Trinity Western University (TWU) in British Columbia, Canada and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) in Illinois jointly announced today that they have made a formal agreement that will see TEDS extend its legacy of faith and scholarship by joining Trinity Western in launching a global seminary.
Leaders of TEDS and TWU affirmed that the agreement unanimously approved by both boards would preserve TEDS' 128-year legacy of ministry training while championing a continued mission to equip Christian leaders from around the world.
Trinity Western University was first approached by TEDS' leadership because both share a common heritage within the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA). As faith-based establishments, TEDS and TWU uphold the same doctrinal commitments as the EFCA and maintain strongly aligned values, making this next move both a strategic and ideal fit for both institutions.
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School at Trinity Western University
Trinity Western will assume ownership of TEDS free of any financial obligations as a gift to be stewarded for local and global future generations seeking a Christ-centred education with firm evangelical roots. Through a staged process, the acquisition is planned to be completed at the end of 2025, and TWU anticipates welcoming seminary students into the new school at the Langley campus beginning in the fall of 2026.
"In a world that is ever-changing, the charge remains the same: to safeguard and proclaim the truth, to equip the next generation, and to reimagine theological education for a new era."
Trinity International University President Kevin Kompelien (left) pictured with Trinity Western University President F. Todd Martin (right).
Creating a stronger, combined future
TWU President Todd F. Martin highlighted how this development honours the history and traditions of both institutions while creating a stronger combined future.
"We are privileged to continue a longstanding legacy of evangelical scholarship and expand the impact of a global Christian education," he remarked. "We are driven by the same heartbeat for the gospel, and together we can do even more to serve the Church and societies worldwide."
"As universities founded by the Evangelical Free Church of America, we embody a shared theological foundation and a shared calling to provide exceptional Christian education," said Trinity International University President Kevin Kompelien. "This agreement with TWU furthers TEDS' mission for equipping Christian leaders to engage in God's redemptive work in North America and around the world," he affirmed.
"The gospel," TEDS Dean David Pao pointed out, "challenges and subverts the competing ideologies that threaten the life of the church. In a world that is ever-changing, the charge remains the same: to safeguard and proclaim the truth, to equip the next generation, and to reimagine theological education for a new era."
"We are excited to be part of what God is doing through university and seminary training and to see churches and ministers equipped for kingdom ministry."
Acting EFCA President Carlton P. Harris added, "TEDS has long offered the EFCA a training ground, where leaders are developed for the local church and the mission field. Generations of biblically grounded pastors, leaders, and missionaries who received training through TEDS have served the EFCA faithfully. For this, I am deeply grateful."
Executive Director of the Evangelical Free Church of Canada (EFCC) Bill Taylor expressed, "As a globally recognized divinity school joins a global Christian university, we are grateful for the expanded opportunities for churches and communities to access Christian theological education and ministry training. We are excited to be part of what God is doing through university and seminary training and to see churches and ministers equipped for kingdom ministry."
Transition planning to commence
Leaders of the two universities indicate that planning for a year-long coordinated transition will begin immediately, with TEDS continuing to operate in its current location during the 2025-26 academic year.
The priority focus will be on ensuring that students' educational journeys are successful through to graduation while establishing strong foundations for future institutional growth.
Following a staged process, TWU will assume operations of TEDS with the outcome of newly integrated programs and expanded resources that will benefit students, future alumni, churches, and the broader community.
Expanding access to Christian education globally
Presidents Kompelien and Martin invite their respective alumni, donor, and church communities to join them in fostering future Christian leaders and building up the next global evangelical training centre: "Together with our supporters, we embark on an unprecedented chapter in Christian higher education."
This latest development accelerates Trinity Western's strategic plan, TWU 2030: Every Graduate Equipped, which envisions expanding access to Christian education globally.
