1991

Numerous seminars and conferences held in Ukraine at the beginning of the 90s (immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union) stressed a need for systematic theological education which was met by setting up International Extra-Mural Institute in Kyiv in 1991.

1992

In August of 1992, Poliana, Transcarpathia, hosted a month-long seminar for pastors and leaders of various ministries, who completed a program similar to one of a Bible School. That was the first step on the way to founding Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary.

1993

In September of 1993, a year-long program of Higher Spiritual School was approved. It became clear upon completion of the first year of studies that along with general education students needed also specialized theological and music education.

1994

After moving to Kyiv in September of 1994, two programs were introduced – Music Ministry and Christian Education, with completion certificate issued, as well as diploma-based Christian Ministry course.

1998

In March 1998, in connection with lease problems, Higher Spiritual School moved to Boyarka, which is 30 kilometers from Kyiv. At that time its official name was changed into Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary at the Union of Free Churches of Evangelical Faith of Ukraine. Efforts were taken to develop and improve syllabus and curricula, which were later accredited by European Evangelical Accreditation Association (EEAA).

2000

In August of 2000 a real miracle occurred. By God’s mercy and with support of God’s Assembly of Australia, Overseas Council International and local churches the seminary bought premises in a picturesque area of Kyiv, Pushcha-Vodytsia. This event provided new opportunities for expansion of the seminary’s activities.

2003

2003 is a special year in development of a non-resident Christian Ministry program. For the first time in history of the seminary two groups of students enrolled in this program, among them 104 pastors and ministers from Ukrainian and Russian churches. Also, a library was solemnly opened to serve needs of both students, faculty, and local churches.

2004

2004 saw reconstruction of the main Academic Center housing the majority of classrooms and offices. Another step was made in development of the extension department – an extra enrollment of students upon a request of churches increased the number of groups to three, with the total number of students being 122.

2005

2005 is a year when a project of Alumni Assistance through development of missionary, literary, social funds, and the fund of youth ministry was introduced.

2006

In 2006 the first 7 graduating bachelors of Theology and Christian Ministry program defended their thesis and got their qualification diplomas.

2007

2007 featured approval of the master’s degree Transformative Leadership program adapted for leaders of both Christian, and secular organizations. New seminars and trainings for churches were introduced.

2008

In 2008 the first session of the master’s program Transformative Leadership was held. It was attended by 20 church ministers and businessmen.

2009

In 2009 European Evangelical Accreditation Association examined the resident program Theology and Christian Ministry to confirm its accreditation on the ground of its compliance with Bologna education standards.

2010

2010 was a further step in development of academic programs. Two new programs, youth resident program Foundation and non-resident Foundations of Christian Counselling came into existence. That year also marked 10-year anniversary of friendship with College Park partner church (Indianapolis, USA)

2011

2011 introduced extended 2-year program Music Ministry and Theology.

2012

In 2012 UETS celebrated 20 years of its ministry, with 111 students completing their studies. In September the seminary leadership underwent changes. Ivan Rusyn was appointed as the new rector, and the former rector, Anatoliy Hlukhovskyi, chaired its board.

2013

2013 launched two new programs: an MTh in Pentecostal and Charismatic Theology and a certificate in Psychological Counselling and Psychocorrective Work with Children and Teenagers.

2014

In 2014 the European Evangelical Accreditation Association extended accreditation of the bachelor’s resident program Theology and Christian Ministry until 2019, and began the accreditation process of the master’s program Transformative Leadership.

2015

In 2015 UETS began a partnership with Scholars Leaders International (SLI), an international organization dealing with strategic development of higher education institutions. The master’s degree program Transformative Leadership received accreditation with the European Evangelical Accreditation Association. UETS held its first Music in Worship international conference with thepurpose of developing music ministry and spirituality in churches.

2016

2016 was a year of innovation and renovation with a number of projects competed with the help of international partners of UETS, in particular College Park Church, USA. We impoved access to high-speed Internet, modernized classrooms, renovated dormitories, etc. The international partnership of UETS with Great Britain, particularly with the NEXUS School of Creative Arts and London School of Theology, was also reinforced.

2017

In 2017 the seminary marked its 25th anniversary of serving the Church and society in Ukraine, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. First Baptist Church of Georgetown, TX, USA, sponsored the renovation of the chapel. Students, graduates, faculty, staff and board members took an active part in the organization of official R500 events. UETS contributed to the drafting of a resolution by the Evangelical churches of Ukraine.

2018

Введено нову магістерську програму "Місія в сучасному місті". На навчання до семінарії навчається 542 студента – це рекордна кількість студентів за всю історію існування УЄТС. Видано серію книг з психології. В цьому році семінарією спільно з Overseas Council було розроблено та введено в дію 5-річний план розвитку.

2019

Three seminary faculty members received a doctorate degree. The seminary began publishing books for the Mission in the Modern City program. The first theological conference "Theology for Life", started by UETS, took place. The first graduation of the UETS branch in Central Asia took place, with 47 graduates receiving certificates.

2020

This year UETS went through the challenge of caused by COVID-19 limitations. But all the programs continued to run and provide educational services to UETS students.

2021

Two full-time faculty members earned a PhD degree. Online learning instruments are integrated into all programmes. A new video studio is developed for creating fully online courses. Three satellite programs are started in Ukraine and one in Central Asia. The first Christian counseling conference "Soul and the word", was initiated by UETS, and took place at the campus.

2022

In 2022, when the Russian Federation started its unprovoked aggression against Ukraine and its troops tried to besiege Kyiv, the seminary happened to be in the active warzone. As a result, its campus was severely damaged in shelling. However, shortly after the liberation of the territories around the capital, UETS resumed its educational ministry in full scope in the online mode and launched a large-scale relief ministry. Later that same year, due to the support provided by UETS partners, the seminary managed to rebuild its campus.

2023

In the second month of the war, UETS continued its relief ministry, ranging from feeding the needy on its campus and providing winterization items to people suffering from regular blackouts and power outages to relief trips undertaken to deliver humanitarian aid to the liberated areas and warzone. Also, in addition to its traditional bachelor’s and master’s programs, the seminary opened a number of short-term certification programs to meet the needs of the church and society in the war-torn Ukraine such as Social Ministry Workshop, Counseling Basics, Formation of New Leaders.

2024

UETS received the licensing of the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. The government recognition, along with the accreditation from the European Council for Theological Education, opened new ministry opportunities. The possibility to award formal degrees was not only about continuous enhancement of the quality of the theological programs we offered, but also unprecedented partnership with the Ukrainian government in the context of training chaplains, aid workers and other ministers to serve the war-affected Ukrainian society.