Edinburgh Theological Seminary

01/09/2026

The start of a new academic session at ETS was marked joyfully last night at the annual Opening Service at St Columba’s Free Church, Edinburgh.

The service, which was well attended by students, their families and many friends, was conducted by Principal Iver Martin. He spoke about the importance of a confessional seminary that adheres closely to the supreme authority of Scripture.

Two students then reflected on their time at ETS, speaking warmly of its ethos and learning environment, before guest speaker Dr David Strain gave an address on Christian Formation as the essential basis for ministry.

Working through 2 Peter 1, Dr Strain spoke of Christian foundation as being rooted in the gospel, advanced by effort, comprehensive in scope, progressive in character, the basis of fruitfulness and the key to longevity.

As a new term begins, we are excited to welcome a new intake of students and thankful for the help and prayerful support we receive from so many friends.

31/08/2026

The first ETS postgraduate seminar of the new academic session will be held tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday 1st September) between 2.15pm and 3.45pm (BST). This will be available both in person in the ETS Centre for Mission room (on the top floor of the ETS building) and online.

We are delighted that the speaker at our first seminar (who intends to join us in person) at our first seminar will be Dr Donald John MacLean. Dr MacLean is President and Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology at Westminster Seminary UK (Westminster Seminary UK). He is a minister of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of England and Wales, and serves as an elder at Cambridge Presbyterian Church. Dr MacLean also serves as a trustee of the Banner of Truth Trust and of Tyndale House, Cambridge.

Dr MacLean's presentation is titled 'Reflections on John Murray’s Rediscovered Lectures on the Westminster Confession'.

Visitors, online or in person, are welcome. Please send a message to awilson[at]ets.ac.uk if you would like to receive connection details.

31/08/2026

All welcome to join us this evening as we welcome new and returning students and celebrate the start of a new term at ETS! Our Opening Service will include an address on 'Christian Formation' by minister and author Dr David Strain.

28/08/2026

Iver Martin and Thomas Davis discuss the upcoming ETS Conference, introduce the speakers and explore the theme at its heart: The Free Offer of the Gospel.

➡ Register now! ets.ac.uk/annual-conference

21/08/2026

Join us on Monday 31st as we welcome new and returning students and celebrate the start of a new term at ETS! Our Opening Service will include praise, prayer, and an address on 'Christian Formation' by minister and author Dr David Strain.

ETS seeks to provide training and preparation by which men and women can bring the historic gospel of Jesus Christ to Scotland, the UK and the wider world.

20/08/2026

Next month, the FIEC’s 14-session online Certificate in Independent Church Ministry, delivered in partnership with ETS, recommences.

Find out more and sign up: https://ets.ac.uk/courses/certificate-in-independent-church-ministry/

FIEC article: https://fiec.org.uk/news/certificate-in-independent-church-ministry-2026

13/08/2026

It’s time to register for the Saturday Courses at ETS! Lectures will resume on 12 September.
➡️ Find out more & register: ets.ac.uk/saturday-courses

The Saturday Courses offer a rich and flexible way to deepen your understanding of God’s Word without the demands of full-time study. Held one Saturday a month, in person or online, they’re open and accessible to all — with the option to earn a Certificate in Theology or Diploma in Christian Studies.

Standard: £326 a year
Concessions (e.g. senior citizens): £100
Veterans (four or more years’ faithful attendance): £60
Full-time Students: £60
Auditors (no essays): £60
18 and under: Free!

12/08/2026

Thomas Davis, Systematic Theology lecturer at ETS and author of God Is God & You Are You, reflects on confidence and faith in this article from Christian Focus Publications.

Sharing our faith can often leave us feeling inadequate and apprehensive. Thomas Davis, of Free Church of Scotland, considers where Christians should look for the confidence to speak about Jesus.

Read the full piece: https://christianfocuspublications.substack.com/p/confidence-where-do-we-find-it?r=6mxuq5&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Order now: https://www.christianfocus.com/en-gb/product/9781527109384/god-is-god-and-you-are-you-paperback

10/08/2026

Now is the perfect time to apply for Personal Study Plan modules taking place during the Autumn Term. Today we are highlighting OT101, 'Introduction to the Old Testament', which will run from 9am-1pm on Friday mornings. Students taking this module will gain greater understanding of the Old Testament in its Ancient Near East context, evaluate a covenantal framework for the Old Testament, and grow in their understanding of the redemptive storyline of the Scriptures.

Find out more: https://ets.ac.uk/courses/personal-study-plan/

31/07/2026

🎓 Congratulations to our recent graduates and students who have completed their studies!

We are delighted to celebrate so many students who have completed their studies over the past year, including those who graduated in person this summer at the University of Glasgow and others who have completed their programmes.

Congratulations to:

Bachelor of Theology (BTh)

Gary Coburn
Chris de Waal
Caroline Dickson
Micha-Lukas Gaub
Keith Knowlton
Philip Lawson
Olly Livingstone
Scott Macleod
John Meagher
William Sanders
Hannah Seekings
Stephen Strong
Michal Sylwestrowicz

Master of Theology (MTh)

Annemarie Douglas (Missiology)
Ashton Gomez (Missiology)
Simon Harrison (Missiology)
Heather Munro (Missiology)
Madison Cothran (Missiology)
Naomi Murray (Scottish Church History & Theology)
Robert Watson (Missiology)
Robert Wipf (Missiology)
Larry Torres (Research)
Winfield Benko (Research)
Stephane Simonnin (Research)

We thank God for each of these students and pray that He will continue to guide and bless them as they serve Him in the years ahead.