European Theological Seminary Holds Graduation, Installs New President
One of the Church of God’s preeminent secondary institutions recently held a dual ceremony that included graduation and installation of a new president.
European Theological Seminary (ETS), located in Kniebis, Germany, realized one of its largest attendances for a graduation in many years. Graduates from all over the globe received degrees, some in person, while others watched online during the October 2 ceremony.
Rev. Manuel Martin-Arroyo was installed as the new president following the tenure of Rev. Stephen Darnell who had been in the role while also serving as Field Director for the Church of God in Europe. Darnell now serves a s chancellor of ETS.
ETS President Manuel Martin-Arroyo and his wife, Bethany (click photo to enlarge)
Installing President Martin-Arroyo was chairman of the ETS board, Art Rhodes, followed by a commissioning ceremony led by Dr. M. Thomas Propes, director of Church of God World Missions. Also in attendance was Assistant Director of World Missions Dr. John D Childers, who delivered the graduation message, superintendents Tom Rosson and Jivko Jacobs, overseer of Germany for the Church of God Marc Brenner, and overseer of Scotland, Dereck Grant.
Rev. Manuel Martin-Arroyo was born in Spain, and is a second-generation Church of God minister. He began his ministry as a music pastor and received professional studies in music. He is a graduate of European Theological Seminary with a major in church music and pastoral studies, and a postgraduate of Lee University (Cleveland, Tenn.) with a major in theology. He has served as a full-time associate pastor for the Church of God in Spain in the areas of music and education. In 2012 Martin-Arroyo was appointed senior pastor of the Elgin Community Church of God in Scotland. He is married to Bethany and they have two sons.
“At the installation ceremony, we (Manuel and Bethany) received three tokens symbolizing God’s calling and authority,” the new president stated. “A gavel, symbolizing the centrality of the Word of God, a Bible, and the ‘towel of service.’ We want to serve this institution with devotion and the highest of standards. We love ETS and will do everything in our power to serve with excellence with the Lord’s help.”
–Cameron Fisher, Church of God Communications
