Ecclesia Theological Seminary (ETS) was inaugurated in 1947 with a mission to equip Pentecostal leaders for tomorrow. ETS is accredited by the Asia Pacific Theological Association (APTA). With more than 65 years of history and experiences, ETS has further established its English Extension in 2000 to provide a continuing education opportunity leading to the Master of Christian Ministry degree.
Ecclesia Theological Seminary (神召神學院) was formerly known as Ecclesia Bible College (EBC). The first president of the Institute is Rev.J. Elmor Morrison, a missionary of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. Our predecessors have begun Bible classes in China to train Chinese preachers for many years and in 1947, the institute was first founded in Guangzhou (廣州).
The institute was relocated to Hong Kong in the early 50’s, first in Cheung Chau. Then in 1953 the institute began to build its campus in Shatin which was completed in 1954. Fifty years later, the school was relocated to Tuen Mun, the current location.
In 1983, the school’s three-year bible school changed to a four-year bible college providing the Bachelor of Arts program (in Biblical Studies), and the school was changed from "Ecclesia Bible Institute" to Ecclesia Bible College (“EBC”). In 1997, EBC started to offer the Master degree programme. In 2005, EBC launched the Doctor of Ministry programme as a channel for pastors continual development.
In order to maintain the Pentecostal characteristic and improve the academic standard, EBC joined Asia Pacific Theological Association (“APTA”) as member in September of 1990. APTA is formed by 125 Assemblies of God churches in Asia Pacific for enhancing the cooperation and coordination among the members and colleges. In 1997, EBC became the accredited school of APTA. In the same year, Our seminary also became the associate member of the Asia Theological Association.
Since our establishment, our school has more than 500 graduated students from Hong Kong, Macau, China, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, Australia and so on, for pastoral services, mission outreach, evangelism, theological education, social and educational services.
EBC management used to be under the Assemblies of God of the United States and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. In accordance with the “three-self” principles, the management of the college was transferred to local churches after the college moves to the Tuen Mun. In January 2001, the college was put under the registration of Ecclesia Ministries Limited -- the local churches have since then taken over the management of the college officially.
In 2015, the English name of our school is changed to "Ecclesia Theological Seminary" (ETS) while the Chinese name being unchanged.