Baptist Seminary

More about studying at the Baptist Seminary

• Studying at the Seminary

  At VU Amsterdam, you can combine the Baptist Seminary programme with a Bachelor’s in Theology and Religious Studies and the one-year Master’s in Theology and Religious Studies. The (Dutch) minor in Missionaral Leadership (in Dutch) can also be taken as a separate minor for Theology students and non-theologians who are interested in learning more about Christian theology.

  Via the study programmes mentioned it is possible (after additional education) to become eligible for ordination within the Unie-ABC fellowship.

• Studying in a learning community

  Studying at the Seminary takes place in a learning community in which lecturers, students and pastors are each other’s equals. This learning community is characterised by the fact that the faith taught and the critical practice of theology are connected to the lived faith and the following of Christ. During most of the lessons, students from various theological programmes (both at university and university of applied sciences level) will meet each other in a shared learning environment. This also gives students a network that is close to the potential future professional field.

  In addition to education, the Seminary is also a place where research is conducted. Various lecturers, researchers and current or future PhD students work hard to practice theology ‘the Baptist way’ and issue publications on this topic. This is done in close cooperation with the James Wm. McClendon Chair for Baptistic and Evangelical Theologies.

  Many of the Seminary’s courses are taught at the Baptist House, Postjesweg 150, Amsterdam. This location also houses the International Baptist Theological Study Centre (IBTSC), a close partner.

  More information about the Unie-ABC.

• What will you learn there?

  The challenges and questions for churches in a secular, post-Christian society are considerable. What is the place of the Gospel (good news) within this society? What missionary opportunities are out there for sharing the faith and its relevance with the people? How do you organise and inspire connectedness and community? How can you speak credibly about various ethical and societal themes based on centuries-old sources? And also: Who are you, as a leader and as a person? These are the types of questions that the Seminary expects you to consider.

  The focus of the education is on interpretative leadership: the theologian/pastors of the future are leaders who are familiar with and able to connect both the present-day culture and their own sources of faith, while being able to show the way in a bold and vulnerable manner. A central point of focus is the reflection on Missio Dei, which means speaking theologically about God and the world with attention for the story of every human, the church and the context. Some important words in the educational programme are following, understanding and leading.

• Student testimonials

  “Lots of very interesting information in a short period of time. I have learned about the tradition in which we are rooted and to look towards the future based on this tradition that surrounds us. But the education does not only appeal to the intellect; the months I spent at the Seminary also shaped me as a professional in the field. I am better equipped for my future work as a pastor.”
  Missionaral Leadership student: Gabriëlle Drost-Stolk

  “The Baptist Seminary is a place to come together with inspiring lecturers and think about the church and its mission and how to integrate its teachings in our lives.”
  Student Timo van ‘t Ende

• Professors

  For an overview of alle professors take a look at Unie-ABC - Seminarium.

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