As young people leave the church in staggering numbers, it is more important than ever for leaders in Children and Youth ministry to be equipped to mentor and disciple young people through their whole church experience. This program combines Children and Youth Ministry in order to equip students to effectively and practically reach the next generation for Jesus.
The Next Generation program prepares capable leaders with a holistic approach to family ministry. Students will choose to specialize in either Children's or Youth Ministry, but will receive essential training in both disciplines. This will equip you to be an effective leader to young people, regardless of the size of church or ministry situation God leads you to.
Vanguard College is fully accredited and offers a supportive environment that intentionally integrates classroom learning with practical experience, so you will be equipped to pursue God’s purpose for your life.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEBT101
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. 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.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEBT102
The heart of this course is centred around the importance of the Bible as God’s revelation to mankind, the metanarrative of God at work in history. The course intends to instruct students in how they read and study the scriptures. The student will be acquainted with the purpose and methods of responsible biblical interpretation, both general hermeneutics and special hermeneutics. The intention is to provide tools for interpretation, an emphasis on role of the Holy Spirit their personal reading of the Bible, and an appreciation for the different genres of scripture.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEBT103
The primary focus of this course is to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to develop a vibrant devotional life. They will learn about, engage with, and reflect on various ways Christians can grow in their relationship with Jesus. Attention will also be given to how students can use this knowledge to lead others to develop a stronger faith.
Class Time: 1 hour | Credits: 1.00
Online Course Code DEFE191
Students will explore several important elements in developing and maintaining personal effectiveness the Christian ministry. Discovering that personal effectiveness is rooted in longevity, credibility, purpose and team will enhance the capacity to lead with effectiveness. Of significant content in this course is a guided examination of the characteristics of effective leader’s within the student’s own context.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Pastors and global workers share the common mission of discipling and equipping God’s people. This course is designed to help students to interact with and build healthy relationships with people interculturally. It will help them to acquire and apply communication skills which are necessary to communicate the gospel effectively and accurately. Written, verbal and non-verbal concepts that affect the communication process in many variable settings will be addressed.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEPS102
What happens when a leader grows intentionally? Dynamic growth happens internally. What happens when a leadership team functions optimally? Dynamic things happen organizationally. This foundational course on leadership will attempt to inform and prepare students for their future lives and leadership by delving into the theology and theory of leadership as encased in the Scriptures and as practiced best by healthy organizations. Students will glean from exemplary leaders what they do and how they do it, both individually and in teams. Through self-discovery of their own God-given strengths and gift mixes, students will be inspired and equipped to become dynamic Kingdom leaders!
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEBT104
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.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEBT105
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.
Class Time: 1 hour | Credits: 1.00
Online Course Code DEFE192
Mature and emotionally intelligent relationships are an important element for developing and maintaining effectiveness in Christian ministry or any other work environment. Developing an accurate awareness of self and the social context are important skills to capture in this practicum course. Students will examine and practice implementing strategies for fostering healthy and meaningful relationships in their context.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEGS102
An exploration of worldviews as intellectual, behavioural, and value systems in relation to culture. These powerful forces shape the lives of people often without clear reflection on the part of the holder. A person’s worldview has a huge influence on identity formation. Therefore, it is crucial to increase awareness and purposeful development of our worldview.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEPS101
This course will examine contemporary family life in and out of the church, and its biblical purpose as students study the idea of a holistic family ministry model as well as the importance of an intergenerational mindset for church ministry. This course will include current strategies for various ministries that involve the family.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
This course is designed to equip pastors and ministry leaders who are passionate about the spiritual growth and development of the younger generation. This course will explore principles, strategies, programming and essential skills required to effectively minister to today's children and adolescents. It will also examine the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in connecting with the next generation in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
Class Time: 1 hour | Credits: 1.00
Online Course Code DEFE292
Many Christian churches and para-church organizations choose to structure decision-making around a committee. Committees can either be a source of effective or ineffective leadership. This practicum will assist the student to develop skills in mandating, leading, and monitoring effective committees.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEGS201
This course is a basic introduction to the Biblical languages Greek and Hebrew and to the tools with which the student can study the Scriptures more effectively. Beginning with an appreciation for the nature and challenges of working with the original languages of our Scriptures, the student will be equipped with the skills necessary for the proper use of language and interpretative tools such as concordances, lexicons, word-studies, critical commentaries, and computer software. The course is divided into three parts: a comprehensive walk through of the Logos Library System and learning the Hebrew and Greek alphabets and a basic introduction to vocabulary and grammar of each.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEGS203
This course introduces the field of psychology, which includes a survey of topics including biology, psychological disorders, motivation, learning, conditioning, and social behaviour. It uses interactive means to address these topics in a format that should help the student to remember them.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEGS207
This course aims to help students improve all their communication skills: Writing, reading, speaking, and listening. The main emphasis, however, is on writing skills. Students work through the steps of writing a research project, summarize written text, and apply principles of clear and correct writing to their own compositions. Students learn research and documentation strategies and strengthen and expand their writing skills so that they can write more effectively for a variety of audiences and purposes.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEPS201
Class participants will have an opportunity to learn sermon-building techniques through training in manuscript preparation and delivery styles. A lab component of the study requires the student to deliver a biblically-based message to fellow class members, and evaluate all other messages shared in the course. Through instruction, guests and a variety of hands on exercises, including preaching in class, students will explore the balance of both the prophetic and performance. Prerequisite: Hermeneutics
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
This course is designed to equip pastors and ministry leaders with essential knowledge, tools and skills to create effective and engaging learning experiences. The student will explore instructional strategies, innovative teaching approaches, and curriculum design principles. By merging theory with practical application, the student will be encouraged to develop learner-centered educational experiences that foster engagement and meaningful learning.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEBT201
The book of Romans is foundational to understanding Christian theology. Paul, the author, will address some of the most fundamental and essential doctrines upon which our faith rests. At the same time, this is not a letter devoid of practical instruction on how to live our Christian faith in a contrary and hostile world in a Christ-like manner, retaining Kingdom truths and principles.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEBT202
In this course students will be introduced to the content and significance of the first five books of the Bible. Key ideas and critical issues will be examined, including how themes introduced in the Pentateuch are developed throughout the rest of the Bible and how the course content can apply to Christians today.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEBT205
From the foundations of the world, the salvation of a people has been God’s intent, and His Son, Jesus Christ, came to earth to complete such a redemption. The purpose of this course is to give the student a thorough perspective on two of the greatest pillars of the Christian faith: a biblical Christology and Soteriology. The study of the nature, life, and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ along with a truly biblical understanding of the nature of our salvation is an essential part of forming a biblical basis for the student’s faith in our Lord and a foundation for effective ministry in the future. Prerequisite: Theology 1: God and the Human Condition
Class Time: 1 hour | Credits: 1.00
Online Course Code DEFE291
Volunteers are the backbone of Christian ministry. Volunteers staff departments, chair committees, teach classes, lead in services, and provide much of the church governance. This practicum will provide practical insights into recruiting volunteers, and will touch on the art of leading, loving, and caring for volunteers.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEGS204
This is a survey course to introduce the student to the history of the Christian church primarily focusing on renewal and revival movements. This course examines the history of the church as it developed from the apostles to the present era. The course objective is to thoroughly acquaint the student with the historical and theological development of key figures, movements, and doctrines.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
This course introduces the nature, concepts, theories, and perspectives of sociology as it applies to culture, subcultures, identities and practices within the larger multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi- faceted Canadian society. This course offers an exploration of the connection between sociology and ministry, equipping leaders with important sociological insights and skills to better understand and address social issues within their communities. Students will explore aspects of culture and subculture(s) inside and outside of the church in order to understand the factors that shape children and adolescents.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEBT301
This course uses the books of I and II Timothy and Titus to form a Pastoral Theology and a biblical template of contemporary pastoral responsibilities. This course exegetically explores the major themes of 1 Timothy, while having the students teach and apply 2 Timothy and Titus. Being sensitive to the backgrounds, issues, and purposes of these Pauline letters, the professor always seeks to apply the principles to contemporary pastoral experiences.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEBT305
This course is a study of the church and last things from a biblical, theological perspective. The church is seen as a divinely established entity through which God’s people have their beginning and develop their identity and fellowship with him. All major aspects of the church will be examined: her composition, her work, her ordinances, her government, and her future. The church’s future will be considered by looking at the different theological viewpoints that have been held over time, with an aim to discerning the development of Pentecostal eschatology and where it stands today. "Prerequisite: BT105" Prerequisite: Theology 1: God and the Human Condition
Class Time: 1 hour | Credits: 1.00
New
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEGS301
An investigation into several main areas of philosophy, including: Metaphysics (what is the nature of ultimate reality?), Epistemology (what is knowledge?), Axiology (the study of values), Logic (critical thinking and forms of argument), and Philosophy of Religion. It will help students think critically about and clearly explain to others why they believe what they believe.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEPS302
This course is an introduction to the preparation, philosophy, theology, and skills of the pastoral counsellor. It addresses issues and situations commonly faced in the pastor’s office. Practical application of the principles and skills learned during lectures will be applied through various experiences and integrative assignments. Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology (GS203)
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
This course is designed to guide ministry leaders in the faith development of children and adolescents. This course examines the principles, practices, and philosophies that support effective spiritual formation. Participants will be equipped with resources of age-appropriate strategies, empowering them to facilitate meaningful experiences that nurture the spiritual dimensions of children and adolescents.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEBT306
This course is a biblical exposition of the pneumatology in Lukan literature. It evaluates the relevant Lukan data narratively, grammatically, contextually, and canonically, paying particular attention to the way Luke portrays Jesus in the continuing story of God’s salvation plan. It will look at the different perspectives and ways of approaching Luke-Acts, paying close attention to the significant themes of salvation, empowerment for mission, and judgment. Modern interpreters of Lukan pneumatology will be critically evaluated. The OT background will also be appreciated at each step. A major concern of the course will be the relevancy of Luke’s message for us today.
Class Time: 1 hour | Credits: 1.00
New
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEGS205
This course is designed to provide an in-depth account of human development across the life span. It will examine the biological, cognitive and psychosocial approach that has guided the complexity of human development. Students will be given an opportunity to apply a variety of developmental theories to age related changes in behaviour, thinking, emotions, personalities and social relationships in relation to maturational processes, individual differences and cultural expectations. Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEGS402
This course explores the origins of the Pentecostal Movement and its explosive growth and development since the turn of the 20th century. Analysis focuses on the movement’s historical antecedents and context, theological developments, and global expansion. Attention also concentrates on the unique Canadian story and the emergence and development of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEPS303
This course examines how a healthy pastoral life can be achieved through defining one’s personal call, developing one’s character components to reflect more thoroughly the attitude and actions of Jesus the Pastor, and deploying personal spiritual disciplines which enhance overall personal wholeness.This course centers on the personal issues of vocational call, character transformation (spiritual formation), and compassion/care assessment. Class members will be introduced to spiritual training exercises, experiences, and relationships that will assist them to become a daily “apprentice of Jesus, the Pastor” in a practical fashion. Prerequisite: Pastoral Letters
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and empathy required to address the unique challenges faced by children and adolescents. Through a blend of theoretical foundations and practical applications, students will explore a wide range of topics to the challenges that children and adolescents face. The course emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, drawing from psychology, sociology, education, and social work to provide a holistic understanding of the complexities and diversity of young individuals' experiences.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEBT401
The book of 1 Corinthians deals with some of the most difficult issues in the New Testament that are still relevant to our context today. This course explores the background, issues, and purpose of this Pauline letter, as well as how it fits into the overall story of Scripture. Paul wrote the letter of 1 Corinthians to a terribly divided church, where immorality, pride, divorce, cliques, sensationalism, and false teaching threatened the church’s very existence. Written to address these specific problems, Paul’s letter is theologically grounded and eminently practical. Throughout the course, we will explore the meaning and significance of Paul’s letter for us today.
Class Time: 9 hours | Credits: 9.00
New
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEGS401
Ethics is the study of right and wrong. This course examines various approaches to Christian ethics and moral decision making. It also explores several ethical issues that impact the Church and society. Extensive classroom discussion is used to supplement lecture material. Students are encouraged to think critically and search the Scriptures to decide for themselves what is or is not ethical.Prerequisite: Philisophy
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEPS304
This course equips the students with entry-level skills in assessing the financial and operational health of a local church, delivering proper preparation and guidance to formal organizational meetings, and managing the resources needed for a small business environment.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEBT304
This course examines the key themes and critical issues in the historical books of the Old Testament. Attention will also be given to how they relate to the rest of Scripture and how the narratives from Joshua to Esther can be interpreted, communicated, and applied to Christians today.
Class Time: 3 hrs | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEBT405
Mission is a central focus in the Bible, answering the question, “What are people on earth for?” Students will be immersed in the biblical-theological roots of God’s mission in both the Old and New Testaments and the transforming vision of God’s purpose and plan for His people. Emphasis will be placed on the relevancy of God’s mission for the church today. What are the missional priorities for leaders and for every individual Christian believer? The mission of God will be related to the complex contemporary issues facing the church today such as religious pluralism, inclusivism, urbanization, migration, global poverty, and climate change. Prerequisite: Theology 3: Ecclesiology/Eschatology
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEBT406
This course examines all the writings of John, including the Gospel of John, his three epistles, and the book of Revelation. Issues of authorship, genre, purpose, unity, and common themes will be explored, as will the unique message of each. Because of its simplicity, John’s gospel has often been the first writings that Christians read, while its depths are mined by Christians of all ages. The epistles establish a love for God and others that is firmly grounded in the truth of the gospel. Although many are confused by and fearful of Revelation, we will study how it brings clarity, hope, and a fitting conclusion to the overall message of Scripture.
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Online Course Code DEBT408
This course underscores the centrality of the Word of God in the church. Students will develop effective Biblical communication through three major components. First, students will learn the expository preaching method, which takes the main idea of a Scriptural text and makes it the focal point of the message. While a particular outline will be taught, an emphasis on variety in presentation is stressed. Secondly, using advanced hermeneutical principles, students will learn the process of developing a message; from choosing a text to its presentation. Thirdly, students will apply the principles learned by presenting a message from the book of Hebrews. Prerequisite: Homiletics
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
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Next Generation Ministry Program Director
Matt is the Next Generation Ministry Program Director at Vanguard. He began his career in youth ministry in 1995 while attending Bible College. He has worked in youth ministries at five different churches across Canada, serving rural, suburban, and urban settings. He loves youth ministry and has a desire to see young pastors trained and leading the next generation into a relationship with Christ. He is married to Tammy and has three children.
Faculty, Children's Ministry Specialist
Sean is the Children's Ministries Specialist at Vanguard College. He was born in Ontario, but grew up in Southeast Asia, which is probably why he likes drinking tea and watching martial arts/action movies so much. Before coming to Vanguard, Sean served as a Children’s Pastor for over a decade. He has a strong desire to see children and their families transformed by the gospel, and to equip leaders who will help them realize that God wants to use them to build his Kingdom now, as well as in the future. Sean is married to Faith, and they are the proud parents of three fantastic kids.