Christian Studies Certificate

Certificate

Our Christian Studies Certificate is designed to provide students an opportunity to invest in a year of discerning God's call and developing the unique ability and gifts that God has given them while laying a strong foundation in biblical and theological studies that will support any and all future endeavors. Whether continuing on with a Vanguard degree, or pursuing other education or career training, giving God a year to develop you is a worthwhile investment.

Courses are designed to provide a biblical theological framework for life; while giving a wide range of options for professional and ministry development courses. There will be opportunities to serve in a practicum of choice from our professional tracks or customize a practicum focused on ministry passions and call. This year will be a time of preparation and an investment that will set you up for success.

Christian Studies Certificate Program Overview

Christian Studies Certificate

YEAR 1

Fall Courses

	PS1	3 hrs
Recommended course: Leadership and Team Dynamics Or add a Professional Studies elective. To be approved by the faculty advisor.

	FE000	1 hrs
Field Education for Christian Ministry students is electives. Each year, students can choose their field education from one of the following options: – Children’s and Family Ministry – Missions – Pastoral – Pastoral Care and Counselling – Worship Arts – Youth These options, as well as any other preferences, will need to be discussed with the faculty adviser.

	GS1	3 hrs
Recommended course: Interpersonal Communications Or add a General Studies elective. To be approved by the faculty advisor.

	BT103	3 hrs
This course introduces to the person and work of the Holy Spirit. We will look at the Holy Spirit’s work in salvation, water baptism, and communion as well as the baptism of the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. Practical and experiential attention will be given to the nine fruit and gifts of the Spirit as lived out in our personal lives and corporate life of the church. A small group component is also a major part of the course.

	BT101	3 hrs
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. There can be no real understanding of the New Testament without a clear view of the overall message of the Old Testament. 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.

	BT102	3 hrs
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.

Winter Courses

	PS2	3 hrs
Recommended course: Foundations of Family Ministry Or add a Professional Studies elective. To be approved by the faculty advisor.

	FE000	1 hrs
Field Education for Christian Ministry students is electives. Each year, students can choose their field education from one of the following options: – Children’s and Family Ministry – Missions – Pastoral – Pastoral Care and Counselling – Worship Arts – Youth These options, as well as any other preferences, will need to be discussed with the faculty adviser.

	GS2	3 hrs
Recommended course: Worldviews and Contemporary Culture Or add a General Studies elective. To be approved by the faculty advisor.

	OPEN	3 hrs
Course elective will need final approval by faculty adviser.

	BT105	3 hrs
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.

	BT104	3 hrs
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.