Pastoral Ministries Diploma

Hermeneutics is the science and art of Biblical interpretation. This course provides a threefold, integrated approach to Biblical interpretation, namely, 1) the background to the Biblical world, 2) the literature and genre of the Bible, and 3) the self-understanding of the interpreter.

This course is a detailed study of the first five books of the Bible (the Torah or Law of the Hebrew Scriptures). These books give the historical, theological, legal, and covenantal foundations for the faith of Israel, and ultimately for the Church.

This course offers an introductory study of the individual Gospels, and explores the historical backgrounds of the era. All four Gospels are studied concurrently from the standpoint of the harmonized life of Christ. Since Jesus Christ is the very center of Christianity, this study is extremely valuable to every Christian.

A study of Israel's history from the time of the entrance into Canaan (c.1400 BC) to the time of the Restoration (c. 450 BC). This focus on Biblical history includes periods of the Conquest (Joshua), the Settlement (Judges and Ruth), the Monarchy (the books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles), the Exile and Restoration (Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah).

An expositional study of the Book of Acts presents the history of the Early Church from Christ’s ascension to Paul’s arrest and ministry in Rome. “Acts” shows the impressive growth of Christianity in the context of a pluralistic society with various degrees of persecution. The origin and activities of the charismatic community and its leaders are observed. Early church practices of prayer, fellowship, sacraments, and evangelism are examined to reveal church planting and missionary strategies. The role of the Holy Spirit is featured to present the programmatic implications for all churches. Ministry roles of key characters in Acts provide instruction for contemporary leadership application. This course provides an important background for the study of the Pauline epistles and the Church of the apostolic fathers.

Paul is one of the most important and influential writers in history. This course surveys the life of the Apostle and includes the study of: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

This course studies the Holy Spirit from three perspectives: a survey of the key Biblical texts about the Holy Spirit, the historical development of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, and a theological exposition of significant topics, such as the Trinity, the new birth, sanctification, baptism in the Holy Spirit, and spiritual gifts. The course encourages an experiential approach to walk in the Spirit and to serve in the church and in the world by His power and giftings.

Doctrine I is the first of two courses which cover a comprehensive range of Christian theology. The study of Systematic Theology begins with theological prolegomena to introduce appropriate theological method and disciplines. It explores the doctrines of Scripture (Bibliology: revelation, inspiration, canonicity, inerrancy, authority, canon), theology proper (God, Trinity, creation, providence), and anthropology (man, the “fall,” sin, angels). Lessons will be based on the exegesis of Scripture, with reference to historical theological development. The Bible is considered as the ultimate authority in matters of doctrine, faith, and life.

Doctrine II is the second of two courses which cover a comprehensive range of Christian theology. The course continues to examine the key Systematic Theology doctrines including Christology (God the Son, Soteriology / Salvation), Pneumatology (God the Holy Spirit), Ecclesiology (The Church), and Eschatology (The Last Things or end time events). Lessons will be based on the exegesis of Scripture, with reference to historical theological development. The Bible is considered as the ultimate authority in matters of doctrine, faith, and life (Prerequisite: THEO 221 or THEO 121).

This course elucidates the message and meaning of the New Testament as it is revealed through the discipline of Biblical rather than systematic theology. The history and methodology of New Testament theology are briefly reviewed. The major themes of each New Testament witness are analyzed and recognition is given to both the fundamental unity of New Testament theology and to the diversity of emphasis and expression characteristic of each witness.

This course elucidates the message and meaning of the Old Testament as it is revealed through the discipline of Biblical rather than systematic theology. The development and legitimacy of this discipline are examined. Key theological themes of the Old Testament are discussed in the light of the historical context in which they arose. The relationship between the theology of the Old and New Testaments is also investigated.

This course provides an overview of the background, content, and message of the Bible. It includes brief summaries of the substance, structure, and key themes of individual books within their broader Biblical sections. The purpose of the course is to give a general, introductory understanding and knowledge of the Bible that is foundational to other Biblical courses.

A basic introduction to koine Greek designed to prepare the student for readings in the Greek New Testament. Greek vocabulary and grammar are emphasized.

A continuation of the basic introduction to koine Greek introduced with GREE 235 C Elementary New Testament Greek I. It is designed to prepare the student for reading the Greek New Testament, including a reading of the Johannine epistles in Greek. (Prerequisite: GREE 235 C Elementary New Testament Greek I)

This course examines some of the prophetic literature of the Old Testament in order to highlight the message and theology it reveals. The OT development of the prophetic tradition and key theological themes are examined with an emphasis on three “major” prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel). The ancient Near Eastern historical setting and culture informs the background and context for study. The course introduction highlights the importance of Biblical Theology and its relationship to Systematic and Historical Theology.

The books of Daniel and Revelation are studied in connection with the doctrine of end time events. The content of these books is investigated in relationship to such topical concerns as the second coming of Christ, final judgment, millennialism and more

This course presents the themes and messages of those writing prophetic books that are short in length. For that reason (only) they are called the “minor” prophets. They make up what is known as the “Book of Twelve” of the Hebrew Bible.

The General Epistles, also called the “catholic epistles” refers to those New Testament letters outside of the Pauline corpus (James, I and II Peter, I, II, and III John, and Jude). This course explores their historical background and provides an exposition of each epistle. Additionally, the letter to the Hebrews is examined. Written to Jewish Christians facing the lure of relinquishing their Messiah and returning their ancestral influences, it is full of reflections on Old Testament persons, institutions, practices, and Hebrew history.

This course explores principles and practices of management and administration as they are adapted to churches and non-profit organizations. Organizational issues as well as methods and tools for effective administration are discussed.

This course introduces the essential principles of Christian discipleship and Spiritual disciplines. It promotes the formation of a deeper devotional life that is formed through the practice of prayer, fasting, worship, and Bible study. It encourages a Christian response and understanding of relationships toward ourselves, God, the Church, and the world. Topics include spiritual disciplines, discernment, the development of a Christian mind and character, the issue of sin and evil, and hindrances to spiritual growth.

This course is an introduction to the study of missiology and cross-cultural perspectives. Old and New Testament backgrounds for missions are explored in order to understand the importance of culture and God’s expectations for his people in regard to “mission.” An overview of the rise and development of missions in church history from the apostolic church to the present follows. Practical issues for engaging missionary work are discussed in the light of contemporary missionary activities and global challenges.

This course is an initial orientation to the field of Christian education. Since Christian education is vitally related to both the ministry of the church and the life of the individual Christian it must be built upon a solid foundation. Biblical, theological, historical, sociological, philosophical, psychological and structural aspects of the educational ministry of the local church are studied. (Prerequisite to all other Christian education courses.)

This course is an overview of religious conversion from a sociological-religious perspective. It examines religious plurality and relativism in our Canadian context. It compares and contrasts Christian truth claims with those of other religions in order to enable Christians to sensitively and effectively dialogue with people of other faiths. This will involve understanding both Old and New Testament perspectives on other religions. Current cultural trends toward pluralism in Canada and its impact on the process of evangelism in an Evangelical context are explored.

This homiletics course advances the student’s understanding and skill in sermon preparation through the critical evaluation of sermon outlines and preaching under supervision. Lab period required. RELS 241 Youth Communication or equivalent course is a recommended prerequisite for taking Preaching.

This course promotes the importance and value of counseling, to acquaint students with the basic principles and techniques of counseling, and to prepare them to use these skills effectively. Focus will be on the role of the Christian worker in dealing with specific needs in the local congregation or community. Basic counselling methodologies as well as the student’s personal growth will be emphasized.

This course examines the biblical and practical aspects of pastoral ministry. Biblical teaching and metaphors as well as contemporary paradigms of pastoral work will be explored. The pastor’s call, qualifications, relationships, and unique duties will be discussed with an emphasis on his/her mandate to equip people for ministry to the Lord, the church, and the world while ensuring appropriate self-care. Special consideration will be given to the pastoral implications of the policies of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.

Drawing from Biblical, theological, and social science sources, this course seeks to construct a theology of leadership development that will result in ministry being returned to the people of God. A primary focus of the course will be how individuals can be equipped and mobilized to build a vital faith community through small groups. Various approaches to small groups will be explored, including Bible studies, accountability groups, support groups, ministry teams and house churches. Issues of group life such as leadership recruitment and coaching, curriculum development, life cycles, problem people, multiplication, organizational structure and evaluation will be covered.

Internship is an organized program for participating in Christian service activities under the supervision of an experienced pastor in a local church. Internship is not credit for work experience but is a structured program of mentoring and evaluation. In addition to the local church ministry involvements, students are expected to communicate with the instructor once every two weeks for mentoring, encouragement and evaluation during the period of the internship. Internships are restricted to students who have completed at least 45 credit hours of study.

This course provides a broad introduction to the field of psychology as a science. The practical, life-oriented application of scientific principles of psychology is explored. As well, development, learning, biological bases of behavior, motivation and emotion, perception, measurement and fundamental statistics, personality, behavioral and mental disorders, group and social processes are touched on.

The goal of this course is to familiarize the student with the various aspects of academic and theological composition. It introduces the practice of scholarly reading and writing. Focusing on a variety of styles, the pursuit will be to hone skills in academic research and theological writing.

This is a general introductory course designed to familiarize the student with the basics of philosophical inquiry and rational thought. Special attention is given to various areas of contemporary philosophical concern. The course is designed to help the student gain awareness of abstract thinking and the nature of philosophy, particularly where these intersect theistic understanding.

This course presents a survey of the beginnings of 20th century Pentecostalism in the U.S. and its subsequent worldwide spread. It focuses on the origin and growth of the Pentecostal movement in Canada, particularly as embodied in the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.

The history of the Christian Church from the First Century to current is reviewed. The study is divided into two sections: 1) the ancient and medieval church, and 2) the modern church. Persons, theologies, movements, synods, and missions are all part of what has shaped us the global leader in worldview

A study of the place of Christianity in the secular, multi-cultural, world of North America. This course focuses on how Christians should understand contemporary North American culture, exploring what aspects of this culture Christians ought to repudiate, what aspects Christians may be ambivalent about, and what aspects Christians should affirm. This course examines how the entertainment media (e.g., movies, T.V.), the fashion industry, sports, the news media, etc. function as the cultural conditioners of our society.

This course seeks to introduce the student to the study of the novel and short fiction. The selected works provide breadth, representing various authors with differing styles, as well as depth since they vary in difficulty and complexity. The assigned texts are primarily from the early part of the twentieth century, providing an insight into the author’s understanding of the world and, to a large extent, the modernist ideas that were prevalent.

Ethics concerns conduct and the principles by which God’s people can make moral evaluations. In this introductory course no set of blanket, readymade answers will be provided, but rather a priming of your thinking with some basic information in these vital areas.

This course explores the beliefs and practices of some of the non-Christian religions of the world. Christian views are compared with other perspectives to provide a better understanding and knowledge of other faiths. In addition to considering other belief systems, we will discover ways of sharing Biblical truth with people who according to the Bible are blind, deceived, or idolatrous. Also, some of the major cults will be considered in order to describe their tenets, practices, and proselytizing methods. This course endeavours to provide the basic tools required to interact with people of other faiths.

This course introduces basic statistical concepts & methods, with emphasis on sound understanding and quantitative problem-solving and decision-making. Coverage includes descriptive statistics, probability, normal distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing and bivariate analysis (including correlation and regression). Special topics include surveys, random sampling, sample size, reliability and validity, questionnaire design, nonparametric tests, and “how to lie with statistics”. Practical examples of statistics will be drawn from everyday life, especially from social science (psychology & behavioural research).

An introduction to contemporary Christian English literature. This survey is intended to give some impression of the significant works, styles and influences of Christian writers such as G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, and Dorothy L. Sayers. It is organized on the basis of the first appearance of the author, and will include the literary essay, the novel, poetry, drama and fantasy stories within its compass.