Courses

This first course in New Testament Greek is designed to give students the knowledge of NT Greek that will enable them to proceed directly to courses in NT exegesis or to courses in NT Greek in which the aim is intensive and extensive reading of texts. The emphasis falls on differences between Greek and English grammar - the system of formal structural devices or "rules" which a language uses to indicate the relationships between words and arrangements of words. The student will study the grammar usually covered in a traditional first two semesters of Greek but without the memorization of vocabulary and forms. The grammatical structures are taught from "real" NT Greek as much as possible.

An advanced study of Greek grammar for the purpose of gaining insight into the meaning of the New Testament text. This study will enable the student to understand a text in more detail as well as how the grammatical structures of Greek may have lent themselves to different interpretations. May be repeated for credit depending on the biblical books selected for study.

An advanced study of Hebrew grammar for the purpose of gaining insight into the meaning of the Old Testament text. This study will enable the student to understand a text in more detail as well as how the grammatical structures of Hebrew may have lent themselves to different interpretations. May be repeated for credit depending on the biblical books selected for study.

Hybrid Delivery

Suffering is experienced both individually and in communities all over the world. How does Scripture help us to understand the nature of suffering and how to respond to suffering? How is the Christian hope understood in light of suffering? This course will explore how Scripture addresses these questions. Examining the powerful message of the Old and New Testaments will demonstrate the continuing impact of the Bible's picture of suffering an d hope for the Church today, for our spiritual lives, and for the world.

Register here.

An introduction to counselling theory and skills with emphasis on pastoral care and counselling settings and a major focus is on skill development. An integration of secular and Christian approaches will be represented and critiqued with a view to implications for Christian counselling. Application will be made to specific individual and family counselling issues encountered in Christian community as well as exploring appropriate referral processes and resources. Current and traditional therapy approaches and how they can be integrated into pastoral settings will be reviewed. As well, understanding the roles, ethics, cultural differences and counsellor self-care inherent in effective pastoral counselling and care will be emphasized.

A survey of the origins of The Christian and Missionary Alliance in its social, cultural, and theological contexts. The course also examines and evaluates various continuities and changes in C&MA thought and practice.

This course explores the relationship between religion and culture in Canada from a sociological perspective. This examination will include a look at the past, present, and potential future relationship between religion & culture in Canada.

A course in Christian Studies on a topic of current interest or specialized study. Course may be repeated for credit as topics change.

Course description TBA.

The course will survey the significance and understanding of the dream experience in both eastern and western Christian traditions. Special attention will be given to the role of the dream in the spiritual journeys of prominent Christians, the dream and the death experience, as well as to developing a Christian approach to dream interpretation. Students will gain from the course an historical/theological appreciation for the value of the dream within a Christian worldview as well as a sense of how to integrate dream interpretation with an understanding of one's own spiritual journey. Note: Class limit of 20 students.

An examination of the "desert/wilderness" experience in various traditions of Christian spirituality. An integrated biblical/historical/ theological/formational approach to the subject is used to assist the student in understanding the nature and purpose of the "desert/wilderness" experience in the spiritual life of the church and the individual. A special feature of the course is a one-day guided silent retreat.

An advanced course which studies the historical theology and practice of Christian prayer as it pertains to understanding the role of prayer within the spiritual life. The course is taught from an ecumenical perspective and includes a prayer practicum in the lectio divina (praying with scripture).

This course includes both an academic and travel component and will provide an in-depth experience of the destination and its place in Christian Studies. Course may be repeated for credit as destinations change. 

This course uses group and experiential learning to provide participants with growing confidence in their identity as communicators in diverse teaching situations, aware of the diversities in learners and instructional methodologies relevant to Christian educational ministry. This course is also offered as: ED 501-CL Teaching and Learning (3) O (Course is offered in Chinese language) ED 501-OL Teaching and Learning (3) B (Course is offered online)

An exploration, analysis, and application of the field of leadership and personal leadership formation as it relates to ministry and marketplace environments. The goal is the shaping of skills in adaptive leadership placed around the core issue of character development.

An exploration, analysis, and application of the field of leadership and personal leadership formation as it relates to ministry and marketplace environments. The goal is the shaping of skills in adaptive leadership placed around the core issue of character development. (This is taught online.) 

A study of the real-world experience of leaders and pastors when the ‘messy middle’ threatens to overwhelm. An exploration of how to make our way wisely through this messy middle of life and leadership.

David was a man after God’s own heart. He was also utterly human and deeply awed - wise, courageous compassionate, but also prone to anger, lust, fear, and more. He’s not so much a model as a mirror. Though much about him inspires us, not everything invites our admiration or imitation. But everything - his character, his prayers, his relationships, his decisions, his actions, his mistakes - demands our full attention and prayerful reflection. We will explore the David story, not to find “leadership principles” but to reflect on the life of a real man and leader in real time, seeking wisdom for our own life and time.

This workshop is also available by livestream for non-Calgary residents.

Based on Dr. Smith’s book Institutional Intelligence, this workshop will help church and non-profit leaders think and act effectively when it comes to the organizational side of their work. The particular focus will be institutional intelligence around three key areas of organizational effectiveness: mission clarity; governance structures that work; and a dynamic institutional culture. Each is essential to the effective functioning of a church or a non-profit; each is a critical point of leverage for the leader of a church or non-profit. 

An exploration of how to wisely and effectively make our way through change in an organization or congregation. We will examine the challenge of change and the critical postures and moves of wise change leaders.

A study of the biblical call to endurance in life and service, complemented by an examination of contemporary research on resilience. A variety of case studies will be explored and analyzed prompting students to create a personal resilience strengthening strategy.

Register as an Open Studies student here. 

An exploration of how to face the dilemma of multiple crises and then applying the skills inherent in crisis readiness, crisis management, and crisis resiliency. Students will master the model of secure base leadership - a way of building influence by providing a sense of protection and caring while also providing a source of inspiration that produces energy, exploration, and growth in times of great challenge.

This course seeks to integrate evangelism and evangelistic practice with the purpose of developing a wholesome biblical lifestyle conducive to personal and community outreach. Participants will be encouraged to improve their effectiveness in personal communication of the Gospel. Skills and techniques will be learned to enhance the participant's style of communicating the Gospel. Principles and approaches for developing disciples will be explored in an effort to help new believers as they are incorporated into a local fellowship.

This course seeks to integrate evangelism and evangelistic practice with the purpose of developing a wholesome biblical lifestyle conducive to personal and community outreach. Participants will be encouraged to improve their effectiveness in personal communication of the Gospel. Skills and techniques will be learned to enhance the participant's style of communicating the Gospel. Principles and approaches for developing disciples will be explored in an effort to help new believers as they are incorporated into a local fellowship.

This course is designed to equip individuals to become more intentional about engaging in intercultural interactions. In the ongoing quest to value "others" and their "oneness," worldview differences are explored and habits for assessing and reengineering long held values are examined. Approaches for adjusting to and working with individuals with different cultural perspectives are investigated. Since effective interaction with others requires the development of new skills, participants will explore basic elements related to effective intercultural communication both from a theoretical and practical perspective. Techniques for managing differences, resolving conflicts and applying problem solving in various contexts will be analyzed.

This course is designed to equip individuals to become more intentional about engaging in intercultural interactions. In the ongoing quest to value "others" and their "oneness," worldview differences are explored and habits for assessing and reengineering long held values are examined. Approaches for adjusting to and working with individuals with different cultural perspectives are investigated. Since effective interaction with others requires the development of new skills, participants will explore basic elements related to effective intercultural communication both from a theoretical and practical perspective. Techniques for managing differences, resolving conflicts and applying problem solving in various contexts will be analyzed.