A legacy etched in stone. That’s what Tyndale Theological Seminary represents. Here in Badhoevedorp near Amsterdam stands a testament to faith and learning.
Tyndale Theological Seminary opened its doors in 1985. It’s named after William Tyndale a 16th-century Bible translator. He risked his life to bring God’s Word to the people. He worked in the Low Countries smuggling his translations back to England. Tyndale was executed for his beliefs in 1536. His legacy lives on in this seminary.
The seminary was the vision of Dr Robert Evans. He had already started the European Bible Institute Committee in 1949. Dr Arthur Johnston became its first president. He and his wife Muriel had been church planters in France. They returned to Europe to establish Tyndale. They envisioned a school for training future pastors missionaries and teachers. They assembled a missionary team to begin this work.
The first classes began in 1985. Eight graduate students attended those first modular classes. The location near Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport was convenient. Many visiting professors came to teach. They included professors from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Even Billy Graham helped with funding.
The seminary now occupies a building that was once an elementary school. It’s called Chatlos Hall. In 2005 a dormitory was added to house 60 students. A new dining hall was created. The school changed from a modular system to two longer terms.
Tyndale offers a Master of Divinity and a Master of Evangelical Theology. These programs are accredited by the European Council for Theological Education. The Master of Evangelical Theology also gained accreditation from the NVAO. This is the Dutch governmental accreditation agency. Tyndale received official recognition as a Dutch institution for higher learning.
Today students from over 20 nations study here. In its history Tyndale has welcomed students from over 80 nations. This vibrant international community is part of the Amsterdam area’s rich diversity. It offers opportunities to serve within diverse churches. The seminary continues to fulfill its founders’ vision. It trains leaders for Christian ministry around the world. The spirit of William Tyndale lives on.