Course List

Using the study area buttons below find detailed information about the courses being offered. *Note: Not all courses are offered each academic year.

If you have questions about any of the courses please contact Academic Services.

Study Areas

Biblical Studies

Develop skills and methods for engaging in sound and thoughtful interpretation of the Bible for use in ministry or mission settings or as a firm foundation for a variety of careers in the marketplace.

BLST 601 Old Testament Survey

The Old Testament describes the nature, character, and actions of God as he creates, is rejected, and then graciously pursues his creation through covenant, temple, kingship, prophet, and other means. This course surveys the historical context, literary styles and genres, and theological themes of the books of the Old Testament. Students will also be introduced to a number of methodological perspectives, including historical-critical, rhetorical, literary, and canonical.

BLST 602 Introduction to Biblical Interpretation

BLST 606 New Testament Survey

The New Testament consists of numerous types of literature, and reflects the activities, beliefs and teachings of Jesus and his followers. This course explores the historical context, literary styles and theological themes of each of the books of the New Testament, and of the New Testament as a whole, with the goal of applying these texts to our Christian discipleship and ministry. The course also introduces students to select critical methods of New Testament study, observing the strengths and weakness of each approach.

BLST 610 Pentateuch

BLST 620 Pauline Epistles

A study of the key themes in the letters of Paul, especially as these relate to his Jewish heritage and Greco-Roman context. The study will include careful analysis of the biblical text as well as critical engagement with the methods and perspectives of leading Pauline scholars. Special attention will be given to a range of issues that have significance for the church including church leadership, the role of women in ministry, the work of the Spirit, and the use of the Jewish scriptures as a frame of reference for Christian life.

BLST 627 Pastoral Epistles: Studies in New Testament Church Leadership

BLST 701 Advanced Hermeneutics

An examination of current issues in hermeneutics, including the problem of meaning, presuppositions behind pre-modern, modern, and postmodern methodologies, and an introduction to major critical methodologies in biblical studies. Students will gain wide exposure to how the Bible has been studied in the last two centuries and gain practice in applying these methods to select texts.

BLST 714 Psalms: The Poetry of Prayer

BLST 715 Old Testament Wisdom Literature

An introduction to the interpretation of Old Testament wisdom literature. This course will focus on ancient Israelite wisdom as a life skill in church settings (Proverbs), how to minister to those suffering in inexplicable ways (Job), and how Ecclesiastes' theme of 'vanity' provides a way to engage with God's gifts of life and work.

Note: Students with credit for BLST 615 Where Can Wisdom Be Found may not take this course for credit.

BLST 717 The Former Prophets: Joshua through Kings

BLST 719 The Prophetic Imagination

BLST 721 Studies in the Gospel of Matthew

Early in the church's history, Matthew's Gospel became the place to turn to encounter Jesus' teaching and his mission. This course offers an introduction to contemporary Matthean scholarship and to the critical study of the Gospels, but focuses on a close reading of Matthew's Gospel itself. Special attention will be devoted to the theology that emerges from this Gospel and to its importance for the church today.

BLST 722 Studies in the Gospel of Luke

In recognition of Luke's unique contribution as a literary artist, historian, and theologian, this course aims to provide a forum for analysis and discussion of his distinct treatment of the story of Jesus and his followers. Such an undertaking will entail serious engagement with the biblical text, a critical evaluation of the methods and views of leading scholars of Luke-Acts, and a consideration of how Luke challenges us to become faithful disciples of Jesus.

BLST 723 Sermon on the Mount

BLST 725 The Acts of the Apostles

In recognition of Luke's unique contribution as a literary artist, historian, and theologian, this course provides a forum for study of his vivid account of emergence the nascent Christ-believing community. Special attention will be given to the Jewish heritage and Greco-Roman context out of which this group emerged. The study will include serious engagement with the biblical text, critical evaluation of the methods and views of leading scholars of Luke-Acts, and a consideration of how the book of Acts can inform the beliefs and practices of the contemporary church.

BLST 728 Hebrews: The Supremacy of Christ

BLST 729 Revelation: Jesus' Letter to the Church

In a world that has become increasingly unstable, the message of Revelation is more relevant than ever. Revelation begins with an important promise about what is to follow: "Blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it" (1:3). But how can we respond to its message if we do not understand it? What exactly is the message of the book of Revelation? To answer this question we examine the genre of Revelation and its likely function, and carefully consider the merit and implications of various approaches to interpretation, including futurist (dispensationalist), preterist, historicist, and idealist approaches.

BLST 801 Jewish Backgrounds to Early Christianity

BLST 805 Scripture and Theological Interpretation

This course examines what it means to confess that scripture is the Word of God and is authoritative in all matters of faith and life. Through advanced study in the doctrine of scripture and its theological interpretation, students are exposed to the most influential schools of thought in contemporary theology.

Cross-listed: THEO 805 Scripture and Theological Interpretation

BLST 817 Old Testament Specialty

BLST 825 Romans

BLST 849 New Testament Specialty

BLST 891 MABLE Comprehensive Exam

Christian Ministry

CM 600 Spiritual Formation for Ministry

An exploration of the theology of Christian life and spiritual formation through attention to the biblical theme of union with Christ. Students will also examine the formation of Christian character, as well as the rationale for and practice of spiritual disciplines. (When this course is taken on campus, it culminates in a 24-hour retreat.)

CM 608 Experiential Ministry: MCM and MDiv

This course is an extended ministry experience under the direction of a church or para-church mentor that is designed to further the development of the skills and knowledge necessary for effective ministry. The student may pursue this ministry experience within his/her own home church/organization or seek placement in a new ministry context. This course requires direct ministry experience and typically is taken over at least two semesters of study (eight months), with the preference being ten months, if possible.

Note: CM 608 and CM 609 are designed to be taken together for a total of 6 credit hours.

CM 609 Experiential Ministry: MCM and MDiv

Note: CM 608 and CM 609 are designed to be taken together for a total of 6 credit hours.

CM 620 Pastoral Care and Counselling

This course will offer biblical perspectives and foundational theory and practice for pastoral care and counselling. Topics include understanding the fundamentals of the therapeutic process including basic interviewing skills, preliminary assessment, referral options, and documentation. Emphasis will be placed on ethical practice, confidentiality, and circle of care.

CM 621 Theology of Mission and Evangelism

An exploration of some recent thinking about both the centrality and the nature of mission in the teaching of the Scriptures, and an opportunity to reflect on the relevance of a biblically faithful theology of mission for the church's obedience to Christ in our contemporary world.

Cross-listed: THEO 621 Theology of Mission and Evangelism

CM 626 Teaching and Learning for Discipleship

This course provides a vision for Christian Education in the life and mission of the church and seeks to understand some of its major challenges today. Drawing from key passages in scripture and the wider field of educational theory, learners will develop a biblical theology for CE and discipleship, be familiar with some key pedagogical theorists, reflect on the character of the teacher, study Jesus' model of teaching, experiment with and evaluate different creative teaching approaches. The goal is to build strong theological and educational foundations for effective CE and discipleship in church and mission.

CM 632 Homiletics

CM 641 Theology of Christian Worship

CM 661 Issues in Ministry Leadership

CM 705 Pastoral Theology

This course explores the many dimensions of vocational and co-vocational pastoral ministry leading to wise pastoral praxis. Students will bring biblical and theological texts to bear on pastoral acts of preaching, pastoral care, baptism, and the Lord's Supper leading to more effective pastoral leadership within the contemporary culture. This course will also touch on issues such as planning, scheduling, dealing with the expectations of others, performing weddings and funerals, functioning effectively with church staff (paid and volunteer), handling conflict and criticism, avoiding burnout, and other day-to-day aspects of the ministry.

Cross-listed: THEO 705 Pastoral Theology

CM 708 Experiential Ministry: MCM and MDiv

This course is an extended Experiential Ministry (EM) carried forward under the direction of a previous or new Ministry Mentor (MM) that is designed to further the development of the skills and knowledge necessary for effective ministry. The student may pursue this ministry experience within his/her own home church/organization or seek placement in a new ministry context. This course requires direct ministry experience and typically is taken over at least two semesters of study (eight months), with the preference being ten months, if possible.

Note: CM 708 and CM 709 are designed to be taken together for a total of 6 credit hours.

Prerequisite: Completion of 6 credit hours of study in addition to the completion of CM 608/609 Experiential Ministry, as well as acceptance into the MCM or MDiv program.

CM 709 Experiential Ministry: MCM and MDiv

Note: CM 708 and CM 709 are designed to be taken together for a total of 6 credit hours.

Prerequisite: Completion of 6 credit hours of study in addition to the completion of CM 608/609 Experiential Ministry, as well as acceptance into the MCM or MDiv program.

CM 720 Approaches in Supporting Clergy Well-Being

This course will focus on the unique features of vocational and multi-vocational ministry and its impact on the spiritual, psychological, social, and physical well-being of the clergy person and their family members. This course will also consider how various caregivers, educators, and leaders can support and enhance clergy well-being, both before and after issues arise.

Cross-listed: CO 720 Approaches in Supporting Clergy Well-Being

CM 730 Church Planting and Development

CM 732 Advanced Preaching

An investigation of recent sermon development models in order to add variety and creativity to biblical preaching ministries. Students will discuss recent trends and issues in preaching and will be guided in developing and practicing a basic theology of creativity, especially in relation to preaching.

Prerequisite: CM 632 Homiletics (or approval of Program Coordinator). Students with credit for CM 835 Advanced Preaching may not take this course for credit.

CM 734 Dynamics of Small Church Ministry

CM 740 Meaning-Making: Introduction to Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

This course introduces students to the work of chaplaincy and spiritual care. Particular attention will be given to biblical and historical foundations, the practical work of chaplains, and sector specific dynamics that exist where spiritual care practitioners are embedded. Students will be introduced to the competencies required for working with individuals and groups in multi-disciplinary, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith environments.

CM 814 Ministry Issues in Contemporary Culture

An appraisal of significant theological, missiological and methodological trends and shifts in evangelical ministry in North America. An examination and evaluation of current literature and models of evangelical church and parachurch ministry will also be included. Specific topics and methods of instruction will vary by the instructor's background and ministry expertise.

CM 819 Christian Ministry Specialty

CM 820 Preaching Specialty

CM 832 Contemporary Issues in Preaching

An exploration of a current issue in preaching as addressed by the Evangelical Homiletics Society in its annual conference in mid-October. Students will be guided in their interaction with the papers presented (whether they attend in person or access them from the EHS website). An Associate Membership in EHS is required.

Prerequisite: CM 632 Homiletics (or approval of Program Coordinator)

Counselling

CO 603 Foundations of Systemic Therapy

CO 606 Marriage and Family Therapy

CO 615 Working with Diverse Populations in Counselling

This course will focus on developing an appreciation for human diversity, including culture, religion, ethnicity, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, and the ability to attune to client socio-cultural contexts. It will also raise awareness of oppression, power, injustice and how this impacts the therapeutic process and how to adapt it to be more relevant for diverse populations.

Prerequisite: CO 603 Foundations of Systemic Therapy

CO 703 Counselling Skills and Procedures

CO 705 Counselling Ethics

CO 707 Procedures in Family Therapy

This course takes the marriage and family model of understanding people and relationships and applies it to specific behavioural and relational issues, with a concentration on those issues related to working with families. The focus is on counselling practices, especially the use of questions in the context of family meetings that can help families and individual family members experience change toward health.

Prerequisite: CO 603 Foundations of Systemic Therapy

CO 710 Crisis and Grief Counselling

CO 712 Interpersonal Trauma Counselling

This course will explore the familial and cultural narratives that shape the context in which abusive relationships and trauma are experienced. Contemporary issues like family violence, sexual trauma, spiritual abuse, and professional misconduct involving sexual abuse will set the backdrop for the class discourse. Clinical interventions considered will reflect systemic perspectives and trauma-informed therapy.

Prerequisite: CO 603 Foundations of Systemic Therapy or permission of the professor.

CO 713 Topics in Couple and Family Therapy

CO 714 Counselling Theories and Systemic Approaches

This survey course looks at a variety of current approaches to counselling and psychotherapy. It includes an extensive survey of systemic approaches, including the influence of postmodern ideas on this work. The course is intended to provide a broad background in systemic approaches for students of counselling and for others interested in the theological, philosophical, and technical bases of systems theory.

CO 717 Group Counselling Strategies

CO 720 Approaches in Supporting Clergy Well-Being

Cross-listed: CM 720 Approaches in Supporting Clergy Well-Being

CO 722 Trauma Theories and Strategies in Counselling

This course will focus on understanding trauma and its impact on human development and functioning, both individually and relationally. This course will equip students to be trauma-informed and to understand Hermann’s Three Phase approach to trauma treatment. It will give students basic skills in grounding and emotional regulation to support phase one trauma treatment. It will also expose students to important phase-two trauma treatments.

Prerequisites: CO 603 Foundations of Systemic Therapy and CO 703 Counselling Skills and Procedures

CO 790 Counselling Practicum I

This practicum will focus on the person of the counsellor through the experiential integration of counselling skills and concepts into each student's natural way of being. Qualities of highly effective counsellors will be highlighted and gifts within the student explored.

Prerequisites: CO 603 Foundations of Systemic Therapy, CO 703 Counselling Skills and Procedures, and CO 705 Counselling Ethics.

Contact Academic Services for the registration of this course.

CO 791 Counselling Practicum II

CO 800 Counselling Internship (Non-credit)

The internship course provides students in the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program with a context to gain professional counselling experience and receive clinical supervision. The internship course includes a combination of counselling and supervision hours in your clinical setting, along with seminars and assignments within the classroom setting. The counselling internship is a 600 hour internship. Within the required 600 hours, students must provide a minimum of 300 hours of direct counselling and 60 hours of supervision from a qualified supervisor. The remaining 240 hours are typically comprised of case planning, documentation, training, and other various internship related tasks.

Prerequisites: To register for Internship, students must have completed Practicum I and II with a final mark no lower than a ‘B’ in both and have approval from the Counselling Department Head. Also, the internship venue and clinical supervisor must be approved by the Internship Coordinator prior to registering for CO 800. Students must begin their internship within 24 months of Practicum II.

CO 801 Counselling Internship (Non-credit)

The internship course provides students in the Master of Counselling program with a context to gain professional counselling experience and receive clinical supervision. The internship course includes a combination of counselling and supervision hours in a clinical setting, along with seminars and assignments within the classroom setting. The counselling internship is a 300 hour internship. Within the required 300 hours, students must provide a minimum of 150 hours of direct counselling and 30 hours of supervision from a qualified supervisor. The remaining 120 hours are typically comprised of case planning, documentation, training, and other various internship related tasks.

Prerequisites: To register for Internship, students must have completed Practicum I and II with a final mark no lower than a ‘B’ in both and have approval from the Counselling Department Head. Also, the internship venue and clinical supervisor must be approved by the Internship Coordinator prior to registering for CO 801. Students must begin their internship within 24 months of Practicum II.

CO 819 Counselling Specialty

CO 830 Motivational Interviewing

CO 850 Counselling Internship I (6 credit hours)

The internship course provides students in the Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy program with a context to gain professional counselling experience and receive clinical supervision. The internship course includes a combination of counselling and supervision hours in your clinical setting, along with seminars and assignments within the classroom setting. The counselling internship is a 300-hour internship. Within the required 300 hours, students must provide a minimum of 150 hours of direct counselling and 30 hours of supervision from a qualified supervisor. The remaining 120 hours are typically comprised of case planning, documentation, training, and other various internship related tasks.

Prerequisites: To register for Internship, students must have completed Practicum I and II with a final mark no lower than a ‘B’ in both and have approval from the Counselling Department Head. Also, the internship venue and clinical supervisor must be approved by the Internship Coordinator prior to registering for CO 850. Students must begin their internship within 24 months of Practicum II.

CO 851 Counselling Internship II (6 credit hours)

CO 860 Counselling Internship (6 credit hours)

The internship course provides students in the Master of Arts in Clinical Counselling program with a context to gain professional counselling experience and receive clinical supervision. The internship course includes a combination of counselling and supervision hours in your clinical setting, along with seminars and assignments within the classroom setting. The counselling internship is a 300-hour internship. Within the required 300 hours, students must provide a minimum of 150 hours of direct counselling and 30 hours of supervision from a qualified supervisor. The remaining 120 hours are typically comprised of case planning, documentation, training, and other various internship related tasks.

Prerequisites: To register for Internship, students must have completed Practicum I and II with a final mark no lower than a ‘B’ in both and have approval from the Counselling Department Head. Also, the internship venue and clinical supervisor must be approved by the Internship Coordinator prior to registering for CO 860. Students must begin their internship within 24 months of Practicum II.

CO 899 External Counselling Training - Independent Study

This course is an independent study (IS) built on the successful completion of counselling training offered by an external body. In consultation with the Counselling Department Head, students create a contractual syllabus that adds reading and written assignments to complete the academic requirements of an 800-level graduate class. This course can be used as a counselling elective.

Prerequisite: Completion of pre-approved external training.

Graduating Student Concluding Reflection (GSCR)

GSCR 800 Graduating Student Concluding Reflection

GSCR 800 Graduating Student Concluding Reflection

The Graduating Student Concluding Reflection occurs during a student's final year of study and combines two written or recorded reflection artifacts with an online celebration component for students and faculty. Celebrations will occur at various times throughout the academic year and will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Prerequisite: Completion of all but nine credit hours of study

Greek

GRK 600 Ancient Greek I

GRK 601 Ancient Greek II

The second in a sequence of courses designed to help students move toward the goal of reading ancient Greek texts directly in the target language. For pedagogical purposes grounded in research on second-language acquisition, students will not only read but will also write, speak, and listen to ancient Greek. By the completion of the course, students will be able to read very simple narrative texts and summarize them both orally and in writing (in Greek).

Prerequisite: GRK 600 Ancient Greek I

GRK 700 Ancient Greek III

The third in a sequence of courses designed to help students move toward the goal of reading ancient Greek texts directly in the target language. For pedagogical purposes grounded in research on second-language acquisition, students will not only read but will also write, speak, and listen to ancient Greek. By the completion of the course, students will be able to read very simple narrative texts and summarize them both orally and in writing (in Greek).

Prerequisite: GRK 601 Ancient Greek II

GRK 701 Ancient Greek IV

The fourth in a sequence of courses designed to help students move toward the goal of reading ancient Greek texts directly in the target language. Although moving toward fluency in ancient Greek remains the chief emphasis, this course devotes increasing attention to close reading of biblical texts. By the completion of the course, students will be able to read extended narrative texts and summarize them both orally and in writing (in Greek).

Prerequisite: GRK 700 Ancient Greek III

GRK 800 Ancient Greek V

GRK 801 Ancient Greek VI

GRK 802 Advanced Greek Grammar

GRK 803 Ancient Greek VII

GRK 804 Ancient Greek VIII

Hebrew

HEB 600 Introductory Hebrew I

HEB 601 Introductory Hebrew II

Continued introductory instruction in biblical Hebrew grammar and vocabulary, which establishes a foundation for study of the Old Testament in Hebrew, beginning with the book of Jonah. Classes employ a "communicative language teaching" model of instruction. Part two of a multi-course curricular sequence.

Prerequisite: HEB 600 Introductory Hebrew I

HEB 700 Hebrew Syntax and Exegesis I

HEB 701 Hebrew Syntax and Exegesis II

Continued intermediate instruction in biblical Hebrew grammar combined with additional instruction in biblical Hebrew syntax and exegesis, covering a variety of narrative and poetic texts. Classes employ a "communicative language teaching" model of instruction. Part four of a multi-course curricular sequence.

Prerequisite: HEB 700 Hebrew Syntax and Exegesis I

HEB 739 Biblical and Extrabiblical Aramaic

This course will give students basic skills in translating biblical and extrabiblical Aramaic. Students will gain a basic grasp of Aramaic vocabulary, morphology, and grammar. Practice will also be given in translating pre- and post-biblical Aramaic texts. This will only be offered as an independent study.

Prerequisite: HEB 601 Introductory Hebrew II

HEB 800 Advanced Hebrew Syntax and Exegesis

History

HIS 619 Gender, Sex, and Sexuality in Global History

This course will explore a range of methodological approaches to the study of gender, sex, and sexuality within the discipline of history. Using a variety of case studies, it will also examine the construction of gender identities and self-hood as well as the relationship between power and sex within cultural and historical contexts.

HIS 650 History of Christianity

This course provides an overview of the Christian movement from the end of the New Testament era until the present day. It examines the early formation of Christian institutions and the spread of the Church around the world, highlighting both the diversity and consensus in Christian belief and practice. While the focus for the medieval and Reformation eras will be Western Europe, a global perspective is maintained. The final part of the course encompasses the Pietist revivals in Europe and America and the modernist challenges to orthodox theology leading to the growth of the Evangelical movement.

HIS 660 History of Modern Evangelicalism

In his journal following his conversion in 1738, John Wesley wrote, “I felt my heart strangely warmed.” Many hearts were “strangely warmed” in the 18th century, and the Evangelical Revival had a profound impact upon the Protestant community in the North Atlantic triangle and beyond. Beginning with the Wesley’s and George Whitefield in Britain and Jonathan Edwards in the United States, this course explores prominent themes, issues, and personalities in the history of the early modern and modern evangelical movements.

HIS 763 The Reformation Era

The 16th century witnessed a series of religious revolutions that permanently altered the spiritual and material condition of Europe and beyond. This course provides an introduction to the onset and character of these revolutions, with particular attention given to the intellectual, political, and social consequences and legacies emerging from this formative era.

HIS 767 History of Christianity in Canada

Canada is sometimes regarded as a more secular version of its American neighbour. Henry Alline, the late 18th century Nova Scotian revivalist, would not have agreed, for he believed that while Old and New England were engaged in a “most inhuman war,” a great redeemer nation was emerging in his corner of British North America. This course examines Canada’s rich Christian heritage from the first European encounters with aboriginal peoples to contemporary times, with particular emphasis on the relationship between Christianity and the broad socio-political and intellectual history of the nation.

HIS 768 Studies in Christian Biography

HIS 869 Church History Seminar

Leadership and Management (MALM)

LE 601 Organizational Development and Renewal

This course will focus on organizational development and renewal toward continuous scaling up. Significant attention will be given to scaling up institutional intelligence; human resources; strategy; execution; results; and resources. The course will also ensure enhancing leadership mastery, agility and conversational intelligence toward the co-creation of trackable disciplined results.

LE 603 Leadership and Management Foundations

This course is an integrative study of the primary features and functions of best practices of leadership and management within organizations, communities and cultural settings. Students will design a philosophy and set of operational principles for best practices that would help move any ministry and/or organization from merely being "good" toward being "great." (It is strongly recommended that this course be taken early in the program and not beyond the midpoint of the program.)

LE 605 Personal and Service Development

The primary goals of this course are to help students discover, rediscover and/or reinvent themselves in a way that enables them to live and serve in their "sweet spot" and to enhance their development in stewarding their lives accordingly. This course is a guided review and reflection on personal career and/or service match with implications for personal and organizational development. The course also identifies continuous renewal strategies for persons in organizational and/or ministry settings. The course will attempt to provide maximum help toward enhanced emotional intelligence.

LE 641 Creative Problem Solving and Polarity Management

This course is designed to help students understand the perspectives, procedures, and processes needed for problem solving, polarity management and vision-setting. Emphasis is given to strategic and creative processes applied to a problem or polarity issue, but these processes are also readily adaptable to numerous leadership/management settings. Problem solving will be presented as one of three strategic planning approaches using a problem reengineering design.

LE 661 Issues in Ministry Leadership

LE 701 Strategic Thinking, Learning, and Planning

This course is an examination of the perspectives and processes necessary to establish and sustain momentum in an organization, utilizing best practices in doing strategic personal and organizational thinking, learning, planning and leading. The course will include strategic assessment, shaping, alignment and delivery of a missional vision and strategy that is designed with a keen sense of need and with careful consideration of both the internal and external environments.

LE 703 Coaching, Mentoring and Group Facilitation

This course offers a careful study and demonstration of individual and group coaching, mentoring and facilitation processes that are useful for influencing individuals and groups toward strategic and improved direction, growth and development. Instruction, conversations, demonstrations, and role plays will be used to ensure that each student perceives the benefits, strategies, processes, and skills of coaching within and beyond leadership and organizational relationships and settings. The course will establish the sense that leadership at its best is a form of individual coaching and group facilitation. Some students may wish to develop their coaching competencies as a specialization with added courses and/or training.

LE 742 Change, Power and Conflict Management

This course provides a careful and thoughtful examination of individual and organizational change, power and conflict dynamics and how to work toward positive outcomes, momentum, and commitment. The course emphasizes discovering, experiencing and applying processes that bring about the resolution, revitalization, renewal, and/or reconciliation needed to move toward a preferred future.

LE 744 Leadership and Team Development

This course maps out biblical and practical approaches to developing leaders and teams in a wide range of organizations and service contexts. This course will examine, provide demonstrations and experiences in regard to the emotional intelligences, style differences, strategies, structures, functions, stages, processes, skills and tools helpful in forming and growing teams within organizational and/or ministry settings. The scope of teamwork will include both professional and lay settings and roles.

LE 819 Leadership Specialty

LE 842 Leadership Communication for a Change

One of the surprising discoveries of leaders is that they are unaware that they do lead every time they communicate and that they could increase their leadership outcome exponentially if they were more intentional about maximizing their communication competencies and opportunities. The course is designed to resource leaders with understanding, experiences, competence, and confidence toward communicating for a change with every opportunity to do so.

LE 845 Governance and Board Development

The course will explore the theological, historical, philosophical, psychological and structural factors that contribute to the reconceived assumptions regarding governance and board governance. In this study of the different models of governance and types of boards, emphasis is placed on best practice design or redesign, development, and function of governance and board governance within a wide range of organizational and ministry settings. The course will include a study of board and elder work in church environments.

LE 848 Leadership Resilience

This course will examine factors that contribute to resilience in life and leadership along with those factors that break down the high energy and resilience which is so vital to thriving in personal and organizational settings. The primary goal of the course is to address the shaping and/or reshaping of our journey in ways that promote personal and organizational resilience in all dimensions of life- holistic, physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual. The course will examine the realities, perspectives, environments and conditions that contribute to both burnout and resilience. Attempts will be made for each person to define their current condition and the implications.

LE 849 Leadership and Management Current Issues

This study focuses on a particular emphasis of leadership and management that is a burning issue at a given point in time. The primary subject matter and delivery of this course will change each year and hence at least two or more such courses could be applied to the leadership/management core of the MALM program.

Note: This course may be taken more than once as the focus of this course varies from year to year.

LE 850 Leadership and Management Specialization

This course forms part of a 9-credit opportunity for students in the MALM program to focus on their own aspirations and goals for moving forward to the next level of leadership. Accordingly, after identifying his or her area of leadership specialization, in consultation with the program coordinator, each student will establish a contractual agreement that leads to the development of a specialized graduate-level course(s) related directly to the student's chosen area of leadership development. The development of the course(s), together with a contracted plan of study, should happen no later than the midpoint in the program.

LE 899 External Certification Independent Study

This course is an independent study built on the successful completion of certification or training offered by an external body. In consultation with their program coordinator, students create a contractual syllabus that adds reading and reflection work to complete the academic requirements of an 800-level graduate class.

Leadership and Management (MALTS) - Coming Fall 2026

LE 601 Wise Leadership and Management

This foundational course explores models, trends, and best practices of leadership and management within organizations, communities, and systems. It also offers opportunities for personal reflection and growth towards redemptive, wise, sustainable, and effective leadership – whatever their vocational context. Students will design a theologically informed philosophy and set of operational principles that would help any ministry or organization thrive. (It is strongly recommended that this course be taken first or early in the program, and not beyond the midpoint of the program.)

LE 602 System Complexity and Change

This course is designed to help students understand system complexity and theory, lead change processes, navigate polarities and problems, and reflect theologically on redeeming social and organizational systems. It offers creative and strategic perspectives and processes as well as practice in mapping and changing organizational cultures and internal and external systems.

LE 701 Collaborative Leadership and Management in a Digital Age

Students will be introduced to many of the key concepts related to redemptive, effective leadership and management including project management, financial oversight, working with people, AI in the workplace, and the principles and practices of personal and organizational thriving. Insights from experts in these diverse fields will be woven with models of collaboration.

LE 702 Leading People and Developing Leaders

This course maps out biblical and practical approaches that are applicable in a wide range of organizational, community and ministry contexts. It examines the strategies, structures, and skills that build self-awareness, team momentum, and organizational alignment. An introduction to HR policies and practices alongside discussions on God’s heart for humanity and how people learn will lay the groundwork for the creation of a theologically informed philosophy of human wellbeing and interaction in organizational and ministry settings.

LE 703 Social Systems and Re-invention

LE 801 Organizational and Board Development

The course will explore the factors that contribute to thriving organizations and boards. It will include a study of board work in church, non-profit and business environments. The course will also focus on organizational structure, learning, development, and renewal. Diverse models will be compared to assist students in identifying those that will work best in their context.

LE 802 Leadership Specialization

For this independent study students will select a topic of specialization in conversation with their Program Coordinator. A contractual syllabus will be created to ensure depth of exposure to key concepts through reading, networking, and other developmental opportunities. Students will have the option of 1. an independent study, 2. An internship, or 3. doing one half of this course through a Briercrest or external certification and the other half through additional reading and assignments. All three options must be designed in collaboration with the Program Coordinator.

LE 803 Leadership Research Project

This course offers an advanced study of an issue or topic that is significant in light of the student's vocation (or anticipated vocation), and area of specialization. It is intended to be highly practical while also requiring purposeful reading and academic writing to familiarize students with and add meaningfully to their field of study. The student will complete a research proposal that outlines the research question, intended bibliography and research methodology as well as a rationale for the project. Once the proposal is approved, the student will submit all necessary documents to the Research Ethics Board before beginning their formal research.

LE 804 Leadership Capstone

This end of program course is designed to enable students to discuss emerging topics related to leadership and management, integrate their master’s journey, present their research findings to their peers, develop group facilitation skills, and learn from their peers’ areas of specialization. As such it is a co-creative course in which the students will take a more active role in the design and delivery of content and facilitation of discussion around leadership and management topics. The course will culminate in a learning portfolio with ongoing opportunities for development and maximizing of learnings.

RD 703 Leadership and Management Research Methods

Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the emerging science of qualitative research in the field of leadership and management and will learn the skills necessary for doing reflective research as a leader. They will also explore ethical issues related to research with human subjects. This course will provide excellent preparation for students to write their research project and for a lifetime of using research to improve institutional function.

Psychology

PSY 606 Lifespan Development

PSY 607 Child Development and Counselling

PSY 608 Adolescent Development

Adolescence represents a definable phase in human development. It is one of the most complex of the developmental phases because of the myriad of changes going on during these critical years. This course examines the pilgrimage through adolescence from a number of perspectives. Key developmental theories are examined in light of biblical truth. A historical look at adolescence forms the starting point for exploring adolescent emotional, relational, physiological, moral, and spiritual development.

PSY 611 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and Psychopharmacology

PSY 701 Psychological Research Methods

This course will serve as an introduction to the approaches and techniques involved in research within applied social sciences, will provide an opportunity for firsthand experience in the use of these techniques, and will assist seminary students in the preparation of their SRP or Thesis proposal. Students will be required to participate in class research projects.

PSY 706 Adult Development and Family Life Cycle

PSY 716 Systemic Approaches to Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology

This course will consider a psychopathology perspective of mental health and opportunities for integrating it with a systemic, client-centered approach. Emphasis will be on the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and comprehending the diagnostic criteria of key mental health problems that present in therapy. Coursework and discussions will explore multicultural factors that complicate diagnosis as well as current trends and contemporary issues in clinical assessment. *This course does not qualify a student for diagnostic or prescription privileges.

Prerequisites: CO 603 Foundations of Systemic Therapy and CO 705 Counselling Ethics

PSY 819 Psychology Specialty

Research and Experiential Integration

RD 700 Experiential Integration (Non-credit)

Experiential Integration (EI) is a non-credit component required for all Master's level programs at Briercrest College and Seminary. EI is designed to take the knowledge, attitudes, and skills acquired in curricular studies and incorporate what students have learned into a practical ministry or work context. Most graduate degrees have a unique Experiential Integration component and separate syllabi are offered for each. Typically, the EI requirement involves 150-250 hours of some kind of supervised ministry or program-related work. Though EI is non-credit, there is a one-time fee of $150 for processing, registration, and supervision. Each program may have additional prerequisites to those noted below, so students should consult the specific EI syllabus for their program.

Prerequisite: Completion of a minimum of 50 per cent of the credit total of the program (e.g., 30 credits of a 60-hour program; 21 credits of a 42-hour program) and permission of the program coordinator.

RD 701 Theological and Ministry Research

This course provides instruction in doing biblical/theological and ministry research as a life-long learner. In addition to exploring the spirituality of scholarship and issues in theological epistemology, students will engage in a practical set of exercises in which they learn to select and narrow a research topic, identify and review relevant literature, design a research methodology, learn intermediate library skills, collect, organize and analyze data, and develop an argument. Students will prepare a preliminary proposal either for a Thesis or a Specialty Research Project SRP as a major component of the course.

RD 703 Research for Leadership and Management (MALM)

RD 703 Research for Leadership and Management

Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the emerging science of scholarly research in the field of leadership and management and will learn the skills necessary for doing reflective research as a leader. This course will provide excellent preparation for students to write their research project and for a lifetime of using research to improve institutional function.

RD 704 MDiv Experiential Integration (Non-credit)

MDiv students are required to complete four months of full-time mentored Experiential Integration (EI). Students should carefully plan for their Experiential Integration requirements with the faculty supervisor. EI is generally three to twelve months in duration, depending upon the number of hours per week students are able to devote to the ministry. The minimum requirement is 3 months (12 weeks or 480 hours). Some students choose to complete EI over a longer period while working or studying part-time. Though EI is non-credit, there is a one-time fee of $150 for processing, registration, and supervision.

Prerequisite: Completion of a minimum of 48 credit hours of the program, including CM 600 and permission of the Program Coordinator.

RD 806 Reading Course

A special 3-credit hour guided study of 3000 to 4000 pages of focused reading, which leads to a 25 to 30-page paper or a three-hour written exam. The course has two main functions: (1) MA (Theological Studies) and MA (Biblical Languages and Exegesis) students who do not write a 9-credit hour thesis may replace this requirement with a reading course plus two other 3-credit hour courses (typically in the student's major area). (2) MA Leadership and Management students may replace the Specialty Research Project (SRP) with this 3-credit hour reading course.

RD 808 Thesis

RD 809 Specialty Research Project (SRP)

Theology

THEO 601 Christian Theology Overview

A basic overview of the central doctrines of the Christian faith, designed for those who have no previous, formal training in Christian theology, or for those who need a refresher. Students develop a basic understanding of the method and content of systematic theology as presented in the Apostles' Creed and the classical evangelical tradition. For MATS and MABLE students, this course may be used in the core by permission of the program coordinator.

THEO 621 Theology of Mission and Evangelism

Cross-listed: CM 621 Theology of Mission and Evangelism

THEO 641 Theology of Christian Worship

THEO 650 Theology of God and Creation

THEO 653 Theology of Christ and Reconciliation

This course examines the person and work of Jesus Christ as the centre of Christian life, faith, and experience. In conversation with historic and current theological literature, the course will outline how the biblical pattern of Christ's birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus Christ reconciles fallen sinners with the Father in the Spirit. Special attention may be given to one or more doctrines such as election, adoption, regeneration, atonement, justification, sanctification, or glorification.

THEO 654 Theology of the Holy Spirit and Redemption

This course examines the identity and redeeming work of the Holy Spirit. Special focus is given to understanding the nature of the Holy Spirit; his relationship to the Father and Son; his roles in sustaining creation, in inspiring and canonizing Scripture, in calling, sanctifying and gifting the Church, and in the resurrection. Contemporary issues in pneumatology will also be examined.

THEO 705 Pastoral Theology

Cross-listed: CM 705 Pastoral Theology

THEO 710 Christian Ethics

THEO 751 Life in the Mess: A Theology of Forgiveness and Reconciliation

This course will evaluate contemporary models of forgiveness and reconciliation from both a theological and counselling perspective. A Gospel-centered model of forgiveness and reconciliation will be presented out of which practices of forgiveness and reconciliation can be explored. Issues to be considered may include, but are not be limited to: the semantics of forgiveness and reconciliation; systemic and corporate dynamics of forgiveness and reconciliation; the problem of unrepentance; forgiveness and memory; forgiveness and reconciliation in non-ecclesial/non-Christian contexts; and the role of the local church in fostering forgiveness and reconciliation.

Note: May count as a Counselling elective.

THEO 752 The Trinity in History, Theology, and Discipleship

This seminar explores biblical, patristic, and select historical Trinitarian literature of both Western and Eastern theological traditions. Specific attention will be given both to ancient and recent debates within the doctrine of the Trinity proper, as well as the use of Trinitarian doctrine in theology and discipleship.

Note: Students with credit for THEO 752 These Three Are One may not take this course for credit.

THEO 753 Thy Kingdom Come: The Church, Politics and Eschatology

After his resurrection, Jesus ascended to the right hand of God the Father. As King, the ascended Christ calls into question the ultimate authority of all political and social structures without completely doing away with them. This course attempts to grapple with the complex problem of Christian political engagement, particularly within a Canadian context. Themes such as the prophetic authority of the church in her proclamation of the kingdom and the eschatological shape of human political relations are explored.

THEO 756 Marriage, Singleness and Human Sexuality in Theological Perspective

A seminar that explores the rich legacy of theological and moral reflection on marriage, singleness and sexuality. Students will examine influential texts from the breadth of the Christian tradition and give special consideration to how these texts might inform nuanced reflection on contemporary issues in sexual ethics.

Note: This course may count as a Counselling elective.

THEO 759 Theology Specialty

THEO 761 The Patristic Fathers

Luke, the New Testament historian, sought to write an orderly account of the early church so that he might instruct Theophilus in the historical reliability of the Christian faith. This course begins where Luke left off and provides an introduction to some of the key issues, events, and personalities of the early church up to the Council of Chalcedon (451 CE), including formative issues in biblical interpretation, the development of an orthodox faith, church-state relations, and the seminal work of the early church fathers.

THEO 805 Scripture and Theological Interpretation

THEO 827 Kingdom and Resurrection: Themes in Eschatology

This course will provide an overview of the history of Christian eschatology from the early church to the present, an examination of debates on the kingdom in the twentieth century, and a particular focus upon two primary theological concepts: "the kingdom of God" and "the resurrection of the body." These concepts will guide exploration of issues such as death, the intermediate state, the return of Christ, the destiny of the cosmos, the Millennium, the judgment of the nations, and the eternal state.

THEO 859 Advanced Seminar in Theology

This seminar guides students in extensive reading and discussion within a selected topic, field, or personality of historical, systematic, or pastoral theology. The topic of study is selected in accordance with the expertise of the faculty member and/or interests of the students.

Note: This course may be taken more than once as the focus of this course varies from year to year.