Ambrose University is reimagining ministry education to meet the needs of today’s church

Ambrose University is reimagining ministry education to meet the needs of today’s church

June 2, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta – Ambrose University has announced a bold reimagining of its ministry education programs to better serve the church in today’s complex cultural and spiritual landscape.

The announcement includes the launch of three new initiatives: Ambrose HUBs, a nationwide network of local learning communities, Start Strong. Finish Free., an accelerated, cost-effective pathway to ministry leadership, and the Church of the Nazarene Modular Course of Study, a non-degree, video-based program designed to equip mid-career leaders for ministry in the Church of the Nazarene.

In a year of both milestone achievements and significant challenges—including the university’s largest-ever graduating class—Ambrose is taking decisive steps to adapt to the changing landscape of ministry education. With declining demand for the traditional Bachelor of Theology and shifts in how denominations are developing leaders, Ambrose has suspended intake into the Bachelor of Theology program. As a result, some faculty and staff positions have been reduced—a difficult but necessary decision to ensure long-term sustainability. Moving forward, Ambrose is launching these three new initiatives to serve the needs of today’s students and the future of the church in Canada.

“A large percentage of clergy are nearing or reaching retirement age and there simply aren’t enough new pastors to replace them,” said Bryce Ashlin-Mayo, Ambrose University President. “That’s why we’re committed to forming the next generation of Christian leaders with deeper training, greater flexibility, and stronger partnerships with the local church.”

New Ambrose Ministry Education Initiatives:

1. Ambrose HUBs
Launching this fall, Ambrose HUBs will bring theological education directly into local churches, camps, and ministries across Canada. Students will remain embedded in their home ministry contexts while completing a Certificate of Christian Discipleship and/or a Diploma in Christian Ministry online—combining academic rigour with hands-on experience. These HUBs represent a new model of collaboration between the academy and the church.

2. Start Strong and Finish Free
This innovative pathway enables students to complete both a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and a Master of Divinity in just five years. The program includes practical ministry internships and offers significant financial support—including a fully funded final year through the Finish Free MDiv Scholarship. Credits from the Ambrose HUBs Diploma can also be applied toward this pathway, creating a seamless journey from local ministry training to graduate-level leadership preparation.

3. Church of the Nazarene Modular Course of Study

As the official educational provider for Nazarene ordination in Canada, Ambrose University is now the sole Canadian provider of the newly developed Modular Course of Study—a non-degree, video-based program designed to equip mid-career leaders for ministry in the Church of the Nazarene. The Nazarene Modular Course of Study also flows into either the Master of Divinity, Master of Leadership and Ministry, Master of Intercultural Ministries or the Master of Christian Studies programs providing 24 credits of advanced standing with credit—providing students with seamless options for continuing graduate level education.

“We’re making faithful, forward-thinking decisions to ensure Ambrose remains a strong, Christ-centred place of learning, and a reliable partner to meet the needs of today’s church,” said Ashlin-Mayo. “We invite the church to pray with us and partner with us in this important work.”

About Ambrose University

Ambrose University offers accredited undergraduate and graduate programs in arts, sciences, education, business, and ministry. Rooted in Christian conviction and committed to academic excellence, Ambrose prepares students for lives of service in every corner of society.

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:

Matt Stuart     
Director of Communications
Ambrose University
Phone: (403) 975-4040
Email: matt.stuart@ambrose.edu

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