christian values in its operations and programmes
The following steps lead to achieving regular Membership in the ECTE:
- Submission of a Membership Application to the ECTE General Secretary specifying the intent to be accredited and provision of the required documentation;
- The ECTE Board (meeting twice a year in spring and autumn) deliberates on applications;
- The ECTE General Secretary notifies the applicant either of membership approval or of further steps that need to be taken;
- The ECTE Treasurer invoices the yearly membership fees.
- Member institutions may include the statement “Member of the European Council for Theological Education (ECTE)” or equivalent expression in their publications and use the ECTE logo. Care must be taken by the institution to make it clear that their membership in the ECTE does not equate accreditation of their institution nor of their programmes.
The ECTE reserves the right to refuse or revoke membership in accordance to its Statutes. Appeals may be made following the ECTE Appeals Policy.
All documents and forms are to be sent digitally, in English, by email to the ECTE addresses that are provided (Translation provisions can be discussed for institutions whose main language of delivery is not English). Official communication from the ECTE will also occur by email. It is the responsibility of the institution to inform the ECTE of the email addresses that will be used in the accreditation process.
Associate membership criteria and procedures
The fundamental criteria for Associate Membership in the ECTE are:
- The applicant is a non-formal tertiary provider of theological education, an individual or an organization (such as an association of theological institutions, a theological association, a church, a denomination or a mission) that has a vested interest in theological education;
- The applicant adheres to the ECTE Core Values
- The applicant is recognised as an evangelical organisation;
- The applicant agrees to pay regular ECTE membership fees.
The following steps lead to achieving regular Membership in the ECTE:
- Submission of an ECTE Membership Application form to the ECTE General Secretary together with the required supporting documentation;
- The ECTE Board (meeting twice a year in spring and autumn) deliberates on applications;
- The ECTE General Secretary notifies the applicant either of membership approval or of further steps that need to be taken;
- The ECTE Treasurer invoices the yearly membership fees.
- The applicant may include the statement “Associate Member of the European Council for Theological Education (ECTE)” or equivalent expression in publications and use the ECTE logo.
Forms and Guidelines
- Membership Application form (used for membership application);
- Introducing the ECTE (document describing membership rights and advantages, statutes and bylaws, ECTE core values);
Responsibilities
- The institution/organisation: submits the Membership Application form and the required documentation; subscribes to ECTE core values; pays membership fees.
- The ECTE General Secretary (GS): receives the Membership Application form and presents it to the ECTE Council; notifies institution of application outcome; in case of positive outcome, provides institution/organisation with logo and includes members in the relevant ECTE directory; in case of negative outcome, provides further guidance and receives appeals.
- The ECTE Board: makes decisions on membership.
- The ECTE Treasurer: invoices members yearly
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For a general introduction to the ECTE see Introducing the ECTE.