Symbols, Mission and Vision
Evangel Theological University
MACE, BIBLE, RIBBON INSCRIPTION, MOTTO
- The mace in the shape of a globe with a cross is a sign of spiritual power, called to influence the world that is subordinate to Christ. We form leaders who are able to serve in a global context with a Christ-centered approach.
- The Open Bible is a reminder that the Word of God is the foundation of all learning, life, and service.
- The inscription is on a burgundy-colored ribbon tied to a mace: Ephesians 4:1 is a call to live a life worthy of the vocation to which we have been called, focusing on dedication, obedience, and spiritual growth.
- The motto “Dignus Vocatione” (Worthy of Vocation) is the core of our vision: to prepare ministers, theologians, and teachers who live and serve in a manner worthy of their calling from the Lord.
BANNER OF EVANGEL THEOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
The banner of the Evangelical Theological University is a visual embodiment of the theological identity, academic mission, and spiritual values of the institution. Its elements have a deep semantic, spiritual, and pedagogical significance.
- The crimson (burgundy) background color symbolizes dignity, initiation, maturity, and sacrificial love. In the Christian tradition, this color is associated with the blood of Jesus Christ as a sign of atoning sacrifice and the basis of a new life and vocation to service. In the academic context, the maroon color often represents a high educational tradition and depth of knowledge.
- The golden coat of arms embodies the idea of divine calling, the glory of God, and the eternal truths on which the educational process is based. Gold, as a symbol of perfection and immutability, embodies the value of truth, to which the university is called in its educational activities.
- The open Bible is the central element of the coat of arms and reflects the biblically-centered nature of education. It symbolizes the Word of God as a source of knowledge, moral formation, and spiritual growth for students and teachers.
- The mace in the form of a globe with a cross is a unique symbol of spiritual power combined with the global vision of the Church’s mission. It is the personification of Christian leadership, capable of influencing the world, bringing the truth of the Gospel to different cultural contexts, while remaining faithful to Christ.
- The globe as an element of the coat of arms emphasizes the international vocation of the university. The educational process is focused not only on the local church community, but also on training ministers for global service.
- The laurel and wheat branches that frame the coat of arms are a combination of two key biblical, cultural, and educational symbols.
- The laurel branch traditionally represents victory, wisdom, nobility, and strength – values necessary for a spiritual leader.
- The wheat branch, in turn, symbolizes the fruitfulness, labor, and life-giving power of the Word of God, as well as the result of the educational process that brings forth a harvest in the form of mature, dedicated ministers.
In the context of the university, this framing expresses the desire to achieve spiritual and academic maturity through faithfulness to God, sacrificial service, educational fruitfulness, and value-based leadership in the church and society.
- The motto “Dignus Vocatione” (Latin for “worthy of calling”) is the theological and practical guideline for the university’s activities. It is based on the words of the Apostle Paul (Ephesians 4:1) and expresses the desire to form ministers who not only possess knowledge but also live in accordance with God’s calling – with dignity, responsibility, and consecration.
- The mark “2000” – the year the university was founded – symbolizes historical continuity, the continuity of theological education, and fidelity to the vocation in the face of spiritual, social, and cultural challenges.
OUR MISSION
The Evangel Theological University (ETU) is a higher educational institution that operates within the Ukrainian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith (UCCEF), the worldwide brotherhood of the Assemblies of God, in particular the Assemblies of God USA and the Slavic District of the Assemblies of God USA.
The mission of the university is to
- Providing high-quality theological education at the master’s and doctoral levels that combines in-depth knowledge, spiritual maturity, and practical skills for ministers of evangelical churches in Ukraine and the world;
- Training of professionally qualified leaders who base their activities on biblical values, devotion to the church, and the ability to influence modern society;
- Providing students with master’s and doctoral degrees with a high degree of accreditation recognized in Ukraine and abroad;
- Providing advanced training courses with state certificates in such areas as pastoral care, pedagogy, and church ministry to improve professional skills and expand ministry opportunities;
- Developing the leadership potential of graduates to strengthen local churches, create spiritual educational and missionary centers, and form an evangelical worldview paradigm in society;
- Training ministers capable of exerting positive influence in social, governmental, and intercultural contexts in Ukraine and the world.
GOALS AND VISION OF THE EVANGEL THEOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
1. Openness and Evangelical Identity
ETU is a higher education institution that offers master’s and doctoral programs, as well as continuing education courses based on evangelical theology and values. The university is open to cooperation with Protestant associations that share similar spiritual and academic principles, promoting interchurch unity and academic interaction.
2. Training of highly qualified ministers
ETU trains professionals through master’s and doctoral programs, as well as certified continuing education courses in the following areas:
- pastoral ministry, preaching, and teaching of theology;
- church administration and leadership;
- pastoral care, chaplaincy, and social work.
The goal is to provide churches, educational institutions, and public organizations with qualified personnel capable of serving effectively in national and international contexts, with state certificates to confirm their professional competence.
3. Academic and Research Platform
The ETU functions as a leading scientific and theological center that supports:
- academic research in theology, education, sociology of religion, and related disciplines at the master’s and doctoral levels;
- publishing monographs, scientific journals, dissertations, and online resources;
- organizing roundtables, scientific conferences, media projects, and public theological discussions;
- developing a library, scientific databases, and digital resources to support the educational and research activities of students and scholars.
4. International Cooperation and Integration
ETU actively develops partnerships with theological and educational institutions of Ukraine, the United States, Europe, and the Eastern Partnership countries, providing students of master’s, doctoral, and advanced training courses with opportunities to:
- undergo international internships;
- improve their language skills;
- participate in international academic initiatives;
- obtain double degrees or certificates under partnership agreements that meet high international standards.
5. Formation of the Gospel Worldview from Childhood
In partnership with the Department of Education of the UPC, the ETU sees itself in developing educational programs for children, adolescents and youth ministry aimed at:
- fostering an evangelical worldview among the younger generation;
- training of future missionaries, public figures and Christian leaders through involvement in theological education and advanced training courses.
6. Community of the Called and Consecrated
ETU is a spiritual and academic community of teachers, scholars, master’s and doctoral students, participants in advanced training courses, alumni, and partners who:
- share the university’s vision of building the Kingdom of God;
- support a culture of academic integrity, spiritual dedication and interchurch unity;
- adhere to high standards of learning, teaching, and research aimed at serving God and society “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
