As the new academic year approaches, Edinburgh Theological Seminary (ETS) is gearing up for a busy start with several key events in early September. Students, potential students, alumni and members of the wider Christian community are invited to attend.
Annual Opening Service – Monday 2nd September
The new term at ETS will officially begin with the seminary’s annual Opening Service on Monday, 2nd September, at 7:30 pm, held at St Columba’s Free Church in Edinburgh. The service marks the start of the academic year and offers an opportunity to welcome new and returning students.
This year’s guest speaker will be Jeremy McQuoid, Chair of Keswick Ministries and Pastor of Deeside Christian Fellowship Church, Aberdeenshire. Known for his engaging preaching and leadership in Christian discipleship, McQuoid will address the student body and faculty as they begin the academic year.
The event is open to the public.
Open Day for Prospective Students – Friday 6th September
On Friday, 6th September, ETS will open its doors for a special Open Day, offering prospective students the chance to experience the seminary first-hand. The event will provide visitors with a tour of the historic city-centre campus, opportunities to sit in on classes, and the chance to meet lecturers and current students.
ETS hopes the Open Day will give potential applicants a better understanding of life at the seminary as they consider enrolling for theological studies. The event is free, and if you are interested, you can sign up in advance.
Annual Conference – Saturday 7th September
The following day, Saturday, 7th September, ETS will host its Annual Conference at St Columba’s Free Church. This year’s conference, titled “We Believe: Why the Creed Matters Today”, will focus on the significance of the Nicene Creed, which celebrates its 1700th anniversary next year. The one-day event will run from 9:45 am to 4:30 pm and is open to the public, with a registration fee of £15.
The conference will feature notable speakers, including Rev. Dr Sinclair Ferguson of Reformed Theological Seminary, Dr Michael McClenahan from Union Theological College in Belfast, and members of the ETS faculty. Together, they will examine the Creed’s relevance in today’s world, covering topics such as the biblical foundations of the Creed, its role in defending orthodoxy, and its importance for the contemporary Church.
The conference is expected to draw a large crowd of students, church members, and Christian leaders, providing a time of reflection and discussion on the central tenets of Christian belief.
ETS sees the conference as a key event in its academic year, serving as both a learning experience and a time of fellowship for all attendees.
Looking Ahead
With the Opening Service, Open Day, and Annual Conference all scheduled in quick succession, ETS is set to begin the academic year with a strong focus on learning and community. These events reflect the seminary’s commitment to equipping students and the wider Christian community with sound theological education and a deeper understanding of their faith.
Further information is available on the ETS website for those interested in attending the conference or learning more about the seminary.
Event Details at a Glance:
- Opening Service: Monday 2nd September, 7:30 pm, St Columba’s Free Church
- Open Day: Friday 6th September, ETS Campus
- Annual Conference: Saturday 7th September, 9:45 am – 4:30 pm, St Columba’s Free Church, Cost: £15 per person