Evangelisch College

What Evangelisch College does

Evangelisch College (Stichting Evangelisch College) is the largest interchurch (interdenominational) provider of part-time theological education for adults in the Netherlands, headquartered in Zwijndrecht. Founded in 1972 through predecessor organizations (Stichting Evangelische Bijbelscholen and Stichting Evangelische Theologische Academie, merged in September 2011), the institution serves approximately 1,500 students annually across 65+ physical course locations and online channels. Its portfolio spans nine thematic areas — Bible, Theology, Missionary Work, Pastoral Care, God's Kingdom and the Holy Spirit, Preaching, Youth Work, Biblical Languages, and Church Work — delivered through multi-year HBO-level degree programs, shorter vocational tracks, and ad-hoc modules. The flagship low-threshold EC-Bijbelcursus reaches 1,200+ students, while accredited programs such as Opleiding Theologie, Missionair Werk, and Pastoraal Werk (post-hbo accredited in 2025) target working adults preparing for ministry roles.

The organization's technology stack is modest and consumer-facing: a web-based study portal (studieportaal.evangelisch-college.nl) for schedules, course materials, and student administration, alongside a webshop (webshop.evangelisch-college.nl) for enrollment and study materials. There is no proprietary software platform, no API, and no AI/ML capabilities. Distribution relies on a nationwide network of physical locations hosted by local church partners (Pinkstergemeente Eindhoven, Baptistengemeente Nieuw-Buinen, Evangelische Gemeente Morgenstond, Waalse Kerk Maastricht, Baptistengemeente Het Baken, among others), supplemented by a media partnership with Groot Nieuws Radio and event presence at Opwekking.

The business model is a non-profit foundation with ANBI (Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling) status, generating revenue through tuition and course fees (e.g., €925 per study year for Studietraject Gods Koninkrijk), webshop sales of study materials, and donations and legacy gifts channeled through Stichting Vrienden van de EBS. The organization is government-independent (overheidsonafhankelijk) and does not receive state subsidies. Pricing is accessible, with a Van der Perk Studiefonds offering up to 50% tuition coverage for students in need, installment-payment options, and a €50 one-time registration fee. The foundation employs 61 staff on a notably modest compensation policy (minimum wage to 125% minimum wage for staff, 175-200% minimum wage for directors, no pension scheme) and is governed by a four-member volunteer board.

Name

Evangelisch College

Legal name

Stichting Evangelisch College

Website

https://evangelisch-college.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Evangelisch College is the largest interchurch part-time theological education provider in the Netherlands, serving approximately 1,500 adult learners annually across 65+ physical locations and online with courses spanning Bible, theology, mission, pastoral care, and ministry tracks.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adult Theological Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Denominational Theological Colleges (e.g., Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Evangelical) (EDAHAKAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Interfaith & Ecumenical Theological Colleges (EDAHAKAL), Seminaries (Graduate Theology & Ministry) (EDAHAKAA), Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD)

Keywords

• Theological education
• Biblical studies
• Adult religious education
• Ministry training
• Pastoral training

Headquarters

HQ city

Zwijndrecht

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Course Fees: The primary revenue stream consists of tuition and course fees charged per study year or module. Fees vary by program (e.g., Studietraject Gods Koninkrijk at €925 per year, plus optional study material costs). The organization also generates revenue from the sale of study materials and course modules through its webshop.
2. Donations and Legacies: As a government-independent ANBI (Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling), Stichting Evangelisch College receives tax-deductible donations and legacies from individuals, churches, and businesses. Stichting Vrienden van de EBS supports fundraising efforts including (preek)beurten, promotional materials, and the EC Magazine to generate donations and bequests for the college.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Evangelisch College provides part-time theological education and short courses for adult learners in the Netherlands, delivered across 65+ physical locations and online. Offerings include multi-year diploma programs (Theology, Biblical Languages & Exegesis, Missionary Work, Pastoral Work, Youth Work), the EC-Bijbelcursus accessible Bible course at 55+ locations, and collaborative tracks on Kingdom theology and preaching. The organization complements tuition revenue with donations and legacies through an affiliated fundraising foundation.

Product overview

Evangelisch College is an interdenominational Christian educational institute offering part-time degree programs and short courses for adults seeking to deepen their faith. The portfolio consists of a unified platform with a central LMS (Studieportaal) and a Webshop, supported by multiple branded programs. Core programs include the EC-Bijbelcursus (55+ locations nationwide), Opleiding Theologie, Opleiding Bijbel & Exegese, Opleiding Missionair Werk, Opleiding Pastoraal Werk, and the Jongerenwerkersopleiding. Specialized tracks include the Studietraject Gods Koninkrijk en de Heilige Geest (offered jointly with New Wine Nederland, Vineyard Benelux, Evangelisch Werkverband, and Rafäel Nederland) and the Sprekersroute (offered with Baptisten Seminarium). The short-course lineup features Bijbeltalen (Hebrew and Greek), leadership and circle-leadership courses, pastoral training, and community-building courses. Study materials are distributed via the Webshop. Approximately 1,500 students study annually across 65+ locations and online.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• EC-Bijbelcursus Low-threshold, faith-building course that walks through the entire Bible book by book, available at 55+ locations across the Netherlands for adult learners.
• Opleiding Theologie Part-time HBO-level program teaching students to interpret the Bible responsibly, covering biblical, systematic, and practical theology for adult learners seeking theological formation.
• Opleiding Bijbel & Exegese Part-time program teaching students to read the Bible in the original Hebrew and Greek languages and to study biblical texts in depth.
• Opleiding Missionair Werk Three-year part-time program at HBO level preparing students for missionary work with an international and multicultural perspective, with practical application. Accredited as post-hbo in 2025.
• Opleiding Pastoraal Werk Part-time HBO-level program teaching students to provide pastoral care and guidance, with attention to pastoral work and counseling. Accredited as post-hbo in 2025.
• Jongerenwerkersopleiding Two-year part-time program at HBO level training youth workers, offered on Fridays in Zeist, with individual modules available separately.
• Cursus Bijbeltalen (Hebreeuws en Grieks) Courses in Biblical Hebrew and Greek that teach students to read the Bible in its original languages.
• Studietraject Gods Koninkrijk en de Heilige Geest Study trajectory focused on the theology of the Kingdom of God and the work of the Holy Spirit, offered in collaboration with Evangelisch Werkverband, New Wine Nederland, Rafäel Nederland, and Vineyard Benelux.
• Sprekersroute Two-year program at HBO level teaching preaching skills, with eight annual lesson days in Amsterdam and Masterclasses, offered in collaboration with Baptisten Seminarium.
• Trainingsjaar Gemeentewerk Training year consisting of modules in leadership, preaching, pastoral care, and missionary work, equivalent to the fifth academic year of the Opleiding Theologie.
• Cursus Verantwoord Bijbelgebruik Short course focused on deepening biblical knowledge and learning to engage with biblical texts responsibly.
• Cursus Bouwstenen voor je geloof Faith-building course providing foundational depth for deepening Christian faith.
• Toerustingscursus Leiderschap Short course equipping leaders within the church community for leadership tasks.
• Kringleiderscursus Short course for facilitating small groups and circles within the church.
• Cursus Gavengericht werken Short course focused on practical, gift-oriented ministry within the congregation.
• Toerustingscursus Pastoraat Short course focused on pastoral skills and providing pastoral care.

Quantifiable outcome

• Average student rating of 8.4 out of 10
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Groot Nieuws RadiocoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 November 2025Media partner for multiple content initiatives: the Advent podcast series 'Waar vrede begint', the weekly Bible study program 'Levenswoorden', the Bijbelleeschallenge, and promotional collaboration at Opwekking. Evangelisch College contributes weekly content to Groot Nieuws Radio's programming.
• Evangelisch WerkverbandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipating organization in the Studietraject Gods Koninkrijk en de Heilige Geest. Shares the vision for Kingdom theology and the advancement of God's Kingdom in the Netherlands, contributing to the joint program along with other church movements.
• New Wine NederlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey strategic partner in the Studietraject Gods Koninkrijk en de Heilige Geest. Also a partner in the Gebedspastoraat module (Year 3) of the trajectory. New Wine's staff members (e.g., Anita Abbring, Bart Visser, Agnes Huizenga) teach in the program.
• Rafäel NederlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipating organization in the Studietraject Gods Koninkrijk en de Heilige Geest. Contributes theological perspective on urban mission and the Kingdom of God in city contexts.
• Vineyard BeneluxcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipating organization in the Studietraject Gods Koninkrijk en de Heilige Geest. The Kingdom theology taught in the program is rooted in Vineyard theology (Oscar Cullmann, George Ladd, John Wimber).
• Baptisten SeminariumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with Evangelisch College on the Sprekersroute (Speakers route) program. The two-year trajectory is offered jointly, combining Evangelisch College's educational infrastructure with Baptisten Seminarium's preaching and speaking expertise.
• Pinkstergemeente EindhovenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHost church for the new EC-Bijbelcursus location in Eindhoven (starting 2026-2027). Provides venue and local support for the course offered one Saturday per month.
• Baptistengemeente Nieuw-BuinenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHost church for the new EC-Bijbelcursus location in Nieuw-Buinen (starting 2026-2027). Classes held two Thursdays per month at the church venue.
• Evangelische Gemeente MorgenstondminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHost church for the new EC-Bijbelcursus location in Scheveningen (starting 2026-2027).
• Waalse Kerk MaastrichtminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHost venue for the new EC-Bijbelcursus location in Maastricht (starting 2026-2027). Classes held on two Monday evenings per month.
• Baptistengemeente Het BakenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHost church for the new EC-Bijbelcursus location in Steenwijk (starting 2026-2027). Classes held two Thursdays per month.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Baptisten Seminarium: Dutch Baptist seminary offering theological training; co-delivers the Sprekersroute program with Evangelisch College, making it a direct peer in adult ministerial education for a specific denomination.
• Protestantse Theologische Universiteit (PThU): Main Dutch Protestant theological university offering academic and ministerial training; competes with EC for the same adult theological learners seeking accredited study.
• Theologische Universiteit Kampen (TUK): Reformed theological university providing ministerial and academic theological education; overlapping target market of Christians seeking formal training in the Netherlands.
• Christelijke Hogeschool Ede (CHE): Protestant Christian university of applied sciences in the Netherlands that absorbed the Evangelische Theologische Hogeschool in 2011; offers HBO-level theological programs directly comparable to EC's Opleiding Theologie and related tracks.

Regional players

• Evangelische Theologische Faculteit (ETF Leuven): Belgian evangelical theological faculty offering undergraduate and graduate theological degrees across Europe; serves Dutch-speaking students and represents a cross-border alternative for the same learner pool.

Emerging players

• New Wine Nederland: Dutch charismatic/renewal network that partners with EC on the Studietraject Gods Koninkrijk; operates training events and conferences that overlap with EC's leadership and renewal offerings.
• Vineyard Benelux: Regional Vineyard church network co-developing the Studietraject Gods Koninkrijk with EC; runs its own leadership development programs that overlap with EC's youth and pastoral training.

Others

• Youth for Christ Nederland: Dutch youth ministry organization that employs graduates of EC's Jongerenwerkersopleiding and runs adjacent youth worker training; ecosystem participant rather than direct competitor.

Broad incumbents

• Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Faculteit Religie en Theologie: Major Dutch university's theology faculty with academic and ministerial tracks; broader institution but directly competes for Christian adult learners seeking theological credentials.
• Radboud Universiteit - Faculteit Religie en Theologie: Large Dutch public university's theology faculty offering accredited theological programs; broader portfolio but overlapping curriculum in biblical studies, pastoral care, and theology.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubevimeo.com/evangelischcollege
• Facebookfacebook.com/evangelischcollege
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/evangelisch-college
• Instagraminstagram.com/evangelisch_college

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Evangelisch College