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After-Degree

After Degree

Equipping you to follow God's calling on your life.

The After-Degree program recognizes a graduate’s previous post-secondary education, enabling them to prepare for Christian Ministry by completing a Bachelor of Theology in as little as two years.

Available On-Campus and Online.

Why should I consider this program?

The After-Degree program is designed to offer those with previous post-secondary education the opportunity to prepare for Christian ministry and complete a Bachelor of Theology in two years. This program meets the requirements for ministerial licensing leading to ordination with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.
 
After-Degree students are equipped with a strong biblical and theological foundation, and develop the character, skills, and leadership abilities to pursue their calling effectively wherever God leads them.
 
Vanguard College is fully accredited and offers a supportive environment that intentionally integrates classroom learning with practical experience, so you will be equipped to pursue God’s purpose for your life.

After-Degree Entrance Requirements

Students applying to the After-Degree program must meet the following prerequisite requirements:

  • A 3-year diploma or degree (90 credits minimum) or 4-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (120 credits minimum).
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in their previously completed diploma or degree program.
  • 21 credits of General Studies courses demonstrating breadth of study in the following areas completed in the areas of Communication, Humanities/Fine Arts, Natural Science/Mathematics, and Social/Behavioral Sciences.
  • Applicants who are lacking these prerequisites will be required to complete extra course work alongside the BTh After-Degree program requirements. 
  • The following General Studies courses may be recommended to cover prerequisites not previously completed:
    • English
    • Communication
    • Developmental Psychology
    • Introduction to Psychology
    • Worldviews
    • Philosophy
    • Ethics

All assessments will be considered on an individual basis and completed by the Registrar.

Program Objectives

  1. Equipped to identify God’s calling on their life, develop healthy self-awareness and relate that calling to current ministry needs.
  2. Engaged in developing Spirit-filled character, supported by a solid foundation of spiritual formation.
  3. 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.

Considering adding a Minor focus?

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
 
Please Note:  All students entering an After Diploma or After Degree program will 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.

Bachelor of Theology After-Degree

Fall Courses

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.

Online Course Code DEBT101

BT102Hermeneutics

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

The heart of this course is centred around the importance of the Bible as God’s revelation to mankind, the metanarrative of God at work in history. The course intends to instruct students in how they read and study the scriptures. The student will be acquainted with the purpose and methods of responsible biblical interpretation, both general hermeneutics and special hermeneutics. The intention is to provide tools for interpretation, an emphasis on role of the Holy Spirit their personal reading of the Bible, and an appreciation for the different genres of scripture.

Online Course Code DEBT102

FE313Practicum: Global Pastoral Ministry - Year 3 Fall

Class Time: 1 hour | Credits: 1.00

New

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.

Online Course Code DEGS201

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. Through instruction, guests and a variety of hands on exercises, including preaching in class, students will explore the balance of both the prophetic and performance. Prerequisite: Hermeneutics

Online Course Code DEPS201

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)

Online Course Code DEPS302

Winter Courses

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.

Online Course Code DEBT104

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.

Online Course Code DEBT105

BT202Pentateuch

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

In this course students will be introduced to the content and significance of the first five books of the Bible. Key ideas and critical issues will be examined, including how themes introduced in the Pentateuch are developed throughout the rest of the Bible and how the course content can apply to Christians today.

Online Course Code DEBT202

FE314Practicum: Global Pastoral Ministry - Year 3 Winter

Class Time: 1 hour | Credits: 1.00

New

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.

Online Course Code DEGS204

PS304Finance, Governance, and Administration

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

This course equips the students with entry-level skills in assessing the financial and operational health of a local church, delivering proper preparation and guidance to formal organizational meetings, and managing the resources needed for a small business environment.

Online Course Code DEPS304

Fall Courses

BT301Pastoral Letters

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

This course uses the books of I and II Timothy and Titus to form a Pastoral Theology and a biblical template of contemporary pastoral responsibilities. This course exegetically explores the major themes of 1 Timothy, while having the students teach and apply 2 Timothy and Titus. Being sensitive to the backgrounds, issues, and purposes of these Pauline letters, the professor always seeks to apply the principles to contemporary pastoral experiences.

Online Course Code DEBT301

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 their identity and fellowship with him. All major aspects of the church will be examined: her composition, her work, her ordinances, her government, and her future. The church’s future will be considered by looking at the different theological viewpoints that have been held over time, with an aim to discerning the development of Pentecostal eschatology and where it stands today. "Prerequisite: BT105" Prerequisite: Theology 1: God and the Human Condition

Online Course Code DEBT305

FE416Internship: Global Pastoral Ministry

Class Time: 9 hours | Credits: 9.00

New

GS402History of Pentecostalism

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

This course explores the origins of the Pentecostal Movement and its explosive growth and development since the turn of the 20th century. Analysis focuses on the movement’s historical antecedents and context, theological developments, and global expansion. Attention also concentrates on the unique Canadian story and the emergence and development of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.

Online Course Code DEGS402

Winter Courses

BT201Romans

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

The book of Romans is foundational to understanding Christian theology. Paul, the author, will address some of the most fundamental and essential doctrines upon which our faith rests. At the same time, this is not a letter devoid of practical instruction on how to live our Christian faith in a contrary and hostile world in a Christ-like manner, retaining Kingdom truths and principles.

Online Course Code DEBT201

BT205Theology 2 – Soteriology/Christology

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

From the foundations of the world, the salvation of a people has been God’s intent, and His Son, Jesus Christ, came to earth to complete such a redemption. 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. Prerequisite: Theology 1: God and the Human Condition

Online Course Code DEBT205

BT306Luke-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.

Online Course Code DEBT306

BT408Expository Presentation

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

This course underscores the centrality of the Word of God in the church. Students will develop effective Biblical communication through three major components. First, students will learn the expository preaching method, which takes the main idea of a Scriptural text and makes it the focal point of the message. While a particular outline will be taught, an emphasis on variety in presentation is stressed. Secondly, using advanced hermeneutical principles, students will learn the process of developing a message; from choosing a text to its presentation. Thirdly, students will apply the principles learned by presenting a message from the book of Hebrews. Prerequisite: Homiletics

Online Course Code DEBT408

PS303Pastoral Life

Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00

This course examines how a healthy pastoral life can be achieved through defining one’s personal call, developing one’s character components to reflect more thoroughly the attitude and actions of Jesus the Pastor, and deploying personal spiritual disciplines which enhance overall personal wholeness.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. Prerequisite: Pastoral Letters

Online Course Code DEPS303

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