News from Acacia Martinez, responsible for Communications and Fundraising at FLTE
In 1965, the four main French-speaking Bible Institutes, in partnership with the Association of Professing Churches, decided to establish a university-level theological training institution: the Faculté Libre de Théologie Evangélique (FLTE) was founded in Vaux-sur-Seine, 40 km west of Paris.
The construction of the student residence in the 1970s provided on-campus housing for students, some of whom came from far away. This was followed by the creation of a library and new classrooms to accommodate the growing student body. Beyond the buildings, the training programs have also diversified over the years, notably with in-service training, distance learning, and the introduction of e-learning. Since the 2010s, the teaching staff has grown and become more diverse, particularly with the creation of new full-time positions.
Since its inception, the impact of FLTE on the French-speaking evangelical world has been considerable, both in Europe and in Africa and Canada. Since 1965, nearly 1,300 students have graduated from FLTE! The quality of theological reflection it’s fostered and the influence of the ministry of those it’s helped to train have made it a leading faculty serving the Church and mission.
Today, FLTE comprises:
· 377 students across all programs
· 36 rooms, 1 studio, and 1 apartment (all renovated)
· 3 hectares of parkland along the River Seine
· 25 professors (7 full professors, 5 associate professors, and 13 lecturers)
· 29,000 documents in the library
But we need to expand: we have 100 students on campus for a maximum capacity of 78, the current buildings no longer meet standards,and the university library is overcrowded.
That’s why, in our 60th anniversary year, construction of our new building began last summer. This long-planned project marks a significant milestone for our Faculty. The new building will meet all legal requirements, allow for the renovation of the existing building, the creation of two new classrooms, and will double the space dedicated to the library and group work.
Currently, FLTE has only one academic building of 680m², comprising three classrooms with a total capacity of 78 students, a meeting room, and offices for eight people, but without accessibility for people with reduced mobility. The 250m² library is already completely full.
In the future, the campus will have two academic buildings totalling 1280m²: four classrooms (capacity: 160 students), four meeting and collaborative work rooms, new offices, full accessibility for people with reduced mobility, and a new 400m² library and research centre.
Beyond the square footage, a vision is taking shape: to offer a modern, welcoming, and open learning environment, serving the mission that has always driven us.
We’re hugely grateful that we’ve already received nearly €1.1 million in donations and €680,000 in loans to finance this project. Only €430,000 is still needed to cover the entire cost.
This project is more than just a real-estate endeavour: it embodies our desire to share knowledge, to welcome, and to educate in the best possible conditions. And it’s only possible thanks to the generosity of those who believe in the importance of a grounded, vibrant, and forward-looking evangelical theology. Thank you to all of you who support this vision through your prayers, your commitment, and your donations. Together, we’re building more than just facilities: we’re laying the foundations for the generations who will serve the churches and Christian ministries of tomorrow.
