From the very start, EBC has aimed to be as accessible and as flexible as possible, so that we can make our teaching available to as many people as possible – whoever they are and wherever they are.

We are now going to capitalise on the the possibilities afforded by zoom and run weekly evening classes so that even more people can benefit from inspirational Bible teaching.

In autumn 2021 we will be running two 5 week series focussing on the gospel – Gripped by the Gospel and Guard the Gospel. Click on the module name for details of the course along with dates, times, cost and how to register.

Joshua Truesdale graduated in 2019 with a Diploma in Applied Theology and in 2020 with a Licentiate in Theology, having successfully completed our third year Advanced Ministry Apprenticeship Programme In this interview with our Principal he shares why he chose EBC in the first place and why he would encourage others to do the same.

EBC is committed to preparing God’s people for God’s purposes, and to do that especially within the context of the local church.  To that end, we take no greater pleasure than in preparing suitably gifted men for pastoral ministry.

Our Diploma in Applied Theology covers all the usual and important subjects of Systematic Theology, Biblical Theology and Practical Theology and we put a great deal of emphasis on spiritual formation and disciplines as well as giving student opportunities for practical experience alongside classroom learning.

Now, from autumn 2021, to augment all of that, we will be rolling out our new Pastoral Theology module which we hope and believe will be of interest, not only to those training for pastoral ministry, but also some who have been engaged in that work for some time and who would benefit from a refresher course and even those currently involved in pastoral work but who never received any real equipping for that role.

In our Pastoral Theology module we will cover both the principles and practices involved in the work of ministry, looking at four main areas:

1. The Pastor’s Character, Calling and Connections

We will reflect the biblical emphasis which is on a godly character, ever before we consider gifting and training.   We will examine the mechanics of the call of God, both subjective and objective, and following a call to a local church and from one church to another.  And we will look at the Pastor’s connections and relationships – with God, his familyand himself.

• The Pastor’s Disciplines

Just as Paul encouraged Timothy to “watch your life”, so the personal life of a Pastor is of immense importance to their public ministry.   This course will consider such issues as reading and study, prayer, time management, leisure and relaxation.

• The Pastor’s Leadership

One of the greatly neglected areas of pastoral ministry is the leadership role – giving vision and direction to his people as well as modelling servant leadership.  We will study all of this, along with identifying, developing, appointing, and working with other leaders, dealing with conflict resolution and church discipline issues, and chairing meetings

• The Pastor’s Ministry

Here is the public face of the Pastor.  How can we be best prepared for leading worship and preaching, for pastor care in general and for ministering to the sick and dying in particular, not to mention, weddings, funerals, and baptisms and the ongoing work of evangelism, discipling and mission.

We anticipate that this course will involve about 3 hours of clasrooom study each week during College term time and another 5-6 hours of personal study and work each week.

All those teaching the course will be experienced practitioners, men who have given their lives to this high calling of pastoral ministry and have considerable experience in pastoral ministry, because we believe practitioners are the best tutors and role models.   I myself, as well as heading up EBC pastor a local church and have pastored two other churches in previous years. 

Peter has just completed the first year of what we call ‘blended learning’ with EBC. This has enabled him to do some study via zoom classes while attending other classes in person as covid restrictions have allowed. That approach might also work for you, in which case we would be delighted to hear from you.

Kevin is currently studying with EBC, taking advantage of our zoom classes, and is hoping to do further study with us. Our Principal asked him why he chose EBC to study with and what he would say to other potential students who were exploring study options.

Ian Llewelyn has just completed his Diploma in Applied Theology and is continuing into a third year of practical training at EBC. In this interview with the Principal he explains why he chose EBC over other training options, and why he would encourage others to do the same.

Pastor Adam Urban of Poland, one of our first EBC Graduates, tells why he chose to study at EBC, and why he would encourage others to do the same.

A Christian may not always be conscious of the Holy Spirit’s presence, but he would not even be a Christian in his absence. 

John Blanchard

Tragically, for many, the subject of the person and work of the Holy Spirt has become controversial and divisive. Our latest updated module closely examines what the Scriptures teach about the person and ministry of the third person of the Holy Spirit.

More details here.

This is a subject that is almost uniquely close to the heart of God and therefore should be close to our hearts as well. Given how important the Church is to God we will not be surprised to discover that he has a great deal to say about the Church in the Scriptures.   The individual believer and the local congregation of believers that wants to grow in Christ-likeness and spiritual maturity will be the believer and congregation that brings themselves under the authoritative teaching of God’s Word and seeks to live in as close conformity to it as possible.

We have just added a brand new e-Learning module on The Doctrine of the Church. You can find out more about it here.