The EBTC exists to equip disciples of Christ for life in order to serve the church of Christ. We do not seek solely to impart knowledge, but to help form the students’ character so they develop a deep and genuine love for the triune God, His Word, His truth and His church and increase ever more in Christ-like humility in their relationship with others.
We want biblical principles to form the basis for our time of fellowship and working together. Practices that clearly contradict God’s Word are thus not tolerated at EBTC (such as drunkenness, sexual immorality and dishonesty, 1 Cor 6:9-20). We greatly value such character traits that should distinguish every Christian, such as neighbourly love, restraint, integrity and high moral standards as described in the Word of God (Eph 4:24-5:8). These are the things we want to practice in deed and in truth.
In principle, we recognize the Christian freedom on unquestionable issues, but freedom must not be confused with licentiousness. Acts 15 and Romans 14 instruct us clearly on how to deal with things that could harm others or tempt them to sin.
Therefore, we would urge both EBTC staff and students to pay heed to what they see and hear and how they spend their (free) time. Questionable secular establishments should be avoided altogether, and prudence and restraint should be exercised with regard to leisure activities (including radio, television, movies, music, literature and media of all kinds) as befits a Christian (Phil 4:8-9; 1Cor 10:13; Phil 1:27; 1Pet 2:12).
We recognize that abiding by these guidelines does not constitute all of one’s responsibilities to God. Observing them does not necessarily indicate a life of complete devotion to God. We are however convinced that a willingness to adhere to these guidelines demonstrate maturity and godliness within the body of Christ (Gal 5:13-24).
We believe that those who are called to instruct and lead others in the Christian faith, are be expected to exhibit a consistent and exemplary way of life. With this in mind, we also want to take the liberty of approaching one another in brotherly love in order to admonish and encourage one another should the situation require it (Mt 18:15-20; Heb 10:24; Gal 6:1).
1. Punctuality always leaves a good impression. Students are expected to be on time for class – including the sermon before the first morning lecture. All assignments must be submitted on time. A well-known preacher once pointed out the relevance of punctuality by saying: »There is no such thing as a Monday sermon!«
2. Dress Code and EBTC Etiquette: As we wish to focus on teaching, and since Bible students also act as role models in the churches where the EBTC is located, we attach great importance to a neat and tidy appearance. Our dress code for class is »business casual«, »smart casual« or »casual«. For men, the standard is long trousers / jeans (but not torn), a shirt / polo shirt and decent shoes. Worn-out slippers, spaghetti straps and skimpy clothing of any kind are not considered suitable for class. When preaching, students of the Expository Preaching program must make sure they wear a suit with tie / bow tie (business casual).
3. Commitment to Serve: We want to follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ, who »did not come to be served, but to serve«. Keep an eye out for opportunities to serve practically – whether in the church or in your (host) families.
4. Mandatory Attendance: Mandatory attendance begins with the first day of classes. It also extends to devotions and meals. Any absence, including that from online classes, must be reported in written form to the respective course assistant at least two days in advance, except in cases of acute illness. Each student may miss one class weekend per school year. With more absences, it is not possible to complete the course. In rare cases, an exception may be granted for compelling reasons. If a student misses a class, they have to independently arrange for a classmate to make a recording and catch up on the lecture in order to be able to complete the course. Hybrid classes via Zoom are only offered in the event of assembly bans on the respective venue.
5. Online Classes: Some classes are taught online. As students should participate just as actively in the online format as they do in the in-person context, there are some guidelines to be followed.
Online participation is compulsory, just like with in-person classes. Students are expected to attend all lectures. For proof of attendance, it is mandatory to turn on the camera at all times. The teachers/mentors want to be able to see and communicate with both the on-site participants and the online participants. (Exceptions can only be granted by the instructor).
6. Personal Computer: Students are strongly encouraged to use a laptop or tablet to take notes during class, as most of the course material is provided in digital form. However, the use of these devices and the internet is strictly limited to the subject of the class and excludes any other activities such as social media, e-mail, texting/messaging, etc. during class.
7. Assignments, Exams and Tests: All study assignments such as homework, exams and tests should be completed within the allotted time and uploaded to the specified platform by the set deadline. After the deadline, submission is no longer possible and the work will be marked with 0%. The deadline cannot be extended.
Only in rare cases and for compelling reasons can the location or program director grant a grace period. In this case, the course assistant must be notified before the deadline expires. Following a positive reply by the location or program director, the student must submit the assignment within the agreed grace period.
The following exception applies to the Biblical Studies (Express) program: a deadline can be extended by thirty days for chapter headings and book summaries. Submissions within this additional period will be graded with a deduction of ten percentage points. Once a deadline has expired, submission is no longer possible and the assignment will be assessed with 0%.
Any dishonesty such as copying or plagiarism (appropriation of someone else’s intellectual work) is prohibited and will be assessed with 0%.
8. Questions during Class: In principle, teachers welcome all topic-related questions that prove that the students are thinking for themselves. Questions of a personal nature do not belong in the classroom. Teachers should always be treated with courtesy and respect. Questions may be critical, but insinuations, impertinent remarks and the expression of personal opinions should be avoided. In general, teachers are also willing to take questions during breaks.
9. Guest Auditors: Guest students can audit all classes except „Character Development“ and the In-Class and Church internship classes (Biblical Counselling program). A sense of restraint is expected on the part of visiting students. They should not actively participate in class by asking questions or commenting. Any questions can be addressed with the school administration afterwards.
10. Food and Drink: Students are permitted to take drinks into the classroom during lessons (but not during devotionals, church services or other events). Eating during class is prohibited.
11. Expulsion from School: Integrity is a core value at EBTC. In the event of repeated or persistent unbiblical (moral-ethical) behavior, the location director will pursue a meeting with the student and their local church. If this does not result in a positive outcome, ultimately, expulsion will be inevitable.