See what past graduates and present students say about their time at KEDS...
I strongly recommend the MA in theology programme to anyone who is seriously thinking about undertaking advanced theological studies for a number of reasons... Most importantly, the programme provides a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the Bible and theology that prepares me to correctly interpret the word of truth and equips me for every good work. It engages me in theological reflection to grow in knowledge of and faith in God? [read more]
Dr Wilfred Lau, Hong Kong
(MA graduate)
KEDS gave me the opportunity to pursue particular questions concerning evangelical biblical interpretation in more depth than that offered by most schools. In my particular course, I was able to spend the entire Level 6 studying and writing on biblical theology - how the entire Bible fits together as a cohesive whole. It's rare to find such a sustained emphasis upon biblical theology in Bible colleges or seminaries. It is even more rare to find this emphasis at the low cost offered by KEDS. [read more]
John Summers, USA
(BTh graduate)
It ticked all the boxes for me in that I could study via distance learning and at my own pace and, most importantly, was accredited with a UK University. Also, given that the course is online, the costs are considerably less than studying while attending a Bible School or University. From day one, I enjoyed my studies. Through their lectures and written materials, the various supervisors exposed me to new concepts and various interpretations of important Biblical doctrines. [read more]
Mark Anderson, United Kingdom
(MA graduate)
The programme is challenging and does not serve up a ready-made solution but requires a high level of personal engagement and critical thinking, which, in my opinion, provides an optimal learning experience. Since KEDS is a confessional school and supports a broad yetorthodox evangelical spectrum, I especially liked the freedom to focus on the theology of my conviction, in my case, reformed theology. I think this is where KEDS offers a unique opportunity to optimally advance one's perspective through additional research, in addition to engaging with the mandatory material. [read more]
Paul Wellinger, Switzerland
(MA graduate)
KEDS' pricing is extremely competitive and was within my budget. The school’s distance learning option also allowed me to continue in my secular and pastoral work. I found many of the topics stretched my worldview by introducing me to ideas I would likely not have otherwise encountered, but above all KEDS gave me the tools I was searching for to interpret the Bible correctly.
Jason Wright, United Kingdom
(MA graduate)
I have recently obtained my M.A. in Theology, and with some regret will be leaving KEDS, although there is still the Facebook site to be part of.
Studying with KEDS has been an enjoyable, at times challenging, experience which has stretched my horizons and taught me a great deal: I will miss it. It has been a “safe” place to learn, not only being able to trust the lecturers, but also to understand opposing arguments and weigh them scripturally and, hopefully, impartially. This has led to my having a surprising amount of sympathy for the views of some others while disagreeing with them. That’s a real benefit!
During 2022 I had the opportunity of being part of a local theological college support group and was both surprised and disappointed to see the strong bias exhibited by many as they focussed on a specific outcome of their study. This attitude has always been strongly discouraged with KEDS as research needs to be unbiased.
I warmly recommend KEDS to anyone who is serious about studying the Bible in a safe and scholarly manner. The on-line resources are excellent, as are the lecturers with whom I have had contact.
Jenny Sheldon, New Zealand
(MA Graduate)
Birth of a Vision
Late in 1990 a group of Evangelical church ministers and leaders in the Midlands area met to discuss a pastor's vision to form a Bible training institute for local Christians. A handful of church leaders decided to go ahead with the initial vision and a few months later plans to launch the new Bible school were underway. On 2 October 1991 the new Midlands Bible Institute (MBI) held its first class in a local church (a former convent, pictured).
From Training Institute to Theological College
Initially MBI offered evening classes just twice a week. Eventually a third evening of classes was added. The curriculum focused primarily upon Bible studies with some additional emphasis on practical training, for example homiletics. Courses were unaccredited and most of the tutors were local church pastors.
With the inclusion of several tutors with higher degrees in theology, by the mid-1990s MBI was developing a more formal educational approach and philosophy of education. Consequently an application was made to become a centre for the teaching of a post A-level Diploma in Religious Studies administered by a national exam board. The application was successful and for the first time students at MBI could earn a nationally-recognised qualification in theology.
Also around this time the school launched its own internally-validated Knowing Your Bible (KYB) programme. This was developed over the next few years and continues to this day. Since its launch several thousand students have studied on the KYB programme. By the end of the 1990s the KYB programme was delivered primarily through distance learning via audio cassettes and workbooks. This marked the beginning of the college’s focus on distance learning studies, which would eventually come to define a central aspect of the school.
First Degree Programme
Despite the Diploma in Religious Studies providing students with a formal qualification, nonetheless the syllabus was written by an external body over which Midlands Bible College had no input. Thus, in 2002 work began on developing our own programme and syllabus for validation with a British university. Within several years a Certificate of Higher Education (the first year of a BTh degree) was agreed with a state university. In the years that followed a Diploma was added, followed by a full BTh degree focusing on biblical studies and interpretation (hermeneutics). A new Master of Arts degree in theology followed later that decade.
By 2009 the college was no longer based in the Midlands, necessitating a name change. The new name chosen was the King’s Evangelical Divinity School (KEDS).
Conference held at a church in Hammersmith, London
Focus Upon Online Learning
Although the initial BTh classes were held in a classroom setting, because of the success of the KYB distance learning programme KEDS also offered a distance learning option for the degree. The school also began to develop its own online eCampus, which quickly became the primary means of course delivery. As a result of making programmes of study available online the student body began to change to include a much more international demography. Thus, when MBI launched in 1991 all students were recruited locally. Today about 60% of students come from across the UK and a further 40% or so study from overseas. Currently, aside from the UK, KEDS has students from across the European Union, the US, Australia, New Zealand, UAE and Hong Kong. Faculty and visiting speakers are likewise international in nature.
In 2010 validation of the degree programmes was moved to another university and in 2011 a Graduate Diploma in Theology was added to the list of validated programmes. More recently, an internally-validated focusing on Jewish-Christian studies was introduced, which follows a similar delivery method and pattern to that of the KYB programme. In 2023 the school has embarked upon validation of its programme with a new university.
Other Activities
Today all programmes are delivered wholly online through KEDS’ bespoke eCampus. However, the school has and continues to be involved in other related activities, having organised missions events and trips, study trips to Israel, Bible conferences and theological publishing.
Click on the names below to find out more about our Faculty members.
Calvin Smith
Principal
Andy Cheung
Director of Operations
Stephen Vantassel
Director of Studies
David Williams
Senior Faculty
Thomas Fretwell
Jewish-Christian Studies
Walter Lamberti
New Testament Studies
Jermo van Nes
New Testament Greek and New Testament Studies
Yaya Obozua
Hermeneutics and African Studies
Donna Orr
Old Testament Studies
Anthony Royle
Biblical Studies
Matt Wong
New Testament
Alexander Yukhymishen
New Testament Greek and Biblical Hebrew
Rubén Gómez
Jewish-Christian studies
Other Speakers and Past Contributors
Dr Darrell Bock (Dallas Theological Seminary)
Dr David Bostock (NHS chaplain)
Dr Mitch Glaser (President, Chosen People Ministries)
Revd Dr Colin Warner
Revd Dr Daniel Mercaldo (Senior Pastor, Church at the Gateway, New York)
Revd. Christopher Smith (Founder, King's Evangelical Divinity School)
Julian Spriggs (Youth With a Mission)
Revd Tony Stone (evangelist)
Rabbi Leonard Tann (Chief Rabbi, Birmingham Hebrew Congregation)
Dr Derek Tidball (formerly Principal of London School of Theology)
Dr Amos Yong (J. Rodman Williams Professor of Theology, Regent University, Virginia)
KEDS offers several distinctives. If you are seeking any or all of the following in pursuit of a theological education, then KEDS may be for you.
Evangelical
While we welcome students from all backgrounds, KEDS is a confessional Evangelical school focusing on Evangelical studies and theology. Tutors and the majority of students come from across the Evangelical spectrum.
Yet KEDS does not seek to "push" or promote a particular brand of Evangelicalism, whether Reformed, Dispensational, Charismatic, Arminian, or whatever. Our main focus is biblical interpretation (see below) and we encourage students to think independently, engage critically with theological issues and develop a strong knowledge and understanding of the Bible to reach their own independent views.
Competitively-Priced and Flexible Online Learning
KEDS specialises in online theological studies. Our programmes are delivered through our innovative eCampus, providing remote learners with flexibility and ease of access to theological studies.
Distance education is also considerably more economical than traditional taught programmes requiring residence at an institution. Furthermore, our course fees are highly competitive.
The Bible, Hermeneutics and Theology
Our primary focus is the development of excellent biblical knowledge, understanding and interpretative skills. KEDS courses focus strongly upon biblical interpretation across all levels.
Moreover, KEDS seeks to move beyond abstract theoretical hermeneutics to include application and engagement within ministerial, practical and cultural contexts, essential if believers are to respond robustly and effectively in a globalised, postmodern world.
Jewish-Christian Studies
While studies and modules on offer at KEDS are varied, there is a strong focus on the Jewish world of the Old and New Testaments. So for those specifically seeking a Jewish-Christian focus the school offers studies in this field.
KEDS is a non-denominational, Evangelical institution that subscribes to the historic decisions of the early church councils.
The school holds to the sovereignty of God, the Trinity and the deity of Christ, the virgin conception, salvation through Jesus Christ, the present work of the Holy Spirit, and the future return of Christ. We also believe in the unity of Scripture and consider the Bible as the final authority on issues of Christian faith and practice.
This high view of Scripture underpins the ministry of the college, and all permanent lecturers and staff are in agreement with this position.
Students are drawn from across the Christian faith and the school encourages genuine and thoughtful debate, providing it is biblically-based and theologically-sound. As such, KEDS does not subscribe to a lengthy and prescriptive statement of belief.
While the vast majority of students come from within Evangelical Christianity, we welcome non-Evangelicals to study at the the school, providing they are suitably respectful of and do not promote views contrary to our orthodox, historic and mainstream Evangelical values and beliefs.
