A Move to Ensure the Future of Ministry Training Through TEDS

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) has entered a formal, exclusive commitment with its sister school, Trinity Western University (TWU), taking steps for TEDS to become a part of TWU. 

More than 125 years ago, early Free Church leaders saw the need for ministry training and invested their lives and resources to establish the institution we know as Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. By God’s grace, the ministry of TEDS has left an indelible mark on the EFCA—and by God’s grace TEDS will continue to equip men and women to serve the Church and fulfill the Great Commission.  

As TEDS enters a season of significant change, the EFCA’s long-standing relationship with the institution will remain. In addition, the EFCA’s relationship with Trinity Western University will be reinforced. This biblically rooted institution shares a common history, theology and mission with the EFCA, and the renewed relationship, along with the ongoing ministry of TEDS, will benefit local churches and church leaders long into the future. 

To guide TEDS through this pivotal moment, Dr. David Pao has been appointed interim president (while remaining the academic dean at TEDS), effective July 1. As a steadfast leader who has faithfully served TEDS, Dean Pao will oversee the transition process, ensuring that the mission and values of TEDS remain at the forefront of every decision.

To learn more about the upcoming changes to TEDS, including details about the 2025-2026 school year, visit the TEDS website. 

Shared history

In the 1950s, the EFCA was expanding, and many churches were planted in western states and Canadian provinces. These fledgling Canadian Free Churches initially came under the umbrella of the EFCA until the Evangelical Free Church of Canada became autonomous in 1984. 

In the late 1950s, a small group of EFCA leaders began to pray seriously about the need for a Christian college in Canada. After years of prayer and planning, Trinity Junior College opened in September 1962 to equip leaders for the local church. 

From that time forward, the school, now known as Trinity Western University, has grown to encompass 157 acres in Langley, British Columbia, including two extension campuses in Canada and 5,000 students enrolled. TWU is now Canada’s largest privately funded Christian university, and the addition of TEDS opens new opportunities to prepare men and women for faithful, thoughtful and transformative ministry in North America and beyond. 

Shared theology

Trinity Western University was birthed out of EFCA efforts to fulfill the Great Commission in Canada and beyond. This commitment to make disciples of all nations is rooted in shared theological convictions and is expressed in the many investments the institution has made in the local church.  

Additionally, the EFCA, TEDS and TWU share a common Statement of Faith. While geography and organizational affiliation create lines of distinction between each entity, our commitment to biblical authority and the essentials of the Christian faith create a unifying bond of partnership in service to God's kingdom. As organizations committed to the authority of the Scriptures, the EFCA, TEDS and TWU will work to invest in the next generation of leaders for service to the Church. 

Shared mission

Developing pastors and ministry leaders for service in the EFCA is crucial to our ability to fulfill God's calling on our movement––and a healthy and robust relationship with TWU and TEDS will help us multiply transformational churches among all people.  

Dr. Todd Martin, president of TWU, had this to say about our shared mission: “We cherish our longstanding connection with the EFCA, and this addition of TEDS to our university will only deepen that relationship. Through both in-person instruction and online learning, TEDS as a part of TWU can continue its mission to train pastors, missionaries and leaders for EFCA churches.” 

Our world needs the gospel. It is evident in every sphere of life that healthy, transformational churches are a means through which God renews and restores what sin and brokenness destroy. TEDS will continue to be a gift to churches within the EFCA and beyond as the next generation of church leaders are trained to navigate the throes of ministry in our age.  

Looking forward

Join us—the EFCA, TEDS, and TWU—as we pray for the Lord’s continued guidance in this transition. He has been evident in the process thus far, and we are expectant that His faithfulness will see TEDS into a new season through renewed partnership with Trinity Western University. 

• Additional details regarding the 2025-2026 academic school year can be found on the Trinity Evangelical Divinity School website. 
• Forthcoming changes at TEDS will require amendments to the EFCA Bylaws which will be addressed during the 2025 Business Session at EFCA One.

_______________________________

FAQs

Several EFCA leaders address frequently asked questions regarding the forthcoming arrangement between TEDS and TWU. Additional FAQs are available on the TEDS website.