About Membership

Membership in the ECTE network is available to are providers of evangelical theological education operating formally at tertiary level. Associate membership is available to non-formal tertiary providers of theological education or individuals or organisations that have a vested interest in theological education;

Regular membership does not signify ECTE accreditation, which entails a full review and a separate procedure.

Membership represents:

  • Formal representation in the ECTE General Assembly in accordance to ECTE Statutes.
  • Tangible evidence of the desire to be a part the work of theological education in Europe and in particular within the evangelical faith tradition.
  • Opportunities for interchange with fellow institutions that share common values.
  • Engagement with the broader context of the European Higher Education Area and international higher education networks (through membership, for example, in the ENQA, EQAR and INQAAHE).
  • Receiving updated information regarding service benefits, projects, seminars, and events.
  • Through the ICETE, member institutions will be listed as part of the worldwide network of over 850 evangelical theological institutions. The ECTE is one of the seven quality assurance agencies that comprise the ICETE, (see icete.info).
  • 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 and associate membership criteria and procedures

Membership criteria and procedures are outlined in Criteria and Procedures. The Independence Policy indicates the selection criteria and the nomination, appointment and dismissal/termination procedures for ECTE members.

The following steps lead to achieving membership in the ECTE:

  1. Submission of a Membership Application to the ECTE General Secretary specifying the intent to be accredited and provision of the required documentation;
  2. The ECTE Board (meeting twice a year in spring and autumn) deliberates on applications;
  3. The ECTE General Secretary notifies the applicant either of membership approval or of further steps that need to be taken;
  4. The ECTE Finance Coordinator invoices the yearly membership fees.
  5. 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 and Independence Policy.  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.

Forms and Guidelines

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 Board; 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.