Pursue is an intentional 8-month discipleship program focused on introducing students to the foundations of Christianity, study and interpretation of the Bible, discovery of their identity in Christ, and gaining practical ministry experiences.
a gap year with purpose
an 8-month discipleship program focused on introducing students to the study and interpretation of the Bible, discovering their identity in Christ, and gaining practical ministry-leadership skills.
Available On-Campus.
His Word . His Heart . His Mission.
Pursue is an eight-month Discipleship Program that focuses on foundational biblical and theological principles. Throughout the year, you will engage in a program uniquely designed to help you develop spiritual disciplines, leadership skills, and being a member of a ministry team.
His WORD
- Introduction to college-level learning through accredited and transferable courses
- Interact and participate in Formation and Discipleship courses tailored to the Pursue program
- Learn how to read the Bible well; understand the context; know the overarching story of the Bible and how life, death, and resurrection connect the story from Genesis to Revelation
- Develop skills in Bible study and interpretation
His HEART
- Discern what you love/worship through spiritual practices and reflection
- Learn to relate well to others by being part of a team and being mentored by leaders
- Develop principles and practices for effective emotional, physical, and spiritual self-care
His MISSION
- Understand what it means to align your personal interests to further the purposes of God's kingdom
- Discover your spiritual gifts and explore your calling
- Gain confidence in your abilities, accomplishments, and decision-making
- Develop the mindset of being a 'reflective practitioner' who is able to learn from what they experience from hands-on ministry.
EXPERIENCE
Ministry:
- Partnering in local ministries
- Partnering with a local ministry in a 'distant land'
Personal Growth Opportunities:
- One-on-one Discipleship/Mentorship
- Leadership Development
- Spiritual Direction
Community Experiences:
- Vanguard Campus
- cohort learning
Program Objectives
- Gain foundational biblical and theological knowledge through discipleship and college-level courses.
- Develop spiritual disciplines, practical personal care, leadership skills and abilities.
- Serve as an active disciple of Christ through exposure to various ministries and engaging in local, national, and global ministry opportunities and projects
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions regarding Pursue, please contact Enrolment Services. Some questions are answered below.
Who is the ideal student for this program?
What will I be doing on the trip?
What will transfer into a Vanguard degree?
Discipleship Certificate
Fall Courses
BT102Hermeneutics
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.
DEBT101The Bible As Story
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
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.
DF104Formation 1: Spiritual Formation
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
This course will allow the student to gain a solid and practical understanding of what spiritual formation is, recognizing just how important it is to one’s overall wellbeing. Building on that understanding students will explore and engage in the process, practices that facilitate spiritual growth and maturity. A foundation will be laid for this course during the cohort week held at Gull Lake Conference Centre in the opening week of the semester. Included in that opening week will be an orientation toward Spiritual Direction. The remainder of the course will be facilitated by the Pursue-X Coordinator, involving assigned work and virtual delivery and connection.
DF105Formation 2: Personal Awareness
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
The quest of knowing Jesus Christ also involves a journey of knowing yourself. This course will help Pursue-X students discover more about their worldview, personality, and emotional health. These aspects influence the way we think, feel, and act in this world. In addition, students will identify their unique spiritual gifts, passions, and abilities which are integral to discipleship growth.
FE103Practicum: Pursue - Fall
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Through the practicum, Pursue-X students will learn to serve effectively, in cooperation and partnership with others who are in leadership in the context of the local church. Students will be part of ministry teams, receiving and fulfilling responsibilities as assigned, learning to understand both the responsibilities and privileges of leadership. Students will also develop interpersonal communication and leadership skills. This will include involvement in regularly scheduled staff meetings (as appropriate) as well as ongoing communication with the supervising pastor who will provide ongoing feedback and instruction on how to be an effective servant leader.
Winter Courses
BT104Gospels
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.
DEBT105Theology 1: God and the Human Condition
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
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.
DF106Formation 3: Life on Mission
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
Pursue-X
FE104Practicum: Pursue - Winter
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
New
PS100Mission Team Dynamics
Class Time: 3 hours | Credits: 3.00
mission