After Diploma/Degree

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After Diploma/Degree

After Diploma/Degree

This program is designed to offer the graduate of a community/applied arts college (minimum two-year diploma), or a university graduate, the opportunity to prepare for Christian ministry and complete the program in two years. This program meets the requirements for ministerial license leading to ordination with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.

Classroom and Online

The essence of Pastoral Leadership is perhaps best described in I Peter 5:2 where we read, ‘shepherd the flock of God that is among you.’  The call to pastoral ministry is a call to lead, feed, guide and protect others.  Following the example of Christ Himself, we are called to live lives of humility which are marked by both dependence and confidence.  Students begin this journey of discovery, accompanied by practitioners who both model and instruct students on how to live and lead with integrity, skill, and passion.

Core to the program is the concept of the Metanarrative, understanding God at work throughout history.  Creative, engaging and interactive would be words that describe the environment that is created by the professors. More than just dispensing information, Vanguard attempts to help students develop critical thinking, wrestling through the scriptures and establishing an approach that reflects those biblical values.  As one grad stated, ‘Vanguard cannot teach you everything you need to know but it will teach you the questions that need to be asked.’

Adding a minor to this degree enables specialization in either: Youth Ministry, Children's and Family Ministry, Worship Arts, Pastoral Ministry, Pastoral Care, and Counselling, or Missions. 

Students can choose a practicum from any specialization.  This can be discussed upon registration. 

Considering adding a Minor?

Adding a minor to your degree means that you will take at least 4 courses in one of six areas of interest.  These courses would be spread over your four years of study. 

Details and information for Minor Options

EXPERIENCE

From your first week retreat until the goodbyes of grad day, your ministry training experience will be full of numerous life and ministry highlights.    A sense of community is established as together we discover and affirm each other’s call and gifting.  There will be plenty of opportunities to engage in local churches, shadow pastors and ministry leaders, and participate in mentorship and discipleship opportunities.

EDUCATION

Classes over the course of the degree provide an extensive approach to learning and ministry development.  Creative, engaging and interactive would be words that describe the environment that is created by the professors. More than just dispensing information, the BTh After-Degree program attempts to help students to develop critical thinking, wrestling through the scriptures and establishing an approach that reflects those biblical values.  As one alumni stated, Vanguard cannot not teach you everything you need to know but it will teach you the questions that need to be asked.
 
Bachelor of Theology After Degree/Diploma Program Overview

Please Note:  All students entering an After Diploma or After Degree program willed be assessed for completion of General Studies (GS) Courses.  Students showing any deficiency in the area of General Studies will be notified prior to registration as to what specific GS courses they will be required to register for in order to complete their Program of Study.

OUTCOMES

BTh After-Degree students shall be equipped to identify God’s calling on their life, develop healthy self-awareness and relate that calling to current ministry needs.

BTh After-Degree students shall be engaged in developing Spirit-filled character, supported by a solid foundation of spiritual formation.

BTh After-Degree, building on a strong biblical and theological foundation, shall be innovatively trained with skills for effective pastoral leadership and provided with the opportunity to practice those skills.

After-Degree

Fall Courses

GS201Biblical Language Usage

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

This course is a basic introduction to the Biblical languages Greek and Hebrew and to the tools with which the student can study the Scriptures more effectively. Beginning with an appreciation for the nature and challenges of working with the original languages of our Scriptures, the student will be equipped with the skills necessary for the proper use of language and interpretative tools such as concordances, lexicons, word-studies, critical commentaries, and computer software. The course is divided into three parts: a comprehensive walk through of the Logos Library System and learning the Hebrew and Greek alphabets and a basic introduction to vocabulary and grammar of each.

BT102Hermeneutics

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the purpose and methods of responsible biblical interpretation. This course will look at both general hermeneutics, principles for interpreting Scripture as a whole, special hermeneutics, and the principles for understanding and interpreting the various genres and literary devices that are present in the Bible. A secondary, but essential, emphasis will be given to the role of the Spirit in interpreting the text of Scripture.

BT101The Bible As Story

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

This entry level course is designed to demonstrate the importance and relevancy of the whole Bible for today. For many, it is a mystery how the Old Testament is related to the New Testament. Some think the former is a source of unrelated devotional stories, laws and prophecies. In truth, the two testaments are the complete story of God’s progressive plan for his people. It is the purpose of this course to concisely trace the story of Scripture, and to help students build a central foundation with which they can understand, interpret and apply God’s word to their lives today.

PS302Pastoral Counselling

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

This course is an introduction to the preparation, philosophy, theology, and skills of the pastoral counsellor. It addresses issues and situations commonly faced in the pastor’s office. Practical application of the principles and skills learned during lectures will be applied through various experiences and integrative assignments. Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology (GS203)

GS402Pentecostal History

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

This course charts the development of the Pentecostal movement from its origins in the Holiness movement of the 19th century to the present. It is intended to provide students with an understanding of the Pentecostal faith and of the Pentecostal movement today. Attention will be paid to the Pentecostal movement as a whole including a number of different denominations, but specifically to the largest Pentecostal body, the Assemblies of God, and its Canadian affiliate, the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. Doctrinal disputes within the movement will be a particular focus, as will contemporary challenges to the movement’s future viability and growth. Prerequisite: Church History

FE341Practicum: Pastoral Care and Counselling Ministry

Class Time: 1 hour | Credits: 3.00

This class will be focused on practical experiences that include direct pastoral counselling and related activities. During class, students will discuss their practicum experiences and any challenges faced. They will also be given opportunities to troubleshoot, refine skills, and pray for those under the student’s care. Authenticity as a pastoral counsellor will be encouraged and supported to ensure personal health and spiritual growth and development. Prerequisite: Practicum: Pastoral Care and Counselling Ministry – Year 2 Winter

Winter Courses

BT202Pentateuch

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

The Pentateuch has always been regarded as a significant part of Scripture. The student will be introduced to the content and significance of this portion of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Attention to be given to the matters of contemporary critical issues as well as the foundational basis of Christian history through creation and beyond. The place of the Pentateuch will also be examined in relation to God’s continuing story in the rest of Scripture. In addition, the personal, practical and applicable use of these scriptures for Christian ministry and witness will be addressed.

GS204Church History

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

This is a survey course to introduce the student to the history of the Christian church primarily focusing on renewal and revival movements. This course examines the history of the church as it developed from the apostles to the present era. The course objective is to thoroughly acquaint the student with the historical and theological development of key figures, movements, and doctrines.

BT104Gospels

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

This course is an introduction to the Gospels. It will focus on the four canonical gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Issues relating to the synoptic problem will be explored, as well as the unique contribution of each gospel. The literary nature of the gospels will be examined, exploring the gospels as story, as well as their theological impact. As the title implies, this course will emphasize our response to the gospels: what it means to follow Jesus. The focal point the Gospels have within God’s progressive revelation will be emphasized, as well as the integral part they play in personal, relational, and ministerial contexts.

BT105Theology 1 – God and the Human Condition

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

The purpose of this course is to examine the teaching of the Bible and develop a systematic theology that addresses four important themes: the Word of God, the doctrine of God, biblical anthropology, and the doctrine of sin. Efforts will be made to explain how these themes are developed through promise and fulfilment from Genesis to Revelation.

FE312Practicum: Pastoral Ministry – Year 3 Winter

Class Time: 1 hour | Credits: 3.00

The emphasis of this practicum will be on the fourth year students continued skill development and growth in the area of pastoral ministry. This practical, hands-on course will follow the theme, Learning to Lead. In this final pastoral practicum at Vanguard College, the students will have time to discuss the practice of leading others while examining some specific areas. This component of the practicum will help to take the student to the final step of leading a local church by focusing on leading in four areas: financial affairs, board/business meetings, bringing innovation in the church, denominational governance and responsibilities. Prerequisite: Practicum:Pastoral Ministry Year 2 Winter

BT000Biblical-Theological Studies OT Elective

Class Time: 3 hrs | Credits: 3.00

Choose ONE of the following winter courses (3 credits): Hebrew Poetry, Wisdom Literature, Historical Literature: Joshua-Esther, Prophets: Isaiah, Prophets: Jeremiah

Fall Courses

PS201Homiletics

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

Class participants will have an opportunity to learn sermon-building techniques through training in manuscript preparation and delivery styles. A lab component of the study requires the student to deliver a biblically-based message to fellow class members, and evaluate all other messages shared in the course. Prerequisite: Hermeneutics

BT305Theology 3 – Ecclesiology/Eschatology

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

This course is a study of the church and last things from a Biblical theological perspective. The church is seen as a divinely established entity through which God’s people have their beginning, and develop identity and fellowship with God. Last things are studied with a focus on the eschatological hope of God’s people from the time of the Patriarchs to the time of Christ and the New Testament Church. Prerequisite: Theology 1: God and the Human Condition

BT301Pastoral Letters

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

The first of a trilogy in pastoral studies, this course uses the books of I and II Timothy and Titus to build a Biblical template for healthy lifestyles, and for the carrying out of contemporary pastoral responsibilities.

FE415Internship – Pastoral Ministry

Class Time: 6 hours | Credits: 3.00

Third year pastoral studies students will continue to develop the practical skills needed in the area of pastoral ministry. Practical experience is gained in ministry management skills, preaching and teaching, as well as relational ministry in the areas of evangelism and discipleship. Students are required to complete a minimum of 400 hours of service in the local church setting. Prerequisite: Practicum: Pastoral Ministry – Year 3 Winter

BS000Biblical-Theological Studies Elective

Class Time: 3 hrs | Credits: 3.00

Choose ONE of the following courses (3 credits):1 Corinthians (Fall Course), Pauline Literature: Romans (Winter Course), Hebrew Poetry (Winter Course), Wisdom Literature (Winter Course), Historical Literature: Joshua-Esther (Winter Course), Prophets: Isaiah (Winter Course), Prophets: Jeremiah (Winter Course), Johannine Literature and Revelation (Winter Course)

Winter Courses

BT205Theology 2 – Christology/Soteriology

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

The purpose of this course is to give the student a thorough perspective on two of the greatest pillars of the Christian faith: A Biblical Christology and Soteriology. The study of the nature, life, and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ along with a truly Biblical understanding of the nature of our salvation is an essential part of forming a Biblical basis for the student’s faith in our Lord and a foundation for effective ministry in the future. This course emphasizes the central place that Jesus has in God’s continuing plan of salvation and that by believing in Him, we find our place within the story. Prerequisite: Theology 1: God and the Human Condition

BT306Biblical Theology: Luke-Acts

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

This course is a biblical exposition of the pneumatology in Lukan literature. It evaluates the relevant Lukan data narratively, grammatically, contextually, and canonically, paying particular attention to the way Luke portrays Jesus in the continuing story of God’s salvation plan. It will look at the different perspectives and ways of approaching Luke-Acts, paying close attention to the significant themes of salvation, empowerment for mission, and judgment. Modern interpreters of Lukan pneumatology will be critically evaluated. The OT background will also be appreciated at each step. A major concern of the course will be the relevancy of Luke’s message for us today.

PS303Pastoral Life

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

Building on the biblical template found in the Pastoral Letters, this course centers on the personal issues of vocational call, character transformation (spiritual formation), and compassion/care assessment. Class members will be introduced to spiritual training exercises, experiences and relationships that will assist them to become a daily “apprentice of Jesus, the Pastor” in a practical fashion. A number of practicing pastors will share their experiences and training practices in living and leading a healthy life of spiritual leadership. Prerequisite: Pastoral Letters

BT408Expository Presentation

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

This course instructs students how to design and deliver expository messages. As opposed to topical preaching, anecdotal preaching, biographical preaching of textual preaching, students will be taught the expository preaching method, which takes the point of the Scriptural text and makes it the point of the sermon. Students will prepare expository messages to be preached in class, in turn, enjoy the benefits of peer evaluation. Prerequisite: Homiletics

BT405Senior Theology: Mission of God

Class Time: 3 hrs | Credits: 3.00

Mission is a central focus in the Bible, answering the question, “What are people on earth for?” Students will be immersed in the biblical-theological roots of God’s mission in both the Old and New Testaments and the transforming vision of God’s purpose and plan for His people. Particular emphasis will be placed on the relevancy of God’s mission for the church, its leaders, and individual Christian believers. The mission of God will be related to the complex contemporary issues facing the church today. Prerequisite: Theology 3: Ecclesiology/Eschatology

PS301Leadership: Systems and Services

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

This course will examine the elements of effective management within multiple dimensions of holistic Christian ministry settings. Attention will be given to establishing a foundation for the understanding of the essential functions of management, individual and collective performance, organizational systems, governance, change issues and the stewardship of resources, human as well as financial. Students will also be challenged to apply their leadership learning in internship experiences, as well as in practicing and learning how to lead people through transformative life experiences like sacraments/ordinances, water baptism, child dedication, weddings and funerals.