JETS History
JETS began as a vision for equipping believers in the Middle East to minister to the people living in the 22 countries of the Arab speaking world. Only four percent of the populations of these countries profess to be Christian and most of these are Christian in name only, having never experienced a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. For this reason Dr. Imad Shehadeh began the work of founding the institution that is known today as Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS).
Initially, JETS began operation under the auspices of officially recognized local churches in 1991 while the government studied its application for independent recognition. On March 23, 1995, JETS was officially registered by the Ministry of Culture. JETS then elected its first Board of Trustees from the five evangelical denominations that minister in Jordan. Classes were conducted in various rented locations until JETS moved into its owned campus in 2013.
Since 1995, JETS has continued to grow and develop as an institution of higher theological studies. The founder, Dr. Imad Shehadeh, continues to serve as President as JETS moves towards its third decade of existence. JETS is fully committed to fulfilling its mission of equipping Arab leaders for the Arab World, as seen by the number of students that have graduated.
Graduates currently serve in 26 countries around the world, in capacities such as church-planters, pastors, assistant pastors, youth leaders, women’s ministry leaders, children’s ministry leaders, and other areas of church and parachurch service. To the glory of God, of the 60 Evangelical churches in Jordan more than half are pastored by JETS graduates.
JETS maintains seven accredited degree programs, from a one-year C.B.S. to a four-year Th. M. (see the Accreditation section for academic clarifications for degree programs) offered in Amman, Jordan as well as a Doctorate of Ministry program. The Academic Department is constantly looking for ways to serve the community through more flexible program offering options, such as evening classes and online attendance.