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Introduction: A Description by John H. Kromminga

Many profound changes have occurred in the Christian church throughout the world. Churches founded through mission activity are coming to maturity and experiencing the need of well trained leadership. This need is underscored by the situation in many countries where it is difficult or impossible for missionaries from the West to work within their borders. It is increasingly necessary that Christianity be seen as adaptable to all cultures, and not merely a foreign import. At the same time, new ethnic congregations are being formed in North America by immigrant groups. They, too, need those to minister to them who are not only well-trained in traditional theology, but who understand the culture which has shaped the members of the congregation.

It was to meet these needs that International Theological Seminary (ITS) was founded in 1982. The seminary offers a sound theological education in the Reformed tradition, taught by competent professors. The generosity of friends makes it possible for the seminary to offer some forms of free tuition and a living subsidy to scholarship students who pledge to return to their home countries and serve the church there.

Training for ministry in ethnic communities in North America is carried on in cooperation with others. Since its founding International Theological Seminary has enjoyed a close relationship with Calvin Seminary. Visiting professors from Calvin serve at International Theological Seminary each year.

The curriculum of International Theological Seminary is in the standard theological mode of Reformed seminaries, but is particularly addressed to the needs of the unique student body. The focus is not on making overseas churches conform to a traditional pattern, but on making the teaching of theology serve the genuine needs of the church which God has graciously brought into existence.

But the chief jewel of International Theological Seminary is its student body. Although they come from a wide variety of backgrounds and from several continents, they are bound together by a common purpose. Because there is no single national group which is predominant, there is a great deal of understanding of one another's problems. "Where all are aliens, none are aliens." Although their educational backgrounds are also varied, they all have one great advantage over the traditional missionary: they will be presenting the gospel in their own language and culture, not one laboriously studied and imperfectly learned by an outsider.

International Theological Seminary thus stands at the cutting edge of the world-wide development of the Christian church. It merits the concern, the prayers, and the support of Christians who wish to make thankful use of what God is doing in the far-flung areas of what we call the Third World.

The Late Dr. John H. Kromminga, President Emeritus