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Co-Vocational Certificates
A pathway for those who feel called to step into a greater ministry or leadership role in their church, but don't feel adequately equipped.
Flexible Graduate Education
An innovative graduate community of learning, preparing students to serve God's kingdom in diverse settings with virtue, spiritual integrity, vocational sensitivity, and academic rigour.
Education that Disciples
Pursue your vocation through Christ-centered, Bible-anchored, and Ministry-focused education.
Online Course Option
Take up to 70% of your degree remotely.
Modular Learning
Our seminary classes primarily consist of one-week, all-day sessions, either held remotely or on campus.
Mission & Philosophy
An innovative graduate community of learning, preparing students to serve God's kingdom in diverse settings with virtue, spiritual integrity, vocational sensitivity, and academic rigour.
About Briercrest Seminary
Education that Makes a Difference: Come and study with peers from all different walks of life and learn from both the professors and each other.
![Christ-Centered]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750863400/briercrestca/yqvm2ayh7if6ctetx5ky/showcase-4.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750863400/briercrestca/yqvm2ayh7if6ctetx5ky/showcase-4.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1750863400/briercrestca/yqvm2ayh7if6ctetx5ky/showcase-4.png","width":800}])
Christ-centered means putting Jesus Christ first in our thoughts, words, and actions, striving to understand and follow His example.
![Bible-Anchored]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752076538/briercrestca/z6yipi826u7g6mz3ycea/MALM-shoot-13-cropped.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752076538/briercrestca/z6yipi826u7g6mz3ycea/MALM-shoot-13-cropped.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752076538/briercrestca/z6yipi826u7g6mz3ycea/MALM-shoot-13-cropped.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1752076538/briercrestca/z6yipi826u7g6mz3ycea/MALM-shoot-13-cropped.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1752076538/briercrestca/z6yipi826u7g6mz3ycea/MALM-shoot-13-cropped.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1752076538/briercrestca/z6yipi826u7g6mz3ycea/MALM-shoot-13-cropped.jpg","width":2200}])
The Bible is the foundation of our faith and values. Studying Scripture helps us apply timeless truth to our modern lives.
![Ministry-Focused]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752076732/briercrestca/cmfiaf1quevzr0uwifvv/covocational-fall-shoot-76-cropped.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752076732/briercrestca/cmfiaf1quevzr0uwifvv/covocational-fall-shoot-76-cropped.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752076732/briercrestca/cmfiaf1quevzr0uwifvv/covocational-fall-shoot-76-cropped.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752076732/briercrestca/cmfiaf1quevzr0uwifvv/covocational-fall-shoot-76-cropped.jpg","width":1173}])
Providing students with spiritual-growth opportunities and diverse ministry training to help them discover and follow their unique callings.
![40+ Years]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752077077/briercrestca/ljzaxtlwqchcckbvc8j4/69HBuddandstu.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752077077/briercrestca/ljzaxtlwqchcckbvc8j4/69HBuddandstu.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752077077/briercrestca/ljzaxtlwqchcckbvc8j4/69HBuddandstu.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752077077/briercrestca/ljzaxtlwqchcckbvc8j4/69HBuddandstu.jpg","width":1066}])
Briercrest Seminary opened in 1983.
![Modular Education]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752077240/briercrestca/bgolw49pk40bmo6dxqnm/apr-2024-21-cropped.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752077240/briercrestca/bgolw49pk40bmo6dxqnm/apr-2024-21-cropped.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752077240/briercrestca/bgolw49pk40bmo6dxqnm/apr-2024-21-cropped.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1752077240/briercrestca/bgolw49pk40bmo6dxqnm/apr-2024-21-cropped.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752077240/briercrestca/bgolw49pk40bmo6dxqnm/apr-2024-21-cropped.jpg","width":1366}])
Although some courses are offered in a traditional semester format, most concentrate the classroom component into one-week, all-day classes in which students complete pre- and post-course work.
![Online and In-Person Options]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752077531/briercrestca/x8h5iwir9cncw4khpcnf/seminary-at-home-shoot-4-cropped.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752077531/briercrestca/x8h5iwir9cncw4khpcnf/seminary-at-home-shoot-4-cropped.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752077531/briercrestca/x8h5iwir9cncw4khpcnf/seminary-at-home-shoot-4-cropped.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1752077531/briercrestca/x8h5iwir9cncw4khpcnf/seminary-at-home-shoot-4-cropped.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1752077531/briercrestca/x8h5iwir9cncw4khpcnf/seminary-at-home-shoot-4-cropped.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1752077531/briercrestca/x8h5iwir9cncw4khpcnf/seminary-at-home-shoot-4-cropped.jpg","width":2200}])
All of our programs at Briercrest Seminary offer at least one-quarter of their required courses online.
From Our Community
![Elly (MATS '23)]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752078157/briercrestca/pvj4wurajltyurdxza8h/BlackabyElly.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752078157/briercrestca/pvj4wurajltyurdxza8h/BlackabyElly.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752078157/briercrestca/pvj4wurajltyurdxza8h/BlackabyElly.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1752078157/briercrestca/pvj4wurajltyurdxza8h/BlackabyElly.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752078157/briercrestca/pvj4wurajltyurdxza8h/BlackabyElly.jpg","width":1600}])
Elly (MATS '23)
RD 701 was actually a really important course for me! It may sound like just a dry research course, but it really stretched me to move past going through the motions and instead push myself to wrestle through each stage of forming an argument. My professor, Dr. Joel Houston, also played an integral role in my formation while taking this class. He was able to call me out for not giving my best while also encouraging me in my academic capabilities. I feel like he pushed me in a really balanced way, calling me to have higher expectations of myself but also not leaving me feeling discouraged.
![Michael (MDiv '22)]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752078009/briercrestca/fdgby3kdsbm0urubchw1/VeleckyMichael.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752078009/briercrestca/fdgby3kdsbm0urubchw1/VeleckyMichael.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752078009/briercrestca/fdgby3kdsbm0urubchw1/VeleckyMichael.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1752078009/briercrestca/fdgby3kdsbm0urubchw1/VeleckyMichael.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1752078009/briercrestca/fdgby3kdsbm0urubchw1/VeleckyMichael.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1752078009/briercrestca/fdgby3kdsbm0urubchw1/VeleckyMichael.jpg","width":2200}])
Michael (MDiv '22)
My three years at Briercrest Seminary were some of the most formational in my entire Christian life. My relationship with God deepened and widened as I grew in my knowledge of him, my faith in him, and my love for him. The teachers, courses, and my classmates at Briercrest Seminary prepared me to equip and serve the local church.
Blog & Events
![Strategies for Resilience in Co-Vocational Ministry]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768401933/briercrestca/e1ogrye83qt9a2vdq9te/Untitleddesign33.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1768401933/briercrestca/e1ogrye83qt9a2vdq9te/Untitleddesign33.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1768401933/briercrestca/e1ogrye83qt9a2vdq9te/Untitleddesign33.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1768401933/briercrestca/e1ogrye83qt9a2vdq9te/Untitleddesign33.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1768401933/briercrestca/e1ogrye83qt9a2vdq9te/Untitleddesign33.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768401933/briercrestca/e1ogrye83qt9a2vdq9te/Untitleddesign33.png","width":1650}])
Drawing on Canadian research, Dr. Margaret Clarke explores the unique challenges faced by co-vocational pastors and the factors that shape pastoral resilience. She identifies common pressures such as workload, expectations, isolation, and personal strain, while highlighting spiritual, relational, personal, and organizational resources that help leaders remain resilient. The blog offers practical insight and encouragement for sustaining ministry in the midst of complex demands.
![Leadership Essentials]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768320628/briercrestca/iq2mcc4ovqducbi2oxkd/Untitleddesign29.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1768320628/briercrestca/iq2mcc4ovqducbi2oxkd/Untitleddesign29.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1768320628/briercrestca/iq2mcc4ovqducbi2oxkd/Untitleddesign29.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1768320628/briercrestca/iq2mcc4ovqducbi2oxkd/Untitleddesign29.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1768320628/briercrestca/iq2mcc4ovqducbi2oxkd/Untitleddesign29.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768320628/briercrestca/iq2mcc4ovqducbi2oxkd/Untitleddesign29.png","width":1650}])
Written by Blayne Banting, DMin, PhD
In a time when churches are navigating co-vocational ministry, this reflection invites readers to reconsider what truly defines good leadership. Rather than focusing on salary, credentials, or visibility, it points to a few essential, non-negotiable qualities that lie at the heart of faithful leadership in the church.
![The Co-Vocational Calling]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759780082/briercrestca/ui18bzof0nvqz0vm8jal/IMG_45631.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759780082/briercrestca/ui18bzof0nvqz0vm8jal/IMG_45631.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759780082/briercrestca/ui18bzof0nvqz0vm8jal/IMG_45631.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759780082/briercrestca/ui18bzof0nvqz0vm8jal/IMG_45631.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759780082/briercrestca/ui18bzof0nvqz0vm8jal/IMG_45631.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1759780082/briercrestca/ui18bzof0nvqz0vm8jal/IMG_45631.jpg","width":2200}])
Written by Blayne Banting, DMin, PhD
In a fast-moving, ever-changing world, the idea of calling can feel outdated. Blayne Banting shows that vocation is not about our job titles but about God, the One who calls. This reflection reframes co-vocational ministry as a shared calling for all believers and invites the whole church to see everyday work as sacred service that brings glory to God.
![A Screwtop Letter]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764347723/briercrestca/yzg0ojaymvxy9pkz2hi5/winter_frost_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764347723/briercrestca/yzg0ojaymvxy9pkz2hi5/winter_frost_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764347723/briercrestca/yzg0ojaymvxy9pkz2hi5/winter_frost_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1764347723/briercrestca/yzg0ojaymvxy9pkz2hi5/winter_frost_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1764347723/briercrestca/yzg0ojaymvxy9pkz2hi5/winter_frost_1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1764347723/briercrestca/yzg0ojaymvxy9pkz2hi5/winter_frost_1.jpg","width":2200}])
Written by Blayne Banting, DMin, PhD
This blog examines how fear, pride, and attachment to the status quo can prevent churches from embracing co-vocational ministry. Written as a satirical letter, Blayne Banting invites readers to recognize these dynamics and consider how trust in God leads to renewal.
![Why We Need Church in the Digital Age]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752079186/briercrestca/fcoh844qqiypr3bpjwxm/hildebrand-fall-16-9.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752079186/briercrestca/fcoh844qqiypr3bpjwxm/hildebrand-fall-16-9.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752079186/briercrestca/fcoh844qqiypr3bpjwxm/hildebrand-fall-16-9.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752079186/briercrestca/fcoh844qqiypr3bpjwxm/hildebrand-fall-16-9.jpg","width":874}])
Written by Joel Houston, PhD, FRHistS
In our age of efficiency and distraction, church takes forever. But that's exactly why we need it. Joel Houston, PhD, explains why Church should be slow, inefficient, and a little inconvenient and in that way, completely irreplaceable.
College and Seminary Commencement
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