IBTS

High academic standards are achieved by delivering a well-structured doctoral programme in collaborative partnership with the Faculty of Religion and Theology at the Vrije Universiteit (VU-FRT). Doctorates gained through this programme are valued around the world. 

Part of the value of research is in its potential to have an impact, or transformative effect, in church and society alike. Researchers at IBTS are usually embedded in their research context so that the issues under investigation, as well as the research findings, are well grounded in the local situation. Current research methodologies, that recognise the potential of research to be transformative, are integrated into the research process.  

Collaboration is essential for shaping the research agenda so that it stays on the cutting edge. Collaboration can happen between academics and practitioners, in sharing across academic disciplines, through ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, and through international partnerships. 

Academic endeavour is rooted in the convictions, practices and traditions of the Baptist faith community. Fellowship amongst those who draw from Baptist and Anabaptist traditions across many countries and cultures provides a strongly supportive and stimulating environment for all involved in the research journey. Through its strong links with the European Baptist Federation, IBTS is relationally and organisationally rooted in the wider European Baptist family.  

Exercising academic freedom is essential for rigorous doctoral research. By holding together the commitment to being a Faith Community along with Academic Freedom, IBTS seeks to provide a safe space within the EBF for meaningful exploration of the issues that really matter to the church in contemporary society.