» MINISTRY FOCUS OF THE COLLEGE
» HOLINESS LIFE IN THE CAMPUS AND INSTRUCTION TO HOSTEL STUDENTS.
» BENEFITS OF THE SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS OF OUR INSTITUTIONS
» INSTRUCTION TO EXTENSION CAMPUSES
» WELCOME TO THE MINISTRIES AND PROGRAMMES OF ELTHEOLOGICAL COLLEGE
»MINISTRIES AND PROGRAMMES OF ELTHEOLOGICAL COLLEGE
» THE UNDERGRADUATE COURSES AND ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES FOR FRESHMEN, AND THE SOPHMORES
» VISIONS OF EL THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE
» SCHOOLS IN EL THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE
» BUSINESS OF EL THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE
» VISIONS OF THE GLOBAL PRAYER LINK
» BIRTH OF INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MISSIONS NIGERIA
» WELCOME TO OUR LAY WORKERS TRAINING DEPARTMENT
» SOCIAL AND SPIRITUAL BUSINESS OF THE SCHOOL
» THE PRESIDENTIAL REVELATIONS
» ELTHECO OUTSIDE MINISTRY
» REPORTS FROM SOME STUDENTS ABOUT ELTHECO COLLEGE
» THE HISTORY AND BUSINESS OF THE STUDENTS UNION OF EL THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE
» ETHICS AND COLLEGIATE STANDARD
» GENERAL ISSUES IN THE COLLEGE
» OUTREACH MINISTRIES OF THE COLLEGE
» GOALS OF INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MISSIONS
» THE DEUTERONOMICAL STATEMENTS FOR THE ELTHECO NEW SITE
» DUTIES AND ORDER OF RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE COLLGE
» THE COLLEGE PRINCIPLES OF GODLINESS
» ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
» PRIMARY EVALUATION AND COLLEGE COURSES OF STUDY
» GENERAL INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS
» ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
» PROGRAMS OF STUDY AND CURRICULUM
» ACADEMIC LIFE AND REGULATIONS
» ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
» STUDENTS LIFE AND ACTIVITIES
» CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR POST GRADUATE STUDIES
» Eluniversity of Theology
THE COLLEGE PRINCIPLES OF GODLINESS
The college is not a commercial business and not existing because of money, neither because of any material gains, but to do the will of Him who called us. El Theological college is a spiritual and God oriented Bible college and deeply considers spiritual, ministerial and all ecclesiastical issues first in the lives and activities of the students. Below are out true emphasis on our stand including our missions and ministry statements and stands.
We only aim at glorifying the name of God by keeping.
A vision for the spiritual formation and excellent academic training for all our students.
A conviction for conserving the true message and standard of scriptural holiness and
A passion for global holiness evangelism in this present age
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE
The college was founded with one prime objective in view, to prepare men and women for the high calling of Christian service.
A CALL TO WORK
Its primary purpose is to train ministers for the ministry, and to prepare people who desire a christian education for various kinds of Christian work and for successful living. This purpose is summarized in the mission statement. As a guide to assist in achieving its purpose, it has established the following objectives:
To preserve the doctrines of the church, along with Bible standards of holy living, and to train God-called people to communicate these fundamental truths to others.
To assist the student in becoming a spiritually mature Christian in character and personality and in becoming an effective soul-winner.
To keep the Bible at the center of our curriculum. It will be central textbook of the school. Other related subjects designed to develop skills necessary for successful Christian service will be taught clearly and effectively.
To offer courses that will particularly fill the needs of those preparing for works as missionaries, evangelists, christian educators and christian laymen, as well as those definitely called to the pastoral ministry.
To maintain an evangelistic emphasis. To this end, we endeavour to lead our students into fields of active service while they are still in school.
To keep our vision world-wide and to fulfill the great command of Jesus to “Occupy till I come”.
OUR DOCTRINAL EMPHASIS
The doctrines taught in our college are summarized below. These statements are based on sound Biblical teachings that come directly from the word of God, and are represented by the conservation of the Armnian the dogical position.
The scriptures of the Old and New testaments are the divinely inspired word of God; they contain all things necessary to man’s salvation and consistent Christian holy living.
There is one God, eternally existent in three persons, the father, the son, and the Holy spirit. They are of one substance and power.
Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of God, was conceived by the Holy spirit and was born of the virgin Mary. He died for our sins, arose from the dead and ascended into heaven where He is making intercession for us.
The Holy spirit proceeds from the father and the son, and is the operating agent in the redemption of mankind, the overseer of the church and the abiding comforter of the saints.
Justification, regeneration and adoption are simultaneous in the experience of seekers after God. These are obtained upon the condition of faith in the merits of the shed blood of Jesus. This experience is preceded by repentance and is accompanied by the witness of the Holy spirit.
Entire sanctification as a second definite work of grace, subsequent to regeneration and is obtained by faith and is wrought instantaneously by the baptism of the Holy spirit. It is preceded by complete consecration and results in the heart purity.
There will be a resurrection both of the just and the unjust and a future judgment according to the deeds done in this life.
Christ will personally appear at His second coming to take home the saints.
The sacraments of Christian baptism and the Lord’s super should be observed by the church until Jesus comes again.
The first day of the week should be observed as the Christian Sabbath.
We can be divinely heard in answer to prayer, when we pray according to God’s will.
HIGH SPIRITUAL LIFE IN THE COLLEGE
The spiritual standards at Eltheco are purposefully high. They could be otherwise and be in keeping with Biblical principles. Those who are willing to uphold the standards are welcome to enroll.
PERSONAL DEVOTIONS AND PRAYER EMPHASIS: No christian is more effective than his prayer life. Since devotional training is one of the most important phases of our mission, it is naturally reflected in the curriculum. Therefore, a regular time for Bible reading and prayer is provided in the daily schedule. All are encouraged to develop faithful habits of prayer and meditation. All classes are opened with prayer. Wednesday is a day of fasting from morning until after mid-day prayer. Special times of prayer will also be called.
CHAPEL SERVICE: Chapel services are held daily, Tuesday through Friday. Attendance is required of all students. These services provide a spiritual uplift for all. These services are devoted to singing, prayer and sermons with opportunity for personal testimonies.
CHURCH ATTENDANCE: Sunday service are part of the religious life in our college. All students are required to attend Sunday service at their appointed places. Unexcused and unauthorized absence from chapel, prayer meetings, Sunday school, worship hour, or special services will be sufficient reason for disciplinary action.
DEPARTMENT OF MISSIONS AND CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES: Jesus Christ not only taught His disciples by His word, but had them take His teachings and put them into practice daily. We emphasize this fact by making close connection as possible between knowing and doing. Therefore, according to her mission, the Christian ministries department continually directs our students in practical experience and training in Christian service. It is for this reason, that classroom instruction is conducted only four days per week – Tuesday through Friday. The remaining three days of each week are to be primarily spent in various aspects of supervised practical christian ministry.
All students will therefore, be required to participate in the christian ministry programme, as outlined and directed by the christian ministries director. This may includes the following:
Personal soul-winning efforts.
Establishing Bible studies and house-fellowships.
Door-to-door visitation.
Teaching Sunday school classes.
Preaching the word.
Street services and evangelism.
Distributing tracts.
Gospel team works.
Helping start new churches.
Mission work in specialized areas.
PERSONAL EVANGELISM
Organized personal evangelism is an integral part of student activities.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
There are many opportunities at our college for wholesome fellowship are directed toward the enrichment of Christian personality in a spiritual cultural atmosphere. There is the daily association of dormitory, dining room, and classroom life, besides special events in which the entire school participates. Social regulations are designed to aid in the development of the whole personality.
All social life between young men and women is regulated by stated school policy and is under careful supervision.
STUDENT’S ORGANIZATIONS
The college offers opportunities for Christian fellowship and development of leadership qualities through various student organizations and activities. Each organization must have the approval and supervision of the our administration.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Each student body or class will elect student officers and will meet regularly to promote their own group projects. These officers from each class will make up the student council, which in turn, elect its own officers.
A faculty adviser will be appointed for each class and the dean of student life will serve as the faculty advisor at all meetings of the student council. The purpose of the student council is to work with the faculty advisors to maintain fair and representation of student government.
STUDENT HOUSING AND DORMITORY LIFE
All unmarried students are expected to room and board on campus. All married students living over 5km from the college campus are required to live on campus. Any exception must be approved by the school administration.
Students are to provide their own bed clothing, towels, personal and laundry supplies. The use of extra appliances (table lamps, radios, tape recorders, record players etc) will be allowed by special permission only. Cooking is not allowed in the dormitory rooms. All cooking should be in the kitchen.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Students only pay a small portion of the actual cost of their education. The balance is paid through contributions form and personal incomes from the Ononujus. This means that Ononuju has a vital stake in your training. She is interested in you. He is willing to make this generous subsidy to your schooling because he recognizes the value of a christen education for his people and the need for qualified workers to fulfill the great commission (Matt 28:18-20).
The charges payable are available from the business office and are subject to change without notice.
The following fees should be expected. Amount will be made available upon request.
ONE TIME FEES
Application
I.D Card
MANDATORY FEES PER SEMESTER
Registration
Tuition
Accommodation/utility
Library
Exam
Development
Student fees-social activity and welfare
TOTAL
OTHER FEES (as applicable)
Late registration
Typing or computer fee
Carry over (per subject up to 3 per trimester if not full time student)
GRADUATION FEES
Certificate
Diplomas
Degrees and others.
Registration and tuition fees are due and payable at registration time each semester auditing students must conclude all financial matters before proceeding to class. Textbooks or handouts are in addition to the listed charges. No tuition fees, or accommodation/utilities charges will be refunded to students who fail to follow the withdrawal procedures.
FEEDING
Students are responsible for their own feeding. Snacks and provisions are available for purchase at eh campus provision store.
ADMISSION POLICY FOR NEW STUDENTS
We are primarily open for men and women preparing for the Christian ministry. All candidates for admission must supply evidence of Christian character and competent scholastic ability. Every student will be required to refrain from opposition to the doctrinal views and accepted policies maintained by the Redemption campaigners mission Nigeria while studying in this college.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
All applicants must have satisfactorily completed their primary education. We assume the student enrolling has a rudimentary knowledge of the English language. Remedial course work may be needed to fulfill this requirement.
ADVANCED STANDING
Students may be admitted with advanced standing by producing evidence of acceptance course work from other recognized institutions of higher learning. An official transcript from the institution must be sent directly us and we reserves the right to accept only those courses in transfer whose content and objectives are equivalent to those required for graduation from Eltheco. Minimum course grades will depend upon our assessment of the institution where the work was completed.
Our college does not accept transfer credits in Theology. A minimum of 32 trimester hours in residence is required to earn a degree from this college.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Application material may be obtained in writing through our registrar.
After completing the application, the prospective student should return it with a recent passport photo of him and the other request document to our college.
The student should send a copy of any secondary school leaving certificate/exam results. If have any other post secondary education, should have an official transcript sent to us as well.
Applications should be sent as early as possible before school begins, to allow for processing. Allow the college several weeks to process your application and to contact personal references. When all application materials have been received and evaluated, the applicant will be notified of his admission status.
ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURE
El Theological college operates on a trimester basis. There is thirteen week term ending in December and thirteen week term ending in April and another ending in August at the beginning f the either trimester.
ATTENDANCE
Class periods are 55 minutes in length. Details of the attendance policy are stated in the student handbook.
Only those students who are in their final year of academic work in a degree program will be members of the senior class, and will be granted the privileges associated with that class. Students earning a lesser certificate or diploma will participate in their appropriate class activities.
ACADEMIC PROBATION
A grade point average of less than 2.0 (70%) is considered substandard. A student whose trimester work average is less than 2.0 and desire to enroll the following trimester may do so only on a scholarship probation basis. Any student starting a trimester on academic probation must bring his work up to 2.0 average or more by the mid-term of that trimester withdraw from the college. If the student fails to withdraw, the college may terminate his admission.
REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
El Theological college grants degrees, diplomas and certificates to students who fulfill the following requirements:
Completion of the required number of trimester hours of academic credit in one of the courses of study.
A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (average of all trimester).
The last 32 hours of credit before graduation must be completed in residence.
All financial obligations to the school must be fulfilled. No student will be allowed to participate in graduation exercises unless obligations to the Business office are paid in full.
An application for graduation must be filed with the registrar at the beginning of the first semester of the final year.
Eltheco graduates only students of approved christian character. Character building is a part of the training program from the very beginning. Failure to achieve this standard may prevent graduation.
SCHOLASTIC HONOURS
Graduating students will be evaluated and categorized according to the following criteria:
Diploma/Cert. Degree Cumulative GPA
Distinction Ist class honour 3.5-4.0
Credit (upper) 2nd class honour 3.0-3.49
Credit (Lower) 2nd class (lower) 2.5-2.99
Merit pass 2.0-2.49
Students taking the equivalent of sixteen (16) hours a week of classroom instruction, or more, and who maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 (85%) in any trimester are placed on the honour roll. Students maintaining a grade point average of at least 3.5 (90%) in any trimester are placed on the High honour roll.
CHANGE OF SCHEDULE AND WITHDRAWAL
If a student finds it necessary to change from one course to another, he many do so by consulting the academic dean. He will be allowed to add a new course, only during the first full week of classes following registration. A grade of WF (withdrawal failing) or WP (Withdrawal Passing) will be recorded for withdrawal from a class, within the 4 week period following registration. After that time, a grade of F will be given, unless there are extenuating circumstances. If a student does not officially withdraw from a course, as outlined above, he will automatically receive a failing grade or an ‘F’.
To withdraw from school, the student must obtain a withdrawal application form from the academic dean’s office. This form must be completed and signed by the appropriate school officials and returned to the registrar’s office before the student is officially withdrawn from school. In no case will a refund or credit be given if the withdrawal application is not completed.
TRANSCRIPTS
Upon request, the transcript of a student’s work will be issued to any institution. Each additional transcript will be issued at a set charge. No transcript will be released if the student’s account with the Business office is not in satisfactory condition. Transcripts are not issued to individual students, but are sent directly to the school/college in which the student is seeking admission.
PRIMARY EVALUATION AND COLLEGE COURSES OF STUDY
The entire program of El Theological college is directed toward giving the student a thorough understanding of the structure, content and teachings of the Bible as preparatory for a life of ministry for Christ. Within this general objective are several programs planned for preparation in specific areas of christian service.
BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY AND BACHELOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: These degree are awarded to those students who completed the full four year theological or religious education program (133 credit hours) offered by Eltheco. They must also hold the G.C.E (minimum of five credits, including English or its equivalent), and complete a substantial senior research paper and defend it orally. Students desiring to enter into fourth year are required to maintain 2.0 cumulative grade point average (G.PA) for the first three years.
Our curriculum also includes the following;
Certificate of Evangelism (1 year):
This certificate is awarded to those students who completed the first year of curriculum offered by our college. This course (32 credit hours) is designed to give basic introductory knowledge in theology to the minister and layman.
CHRISTIAN WORKER’S CERTIFICATE (1 YEAR): This certificate is awarded to students who completed one year of academic work (67 credit hours) at Eltheco. Students who desire to go into part time Christian ministry, or who are not called to the pastoral ministry may choose this course. Certificate requires a minimum of primary six leaving certificate.
CERTIFICATE OF THEOLOGY OR CERTIFICATE OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (2 YEARS): This diploma is awarded to those students who completed the full two year theological or religious education program (105 credit hours) offered by El Theological college. They must also hold the G.C.E (minimum of four (4) passes including English or its equivalent) and are required to complete a substantial senior research paper and defend it orally.
CERTIFICATE THEOLOGY OR CERTIFICATE OF RELIGIOIUS EDUCATION (2 YEARS): This certificate is awarded theological or religious education program (101 credit hours) offered by El Theological college. Certificate requires a minimum of primary six leaving certificate.
ADVANCED CERTIFICATE OF THEOLOGY OR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (4 YEARS): This certificate is awarded to those students who completed the full four years theological or religious education program (133 credit hours) offered by El Theological College. But do not have sufficient SSCE or GCE papers. Advanced certificate students are required to maintain 2.0 cumulative grade point average (G.PA) for the first three years and complete a substantial senior research paper and defend it orally.
ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF THEOLOGY OR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (4 YEARS): This diploma is awarded to those students who completed the full four year theological or religious education program (133 credit hours) offered by our college. They must hold the G.C.E (minimum of four passes including English or its equivalent). Advance diploma students are required to maintain 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) for the first three years and complete a substantial senior research paper and defend it orally.
The college may waive the English requirement on the GCE if student passes both Eltheco courses, English grammar I and English Grammar II with a ‘B’ average. A minimum grade of ‘C’ for both courses is necessary to meet the graduation requirement in English.
The curriculum is arranged in six trimester. Students may enter the program in either trimester, but must complete one year’s work before proceeding to the next year’s courses, except by special arrangement. In-class instruction will be restricted to Tuesdays through Fridays. Supervised Christian ministries will be conducted on eh weekends.
THE BEST AMONG THE BESTS IN AFRICA
El theological college is the best theological institution in Africa. It stands as the best among the stands as the best among the grouped bests institutions in Africa.
It is the best academically.
It is the best spiritually.
It is the best chrismatically.
It is the best ministerially.
It is the best ecclesiastically.
It is the best evangelistically.
It is the best missiologically.
It is the best scripturally
It is the best theologically.
It is the best philosophically.
El Theological college stands as the best among the bests in African theological education.
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS
GRADING SYSTEM
The grading system for all courses is listed at the bottom of the one page course description given to students prior to registration.
All required courses are graded with a letter grade only.
All required are graded credit/no credit only.
The instructor may designate for all other courses whether the grading system will be letter grade or credit/ no credit. The instructor may also opt to give the student his or her choice.
Students on academic probation do not have the option of choosing credit or no credit grading.
In the system of letter grades the following are the symbols used, together with their respective grade point values:
A = 4.00
A- = 3.67
B+ = 3.33
B = 3.00
B- = 2.77
C+ = 2.50
A grade of “I” (incomplete) can only be recorded if an extension has been granted by the professional studies committee. A course dropped after the end of the second full week of a given trimester, will be entered as a “W”. No course may be dropped after the eighth week of classes.
UNCLASSIFIED STUDENTS
An unclassified student is a person who fails into one or more of the following categories:
Does not meet formal requirements for admission to a degree program, but is permitted to take courses for purposes of personal growth;
Has not yet been admitted to a degree program and is permitted to begin studies before formal admission.
Meets admission requirements but does not at this time wish to work toward a degree;
Does not meet formal requirements for admission to a degree program, but, at the request of an ordaining body, is permitted to carry out regular seminary work or a prescribed course of study determined by that ordaining body in consultation with the dean of the seminary.
All non-degree students must submit an “Application to Enroll for courses as an unclassified students”, together with a non-refundable processing fee.
Unclassified students may take courses either for credit or for audit. They may take up to six hours per trimester hours in interim and/or six hours during holidays. Students wishing to enroll for more than the above number of hours must have the written permission of the dean. Unclassified students who are permitted by the dean to carry a full academic load (nine hours or more) will be subject to the student fee.
Students may earn up to a total of 12 hours of unclassified credit. After this limit is reached, an unclassified student must: (1) apply for an be granted admission as a degree candidate and/or 92) sign a waiver agreeing that unclassified credit in excess of 12 trimester hours earned through Eltheco will not be applicable to a degree program at Eltheco.
MODULES
A number of courses at El Theological College are offered on a “modular” basis and for one or two hours of credit. Modules may be short,, intensive courses of one or two weeks in modular courses may be offered in any trimester during the January interim and during the August summary.
Modules in the recent past included the following: introduction to Native African church History, Hymnology, Readings in West African Theology and Third World Theologies.
FOCUS WEEK
The first week of the trimester is devoted to a one trimester hour module for all students. For beginning students, the orientation provides an introduction to the theological educational task, an opportunity of the evaluation of skills in reading, writing and speaking and an opportunity to plan one’s theological curriculum. For continuing students, this week provides an opportunity to take a one-hour module on a subject of central concern in theological education and ministry.
FOUR-ONE FOUR SCHEDULE
The academic year consists of a fall trimester of four months (September-December), a one-month Interim (January), and a spring trimester of four months (Jan-May).
JANUARY INTERIM
The one-month January Interim provides an opportunity for the student to pursue intensive course work with distinguished faculty of other 4-1-4 seminaries (either on the eltheco campus or at intermission) or an independent study project, either on or off campus. These opportunities include interim course work on trans-cultural, native Nigerian studies at Aba Christian training school.
CROSS-REGISTRATION
Students who are registered in any of the degree programs at Eltheco have the option of cross-registering in courses offered through intermission in the same manner in which they register for courses taught by this faculty. With the approval of their advisor, students may enroll in any graduate-level courses taught at the El university of theology. Cross registration privileges in the school of Religion also are available to intermission. Students registered through Eltheco enroll in a maximum of six hours of master’s level work at Elunithabs with approval of their adviser and the dean, they may request of the professional studies committee permission to register for upper level undergraduate courses at this college.
Information must be provided from the professor of the course indicating the way in which the requirements of the courses will be augmented to meet graduate expectations.
For information on cross-registration through Eltheco contact the office of the Registrar El Theological College.
COMPUTER AND LEARNING ASSISTANCE
Students have access to the learning assistance center and the computer center of El University of Theology programmed instruction on the computer is available in the biblical languages and in several subjects of the seminary curriculum. A number of computer terminals are available for word processing and the preparation of academic papers.
At a minimal cost students may create their own programs at the computer center for purposes of reviewing academic material or to satisfy enhancement of writing, communications and study skills.
SIX YEAR B.A. – M.DIV. PROGRAM
The university designed a cooperative program that enables students to combine the Bachelor of Arts degree with the master of divinity degree. Designed for second – career people, the program offers ministerial students the opportunity to complete their undergraduate and graduate degree requirements in six years rather than the usual seven. This special arrangement is ordinarily offered only to university of theology and Biblical Seminary.
Those who are admitted must have completed three full years (or three-fourths) of the B.A. curriculum, including all general education requirements, requirements for a major and the residency requirement. Up to 36 hours of work completed during the fourth year is credited to the B.A. degree, at which time that degree is awarded. Students then continue with their second and third year of theological study at the El university and the theological seminary, at the conclusion of which they receive their master of divinity degree.
Transfer students from other liberal arts college programs must spend a minimum of one year (36 hours) in residence at the college of liberal Arts of the university to be eligible for the program. Application for admission to the M.Div. program must be made during the junior year.
Under this program there are no exceptions to the requirement that a minimum of 84 hours in the three divisions, plus 12 hours be completed at El Theological college or El university of Theology and Biblical seminary.
CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM
A series of continuing education seminars is designed each year in response to the expressed needs of pastors and laity. Leadership for these seminars is drawn from the seminary faculty and from the church at large. Continuing education events also can be arranged off-campus, in cooperation with Redemption campaigners mission Nigeria.
Continuing education unit (CEU) credits are offered for all events. It is not necessary to be enrolled in a degree program in order to participate in the continuing education program.
For more information about current seminars at the seminary or planning a continuing education event for your area contact the director of continuing education El Theological college Nigeria +2348056614554.
NATIVE AFRICAN PROGRAMMES
Eltheco is the founder of the Native African Theological Education and the Native African Theological Association (NATA). NATEC is a consortium of schools focused on theological education (by extension) for native laity. NATEC utilizes faculty by sending them to conduct workshops in churches and reservations across the continent. NATA is a theological school that develops programs of on-campus training for Native Africans attending seminary. We embraced the NATEC and NATA programs because of the great need to develop Native African leadership, in both the laity and clergy, and because of its long history of training the poor illiterates in Africa. The faculty has conducted workshops throughout the continent and a steadily increasing number of native African students are in residence on the Eltheco campus.
EXTENSION COURSES
The following extension courses are available and must be registered for and completed within a regular term. For course descriptions see course listing in this website.
Extension courses are open only to students who cannot reasonably expect to attend courses at Eltheco. Students in residence may not register for these courses, and they are not available during the vacation to students ordinarily in residence. They are, however, available to students away from Abia state on internship and will be paid for according to the part-time tuition rate.
COMMUNITY AND SPIRITUAL LIFE
El university of Theology and Biblical seminary is a Christian community as well as an institution of theological education. The seminary seeks for its students to develop sensitivity and Christian concern for one another, for the whole church of Jesus Christ and for the world. It seeks to have its students develop Christian life styles and spiritual discipline that are brought under conscious scrutiny and consideration.
It seeks to nurture and instill the sense of the mission of the church of Jesus Christ, which should mark ministers of the gospel, as that mission is conceived in its personal, local, social and world-wide dimensions.
Eltheco seeks to assist students to be able to interpret life and experience theologically, to view all things from a biblical perspective and is viewed as an intense period of formation, during which minister learns the lifelong arts of translating learning and theological insight into effective ministerial service.
A strong, warm bond joins the faculty, staff and students of Eltheco and Elunithabs. This is most clearly expressed in daily worship, in common meals, in campus organizations, interest groups and in the small cluster residence groups as well.
THE PURPOSE OF STUDENT ASSOCIATION
All students are members of the student Association. The purposes of the association are:
To promote the spiritual and devotional life of the individual seminarian and of the corporate student body;
To promote a concern for an interest in the general affairs and policies of the seminary.
To promote and facilitate the process of becoming christian witnesses both win the seminary community and within the larger community.
To represent the student body of the El Theological college in such organizations as concern the corporate life of the seminary;
To create, promote, maintain and evaluate programs that serve the general interest of the students in community.
Eight elected officers constitute the student union council. This council of representatives from the student body at large provided leaderships in achieving these purposes. Government of this group is established by a faculty/staff student agreement that serves as the vehicle for implanting the organizational needs of the community.
Student fees collected from all students in the M.Div. and M.A.R. program provide the operating budget for the council.
The council accomplishes many of its tasks through student committees. All student association members are eligible for, and may request membership on, and standing committee. Descriptions of the committees can be found in the student handbook of El Theological college.
THE WOMEN’S CENTER (FEMALE MINISTERS)
The women’s center provides a program of counseling and support services for women students. This program is designed to meet the needs of women in theological education and to provide a forum for addressing the unique questions faced by women who exercise their ministry in a church that historically has tended to give leadership roles to men. Each year a distinguished woman of the church is brought to campus under the auspices of the women’s center, to give lectures and to be a resource to the women of the seminary and to women clergy in the geographic area.
SEMINARY SPOUSE GROUP
Seminary spouses carry on a ministry of mutual support. The spouse group is comprised of men and women whose wives or husbands are enrolled. This group seeks to meet the special needs, concerns and interests of spouses.
This group organizes events during the year that focus on topics important to spouses, both now and in the future. In addition, small groups are organized that seek to meet varying needs and desires such as study, prayer, crafts, aerobics, faith sharing and support.
Spouses are encouraged to work toward the completion of their degrees at either the college of liberal arts at El university of Theology or at El Theological college. Spouses of students enrolled may sit in on classes on a non-participatory basis, with the approval of the instructor.
OTHER GROUPS
Other concern groups are encouraged by the administration of the seminary and by the student association. Students who have concerns in common, such as career goals, theological concerns, backgrounds or technical interests, are strongly encouraged to form groups with the purpose of exploring such concerns in depth. To the extent that its resources permit, the seminary provides space, time and faculty resources for such concern groups.
LECTURESHIPS
Each year El university of Theology and Biblical seminary bring outstanding lecturers and educators to Eltheco. The annual Berger lectureship, focused on preaching, has recently brought Divine blessings to students.
WORSHIP AND SPIRIUTAL FORMATION
The student community gathers for worship each Monday through Friday in chapel, which, with its excellent organ, provides an unusually good facility for worship. It is in the chapel services and in the occasional convocations and special worship services of the church year that the seminary community finds its unity and where we express our common devotion to the one Lord.
The corporate worship life of the seminary is under the supervision of the worship council, which is an elected body representing faculty, staff and students. Leadership in worship services is shared by faculty and students.
A prayer service is held in the chapel each day, and the chapel is available for meditation or for small groups throughout the major portion of the day. In addition, student prayer and study groups are encouraged in the housing groups and among groups of students with common concerns.
Eltheco is seeking to develop a conscious and structured program of spiritual formation. We believe that it is necessary for seminary students to think in a systematic, disciplined way about their own spiritual development, in order to be prepared to give guidance to the spiritual development of parishioners. Thus, there is am emphasis on self discipline and on shared discipline, on living with the scripture, on prayer, and on cultivating an alertness to the world within which the Christian must live and witness.
This emphasis on spiritual formation is reflected in curricular offerings as well as the extracurricular life of the students.
STATEMENT OF FOCUS
El Theological college is maintained by Redemption Campaigners mission to educate men and women for a world-wide christian ministry as pastors, missionaries, teachers, and lay-workers who are committed to God for a particular service for which they recognize a need for seminary studies. While special reference is made to the ministries of the church, the school welcomes the opportunity of assisting students from other denominations and independent non-denominational churches who are seeking preparation for fruitful christian life and ministry. It is rather an inter-denominational Bible college.
Through its faculty, staff, and students, the school seeks to inspire devotion to Jesus Christ as divine savior and Lord, to the Bible as the inerrant word of God, and to consistent Christian living in personal and social realms under the guidance of the Holy spirit.
Courses are planned to stimulate individual maturity and critical judgment, both inability to defend the authority of the Bible by recognizing the attacks of disbelief and countering them, but also in the ability to positively and personally apply the Biblical standard to modern faith and life.
Eltheco emphasizes the mastery of the professional skills essential to an adequate ministry: comprehension of the Bible in its original languages, effective preaching in spoken and written English, and proficiency in the techniques of church education, counseling, and administration.
Eltheco endeavours to equip its students in an atmosphere of Christian world mission. Students anticipating the pastoral ministry are confronted with the opportunity and responsibility of the local church to world mission. Students preparing for overseas missionary service are offered professional courses planned to qualify them for effective missionary service. A biblical emphasis on the work of the Holy spirit and the indigenous church is basic in this commitment to world witness. An instructional program sensitive to the needs of the entire world wide is further enriched by the presence of numerous international students and furloughing missionaries as members of the student body, and by representatives of various aspects of the world mission of the church who come to campus to speak at chapel services or conferences.
The curriculum, in its presentation of knowledge, is designed to provide basic surveys and synthesis of the Bible as God’s world, of the history and expansion of the church as his body, of Christian doctrine and philosophy as His truth, and of the practical conduct of the christian ministry in spreading the gospel in response to His commission. The curriculum also provides opportunities for special concentrations in the text or theology of scripture as well as in other areas required of a minister of the gospel or a christian worker in one of the other areas to which God calls His servants. The curriculum does insure sufficient elective freedom for the development of individual aptitudes and interests.
At Eltheco, it is held that truth must be appropriated or it will be lost. The trend in our culture is toward the isolation of the study of religion from real life from existential involvement of the whole person. Such isolation may be found in the university graduate school which seeks to inculcate a pretended neutrality of the purely academic study of religion. It may also be found in the christian school which seeks to study biblical and christian truth in a “hot house” of christian intellectual commitment, without the involvement of the whole person in the outworking of christian faith in worship, service and witness. This trend is to be deplored. Biblical and Christian truth cannot merely be though, it must be won.
Disciplined study, personal commitment, and authentic living are means by which truth is pursued. In the search for truth, student growth, development, and preparation for the work of the ministry are also primary goals for an institution which seeks to help its students:
Develop a relationship with and dependence on God; through prayer, personal study of the scripture, worship, witness and service.
Develop a wholesome personal spiritual life consistent with the word of God as one comes to deeper understanding and personal experience of the power of the gospel.
Develop a knowledge of the content, history, and messages of the Bible, a thorough understanding of the fundamental doctrines of the christian faith, and an adequate grasp of the culture and religious life of one’s own and other civilizations.
Develop the ability to think productively and to understand and evaluate the thoughts of others.
Develop a vision of world-wide needs and a desire to meet these needs with the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Develop relational, communicative, and administrative skills essential to an effective ministry.
Develop attitudes and gifts consistent with the work of the ministry.
Develop a desire for continual learning and awareness of the educational, social, political, economic and theological trends of the day.
CAMPUS FACILITIES
ACADEMIC FACILITIES: The administration building, commonly referred to as “the mansion”, houses faculty offices for the division of pastoral counseling and psychology, the campus counseling center, and other administrative offices. Across the school of world mission building contains several classrooms and faculty offices for the school of world mission and evangelism. The academic building contains faculty offices for the school of christian education and the office of the dean. Classrooms and faculty offices are also located in the lower level of the chapel. Additional classrooms, seminar rooms, and meeting rooms are located in the lower level of the library and in the building of faith.
HOSTEL FACILITIES
There are enough rooms that shall contain more than 75 students each room with all ease facilities inside them.
There is library for easy studies of the students containing needed books by books and materials by the students.
There is quiet and cool environment for the free studies, resting and free activities of the students.
The canteen is in the campus for those students who may wish to eat from the college canteen.
Chairs and tables are available for the reading convenient of the students.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
El university of Theology and Biblical seminary is one of ten theological seminaries operated under the authority of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). It was founded in the mid 19th century to serve German-speaking populations of the upper Midwest and continues to have as its primary task the preparation of men and women for Christian ministry.
The seminary is unique in several ways. As an integral part of a university, it maintains close relations with the undergraduate college of Liberal Arts. As a partner in the schools of Theology in Dubuque, it enjoys a close consortium relationship with Wartburg seminary of the American Lutheran Church. As a member of the Association of Theological Faculties of Iowa, it works with the school of Religion of the university of Iowa as well as with Wartburge, which is also a member. As a member of the Native American Theological Association and the Native American Theological Education Consortium, it serves Native American populations. The seminary emphasizes the parish as the central focus of and model for ministry, while training a portion of its students for ministry in non-traditional settings. Deeply grounded as a Presbyterian seminary, it also serves a large number of students from the United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and other denominations. While primarily informed by the Reformed tradition, the seminary is open to a wide spectrum of theological thinking, welcomes different points of view and encourages a free exchange of ideas.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE EL THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE
El Theological college is a graduate professional school designed to equip men and women for service in the church of Jesus Christ. To that end, the seminary intends that its graduates will be knowledge concerning the holy scriptures and the theological tradition of the church, the polity and educational programs of their denominations and the liturgical heritage of the church. We seek to equip students with skill in preaching the gospel and in the exercise of pastoral gifts.
DEGREES
El Theological College through the affiliate institution shall grants the master of Arts in Religion, the master of Divinity and the Doctor of ministry degrees.
The master of Arts in Religion degree is a two-year program of instruction and experience in theology designed for lay theologians and those whose Christian vocations do not require ordination. One year of advanced standing may be granted to students holding a master’s degree in theology or divinity, making it possible to complete the program in one year or little after that.
The master of Divinity degree is a first graduate professional degree that satisfies the educational requirements of most denominations for ordination.
The Doctor of Ministry degree is designed to be the result of a coherent and focused program of study for the purpose of markedly increasing one’s competence in ministry. Historically this has been a program of the schools of Theology but is now offered by international institute of missions.
ADMISSION PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS
The El group of Theological seminary is a graduate professional school. This presupposes that all students applying for admission to degree programs have been graduated from regionally accredited colleges or universities and have attained a bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent. It is recommended that the candidate’s undergraduate preparation include a strong background in the humanities, including courses in English, Ethnology, philosophy, religion, literature, history and foreign languages as well as some work in the social science disciplines of psychology, Anthropology and sociology.
Applicants for degree programs must provide:
A complete application form that includes a four-to seven page statement reflecting the student’s faith development and view of the ministry, and three letters of recommendation.
An official transcript from each college, university or seminary attended.
A non-refundable application fee.
A recent passport photograph.
All applications for degree programs are reviewed by the Admissions committee without prejudicial regard to race, ethnic, origin, sex, marital status or age. Decisions are made on a “rolling admission” basis, with applications reviewed as soon as all sections of the application are received.
The admission committee, at its discretion, may request and interview with a candidate before making a decision on admission. The committee may require a letter from the appropriate denominational body having responsibility for the applicant’s preparation for ministry. The committee may admit a candidate conditionally, based upon the candidate’s denominational care process, or additional undergraduate courses taken in any university to supplement the candidate’s pre-seminary preparation.
A campus visit and interview, while not ordinarily required for admission, a strongly recommended. Candidates for admission may make arrangements for such a visit through the admission office. The seminary will provide meals and lodging during the visit.
Early application for admission is strongly encouraged. Priority in the assignment of student housing and in financial aid grants will be given on the basis of early application and admission when such is considered.
TRANSFER CREDIT
Transfer credit is granted for work done at other theological seminaries and reduces the requirements of a degree program. Such work is listed on the student’s transcript by title, semester credits transferred and grade.
Work for which a degree has not been granted will be factored according to the proportion of work done, regardless of the credit system used.
Ordinarily no more than one-half of the credits required for a degree can be transferred to Eltheco during admission.
No more than one-half of the credits required for a degree has already been granted shall apply to a subsequent degree program.
In exceptional circumstances transfer credit may be granted for graduate courses completed at an unaccredited seminary or in another field of graduate study. No more than six semester hours of such credit may ordinarily be transferred, in no case may more than twelve credits be transferred.
ADVANCED STANDING
Advanced standing may be granted for courses designated under area mastery in the core curriculum. Such advanced standing does not reduce the number of credits required for a degree program. Subject to the approval of the dean, the director of admissions and the registrar may grant such advanced standing to an applicant for admission upon analysis of a transcript. After admission, a student may request the appropriate division or the professor of the course to grant advanced standing by completing a form to be filed with the registrar and noted on the student’s graduation check sheet; in this case, the appropriate professor shall be judged of that portion of area mastery to which the course applies.
PROFICIENCY
Proficiency is an option available to students who, independently of academic course structures, believe they have mastered a body of material or skills corresponding to a seminary course. Such students may request the professor teaching the course to evaluate their mastery and, if it proves satisfactory, grant them credit for the course.
To receive proficiency credit, a student must register for the course in the regular manner but may do so at any time mutually convenient for student and professor.
Registration for a course whose requirements shall be met by demonstrated proficiency will not be counted as a part of the regular student load. The professor will evaluate the student’s mastery of materials or skills in whatever way and to whatever extent guarantees that the requesting student’s proficiency is the equivalent of that expected of other students regularly taking similar courses.
The grade (A,B,C or CR/NC) shall be recorded on the student transcript. The receiving of proficiency credit shall be counted as fulfilling a course requirement, thus counting toward the total number of hours required for the degree.
RESIDENCY
It is expected that each degree recipient complete 50% of the degree requirements at El Theological seminary. Upon request, the professional studies committee may lower this requirement, but in no case shall a student complete or pay for fewer than 30 credit hours for a particular degree. Two consecutive semesters of residency with full time status are required. Full time status is defined as nine credit hours per semester.
Participation in the community of theological scholarship in the institution which grants the degree is an indispensable component of theological education. Therefore, in no case shall the total of transfer and proficiency credit exceed one-half of the requirement of degree.
TIME ALLOWANCE FOR A DEGREE PROGRAM
A degree program must be completed within six years after matriculation. Any exceptions to this limit must be granted upon special petition to the professional studies committee.
In accordance with the transfer policy a student with a two year M.A.R or equivalent degree in theological studies may be granted transfer credit and one year of advanced standing in the M.Div and the M.A.R degree in less than a total of four academic years.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT
A cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 will be required for graduation from the university in all masters level degree programs.
PROBATION AND DISMISSAL
PROBATION: A student whose cumulative grade-point average falls below 2.0 or who receives “no credit” for six or more credit hours in a given semester shall be placed on academic probation. A student on academic probation does not have the option of choosing credit/no credit grading and is not eligible for any aid.
Students who have attended colleges and universities who have a marginal academic record, may be admitted on academic probation.
DISMISSAL: Students may be disqualified from continuance as a student for the following reasons:
Two successive semesters of academic probation
Three semesters with grade-point average below 2.0 (not cumulative)
Receiving a grade of “f” or “No credit” in 12 hours of course work in a degree program
If, in the dean’s opinion, the continued membership of a student in the community is prejudicial or potentially injurious either to the student or to the community, the dean may, after consultation with a faculty committee, require the student to withdraw.
Students under academic dismissal may apply for reinstatement by the faculty by addressing a request to the dean of the seminary and the professional studies committee. The professional studies committee has responsibility for administration of these and all other academic standards.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE AND WITHDRAWAL
LEAVE OF ABSENCE: A student who finds it necessary to leave the seminary for a time must apply to the professional studies committee, through the dean’s office for a leave of absence. Leaves of absence will be granted for a specified period of time, after which they may be extended at the student’s request and at the committee’s discretion.
Students granted leaves of absence may return to the seminary at the end of their leave period without obtaining a leave of absence, and who wish to return to the seminary at the future date, will be required to apply for readmission.
EXTENSIONS
While the seminary recognizes that extenuating circumstances may exist in specific cases, the normal policy is that all course work is due by the last day of the term. Procedures for receiving permission for academic extension are outlined in the student Handbook.