Trinity Evangelical Divinity School To Become Part of Trinity Western University

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS), affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA), will become part of Trinity Western University (TWU). TEDS, located in Deerfield, Illinois, has trained church leaders for 128 years. Over the past four decades, discussions between TEDS and TWU have explored a potential collaboration.

TWU, based in Langley, British Columbia, is Canada’s largest privately funded Christian university. The university announced it will “assume ownership of TEDS free of any financial obligations—as a gift to be stewarded for local and global future generations seeking a Christ-centred education with firm evangelical roots.”

The acquisition, which will occur in stages, is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025. “TWU anticipates welcoming seminary students into the new school at the Langley campus beginning in the fall of 2026,” the university stated.

Generations of pastors, leaders, and missionaries trained at TEDS have served the EFCA faithfully. The EFCA expressed gratitude for this legacy and noted that TEDS will continue to impact the movement as it collaborates with TWU and the Evangelical Free Church of Canada to pursue the Great Commission.

TWU President Todd F. Martin emphasized the value of the EFCA relationship, stating that the addition of TEDS will deepen that connection. Kevin Kompelien, president of Trinity International University, highlighted the potential of TEDS thriving within a larger, theologically aligned evangelical university.

Ed Stetzer, dean of Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, described the move as a “seismic change” in theological education, reflecting broader shifts in how church leaders receive training.

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