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Course Descriptions
Theological Studies
Equips students with fundamentals for the study of theology. It will expose them to essential skills such as basic logic, critical thinking, distributed learning and on-line research. The skills will be acquired while exploring basic philosophical and theological concepts and producing papers that demonstrate a grasp of the concepts and use of the skills.
The course can be counted as two 2000 level courses for those who have completed the Associate in Theology and are preparing for the Bachelor of Theology by Distance. The course can also count as one 3000 Level course credit.
The course is designed to be completed in an on-line format.
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Provides an organized survey of basic doctrines such as our understandings of God, Trinity, Christ, creation and salvation by examining sources, authorities, and the historical and philosophical context in which these ideas are formulated.
Focuses on selected theologians and their historical context and influence. The course will provide students with opportunity to further explore the ideas of theologians and topics of interest.
This course addresses the questions asked by Jesus: “Who do people say I am?” and “Who do you say I am?” Through exploration of Old Testament and New Testament texts, writings of the early Fathers of the Church, conciliar documents, creedal statements, as well as major heresies, the student gains an understanding of the person and work of Jesus the Christ as understood throughout history and as relevant to modern theology, mission and ministry
In today’s highly scientific and materialist culture, the idea of the “soul” is often brushed off as a fable of religion born in less enlightened times. On the other hand, among those who maintain some religious, or spiritual, orientation, the soul is usually spoken of as a given, without any very clear idea of what exactly it is. This course will introduce students to a brief history of varying conceptions of the soul in Western culture: Biblical, Greek, Medieval, Modern, and contemporary.
Explores and critiques a “popular culture” understanding of religion, the Christian Church and ourselves. Participants will have an opportunity to examine how we interact with and contribute to “pop” culture and to consider if and how the Gospel may well be put in conversation with it.
Introduces the student to Christian approaches to the environment and environmental ethics. It will consider a variety of contemporary Christian responses to the environmental crisis which draw from scriptural, doctrinal, philosophical, spiritual, and ethical resources of the tradition in order to promote a more authentic relationship with the earth which is our home. Approaches to be considered include: Christian eco-justice, stewardship, ecological spirituality, and sacramental approaches. Attention will also be given to some typical differences between western Christian (Catholic, Anglican, Protestant) approaches and eastern Christian (Orthodox) ones, with a view towards ecumenical cooperation in working together to heal the earth…
This course will explore a theology of technology, especially the digital technologies social media, meeting platforms, and smart phones and other mobile technology. It will also help students develop practical skills in the development and leadership of online worship, Christian education, spirituality, and public witness.
Explores how our understanding of God shapes the identity and mission of the church. The course will consider the essential connection of theology, ecclesiology mission, and evangelization. The course will examine the themes in light of the entire biblical scope of scriptures and the vocation of the people of God as call to find and respond to the needs and struggles of people everywhere.
Explorations in personal and communal discernment and spiritual resilience for those called to inspire others with a missional vision and to facilitate missional transformation within faith communities.
Examination of cultural realities essential to effective missional work, i.e. the divine task of the Church to spread the message of the Gospel everywhere and to develop the insight to see where God is already at work in the world. This course will draw on themes from social sciences and missional theology to explore understandings of culture and effective cross and mixed cultural engagement, including awareness of secular cultures as well as other denominations and faith traditions. Students will be provided with opportunities to discern and develop an authentic approach to shared missional evangelization in the specific ministry/ministries to which they are/may be called. Cross listed as Pastoral Studies 3400-Q.
Examination of relevant theories and theologies, as well as practice of practical and pastoral skills essential to leading and supporting missional communities and ministries
Exploration of practical matters to enable the formation and renewal of parishes and congregations to transition into becoming missional communities with a focus on missional outreach and ministry. The course will consider practical matters such as geography, demographics, stewardship and worship.
Provide students with methods to understand and appreciate how meaning is related to context and interpretation. While the course will pay attention to biblical hermeneutics, it will also consider other conduits of meaning such as literature, film, and art.
The student selects a topic in the field of Theological Studies and pursues a course of reading and research in consultation with an instructor.
The student selects a topic in the field of Theological Studies and pursues a course of reading and research in consultation with an instructor.
Moral Theology
An examination of the basis, scope and dynamics of Christian ethics that includes such theological and philosophical topics as Scripture, natural moral law, conscience, reason, freedom, responsibility, obedience and discipleship. It addresses the interplay between individuals, communities of faith and their social contexts. The course format includes some lectures, seminars, presentations and pastoral applications.
A study of the ethical issues facing the Church today such as our history and identity, our national and international bodies, and the realities of local ministry.
Public theology seeks to relate a Christian understanding of the Kingdom of God to social conditions in the societies in which Christians live. This course will examine critically the biblical and theological foundations for liberal societies’ historic emphasis on freedom and respect, tolerance and human rights, along with the accelerating effects of globalization. Specific attention will be given to issues in areas of medical ethics, justice systems, equality and inequality, exclusion & inclusion, and various kinds of political interaction both global and local.
A cross-cultural exploration of the notion of the Common Good, this course will draw on the perspectives of a variety of religious traditions. The role faiths play in the pursuit of the common good will be the focus through dialogue with various faith leaders, readings, seminars and scriptural reasoning.
The focus of the course is to provide a brief historical background and discussion of the current state of the reconciliation process, and to frame the present pastoral and theological questions with respect to the relation of Indigenous Peoples and the Church in Canada.
This course introduces the student to Christian approaches to the environment and environmental ethics. We will begin by examining the roots of the global environmental crisis in Western culture, taking note of the charge which has been made by some (most notably Lynn White Jr.) that Christianity has played a leading role in the development of this crisis. We will then consider a variety of contemporary Christian responses to this crisis which draw from scriptural, doctrinal, philosophical, spiritual, and ethical resources of the tradition in order to promote a more authentic relationship with the earth which is our home. Among those approaches which we will consider are: Christian eco-justice, stewardship, ecological spirituality, and sacramental approaches. Attention will also be given to some typical differences between western Christian (Catholic, Anglican, Protestant) approaches and eastern Christian (Orthodox) ones, with a view towards ecumenical cooperation in working together to heal the earth.
The student selects a topic in the field of Moral Theology and pursues a course of reading and research in consultation with an instructor
The student selects a topic in the field of Moral Theology and pursues a course of reading and research in consultation with an instructor
Pentecostal Studies
This course is designed to teach Pentecostal pastors to experiment with new missional ministry models while balancing the traditional core values of Pentecostalism. A pastoral candidate entering ministry today must be equipped with a myriad professional skills. As such, this course examines specific pastoral aptitudes such as conflict resolution, team building, and vision casting, as far as they relate to providing the pastoral/missional leadership necessary to evidence pastoral proficiency.
This course studies the doctrine of eschatology – the end times. It explores in detail the key areas of eschatology, from the Rapture of the Church to the Millennial Reign of Christ, relying primarily on Scripture, but with an eye to Church History as well. Various perspectives on the end times are considered, though traditional Pentecostal eschatological thought is given prominence in the course and will conclude with a Pentecostal understanding of the Book of Revelation.
This course explores Pentecostalism from a theological perspective. It examines the understanding of the person and work of the Holy Spirit within a classical Pentecostal theological framework. Special attention is given to those doctrines for which Pentecostalism is most widely known, such as Spirit-baptism (subsequence and initial evidence), healing, worship, and spiritual gifts.
This course explores the theological foundations of the church with a special focus on Pentecostal ecclesiological interpretations, models, and practices. Emphases are placed on the nature, marks, and purposes of the church, church government, practices and sacraments, spiritual gifts in the gathered community, worship, and missional focus. Other theological foci are also explored.
This course examines the diversity of the Christian experience and prevailing cultural distinctiveness which are evidenced in society. It demonstrates how the traditional values and thought of Pentecostalism are of use in aiding pastors to address and interact in an ever changing multicultural society.
Provide students with the tools necessary to address pastoral care and counselling situations in their congregations. Developing fundamental counselling skills through the application of psychological theory and Christian theology will have far reaching implications for Christian ministry. The course will equip students for ministry as pastors competent when called upon to provide counsel and care to a wide variety of needs and situations.
Liturgical Studies
This introductory course surveys the history of liturgical development in the West from New Testament times to the present. Students are introduced to methods, sources and basic concepts of liturgical studies including ritual and symbol. Included within this course are sessions in elocution and church music.
An introduction to the Eucharist as theology and as prayer from its Jewish origins to contemporary liturgical renewal. The Eucharist is considered in its biblical, ritual, historical, and theological dimensions. Special attention is given to developments within the Anglican tradition.
The goal of the course is to develop a realistic, holistis and practical approach to worship with youth in the context of the community of faith. The focus will be on developing theoretical and practical ministry skills in areas such as spiritual disciplines, sacraments, music and retreats with young people that can also be shared with the whole faith community.
This course traces the historical development of Christian initiation (water baptism, laying on of hands, and Eucharist) and the Pastoral Offices (reconciliation, ministry to the sick, matrimony, ordination). Students discover how and why changes in practice and theology took place, and in the light of this, consider critically modern forms of these rites. (Prerequisite: Liturgical Studies 3808-Q)
This course will provide an introduction to the field of homiletics. It will offer an opportunity for students to explore both the theoretical and practical aspects of preaching. Students will develop the necessary skills for biblical preaching and will exercise these skills in both classroom and chapel settings.
Builds on the student’s knowledge and experience in the field of homiletics, this course offers an opportunity for students to explore more fully both the theoretical and practical aspects of preaching. Students will be encouraged to examine various theologies and practices of preaching. Students will discover approaches to proclamation in settings and at times where not conducive typical homilies and preaching. They will consider preaching in a postmodern context, as well as non-traditional memorial services, civic events and community gatherings on special occasions as well as homilies for weddings, funerals, and anniversaries. They will be given the opportunity to exercise their skills in both classroom and chapel settings.
This course will explore a theology of technology, especially the digital technologies social media, meeting platforms, and smart phones and other mobile technology. It will also help students develop practical skills in the development and leadership of online worship, Christian education, spirituality, and public witness.
The student selects a topic in the field of Liturgical Studies and pursues a course of reading and research in consultation with an instructor.
The student selects a topic in the field of Liturgical Studies and pursues a course of reading and research in consultation with an instructor.
Integrative Seminar
This seminar course, typically completed in the final year of degree programs, will facilitate integration of student’s learning from life experience, theological studies, pastoral placements and discernment for ministry and leadership. Each student, in consultation with the instructor, selects a topic to research, prepares a written report, and presents on the topic in an interactive forum.
Vocational Development Seminar
Facilitated discussions to help students appreciate the call to Diaconate and / or Priesthood by reflecting on their observations and the experiences shared with them by visiting priests.
An opportunity to examine and appreciate the distinct ministries within the Anglican Church. There will be particular attention to the Marks of Mission, Ministry with Indigenous People; Primates World Development and Relief Fund, and Church Governance.
In exploration of the presiding role at the various liturgical rites in the Anglican Church from both a theological and practical perspective. The focus will help those in ordination stream appreciate the importance of liturgical practices that are built on a theological understanding of the sacraments and rites, as well as the rubrics. Topics include the rubrics and options, gestures, movements, and preparations that facilitate being a prayerful presider who is personally present to the people of God and their worship.
An on-campus exploration of the practical aspects of serving and presiding at liturgies and leading in prayer. It will provide individual and small group coaching in elocution, music ministries, as well as opportunities to explore options and trial liturgies.
The focus is on personal spiritual development by ensuring each student is introduced to a range of Christian spiritual disciplines and options for guidance and direction on their spiritual journey. Individual spiritual direction, peer support groups, and group spiritual direction are among the options to be explored in individual and group sessions organized by the Chaplain.