East European Missions Network

tartu academy of theology

Tartu Academy of Theology, or simply TAT, is a

of EEMN. The Academy is located in Tartu, a city that is known as a center of culture and Education in Estonia.  There are several schools of higher education and about 25,000 students in this city of 136,000 people.  Students who have completed secondary school are eligible to attend this college, which offers both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree program.  TAT is the only Christian Liberal Arts college in Estonia that is teaching Christian Counseling, Christian Youth Work, Christian Media, and Ethics Education.  TAT media students operate the only Christian radio station that broadcasts to their huge neighbor to the east, Russia, with some 30 million listeners.

Mission
The mission of TAT is to provide its students with a theological education based on the Word of God, in the context of the spiritual inheritance of the Estonian people.  Bible-based education, appreciation of Estonian culture, each student’s personal relationship with God, ecumenical Christian cooperation, and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge are all factors that TAT considers essential.

In addition to learning academic concepts, students also obtain practical skills so they can better serve their nation.  One of the goals of TAT is a research center for Estonian theology in order to restore it to its place in the culture.

History
Eenok Haamer, a pastor’s son, grew up during the Soviet occupation. He witnessed the effort to wipe out Christianity, and the suffering of the Estonian people. He saw the great need for properly educated people to carry on the God’s work and clearly communicate the principles of the Bible to his people, once their fervently prayed-for freedom would return.

The vision for a new school began to take shape. In January 1992, two years after Estonia was free again, clergy from the USA pledged initial financial support, and TAT was founded. The very next year, studies began in the library of its academic neighbor, the Tartu University. Soon people from all over began to learn about the Academy.  Despite ongoing financial insecurities, God continues to provide.

Imapact on Society
Graduates of TAT are working as biblically-informed lay professionals in a wide range of fields:  teachers of religion and ethics in the public schools; Sunday school teachers in local congregations; youth workers in churches, community organizations and local government programs; writers and producers in Christian media and, of course, ministers in the Estonian Lutheran Church; pastoral counselors in hospitals and nursing homes and chaplains in the Defense Force.

Today
The Tartu Academy welcomes conservative teachers from abroad. It is especially helpful if people can return on a fairly regular basis to develop an ongoing relationship.  Student scholarships are also needed - Visit our Helping One student scholarship program page to learn more.

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	Title	Date	Options
	TAT Brochure	03/24/2010
	Eenok Haamer in Estonia #1	10/22/2008
	TARTU video clip	01/18/2006
	Eenok Haamer in Estonia #2	10/22/2008
	Eenok Haamer in Estonia #3	10/22/2008
	Eenok Haamer in Estonia #4	10/22/2008
	Tartu Academy of Theology Profile	09/28/2005