Proclaim the Word of God in ESTONIA, the country which suffered for 50 years under Soviet occupation and is considered to be one of the most secular countries in the world.

  • Christians were persecuted and the Church depleted during 50 years of Soviet occupation – there is a great need to educate Estonians to carry on God’s rebuilding work.
  • God has given us the vision to bring about change in one of the most secular countries in the world – Estonia!

NEWSLETTERS

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HISTORY TIMELINE OF ESTONIA AND TAT

  • February 24, 1918
  • June 17, 1940
  • 1940–1950
  • 1940...
  • August 20, 1991
  • March 1992
  • September 16, 1992
  • 1992–2019
  • July 1, 2013
  • December 2, 2019

  • Independence of Estonia

    Estonian Republic is declared February 24, 1918. It’s first time in the history when Estonia becomes independent republic.
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  • Soviet occupation begins

    Soviet Union is occupying Estonia during World War 2 1940. Estonians will suffer 50 years under aggressive Soviet atheistic propaganda.
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  • Loosing 70% of pastors

    During the first 10 years of Soviet occupation about 70% of Estonian Lutheran Church pastors were killed, imprisoned, deported to Siberia or escaped to western countries.
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  • Persecution

    During 50 years of aggressive Soviet atheistic propaganda percentage of Christians in Estonia dropped from 98% to about 10%. Fruits of this atheistic propaganda are still there.
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  • Reindepence of Estonia

    Estonia regains independence. The people did not express their aspiration for freedom with weapons but with singing. It became known as the “Singing Revolution” and the chain of events led to our reindependence.
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  • Lutheran pastors from USA

    Eight Lutheran pastors from USA visited Estonia and met with pastor Eenok Haamer. He shared his vision of Christian College as there was big need to train Christian leaders. These pastors decided to support his initiative financially. This was starting point for TAT founding activities.
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  • Foundation of TAT

    TAT was founded with the financial support of a group of American pastors who had visited Estonia earlier that year.
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  • Limited conditions

    During 27 years TAT managed on very limited rented space. Carrying vision of Christian Outreach Center throughout all those years.
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  • Merger With Lutheran Church Seminary

    TAT worked as an independent Christian college until 2013 when it merged with the Theological Institute of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church (Seminary). One of the main reasons behind this step were very strict accreditaion standards that Estonian Governement implemented during 2009-2012. On account of this Academy and Seminary weren’t able to sustain State accreditation (which is mandatory in Estonia in order to run a school) without merger. As we were able to find common ground on Bible-based teaching we were able to make this step.
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  • Home of Hope dedication

    Home of Hope is a facility that is home to Tartu Academy of Theology and as well an Outreach Center with several Christian ministries.
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TAT AND LUTHERAN SEMINARY TRAIN TOGETHER...

PASTORS
We train pastors for Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church on bachelor and master level.
CHAPLAINS

We train chaplains for hospital, prison, army and police on bachelor and master level.

PASTORAL CARE GIVERS

We train pastoral care givers on bachelor and master level and offer different specialized continuing education trainings.

LAY LEADERS

We offer different continuing education opportunities for lay leaders and they study also on bachelor and master programs.

CHURCH MUSICIANS

We train organists.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

We offer several continuing education opportunities for about 400 participant each year.

130

STUDENTS

41

GRADUATES DURING LAST 3 YEARS

GOOD RESULTS OF TAT AND SEMINARY JOINT WORK DURING LAST 3 YEARS

41 Graduates

20 completed bachelor studies:

  • 7 continued their studies at master’s level to become pastors in the Lutheran Church
  • 4 continued their studies at master’s level to become pastoral care givers
  • 6 graduated from the pastoral care specialty and 3 of them already work as pastoral care givers
  • 1 is preparing for a prison chaplain position
  • 1 is preparing for a hospital chaplain position
  • 1 conducts grief groups in his church

16 completed Master’s studies in Theology:

  • 7 of them are already pastoring in the Lutheran Church
  • 2 are continuing preparations for Lutheran Church pastor positions
  • 3 are working on pastoral care giver positions
  • 1 is pastoring in the Adventist Church
  • 1 is pastoring in the Pentecostal Church
  • 2 are pastoring in the Orthodox Church

5 completed Master’s studies in Christian Culture:

They work in different specialties. The curriculum is created to expand Estonians knowledge of Christianity and its introduction into Estonian and European culture. Education in that field is very poor in Estonia due to 50 years of Soviet Occupation.

3 completed the 2-year church musician (organist) course.

Approx. 800 participated in life-long learning courses. 

WHAT STUDENTS SAY...

Student KRISTJAN

Training at the Academy has opened my mind and heart and it has woken me up. I often give thanks to God for connections I have been experiencing with professors and students of the Academy. God’s grace is holding that school.
Student LEA

I remember that I was amazed by the open and loving atmosphare of the Academy. The connection between students and teachers were very strong. Our teachers were practicing clergy, best theologians whose example encouraged us to put into practice what we had learned.
Alumni HEIDY

TAT did not only provide the education but also the community who prayed together and taught me to rely on God. As time went by, I found myself getting deeper and deeper into care of soul, where I discovered the whole new world: kingdom of God revealed.