General Information
Location
The school is located in the Karns community in Knox County. Karns is a rural community located about halfway between the cities of Knoxville and Oak Ridge on Highway 62. While these cities are nearby, the school has the advantage of being away from the noise, distractions and crime often found in cities. This is a scenic area with green rolling hills, only a few miles from lakes, mountains and recreation areas.
Facilities
The school operates in the facilities of the Karns Church of Christ. The new modern facility provides classrooms, a library, a 500-seat auditorium, offices, and print shop. Student housing is located approximately two miles from the school.
Bill Nicks Library
One of a school's greatest assets is a good library. A new library building was completed in 1993. It is named for Bill Nicks, Director Emeritus, who retired from ETSPM in 1991.
The library includes approximately 14,000 volumes, plus periodicals, microfilm, and recordings. Full-time students have 24 hours per day access to the library for private study and research.
Computers are provided in the library for student use. Students have opportunities to learn the use of computers in Bible study and other research. A copier is also available for student use.
Mission Emphasis
At ETSPM emphasis is given to mission work in classes, chapel programs, lectures, and seminars. Attention is also given to the urgency of taking the gospel into new areas. One who wants to enter the ministry simply for the purpose of having a comfortable career will not be encouraged at ETSPM. Emphasis is given to taking the gospel into difficult places, to soul winning, and to sacrificial service in the Kingdom of God.
The Faculty
Instructors are men with extensive experience in preaching and in mission work. Each is a dedicated gospel preacher. Thus, at ETSPM preachers train preachers. These men give attention not only to academic excellence, but also to the attitudes that make one a true servant of Christ.
In addition to the full-time faculty, several gospel preachers in the area serve as Adjunct Instructors. This gives students exposure to the experience of several different men and especially those who are presently serving as ministers in the local setting.
Doctrinal Soundness
ETSPM is absolutely loyal to the principles of New Testament Christianity. False doctrines are refuted and truth is upheld. Care is given, however, to have a balanced emphasis. We want to avoid all unscriptural extremes. It is vital that we not only oppose error, but that we also positively promote all that is good and right.
Opportunities for Graduates
The school does not act as a placement bureau. However, more and more churches are looking for preachers who are graduates of the school. Information about such churches is made available to our graduates. ETSPM makes reasonable efforts to help graduates find satisfactory situations. Almost all past graduates have located without difficulty.
Annual Lectureship
One of the highlights of the school year is the annual ETSPM Lectureship, which is held the first Sunday-Wednesday of March. Outstanding preachers from over the brotherhood are invited to speak. Visitors come from many states. The lectures are published in a book each year, and these are available from the Evangelist Bookstore.
Evangelist Bookstore
To provide an opportunity for students and others to purchase Bibles and good books, the Evangelist Bookstore is operated in conjunction with the school. The bookstore exists to be of service to brethren. Every reasonable effort is made to get books for brethren who desire to order from the bookstore. When practical, discounts are given on textbooks and other works. Graduates of ETSPM leave with an excellent basic library for their lifelong personal use.
Special Studies
Occasionally evening classes are offered at area congregations for those who are not enrolled in the regular program. Interested congregations should contact the school for specific information.