Christian
college guide 2019
FIND YOUR SCHOOL 80+ INDEX
HOLY INTERRUPTIONS
THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES
THE CALL TO MISSIONS
Ancient Practices for the Contemporary Student
7 WAYS TO BURST YOUR CHRISTIAN BUBBLE
KEYS TO WHOLENESS Tips for Staying Healthy at School
CHRISTIAN HIGHER-ED IN A NEW ERA
FACE THE WORLD “ My dad told me, ‘We’re not called to be brilliant, we’re called to be faithful.’ But I discovered—it’s both. ” alice, twu’17
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FIND YOUR SCHOOL 80+ INDEX
HOLY INTERRUPTIONS
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THE CALL TO MISSIONS
THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES Ancient Practices for the Contemporary Student
7 WAYS TO BURST YOUR CHRISTIAN BUBBLE
Christian
college guide 2018
KEYS TO WHOLENESS
FIND YOUR SCHOOL 80+ 80+ SCHOOL SCHOOL INDEX INDEX
Tips for Staying Healthy at School
THE TWO PATHS OF FAITH IN UNIVERSITY FORSAKING BUSYNESS Getting to root of the idol of constant work
7 WAYS TO THRIVE AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT Publication Mail Agreement #0040038603
CHRISTIAN HIGHER-ED IN A NEW ERA
HOW TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING IN YOUR FIRST YEAR
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KEYS TO WHOLENESS Tips and tricks for how to remain healthy at school
SOCIAL MEDIA
HOW TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA FOR GOOD
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Good practices for your social media life
GENERAL INQUIRIES
HOLY INTERRUPTIONS Discerning the Spirit’s leading in short-term missions
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An in-depth look at the top Christian educators
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CHRISTIAN HIGHER-ED IN A NEW ERA A brief look back and what’s ahead for Christian educators
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WHO VS WHAT
DESIGNER
The importance of pursuing character before career
Max Funk maxwellfunk.com
THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES Ancient practices for the contemporary student
MEDIA SPREAD Top selections by the Converge staff: books, movies and more!
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SCHOOL INDEX All post-secondary Christian institutions in Canada
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A tight-knit, Christ-centred community of students provides a challenging and enriching environment. However, your time at college and university is only a preparatory stage for the rest of life. So it’s important to take practical steps early on in your post-secondary education to bring your faith into the real world. Here are some ideas on how to do that:
Make friends with
1
non-Christians or people of other faiths. Join a sports team (and not one from
3
your school). Volunteer at a local
2
non-religious charity that you believe in.
5
4
Spend time in poorer or lessdeveloped areas of your city.
Get involved in the local arts-and-culture scene in your city.
7
6
Join (or start) a book or movie club; invite some non-Christians.
Listen to podcasts that discuss different perspectives. CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 3
Keys to Maintaining Wholeness at University University can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help keep you at your best in school, and in life in general.
HYGIENE It’s easy to let the pressure of school turn you into a grumpy, smelly, sweatpants-wearing ball of stress - but you don’t have to! Taking the time and effort to care for yourself will boost your self-confidence. These are simple things like: Taking regular showers. This should be obvious. Dental care. Brushing your teeth and flossing daily means a nicer smile, fresher breath…and fewer trips to the dentist.
EXERCISE
Clean your room. This includes making your bed every morning. If you tackle this first task, you will be better
Our bodies were made to move, so we should move! It’s
equipped mentally to tackle other, bigger challenges
as simple as that. The main purpose of getting exercise
that the day may bring.
is not to achieve a certain body type or even a level of fitness (we’re not all Olympic athletes) but to reap the many benefits of engaging in regular exercise: Variety is key. Try working out different muscle groups every day to keep your whole body strong. Look for new ways of exercising that you’ve never done before. Keep it cheap. Gym memberships are not necessary (especially on a students budget). Many exercises, like bodyweight training, can be done in the comfort of your own home.
FOOD
Do it together. We need not invoke Isaiah 27:17 to
Food can be a struggle for new students, especially
tell you that exercising with someone helps you stay
because it is often the first time you are doing all your
accountable, makes it more enjoyable and gives you
own meal planning, shopping and cooking. Eating well
someone to compete against. Have fun!
is important. Here are some quick tips for maintaining a good diet in college: Food is meant to nourish your body and give you energy, not just provide a quick fix. If your school has a cafeteria, don’t eat all your meals there. Take time to understand nutrition and diet. Learn to cook for yourself and plan out your meals a week at a time. Spring for the good quality stuff even if it’s pricier. Food is best enjoyed communally; set up dinners together with your roommates and friends or eat out together once in a while.
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MENTAL HEALTH Being firmly committed to the other four categories will have a positive impact on your mental health. It’s all connected: It’s about balance. Find the equilibrium of solitude, rest, time with friends, and work, that is good for you. Make your boundaries clear for yourself and others. Know your purpose. Figure out what you’re doing and why, then go for it! Spend time alone with God. If you maintain one thing on the whole list let it be this. You were created for intimacy with a dynamic, infinite, personal, all-loving Creator!
SLEEP Sleep is one of the most crucial elements of success in your college studies. It’s common knowledge that people need at least 7 hours of sleep per night, but many students short-change sleep for schoolwork, entertainment, and socializing. Here is some helpful advice about sleep: Pulling an all-nighter before your mid-term won’t help you remember the answers, it will actually make it harder to store and recall information. Manage your screens. The blue light from your computer and phone stimulates your brain and makes it harder to fall asleep. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This will regulate your circadian rhythm and give you more energy throughout the day.
RESOURCES https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/ services/budget-student-life/student-budget-worksheet https://www.jamieoliver.com/family/student-friendly-meals/ https://www.livekindly.co/easy-vegan-budget-studentrecipes/ https://twloha.com/ https://cmha.ca/ CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 5
HOW TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA FOR GOOD 6 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
SOCIAL MEDIA IS A GREAT TOOL THAT CAN HELP
These are just a few cool ways of utilizing social media.
you thrive in your community life during college, but
Sadly, perhaps unforeseen by their developers, these
it can also be a huge distraction that wastes time and
media platforms can also cause much harm. Social
steals opportunities. Some people have chosen to
media can become injurious to mental health, isolating
eliminate social media from their life entirely (perhaps
people and (ironically) cutting them off from real social
you’re one of them), deciding that they’re better off
connection. Here are somes specific risks that “over-
without it. All the power to them. For the majority who
using” poses to our well-being:
want to keep utilizing social media, we need wisdom in how we go about it. Let’s think for a minute about the
•
your attention — once you are sucked in it can
benefits of social media. Social media has helped us connect and stay in touch with a variety of different people, whether long time
waste valuable time and feel like bondage. •
The stimulus of social media actually rewires the reward mechanisms in your brain, leading to
friends or people we have just met. It has given us
unhealthy highs and lows.
tools for sharing things we enjoy, like music, videos, and images. Arguably, it has enabled us to cultivate
Social media is engineered to grab and to keep
•
Social media over-users can become detached
a greater taste and appreciation for the arts, through
from reality, less concerned about real life and the
innovative platforms like Spotify, Vimeo, and most
real people around them.
recently, Vero. Sites like these can be used to promote creative projects and business ventures, and can also broaden our understanding of foreign cultures without having to travel across the world. Here are some practical ways of putting social media to good use: •
•
•
Social media is a killer for comparison: browsing photos and moments from your friends’ lives can make you feel worse about your own life.
Also, cyberbullying, abuse, and hate speech are common on social media, especially in the political sphere. And research has shown that the power of
Organize social events through Facebook
social media played a role in swaying users’ votes with
(community dinners, movie nights, or outreach
the spread of false information (e.g. the Cambridge
projects — dream big!).
Analytica scandal which Facebook is being sued for).
Set up discussion forums among classmates on
Hopefully these ideas will cause you to contemplate
Reddit or Facebook to hash out important issues —
the place and purpose of social media in your life,
fruitful conversations can be had online!
helping you to better steward your time and talents.
Check out MeetUp, which you can use to organize local hang-outs with people that share similar interests.
•
•
It’s up to you to take control. So start now and harness social media as a tool for good in all areas of your life, both now and in the long run.
Self Control (Apple) or Cold Turkey (Windows) are apps that temporarily blacklist websites, helping you maintain control of your precious time.
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 7
holy
by max funk
T
here is much to be said about the current cultural phenomenon known as “Missions Trips”. Most people within the North American church have
either been on a short-term trip or know someone who has. In many ways, it has become a cliché within our contemporary church culture: young, affluent Christians fundraising, going somewhere, learning about God, serving in (hopefully) a useful way, and then returning to their home culture changed (again, hopefully) for the better.
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It bears mentioning that for all their benefits, there are a lot of
In November of that year I decided to use some of the extra
ways that short-term missions or service trips (or whatever you
money that I had saved to travel and visit some friends. They
want to call them), could be done poorly. Perhaps our service
were working in a private Christian school in the hills of
is taking away jobs and opportunities from locals that need
Guatemala. Their school year had just finished, and it was
them. Perhaps we’re bringing a gospel more informed by our
the perfect getaway location for me to take advantage of.
cultural or personal biases than the Word of God. Perhaps we
Unbeknownst to me, it was not my desire for a break, but
are using the noble guise of “missions” as a front to satiate our
rather the purposes of God that had guided me. Within a
wanderlust. Whether there’s a self-seeking motive or another
few days of being in Guatemala I knew that this was the next
less-than-holy force at play, the ways it can go wrong are many.
season of life and I agreed to come back as an English teacher
But they are far outweighed by the ways it can go right. For
the following school year. (Side note: as I continue to walk with
all of its possible pitfalls, short term, inter-cultural missions
the Lord through life, I find myself feeling all the more like a
still retain the potential for immeasurable goodness and
passive agent, as if all of His goodness is happening to me, and
fruitfulness within the global Church. Under the leading of the
I’m simply along for the ride. Psalm 23 comes to mind, “surely
Holy Spirit, God-hungry, surrendered hearts can go anywhere
your goodness and mercy will follow me.”) I can now say that
in the world, make connections, form relationships, share the
this past year has been the best year of my life. My community
gospel, advance the kingdom, help the oppressed, heal the
is amazing. I love my job and my students. The Lord is moving
sick, cast out devils, and raise the dead! The question is: how
powerfully. The plane that was previously trapped in a holding
does one know if they should go?
pattern has landed in the best possible way. In fact, I’ve
For all of its possible pitfalls, short term, inter-cultural missions still retain the potential for immeasurable goodness and fruitfulness Let me describe the details of the story I currently find myself in. In 2017 I was living in Vancouver. The situation I was in had no obvious drawbacks or problems: I liked my neighbourhood and my roommates. I was part of a great church plant. I had completed my university degree with little to no debt. My employment was a mix of landscaping and freelance graphic design (both of which I enjoyed). My free time was spent gallivanting around beautiful British Columbia with friends. I had a car. The list goes on. But a deep longing of the heart also marked this season of life. What was I longing for I asked myself. For adventure? Resolution? More purpose? For signs and wonders? For the next big thing? I just knew I was restless. I felt like I was a plane in a holding pattern, traversing the skies; always approaching but never arriving. (I’ll come back to this image later.)
enjoyed it so much that I’m coming back for another year, and maybe even more. For me, this is an entirely new season of life. For others, serving in missions may only be a few months, or a few weeks. Each story is unique and therefore the reasons that someone would say ‘yes’ to a service opportunity are unique to each person. However, there are a few common denominators that we can extract to help us discern the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives. MAKE SURE YOU’RE GOING TO BE USEFUL I don’t want to sound harsh, but it’s possible for one to be incredibly useless on a short-term service trip. Not just useless, worse than useless. Not only could one have nothing to give, but they may also be a burden to their host ministry, or an offence to their host culture. A lose-lose situation. If you’re going partake in a short-term trip, you should have something to give. And you probably do. In fact, I know you do, but it’s up to you to figure out what that is and cultivate it. I’m not talking about just bringing the Gospel (in fact you may find that the Gospel is waiting for you there). I’m talking about your specific gifts, given to you by God for the edification of the Church. If you can determine what those are, it will help you immensely, no only in your time serving, but in the rest of your life. CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 9
MAKE SURE YOUR MOTIVES ARE PURE As I have previously mentioned, it’s possible to engage in short-term service opportunities for all the wrong reasons, but there are all the right reasons to do it as well. You must owe nothing to anyone except the obligation to love, and love does not seek it’s own. Die to yourself. Give up your rights. Lose your life so that you can find it. It’s a paradox, an upside down kingdom. I know I may sound like a broken record, but you really must not love your own life, even unto death. This is the key to not only a fruitful missions experience, but also a victorious life (Rev 12:11). When you have completely disregarded yourself and love has become your only motive, only then you are finally capable of living and interacting in the world like Jesus did. OBEDIENCE IS THE ONLY FACTOR I am convinced, and am becoming more and more convinced as time goes on, that obedience is the only factor. In my case, the season of life I was in had me perfectly prepared for this kind of interruption. I had no long-term job, no debts, no serious relationship — nothing kept me from making an on-the-spot decision to move to another country. For others it may not
When you have completely disregarded yourself and love has become your only motive, only then you are finally capable of living and interacting in the world like Jesus did. When I was in my season of waiting, when I felt like a plane in a holding pattern, a member of my church gave me a word that helped me position myself to receive the next thing God had for me. He said, “when a plane is in a holding pattern, it’s not arbitrary or unrestrained. The control tower has a pre-determined course for it, leading it from point to point, until it’s time to land.” Looking back on it, this was true in every way. God had a plan and purpose that was perfect for me and where I was in life. His timing was perfect. His organization and management were perfect. He provided and continues to provide the funding. All I have to do is have a heart surrendered to His love and He does the rest.
be so. There may be job aspirations, relationships, contracts,
Whether it’s in the context of short-term missions or not, be
family obligations, etc. It doesn’t matter. Obedience is the only
open to those Holy Interruptions and the ways, planned and
factor. What your parents think is irrelevant. What your bank
unplanned, that God leads your life. Just say “yes” and enjoy
account says is irrelevant. What stage of the University journey
the ride, it’s that simple.
you are in is irrelevant. Obedience is the only factor. If God is calling you to do something, you must purpose in your heart to obey and do it.
10 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
What’s inside matters. What you will do and who you will become are two very different things. Tyndale challenges and empowers students to thrive through an academic and community experience that feels like home. With no crowds, everyone stands out. Professors are mentors, students become family and the experience changes lives and aligns you with your purpose.
Redefining Community & Learning.
Toronto, ON | www.tyndaleu.ca
Raising up Disciples of Christ in Guatemala
globalshore.org
Room and Board
School Profiles 12 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
Scholarships Jobs on Campus Varsity Sports Online Courses Library on Campus Study Abroad
AMBROSE UNIVERSITY & SEMINARY
Ambrose University offers a quality education you won’t find at larger universities. In this close, connected learning environment, professors become mentors who provide support as you learn and explore options for your future. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS A degree at Ambrose goes further than the textbook by teaching discovery, wisdom, and community. Ambrose offers accredited degrees in arts and science, ministry, education, and business. Additionally, our Seminary offers graduate programs in theology, leadership, intercultural ministries and biblical studies. COMMUNITY CULTURE At Ambrose you are part of a tightknit community that cares about who you are and what you are capable of achieving. We want you to feel at home here. There are many opportunities for you to integrate into campus life, from athletics to music recitals, chapel services and community days.
Where Higher Learning Meets Higher Purpose
Degrees: Diploma, Undergraduate, Graduate Affiliation: Multi-Denominational CALGARY, AB 1-800-461-1222 enrolment@ambrose.edu ambrose.edu
$12,500 920 13 AUG 1
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
PRACTICUMS AND INTERNSHIPS Valuable hands-on experience outside of the classroom is integral to Ambrose programs. Practicums in social services agencies, networking through business conferences, local and global ministry internships, and world travel studies allow you to put your education into practice and set you up for your career. Interested in how Ambrose University could be a great fit as you pursue your life’s calling? Connect with us today.
Briercrest is a learning community committed to whole-person discipleship. Here, students grow academically, socially, and spiritually in an environment that equips students for lives of service.
BRIERCREST COLLEGE & SEMINARY
COMMUNITY CULTURE Dorm life becomes a highlight for many students and provides an opportunity to build tight-knit relationships in a community focused on discipleship. Beyond the dorm, our student body gathers together for daily chapels, worship nights, and on-campus events that contribute to rich, Kingdom community life. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS The degree options at Briercrest College range from ministry to marketplace disciplines, so you are immersed in an atmosphere of discipleship while you pursue your career. Our many partnerships with other institutions give students more flexibility to invest in both their faith and their career during their studies.
Equipping the Church, Engaging our World
Degrees: Cert, Dip, Undergraduate, Graduate Affiliation: Trans-Denominational CARONPORT, SK 1-306-756-3200 enrolnow@briercrest.ca briercest.ca
$1,032 725 18 OPEN
PER 3 CREDITS
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES There are many ways to get involved, both on and off campus: student government, Youth Quake, musical productions, athletics, leadership opportunities, and service teams, among others. Here, classroom learning becomes life experience. Discover your gifts, gain skills in different areas, and serve as member of a Christcentered community. Experience Briercrest for yourself—visit us for an event or a personalized tour. Email enrolnow@briercrest.ca or visit BRIERCREST.CA to apply. CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 13
CANADA’S MOST VERSATILE PARTNERSHIP FOR A CAREER IN YOUTH MINISTRY
1 3
2
STEP 2: Gain youth ministry and service experience while studying on campus.
STEP 3: Learn from youth ministry experts while serving in a local church.
STEP 1: Learn and lead through in-class discipleship and outdoor adventure.
BRIERCREST.CA | enrolnow@briercrest.ca
CANADIAN INSTITUTE OF LINGUISTICS
Are you mission-minded? Do you have a heart to end Bible poverty for millions of speakers of minoritylanguages around the world? CanIL is the place for YOU! WHY CANIL? For over thirty years, CanIL has been training mission-minded students with a heart to end Bible poverty for the millions of minority language speakers around the world. Our team of field-experienced faculty teach students linguistic tools that will help them make a lasting impact for people around the world. LOCAL FEATURES CanIL operates on two campuses. CanIL West, on the campus of Trinity Western University, is nestled in the beautiful BC Fraser Valley, minutes drive from mountains, rivers, lakes, and the ocean. CanIL East, on Tyndale University College campus, is located on a beautiful 56-acre campus nestled in the city of Toronto.
Discover a World of Language and Culture!
Degrees: Undergraduate, Graduate Affiliation: EFCA LANGLEY, BC 1-800-513-2129 admissions@canil.ca canil.ca 14 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
$8,000 120 20 OPEN
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
COMMUNITY CULTURE CanIL is not just a school, it’s a family made up of mission-minded students, teachers and staff. In addition to our regular weekly extracurricular activities, each month we enjoy sharing a meal together while listening to stories told by visiting alumni from all over the world. Students and staff also have opportunities to share their latest research during academic colloquiums. Visit www.canil.ca, then contact our admissions team now to start a conversation. We will walk with you through the process.
CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY
CAPERNWRAY QUEBEC BIBLE CENTRE
Faith-filled Community. Building Character. Equipping Careers.
Degrees: Undergraduate, Graduate Affiliation: Mennonite WINNIPEG, MB 1-877-231-4570 info@cmu.ca cmu.ca
$735 782 18 OPEN
PER 3 CREDITS
Discover Christ as Life
Degrees: Certificate Affiliation: Non-denominational CHERTSEY, QC 450-882-1361 bibleschool@cqbc.ca
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE APPLICATION DEADLINE
CAPERNWRAY HARBOUR BIBLE SCHOOL
cqbc.ca
$9,995 24 24 OPEN
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Come and discover Jesus Christ as Saviour, Lord and Life in an awe-inspiring island setting! Be discipled in His Word while living in community. Apply Today! LOCAL FEATURES Capernwray Harbour is located on 97 acres of woods, meadows and seashore on a beautiful Gulf Island off the coast of Vancouver BC. From the mountaintops to the rainforests to the open sea, there is something for everyone to explore on Thetis Island - just a short ferry ride away on Vancouver Island! COMMUNITY CULTURE Students and Staff of varying nationalities and denominational backgrounds join together to form a community that seeks to discover the character of Jesus Christ and to experience His indwelling Life. Community living through work days, daily duties, intramural sports, outdoor recreation and outreach opportunities offers hands-on experience to apply the classroom teaching.
Proclaiming Jesus Christ as Life!
Degrees: Certificate Affiliation: Non-Denominational THETIS ISLAND, BC 1-888-224-5681 chbc@capernwray.ca capernwray.ca
$12,500 100 100 OPEN
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS The Bible School covers nearly all of the books of the Bible and although students are required to prepare assignments and summaries, the emphasis is on personal discovery of Jesus Christ through discipleship rather than on academic achievement. Study Projects, Seminars, Work Days, Outreaches, Extracurricular Activities and Field Trips are intricate parts of the learning experience. Come for a Taste & See Week for a hands-on experience of Bible School! More info at capernwray.ca.
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 15
CLEARWATER BIBLE COLLEGE
Come! Deepen your relationship with God! Get grounded in God’s word! Learn how to live as a follower of Christ in an increasingly sophisticated world! WHY CLEARWATER? At Clearwater College, the spiritual growth of students is primary. We are passionate about encountering God, biblical instruction, authentic community, life transformation, ministry preparation, and mission outreach. Our programs seek to combine solid Biblical teaching with relevant life application and practical skill development to equip students for Spirit-filled living and ministry. LOCAL FEATURES The beautifully forested 78-acre campus of Clearwater College is nestled in the picturesque Clearwater Valley in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Enhanced by crystal streams, freshwater springs, and bordered by the Clearwater River, the campus provides a virtual paradise for recreational activities and a serene wilderness setting for meeting with God amidst His creation.
Equipping for Life and Ministry
Degrees: Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate Affiliation: Inter-denominational CAROLINE, AB 1-800-838-2975 office@clearwatercollege.com clearwatercollege.com
$5,940 38 10 OPEN
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
COMMUNITY CULTURE At Clearwater College, we cherish and intentionally cultivate a family culture of acceptance, grace, honesty, and accountability. Joy and laughter are abundant and rich conversations over coffee or meals are plentiful. Our family culture provides a safe place for students to be authentic and experience the healing and transformation that a caring community can provide. Check out our website clearwatercollege.com, arrange for a campus visit, or give us call at 1-800-838-2975.
COLUMBIA BIBLE COLLEGE
Explore Your Calling
Degrees: Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate Affiliation: Evangelical Anabaptist ABBOTSFORD, BC 1-800-283-0881 info@columbiabc.edu columbiabc.edu
$10,075 425 23 OPEN
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
CRANDALL UNIVERSITY
Crandall University is Atlantic Canada’s leading liberal arts university rooted in the Christian Faith, with programs in Arts, Business Administration, Science, Education, and Organizational Management. WHY CRANDALL? With 70 years of history providing education that integrates faith and learning, Crandall University offers a welcoming atmosphere, as well as a commitment to students, academic excellence, and the Christian faith. Crandall’s exceptional faculty, favourable student-to-professor ratio, and renowned academic programs make it a campus students are proud to call home. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Whether you’re looking to study Psychology, Biology, or Business Administration, study teaching in our Education program, or pursue our dual degree Bachelor of Theology, you can find the right fit for you at Crandall. Our ClayStone gap year program even lets you earn credits while pursuing outdoor adventure and cross-cultural ministry experiences.
Transforming Lives Through Quality Christian Education
Degrees: Certificate, Undergraduate, Graduate Affiliation: Baptist MONCTON, NB 1-888-968-6228 admissions@crandallu.ca crandallu.ca
$8,680 600 19 OPEN
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
CAREER EXPECTATIONS We are proud to have alumni in a wide variety of professions across Canada and beyond. From teachers, to pastors, to doctors, lawyers, marketing moguls, research analysts and non-profit thinkers, our grads are equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers (and further education) in a variety of areas. We would love for you to join us at Crandall University. Visit our website or contact our admissions team to learn how.
EMMANUEL BIBLE COLLEGE
Your Gifts, Your Growth, His Glory
Degrees: Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate Affiliation: Evangelical Christian KITCHENER, ON 1-519-894-8900 x224 admissions@emmanuelbiblecollege.ca emmanuelbiblecollege.ca
$10,852 100 14 OPEN
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Make your next semester your best semester arocha.ca/apply
Change the world through creation care
Heritage equips students to live-out and defend their faith in an increasingly complex world. Experience a community committed to preparing students for life and ministry!
HERITAGE COLLEGE & SEMINARY
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Heritage offers Bachelor degrees in Theology, Religious Education, and Music, with optional specializations. Our one-year certificates are an excellent way to become grounded in your faith before heading off to University! At a graduate level, we offer an M.T.S and M.Div. as well as several Graduate Certificates. PRACTICUMS & INTERNSHIPS Our internship program enables our degree students to gain practical ministry experience within a church or ministry organization before they graduate. The mentorship will help them further develop their skills and give them exposure outside the classroom. Our internship program is uniquely tailored to each student’s future ministry goals.
Pursuing God with Passion and Excellence
Degrees: Cert, Dip, Undergraduate, Graduate Affiliation: Fellowship Baptist CAMBRIDGE, ON 1-800-465-1961 info@heritagecs.edu discoverheritage.ca
$11,700 325 25 JUL 31
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
COMMUNITY CULTURE Our newly renovated Student Centre is a warm environment for connecting with students, playing a game of pool or ping-pong, and drinking a latte from our very own Bean Café! We also have a prayer room and outdoor gazebo. Living in residence gives further opportunity to develop meaningful friendships.
Book a tour of our campus, or sign up for a Student APPLICATION Sampler at www.discoverheritage.ca/tour, or call 1-800-465-1961 x241. DEADLINE
KNOX COLLEGE
Educating people of faith to think deeply about God, live authentically, and lead courageously, amid shifting spiritual and social landscapes. WHY KNOX? At Knox College, a federated college of the University of Toronto, students integrate faith with practice. The small college atmosphere fosters a strong community, yet as part of the Toronto School of Theology, students have access to over 300 courses. Online and video-conferenced courses available. Bursary offered to all students. PRACTICUMS & INTERNSHIPS Experiential learning is a cornerstone of our curriculum. Students preparing for congregational ministry engage in a practicum to gain hands-on experience. Placements are also available in hospitals and social service agencies. Students in spiritual care and psychotherapy program complete 2 Clinical Pastoral Education units with over 400 hours of training.
Faith Matters®
Degrees: Graduate (Certificate, Masters, Doctoral) Affiliation: Presbyterian Church in Canada TORONTO, ON 1-416-978-5306 megan.shin@utoronto.ca knox.utoronto.ca 18 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
TUITION FEES PLEASE INQUIRE
111 10
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE PLEASE INQUIRE
CAREER EXPECTATIONS Knox College graduates serve as congregational ministers, hospital/military/university/social ministry chaplains, educators, overseas workers, Christian counsellors and psychotherapists. With the MPS degree in spiritual care and psychotherapy, students meet the competencies for Canadian Association for Spiritual Care certification and College of Registered Psychotherapy of Ontario membership. Talk to our admissions counsellor (megan.shin@utoronto.ca) who can provide you with information on programs, tuition, financial aid, admissions and more.
MCMASTER DIVINITY COLLEGE
At McMaster Divinity College, we use our Knowing…Being…Doing paradigm to fulfill our mission to develop effective evangelical Christian leaders for the Church, academy, and society. WHY MCMASTER DIVINITY COLLEGE? At MDC, we give equal weight to academics and ministry, ensuring that our students are academically prepared, but have also become truly representative of the gospel. Our low tuition rates and high financial aid enables students to leave us without the burden of debt. LOCAL FEATURES MDC is an evangelical seminary and graduate school on the campus of a major university, located in Hamilton, Ontario. About an hour southwest of Toronto, Hamilton is the 3rd largest city in Ontario and 9th largest city in Canada. Known as the City of Waterfalls, there are 100 waterfalls within our city’s boundaries.
Knowing… Being… Doing
Degrees: Graduate Affiliation: Baptist (CBOQ) HAMILTON, ON 905-525-9140 x24401 divadmit@mcmaster.ca mcmasterdivinity.ca
$6,200 205 14 JUN 15
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
We invite you to visit us at one of our open houses or get
APPLICATION more information on our programs at mcmasterdivinity.ca. DEADLINE
MILLAR COLLEGE OF THE BIBLE
Developing Passionate, Relevant Servants of Jesus Christ
Degrees: Undergraduate, Graduate Affiliation: Non-Denominational PAMBRUN, SK SUNNYBRAE, BC
1-888-892-4253 admissions@millarcollege.ca millarcollege.ca
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Our hybrid Doctor of Practical Theology is a professional doctorate designed to enable students engaged in a ministry context to further their knowledge through practice-led research. Our Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies degrees allow you to choose the courses that most benefit your ministry. For all programs, visit our website.
$6,650 250 45 OPEN
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
PROVIDENCE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE & THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Knowledge and Character for Leadership and Service
Degrees: Undergraduate, Graduate Affiliation: Non-Denominational OTTERBURNE, MB 1-800-668-7768 info@prov.ca prov.ca
$8,580 500 15 OPEN
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
As a Providence student you’ll participate in an international Christian community and receive a top-notch education that will put you to work in your field of choice. COMMUNITY CULTURE What does community look like to you? Maybe an autumn bonfire? Or board games and hot chocolate on a cold, winter night? Your Providence community will include students and faculty from more than 30 countries, and we’ll all learn, grow and worship together! PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS We’re one of the few Canadian schools that offers a degree program in Aviation. We also have a thriving Science program headed by an accomplished researcher, and our Bachelor of Business Administration, Psychology, Sociology and Communications & Media programs provide important training for the contemporary marketplace. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE We understand the financial weight of university, which is why we’re investing you, too! All first-year students are eligible for automatic entrance scholarships, and we have numerous bursaries worth up to $5,000 as well. Just apply before April! Last year Providence awarded almost $500,000 in scholarships and bursaries! 20 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
MILE TWO DISCIPLESHIP SCHOOL Are you looking for a gap-year adventure after high school? Mile Two Discipleship School will take you outside the classroom and into ministry settings, intentional community and overseas to Israel and the West Bank! Mile Two develops disciples of Jesus who are compassionate, self-sacrificing and absolutely committed to pursing him. CAREER EXPECTATIONS Upon graduation from Providence you’ll be part of a family of alumni making a difference all over the world! Recent graduates are working at tech start-ups in Germany, embassies in Eastern Europe and counselling organizations here in Manitoba. Your Providence education will transform you into a difference-maker for Christ! Visit PROV.ca to learn more about our programs and community life. Or call toll-free to speak with Jenny or Dustin!
REDEEMER UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
A Degree You Can Believe In
Degrees: Undergraduate Affiliation: Non-Denominational HAMILTON, ON 905-648-2131 admissions@redeemer.ca redeemer.ca
$16,792 689 24 OPEN
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Redeemer offers 39 strong degree pathways rooted in a Christ-centered, rigorous academic program that challenges students to develop a Kingdom vision for their career and life. COMMUNITY CULTURE A communal living approach allows students to be independent but also feel supported by creating a strong sense of belonging. Campus life includes events like dorm devotions, chapel and Church in the Box that foster spaces to grow a deeper relationship with God and others.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Planned or spontaneous, students can always find an outlet for their passions. Sing in the concert choir, write for the student newspaper, form a dorm band, organize a movie night, or jump on a bus and explore downtown Hamilton. Join the Redeemer Royals and play in (or cheer for!) one of the varsity sports teams — basketball, crosscountry, soccer and volleyball. CAREER EXPECTATIONS The Centre for Experiential Learning and Careers (CELC) connects a student’s sense of calling with intentional career exploration and planning. Through co-ops, internships and career guidance, students develop a sense of where God is leading them past graduation. Students will reap the benefits of mentorship, networking opportunities, and workplace experience. Visit Redeemer and experience campus for yourself at www.redeemer.ca/visit. When ready, apply at www. redeemer.ca/apply.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Redeemer offers Bachelor of Arts, Science and Education degrees, with 39 programs to choose from. Pick from programs like clinical psychology, media and culture, health sciences or urban and intercultural ministry. Regardless of what field you choose to study, every discipline is taught in light of the Grander Story. PRACTICUMS & INTERNSHIPS Redeemer offers co-ops in a variety of businesses and organizations where students apply what they learn in the classroom in hands-on experiences. Internships give students the opportunity to work for local or global organizations and off-campus programs offer the chance to study across the globe while fulfilling academic requirements. CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 21
Our graduate programs unite vibrant faith and rigorous academics. We cultivate vigorous, intelligent, and joyful commitment to Jesus Christ, His church, and His world.
REGENT COLLEGE
COMMUNITY CULTURE Regent College is an international and trans-denominational community, welcoming students from six continents and dozens of denominations. Faculty and staff are warm and approachable and the student community is diverse and supportive. New students can plug in quickly by participating in the college-wide Fall Retreat and a weekly fellowship group. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Have big questions? Find answers with our Graduate Diploma, MA in Christian Studies, MA in Theological Studies, or ThM programs. Called to the church? Lay a foundation with the MDiv. Diving deeper within your calling? The MA in Leadership, Theology & Society can help you grow in your chosen career.
Where Vibrant Faith Meets Rigorous Academics
Degrees: Graduate (Diploma, Masters) Affiliation: Trans-denominational VANCOUVER, BC 1-800-663-8664 admissions@regent-college.edu regent-college.edu
$1,485 500 20 OPEN
PER 3 CREDIT
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE
rockymountaincollege.ca 22 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
Visit us online, spend a day on campus, or sample a one-week summer course (rgnt.net/summer). Contact admissions@regent-college.edu for more info.
ROSEBUD SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
Anyone… Anywhere… Anytime…
Degrees: Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate Affiliation: Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada CALGARY, AB 1-877-968-6762 enrolment@rockymountaincollege.ca
PRACTICUMS & INTERNSHIPS Regent is committed to integration of faith and life. Students can explore this integration through several hands-on training opportunities. Supervised Ministry, Arts Internships, Go Global courses in Kenya and Costa Rica, Marketplace Field Immersion, and a final Integrative Project allow you to work out the practical implications of your education.
Be Transformed, Transform Culture
$7,312 100 5-10 OPEN
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION AVERAGE CLASS SIZE APPLICATION DEADLINE
Degrees: Certificate, Diploma, Fellow of RSA Affiliation: Inter-Denominational ROSEBUD, AB 403-677-2350 recruitment@rosebudschoolofthearts.com rosebudschoolofthearts.com
$7,800 30 12 OPEN
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
TRINITY WESTERN UNIVERSITY
Inspiring Hearts and Minds PRACTICUMS & INTERNSHIPS We offer experiential learning and opportunities through internships, practicums, volunteer roles, and on-campus employment. So you’ll be ready STUDENT to conquer the competitive job market, prepared to make an POPULATION immediate impact in your field.
TUITION FEES PLEASE INQUIRE Degrees: Undergraduate, Graduate Affiliation: Evangelical Free Churches of America LANGLEY, BC 1-888-468-6898 admissions@twu.ca twu.ca
4000 25 OPEN
CAREER EXPECTATIONS Our 27,000+ alumni are making a dynamic difference in the world across more than 80 countries. Their education gives them expertise in their careers as well as APPLICATION tools and resources to be innovators, influencers and leaders in DEADLINE society.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
It’s not just what you do, it’s who you become. WHY US? You’ll gain relevant professional skills within a world-class academic community, exploring the bigger questions about who you are and what you’re meant to do, so you can have a transformational impact on the world around you. With 47 undergraduate and 19 graduate degree programs, you are sure to find something that inspires you.
Visit twu.ca to submit your application and we’ll be in touch to guide you through the rest of your journey.
WE LOVE WHERE WE LIVE We’re located on the beautiful west coast of British Columbia, just 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver; whether you love city life or hiking mountains, there are endless adventures to be discovered. Come and explore one of the most amazing places on earth. CHRIST-CENTERED COMMUNITY Authenticity and intentionality are major buzz words in our community, and for good reason. When surrounded by like-minded peers who give up their Friday nights to serve on the streets and invest in student leadership opportunities, it inspires you to pursue your passions as you find and fulfill your God-given purpose in life. CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 23
ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY
In Your Light We Shall See Light (Psalm 36)
Degrees: Certificate, Undergraduate Affiliation: Catholic CALGARY, AB 403-531-3190 admissions@stmu.ca stmu.ca
TYNDALE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
$7,590 900 25 AUG 31
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The Tyndale community challenges one another to live authentically, to make a difference, to follow Christ and actively engage culture. COMMUNITY CULURE Impact extends beyond any one individual. At Tyndale, this happens through community. With over 40 denominations and 60 ethnic groups, you will be inspired and challenged to think differently, see in new ways, and generate change in the world. You will be transformed intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. LOCATION FEATURES Centrally located in one of Toronto’s safest neighbourhoods, Tyndale is situated on a beautiful, modern, yet pristine 56-acre campus that is easily accessible to the downtown core. Public transit is available to take you to various work and service opportunities, professional sports games, and the countless cultural experiences Toronto offers.
Redefining Community & Learning
Degrees: Undergraduate Affiliation: Non-Denominational TORONTO, ON 1-877-TYNDALE admissions@tyndale.ca tyndaleu.ca 24 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
$15,540 1600 22 AUG 1
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
CAREER EXPECTATIONS Tyndale’s faculty, consisting of leading academics in their respective fields, will help guide you into a successful career. Our professors get to know you and can provide references for graduate schools and other opportunities. Join the global community of alumni living out their faith in their chosen careers. See Tyndale for yourself! Visit www.tyndaleu.ca to schedule a campus visit or take a virtual tour and begin your application.
VANGUARD COLLEGE
WYCLIFFE COLLEGE
Verbum Domini Manet (The Word of the Lord Endures)
Degrees: Undergraduate Affiliation: Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada EDMONTON, AB 1-866-222-0808 info@vanguardcollege.com vanguardcollege.com
$6,960 269 20 AUG 15
PER YEAR
STUDENT POPULATION
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Degrees: Graduate (Cert, Dip, M.A, PhD) Affiliation: Evangelical Anglican TORONTO, ON 416-946-3535 registrar@wycliffe.utoronto.ca wycliffecollege.ca/converge
34 Spiritually vibrant institutions
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238 15 MAY 31
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AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
e a r t ac q u i r es
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See our member institutions in the Christian College Guide.
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15 18: V. O PR
www.checanada.ca
APPLICATION DEADLINE
E G D E L W O KN an in te ll i
Offering vocationally relevant programs for the marketplace, church and world
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TUITION FEES PLEASE INQUIRE
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Developing Innovative Spirit-Filled Leaders
he dt he ear of t
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THE STATE OF
CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION
BY SAM HINDMARSH
THE 21ST CENTURY HAS SEEN MASSIVE CULTURAL
In order to keep drawing in new students, Christian educators
shifts around sexuality, the concept of free speech, and the
have needed to improve their academic credibility. In Canada,
ways in which people work. Christian educators throughout
Briercrest College & Seminary, which opened in 1935 as
history, and especially now, are having to adapt to these
Briercrest Bible Institute, became fully accredited in 1976. This
changes. For faith-based higher education, these challenges
meant they could now offer to students a quality of education
have pushed institutions to expand their vision, improve the
equal to larger secular schools, with the added bonus of being
quality of their programs, as well as reevaluate what Christian
on a “Christian campus”.
community on campus looks like.
As well, introducing graduate studies became common for
A BRIEF HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN HIGHER-EDUCATION Christian institutions. In 1968, Regent College opened in Most Western higher-education institutions come from a religious heritage, for example, well known Ivy League schools like Harvard and Yale were founded in order to train missionaries. Of course, now their student bodies and core curriculums have broadened to include the humanities, sciences, liberal arts, and much more. Both Yale and Harvard no longer have a strong connection to their Christian theological
Vancouver with a vision to train graduate students to be discerning Christian intellectuals that engage deeply with culture. Another school, Redeemer University, opened in 1982 with a vision for university-level liberal arts and science education integrated with a Reformed Christian worldview. Many universities and colleges across Canada have followed suit.
or missional roots, except for divinity school campuses that are
These positive changes have transformed the nature of
part of the constituent schools.
Christian education from the 1970’s onward. Many students
The present distinction between Christian and secular education has emerged from how institutions have managed growth and adapted to the secular-driven change in interests
who were taught under this vision for Christian education were inspired and took up the mantle from their teachers, faithfully carrying it forward to new generations.
and values of young men and women. During the latter part
THE CHALLENGES OF MARKETING CHRISTIAN
of the 20th century, the interests of students shifted to more
EDUCATION TO NEW GENERATIONS
pragmatic forms of education, and secular schools simply had better options than Christian schools.
On the whole, Christian colleges across North America have experienced declining enrolment over the past few decades.
For institutions that sought to remain faithful to their vision
Some have close their doors for good, while others have had
for Christian education, it meant offering not only a Biblical
to combine with nearby schools. The declining enrolment
education but a wider range of academic subjects integrated
has several factors. Churches are seeing young people leave
with a Christian worldview. These subjects include English
their congregations, the economy has been very rocky and
literature, History, and the Sciences, to name a few. Having
private Christian colleges are typically more expensive. This,
these mainline academic disciplines meant that Christian
and students are concerned with getting degrees that will help
schools were eligible to become fully-accredited institutions,
them get employed right away; they feel their education must
giving their degrees more value.
align with their professional goals in an increasingly unstable
26 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
job market. Low enrolment can also mean increased tuition, which then discourages prospective students from applying. But Christian colleges in Canada are doing a great job of working through these challenges by communicating new offerings: a comprehensive Christ-centred education that will help their students land a great job, whether in ministry or in the marketplace. Social media especially has played a large role in recruiting efforts. Briercrest’s content coordinator, Julie Thiessen,
“CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS ARE MANAGING TO STAY IN-TOUCH WITH THE CHANGES IN CULTURE AND WHAT YOUNG PEOPLE NEED.”
explained that being active on social media is important to connect with students because “sharing your school’s
Take Trinity Western University’s long court battle to open
experience firsthand with potential students can help to build
a law school in B.C. After their application was formally
a sense of brand personality that expresses your mission.”
rejected, TWU’s board of governors made the decision to
Christian educators are managing to stay in-touch with
remove their community covenant entirely (the covenant
the changes in culture and what young people need. Their
included a clause which stated that students will not engage
message is getting through to the students interested in
sexual activity outside of marriage, including same-sex
pursuing a faith-based education that will launch them into a
relationships). Now, only staff and faculty are required to sign
great career.
it. This was a wise move by TWU, demonstrating their ability
COMMUNITY LIFE AT CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS IS UNDER PRESSURE It used to be that most Christian schools had a strict code of conduct that prohibited activities like consuming alcohol and sharing private spaces with the opposite sex. While these rules
to be pragmatic without compromising their Evangelical Christian values. This move will no doubt increase enrolment, and thereby the number of students their staff and faculty can impact with a Christian vision for education. WHAT’S NEXT?
have laxened over time, staff and faculty have endeavoured to
It’s hard to say what the future holds for Christian higher-
uphold traditional Christian values while living together in a
educators. Actors in government as well as in the public forum
Christ-centred community. The wider push in society for the
continue to pressure Christian institutions to compromise
acceptance (and perhaps the favouring) of LGBTQIA+ people
their values. However, it is the kind of pressure that can refine
is continually pressuring Christian colleges. Schools have had
and improve Christian education — it is not an indication of
to evaluate the how they communicate and encourage their
impending defeat.
Christian values among their students on campus. Under such scrutiny, Christian institutions have needed to listen with compassion, grace, and peaceful engagement with culture, discerning how to proceed and where to make concessions.
The schools that will thrive in such an environment will need to be wise. They will need to keep asking the question, “How we can we remain faithful and better equip a new generation of students?” And they are. CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 27
BY: KAITLIN REICH
OUR CULTURE IS OBSESSED WITH IT, AND WE’VE
These “What” questions can overwhelm us in that
TAKEN PART IN THE OBSESSION.
we, a) may not pick the best option, b) may pick
It seems like everyone around us is landing his or her dream school, job, home, spouse, or trip. Instagram and Facebook saturate us with images and messages of the great things people have and are doing. In turn, we register these experiences, both online and offline, as achievement and fulfillment. Though these platforms were not designed to convey the essence of who someone really is, we still feel the pressure to cultivate a life just as full, as rich, and as happy.
the wrong option, or c) will never experience lasting fullness even when the particular “What” has been achieved. When we predominantly ask the “What” questions, we become consumed with a future version of ourselves. Whether it’s finally sitting in that office space, attending our dream school, dating our manifested concept of “perfection”, or having people recognize our accomplishments. Everyone wants love, to make their mark, and to know they succeeded. But our “What” questions only provide a glimpse into our
THE “WHAT” TRAP
underlying core desires.
Consumed by this culture of achievement, materialism,
The problem is not that we seek to resolve the “What”
and dream chasing, we have been conditioned to ask
in our lives, but rather that we fail to equally consider
the wrong question. We ask ourselves the “What”
the “Who”. When attending a social event, we are
questions. What school do I choose? What house
asked, “what’s your name?” followed by, “and what do
do I buy? What job do I accept? What trip should
you do?”. These “What” answers become core parts of
I take? We lose sight of the reality that who we are
our identity and focus, as we neglect to consider who
is more important than what we do, and amidst
we are and who we are becoming.
the preoccupation with “What” we do, have, and accomplish, “Who” we are is mostly left unexamined.
28 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
THE TRADE-OFF The woman I worked for last year was world-renowned in her field — the walls of her office boasting awards, accolades, and years of education. And while widely acknowledged for her outstanding contributions and achievements, the closer I got the more I saw her character. There was anger, bitterness, dissatisfaction, and occasionally dishonesty. She acknowledged that her work was a dream fulfilled, but I wondered if she had ever considered who she was becoming while pursuing what she had always wanted. When we look forward five, thirty, or fifty years from now, do we picture what we have accomplished and what we own? When we finally arrive at those places, do we imagine ourselves satisfied? We could be extraordinary at what we do, but in losing sight of who we are, our capacity for both fullness and satisfaction is, reduced. Are we people of kindness, patience, and grace? Are we people of integrity, of
WE COULD BE EXTRAORDINARY AT WHAT WE DO, BUT IN LOSING SIGHT OF WHO WE ARE, OUR CAPACITY FOR BOTH FULLNESS AND SATISFACTION IS, REDUCED.
care, and of hard work? Are we people who foster connection and authenticity? In college I met my husband and was convinced that he was entirely out of my league. I became consumed with wanting to be with him; he was, for me, a marker of “having made it”, of being worthy. Years later when he brought up the idea of getting engaged, the “What” I had been yearning for was so close. Engagement! Marriage! However, leaving that conversation with him, the panic set in. I realized that while I had spent
THE GIFT OF YOU Everyone has seasons of frustration and disappointment, times when we are not proud of “Who” we are. But the most important thing is that we are at least asking the “Who” questions. Are we selfreflective? Are we setting up practices that encourage growth in areas of life unrelated to achieving? Are we engaging in the long and beautiful process of change?
so much time trying to win him, and then keep him, I
In waiting for the dream program, job, relationship,
had spent not nearly enough time considering the kind
retirement, or friendship, it is essential to ask the
of person that I was. Was I patient? Was I kind? Was I
“Who” question. And if we don’t know what our
growing, changing, learning? Who was I?
dreams, passions, and goals are — even better — ask the “Who” question. Our world needs people who have
ARE WE ENGAGING IN THE LONG AND BEAUTIFUL PROCESS OF CHANGE?
considered these things. While it is an incredible experience when we accomplish the “What”, even greater is the experience of becoming someone of great character we can be deeply proud of. Our society has many needs that we are able to meet, but what the world requires most is a transformed person. So before you take on the world, take a breath and ask: “Who am I?” and “Who do I want to be?” Then give the world the gift of a transformed, authentic you.
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 29
THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES Words by Sam Hindmarsh Illustrations by Michelle Yong
30 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
DISCIPLINE. This word may make you uncomfortable. The basic concept of discipline has been interpreted, and enforced, in all kinds of harmful ways. However, practicing discipline is vital for living a good life, because being disciplined, broadly speaking, is about ordering our lives in a way that makes our activities as productive and beneficial as possible. Understood this way, discipline is really good! For Christians, practicing discipline should have a greater goal than increased productivity and personal benefit. The Christian idea of discipline is about shaping your life according to the heart, character, and will of God. This is something that God does in us, but our actions and choices also matter. After all, our faith is a relationship, not a one-sided contract. Christians have access to a catalogue of practices called the spiritual disciplines. You likely already use some of them, like prayer, reading the Bible, and journaling. Making use of them in your devotional time will help you grow closer to God.
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 31
THE EXCITING NEW WORLD OF LIFE IN COLLEGE Discipline, in both the basic and Christian senses mentioned
WHAT I LEARNED FROM NEGLECTING MY SPIRITUAL LIFE IN COLLEGE
above, is necessary for you to thrive while studying at college.
I’m not speaking from a vacuum here. I went to a Christian
You’ll no longer have the clear structures and expectations you
college that had a rich community, with many opportunities
had living with your parents — you get to set them for yourself!
for academic and spiritual growth, mentorship, and service.
This is exciting, but it can also get overwhelming. It’s a brave
However, in many ways I coasted through my studies and
new world of responsibilities, including time management,
communal life — my time was often consumed by Netflix,
study habits, new relationships, and self-care.
video games, and unhealthy relationships, to name a few. My
Chances are one or more of these responsibilities will get neglected, and the area most at risk is your spiritual life. If you are attending a Christian school, it means you aren’t alone in your faith, but you can’t expect your community to shape you
time could have been devoted to healthy practices that would have led to a closer connection to God, enriched friendships, and academic excellence. I regret these choices. However, I have learned valuable lessons from them.
into a Christ-follower by osmosis. A Christ-centred community will challenge you and help you to grow in all areas of your life, but no one will make you go to church, no one will make you attend a small group, serve, or pray, and read your Bible. At some point, you have to commit to these things! If you want to grow in faith during your studies, practicing discipline will be necessary. But what does that actually look like? The Church has a series of devotional practices that have been around for centuries. In essence, they are habitual
Centering Prayer
practices that help draw us closer to God, enriching our lives with more of his goodness and life.
While I was in college, I remember listening to a sermon by John Piper with my one of friends. Piper was preaching from Mark 9, the passage where Jesus offers an uncompromising stance on habitual sin. He commands, “if your hand causes you to sin, cut if off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire”. Piper used this passage to draw out an important principle for our spiritual lives: no matter the personal cost, even if it maims you physically (hopefully it doesn’t come to that), you must be vigilant in ridding your life of sin. We simply have to do this in order to pursue a life with God that is holy and blameless. Prayer Walks
Allowing any opportunity for sin to remain is far more costly. I had some biases against Piper, and I thought I knew better. I chose to reject this lesson, thinking that he lacked compassion and grace for people trapped in habitual sin. I didn’t see that he was speaking the words of Jesus. My heart was hard. Ignoring this principle made it more difficult to spend time with God, and it hurt me more deeply than letting go of my pride would have. My health, my grades, and my relationships all suffered as a result. I’m not telling you this because I think it will happen to you! The point is that your proximity to God will affect the moral and spiritual quality of your life.
32 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
DEFINING SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE The etymological root of ‘discipline’ means to instruct, educate, or train. In other words, to be disciplined means to train yourself to think and live in a way that leads you toward your goals. This definition changes when applied to Christianity: you are not seeking to instruct yourself for the sake of your own improvement. Rather, the goal is to be be formed into Christlikeness, to be present with Christ. Discipline, in this sense, is for strengthening your relationship with God. Any habit in your life which has this as its underlying goal can be considered a spiritual discipline. Lectio Divina
Spiritual disciplines are as much about giving yourself limits as they are about positive practices. And setting limits for yourself is truly one of the best thing you could do. Living faithfully according to God’s commands frees you, yielding joy and fullness of life. The discipline of cutting out the vain things in our lives and implementing the worthwhile things is the path to finding our fulfillment in Jesus.
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES TO EQUIP YOURSELF WITH Prayer This is the simplest and most important of all the disciplines, and often the hardest to do. Paul encouraged Christians in Thessalonica to “Pray without ceasing.” How can we do this?
The Church is built on spiritual disciplines, centuries-old
To start, try going on at least one prayer walk each day. End
traditions of prayer and contemplation of the Bible designed to
the day with journaling your prayers. Pray with fellow students
help followers of Christ grow closer to God and live faithfully
whenever you are stressed out. Ask your professors or other
in the world. These practices are rich resources for the student
mentors to pray for you. These are just some ideas to get you
who wants to continue to grow in their relationship with
started. And if you find your prayer life is lacking, the best
Christ throughout their college experience. The following list
thing to do is ask God to give you a praying spirit!
includes disciplines that I’ve found very helpful.
Centering Prayer This is a meditative form of prayer to help you recognize God’s presence with you throughout the day. To begin, pick a word or short phrase to become your “prayer word”. Focus your attention on this word or phrase, and breathe deeply in and out. When your mind wanders (and it will), don’t beat yourself up. Notice where it went, then gently bring it back to your prayer word or phrase. This is not about searching for a special encounter with God, but centering yourself on the truth of who God is and who you are in him. This exercise of focus should take only 5 to 20 minutes out of your day. Gratitude Journal
Journaling
Keeping a gratitude journal might sound cheesy to you, and that’s fine. Practicing gratitude goes a long way in changing your overall mindset and heart posture. Each day, write down ten things that you are grateful to God for. They can be anything, big or small. Doing this regularly will make thankfulness an intuitive way of thinking, and at the same time lift you out of despair or self-pity. Thanking God is always a great way to get rolling as you approach God in pray (check out Psalm 100:4). CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 33
Lectio Divina Translated, Lectio Divina means divine reading. This practice is designed to focus your mind on passages of Scripture, going through them line by line, so you can better recognize the voice of God. This is about enjoying being in God’s presence and hearing what He has to say. No reading program, no deadlines. Often we treat Bible reading as something to check off, we rush through it and we miss the fact that God, through the Holy Spirit, actually wants to speak to us! But in order to hear that still small voice, we need to slow ourselves down and give the Word the attention it deserves. Read Hard Theology!
THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES ARE ABOUT JOY AND LIFE TO THE FULLEST Spiritual disciplines will not magically solve sin, doubts, anxieties, or challenges that you are facing. If you’re looking for a silver bullet, you will be let down. These disciplines will only “work” if they become a regular routine and habit. While they are an act of worship towards God, these practices won’t automatically produce spiritual feelings. They will, however, slowly align your heart and mind with Jesus. In the words of the late Eugene Peterson, “If Christians worshipped only when they felt like it, there would be precious little worship… worship is an act that develops feelings for God,
Look for good, rigorous theology rather than the secularized
not a feeling for God that is expressed in an act of worship.
forms of Christian thought that often find their way into
When we obey the command to praise God in worship, our
mainstream Christian culture. Make a habit of reading a few
deep essential need to be in relationship with God is nurtured.”
of these books per year, and increase it if you feel like you can
Essentially, following God is not a passive thing. The point of
handle more. I recommend A.W. Tozer’s The Pursuit of God
the disciplines is to nurture the innate desires of our hearts to
or Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship if you want a
be in relationship with God. Obedience and holiness are the
real challenge. This is not a bona fide spiritual discipline, but
fruits of a close relationship with God.
it is a good practice to keep. For a meaty devotional, check out Charles Spurgeon’s Morning & Evening.
Getting a degree is good, but being formed into Christlikeness is a far better reward and should be the ultimate goal of your
These are but some of the spiritual disciplines that you can
Christian education. You may say, “I simply don’t have the
introduce into your life. Keeping a sabbath day as well as
time for any of this during the school year”, but what you’ll
scripture memorization are also very helpful. But don’t be
find is that your hours go a lot further when God is given
discouraged if you start and fail to stay consistent — just pick
the priority. Your anxieties will lessen and your productivity
them back up. Any time spent engaged in these practices will
will increase. God will become more real, more desirable,
prove fruitful! If you want to learn more, Adele Calhoun’s
and more evident to you in the world. So, start exploring the
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook is a great resource.
spiritual disciplines now, and find what unique expressions of
Getting a degree is good, but being formed into Christlikeness is a far better reward and should be the ultimate goal of your Christian education. 34 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
them best suit you. The author of Hebrews emphasized that “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.” God is pursuing us. As we choose to draw near to God through practicing discipline, so too will He draw closer to us. He wants us to grow strong and resilient when we encounter struggles. He wants us to enjoy the fruits of a righteous life. So, open yourself up to God’s guidance and the grace you need to live this life well. The result will be lasting joy and life to the fullest.
convergemagazine.com
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 35
The 2019 Converge MEDIA SELECTIONS Media saturation is worse than it’s ever been, but we’ve taken the time to narrow it down to a few curations of quality content. Whether you need something to listen to while you work, or just need a study break, these selections are sure to help get you through those long semesters.
PODCASTS Unbelievable? | Premier Christian Radio Show host Justin Brierley invites one Christian and one non-Christian to discuss and debate culturally relevant topics. The dialogical nature of the show helps listeners appreciate both perspectives and think more critically about their own beliefs.
Song Exploder | Hrishikesh Hirway Show host and producer Hrishikesh Hirway sits down with an artist to break down how they made one of their hit songs. Each episode ends with the song being played in full. This podcast will give you insight into the creative process of your favourite artists, and the change the way you listen to music for the better.
The Bible Project | Tim Collins & Jon Mackie Bible nerds Tim Collins and Jon Mackie discuss the research that went into the videos on their YouTube channel, as well as share recordings of talks they have given on Biblical topics, themes and issues of translation. Like their videos, the podcast is clear, engaging and easy to follow. Episodes can run anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.
99% Invisible | Roman Mars There is almost nothing that 99pi episodes don’t touch on. Architecture, infrastructure, cities, objects, sounds, visuals, technology, and history are only a few of the themes that are unpacked and recounted by the soothing voice of Roman Mars (direct from his studio in beautiful, downtown Oakland, California.) If you love knowledge or stories, you will love 99% Invisible.
36 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
TV/FILM Kim’s Convenience | CBC TV Adapted from a stage play, this sitcom tells the hilarious and endearing story of the Kims, a KoreanCanadian family running a convenience store. The plot is loosely based on the story of the prodigal son, and it’s worth watching for some light-hearted comedy. Each episode averages a 22-minute runtime.
Salt, Fat, Acid & Heat | Netflix Original A docuseries for all the foodies out there. Based on an award-winning book by Samin Nosrat, the show follows her around the world as she explores how different cultures use the four basic elements of salt, fat, acid & heat and her attempt to implement the new skills at home. Watching this series on an empty stomach is a risky game. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
The Tree of Life | Terrence Malick (Film) Malick’s long (the extended version is over 3 hours) and meditative expose on life, family, suffering and purpose, is both visually satisfying and intellectually stimulating. Interspersed with sequences showing the history of the cosmos, the film is, essentially, a series of vignettes from a middle aged-man (Sean Penn), reminiscing about his childhood growing up in Texas with his strict father (Brad Pitt) and gracious mother (Jessica Chastain).
The Lion King | Walt Disney Studios (Film) Remember who you are and reconnect with your childhood before the live action version hits theatres this summer. The Lion King is a deeply archetypal (even prophetic) film following young Simba and the journey he goes on to take his rightful place as king of Pride Rock. It’s the circle of life, folks.
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 37
BOOKS The Abolition of Man | C.S. Lewis C.S. Lewis’ The Abolition of Man critiques the slide towards moral subjectivism - the idea that right and wrong are relative to the individual - that was just emerging in culture at the time. A prescient analysis of the academia of his day, Lewis argues that teaching students moral subjectivism will inevitably make society divided, individualistic, and deficient of meaning and purpose. Today, this idea is embraced widely by secular academics, and our culture at large. Figuring out what is true and working alongside those with different views is harder than ever. This book is a worthwhile read for every student.
The Pursuit of God | A.W. Tozer A.W. Tozer was a lay preacher who began in church ministry when he was only 17 years old. He was a passionate, devout man of God who wrote many books. The Pursuit of God is his best-known work. The The Brothers Karamazov | Fyodor Dostoevsky (Fiction)
book explores what it means to actually follow Christ. Uncompromising, earnest, and bold, this book provides a fresh and yet timeless challenge to Christians and
Considered Dostoevsky’s magnum opus, and one
non-Christians alike who think they understand the
of the greatest novels ever written, The Brothers
message of Jesus.
Karamazov tells the story of the evil and unsavory Fyodor Karamazov and his three sons: the passionate and unbridled Dimitri, the rational and humanistic Ivan, and the spiritual and tender-hearted Alyosha. The book examines themes of faith, morality and reason, set against the backdrop of late 19th century Russia. If you have the patience, it’s incredibly rewarding. (Suggested translation by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky)
The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet | Reif Larson (Fiction) If you’re looking for a fun read, this one’s for you. Selected Works is the story of 12 year-old cartographer, T.S. Spivet, from Divide, Montana, who upon learning that he has won a prestigious award, travels crosscountry by himself to Washington D.C. The book is supplemented by various maps, sketches and anecdotes, bringing T.S’s journey to life in an altogether beautiful and delightful way. 38 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
A Time Like This | Micah Bournes
MUSIC
Spoken word and hip-hop artist Micah Bournes explores themes of race, faith, and identity with his most recent project, A Time Like This (2018). The title track on the album signals that he is not messing around. Both groovy and heavy-hitting at the same time, this album is worth listening to multiple times.
Mercury and Lightning | John Mark McMillan McMillan’s latest album is also his best so far. Traditional rock styles mix with diverse instrumentation as John Mark (with a feature from the lovely Liz Vice) takes us on his deeply personal journey of trying to chase and find God is in the midst of life, only to dsicover that he was with us the whole time.
Blackout | Steffany Gretzinger (Worship) As Christians, we are called to be excellent in all that we do, and Steffany Gretzinger is on the cutting edge of that call when it come to creating original, God-honouring music. Her first album since 2014’s The Undoing, Blackout is a tour de force of artistic worship, calling sons and daughters to step into their destiny as world changers.
Strong Love | Jon Thurlow (Worship) Perhaps the greatest worship album of all time, Jon Thurlow’s classic 2010 album Strong Love declares both the faithfulness of God and the beauty of Jesus. Scripture is quoted and mediated on throughout the Work Songs: The Porter’s Gate Worship Project, Volume 1 | The Porters Gate (Worship)
lyrics, bringing the listener into a fresh experience of The Word. Touches of jazzy piano and drums keep it musically interesting and delightful to listen to.
This live worship project boasts the likes of Audrey Assad, Josh Garrels, David Gungor and so many more. It is an incredible recording that features diverse musical styles united by a creative vision for good art that points people to Christ. The musical styles range from contemplative prayers to exuberant choruses of praise. All of it is united by the theme of working for God in faith and hope. CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 39
Canadian Christian Post-Secondary Institutions
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE SEMINARY DISCIPLESHIP SCHOOL GRADUATE SCHOOL
C
A ACADIA DIVINITY COLLEGE
AUGUSTINE COLLEGE
CATHOLIC PACIFIC COLLEGE
CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY
WOLFVILLE, NS
OTTAWA, ON
LANGLEY, BC
WINNIPEG, MB
902-585-2210
613-237-9870
604-888-7727
204-487-3300
acadiau.ca
augustinecollege.org
catholicpacific.ca
cmu.ca
SEMINARY
COLLEGE
COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY
ACTS SEMINARIES
CANADA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
CANADIAN REFORMED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
LANGLEY, BC
TORONTO, ON
HAMILTON, ON
604-513-2044
416-391-5000
905-575-3688 canadianreformedseminary.ca
COLLEGE
SEMINARY
SEMINARY
B
canadachristiancollege.com
ALBERTA BIBLE COLLEGE
BOOTH UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
CANADIAN BAPTIST SEMINARY
CANADIAN SOUTHERN BAPTIST SEMINARY & COLLEGE
CALGARY, AB
WINNIPEG, MB
LANGLEY, BC
COCHRANE, AB 403-932-6622
actsseminaries.com
SEMINARY
403-282-2994
204-947-6701
604-513-2015
abccampus.ca
boothuc.ca
canadianbaptistseminary.com csbs.edu
COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY
SEMINARY
SEMINARY
AMBROSE UNIVERSITY & SEMINARY
BRIERCREST COLLEGE AND SEMINARY
CANADIAN INSTITUTE OF LINGUISTICS
CAPERNWRAY HARBOUR BIBLE CENTRE
CALGARY, AB
CARONPORT, SK
LANGLEY, BC
THETIS ISLAND, BC
403-410-2000
306-756-3448
1-800-513-2129
250-246-9440
briercrest.ca
canil.ca
capernwray.ca
ambrose.edu
UNIVERSITY
SEMINARY
COLLEGE
SEMINARY
UNIVERSITY
SEMINARY
DISCIPLESHIP SCHOOL
ATLANTIC SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
CANADIAN LUTHERAN BIBLE INSTITUTE
CAPERNWRAY QUEBEC BIBLE CENTER
HALIFAX, NS
CAMROSE, AB
CHERTSEY, QC
902-423-6939
780-672-4454
450-882-1361
astheology.ns.ca
clbi.edu
capernwrayquebec.ca
SEMINARY
DISCIPLESHIP SCHOOL
DISCIPLESHIP SCHOOL
40 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
CAREY THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE
CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE
FACULTÉ DE THÉOLOGIE ÉVANGÉLIQUE
HOME CHURCH BIBLE COLLEGE
VANCOUVER, BC
VANCOUVER, BC
MONTRÉAL, QC
RED DEER, AB
604-224-4308
604-822-6862
514-526-2003
403-343-6570
carey-edu.ca
corpuschristi.ca
fteacadia.com
homechurchbiblecollege.com
SEMINARY
COLLEGE
SEMINARY
COLLEGE
CLEARWATER COLLEGE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES
CRANDALL UNIVERSITY
FAITH ALIVE BIBLE COLLEGE
HORIZON COLLEGE & SEMINARY
CAROLINE, AB
MONCTON, NB
SASKATOON, SK
SASKATOON, SK
403-722-2225
506-858-8970
306-652-2230
306-374-6655
clearwatercollege.com
crandallu.ca
fabc.ca
horizon.edu
COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE
COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF EMMANUEL & ST. CHAD
FACULTÉ DE THÉOLOGIE RÉFORMÉE
SASKATOON, SK
MONTRÉAL, QC
306-975-3753
SEMINARY
514-831-3138
COLLEGE
E
COLUMBIA BIBLE COLLEGE
ÉCOLE DE THÉOLOGIE ÉVANGÉLIQUE DU QUÉBEC
INSTITUT DE THÉOLOGIE POUR LA FRANCOPHONIE
ABBOTSFORD, BC
MONTRÉAL, QC
LONGUEUIL, QC
604-853-3358
514-331-0878
450-646-4238
columbiabc.edu
eteq.ca
COLLEGE
SEMINARY
G
itf-francophonie.com
CONCORDIA LUTHERAN SEMINARY
EMMANUEL BIBLE COLLEGE
GLOBAL UNIVERSITY CANADA
INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN STUDIES
EDMONTON, AB
KITCHENER, ON
OAKVILLE, ON
TORONTO, ON
usask.ca/stu/emmanuel
farel.net
I
SEMINARY
SEMINARY
780-474-1468
519-894-8900
1-855-745-7911
416-979-2331
concordiasem.ab.ca
emmanuelbiblecollege.ca
globaluniversity.ca
icscanada.edu
SEMINARY
COLLEGE
COLLEGE
GRADUATE SCHOOL
CONCORDIA LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
ESTON COLLEGE
ST. CATHARINES, ON
ESTON, SK
905-688-2362
306-962-3621
H
K
CONRAD GREBEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
HERITAGE COLLEGE & SEMINARY
KALÉO
WATERLOO, ON
CAMBRIDGE, ON
CROFTON, BC
brocku.ca/concordiaseminary estoncollege.ca
SEMINARY
519-885-0220 uwaterloo.ca/grebel
UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE
F
1-800-465-1961
1-800-667-5199
DiscoverHeritage.ca
kaleo.ca
COLLEGE
SEMINARY
DISCIPLESHIP SCHOOL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 41
THE KING’S UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
MASTER’S COLLEGE & SEMINARY
NEW BRUNSWICK BIBLE INSTITUTE
PRAIRIE COLLEGE
EDMONTON, AB
PETERBOROUGH, ON
VICTORIA CORNER, NB
THREE HILLS, AB
780-465-3500
705-749-0725
506-375-9000
403-443-5511
kingsu.ca
mcs.edu
nbbi.ca
prairie.edu
UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE
COLLEGE
COLLEGE
KINGSWOOD UNIVERSITY
MCMASTER DIVINITY COLLEGE
NEWMAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
THE PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE
SUSSEX, NB
HAMILTON, ON
EDMONTON, AB
MONTRÉAL, QC
506-432-4400
905-525-9140 x24401
780-392-2450
514-288-5256
kingswood.edu
mcmasterdivinity.ca
newman.edu
presbyteriancollege.ca
COLLEGE
SEMINARY
COLLEGE
KNOX COLLEGE
MB BIBLICAL SEMINARY
NORTHWEST BAPTIST SEMINARY
PROFAC ÉCOLE THÉOLOGIQUE
TORONTO, ON
LANGLEY, BC
LANGLEY, BC
MONTRÉAL, QC
SEMINARY
GRADUATE SCHOOL
1-416-978-5306
1-855-252-3293
604-888-7592
819-691-4185
knox.utoronto.ca
mbseminary.ca
nbseminary.ca
ecoleprofac.com
SEMINARY
SEMINARY
SEMINARY
GRADUATE SCHOOL
SEMINARY
MILLAR COLLEGE OF THE BIBLE
PROVIDENCE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE & THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
PAMBRUN, SK
OTTERBURNE, MB
306-582-2033
204-433-7488
L
millarcollege.ca
COLLEGE
P
LIVING WORD BIBLE COLLEGE
MILLAR COLLEGE OF THE BIBLE - SUNNYBRAE
PACIFIC LIFE BIBLE COLLEGE
SWAN RIVER, MB
TAPPEN, BC
SURREY, BC
prov.ca
UNIVERSITY
204-734-3836
250-835-8889
604-597-9082
livingword.mb.ca
millarcollege.ca
pacificlife.edu
COLLEGE
COLLEGE
COLLEGE
Q
LUTHER COLLEGE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF REGINA
PAROLE DE VIE QUÉBEC
INSTITUT BIBLIQUE DU QUÉBEC
REGINA, SK
SHERBROOKE, QC
LONGUEUIL, QC
306-585-5333
819-823-8435
450-651-4200
luthercollege.edu/university
N
pdvb.org
ibq.ca
COLLEGE
COLLEGE
NAIITS-INDIGENOUS PATHWAYS
PEACE RIVER BIBLE INSTITUTE
QUEEN’S COLLEGE
WINNIPEG, MB
SEXSMITH, AB
ST. JOHN’S, NL
COLLEGE
M 42 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
SEMINARY
1-888-704-3824
780-568-3962
709-753-0116
naiits.com
prbi.edu
queenscollegenl.ca
GRADUATE SCHOOL
COLLEGE
COLLEGE
SEMINARY
ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY
TORONTO BAPTIST SEMINARY & BIBLE COLLEGE
CALGARY, AB
TORONTO, ON
403-531-9130
416-925-3263
R
stmu.ca
tbs.edu
UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE
REDEEMER UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
ST. PAUL’S UNIVERSITY
TORONTO SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
VANGUARD COLLEGE
ANCASTER, ON
OTTAWA, ON
TORONTO, ON
EDMONTON, AB
905-648-2131
613-236-1393
416-978-4039
780-452-0808
redeemer.ca
ustpaul.ca
tst.edu
vanguardcollege.com
UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY
SEMINARY
COLLEGE
REGENT COLLEGE
ST. STEPHEN’S UNIVERSITY
TRINITY WESTERN UNIVERSITY
VICTORY BIBLE COLLEGES INTERNATIONAL
VANCOUVER, BC
ST. STEPHEN, NB
LANGLEY, BC
CALGARY, AB
SEMINARY
V
1-800-663-8664
506-466-1781
1-888-468-6898
403-286-8337
regent-college.edu
ssu.ca
twu.ca
vbci.org
UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE
ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE
STEINBACH BIBLE COLLEGE
TYNDALE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE & SEMINARY
CALGARY, AB
STEINBACH, MB
TORONTO, ON
403-284-5100
204-326-6451
1-877-TYNDALE
rockymountaincollege.ca
sbcollege.ca
tyndale.ca
COLLEGE
COLLEGE
UNIVERSITY
ROSEBUD SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
SUMMIT PACIFIC COLLEGE
WORD OF LIFE BIBLE INSTITUTE
ROSEBUD, AB
ABBOTSFORD, BC
OWEN SOUND, ON
GRADUATE SCHOOL
SEMINARY
SEMINARY
W
403-677-2350
604-853-7491
1-800-461-3503
rosebudschoolofthearts.com
summitpacific.ca
COLLEGE
COLLEGE
U
wolbi.ca
UNIVERSITY OF ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE
WYCLIFFE COLLEGE
TORONTO, ON
TORONTO, ON
416-926-1300
416-946-3535
stmikes.utoronto.ca
wycliffecollege.ca/converge
UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE SCHOOL
S
T
ST. MARK’S COLLEGE
TAYLOR COLLEGE & SEMINARY
VANCOUVER, BC
EDMONTON, AB
604-882-4463
780-431-5200
stmarkscollege.ca
taylor-edu.ca
SEMINARY
COLLEGE
SEMINARY
COLLEGE
SEMINARY
For more information Go to Convergemagazine.com/Colleges CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 43
West
BC AB 42 44 23 EDMONTON 29 16 8 27 12 11 22
17 35
38
VANCOUVER 31 1
6
20 13 33
10 37 45 CALGARY 39 36 3 2
21 19 14
SASKATOON
24
18 5 27
41 15
MB
SK
32
25
REGINA
9
28
WINNIPEG
4 34 40
7 26 30 43
1. ACTS SEMINARIES
16. CONCORDIA LUTHERAN SEMINARY
31. PACIFIC LIFE BIBLE COLLEGE
2. ALBERTA BIBLE COLLEGE
17. CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE
32. PEACE RIVER BIBLE INSTITUTE
3. AMBROSE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE & SEMINARY
18. ESTON COLLEGE
33. PRAIRIE COLLEGE
4. BOOTH UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
19. FAITH ALIVE BIBLE COLLEGE
34. PROVIDENCE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE & SEMINARY
5. BRIERCREST COLLEGE AND SEMINARY
20. HOME CHURCH BIBLE COLLEGE
35. REGENT COLLEGE
6. CATHOLIC PACIFIC COLLEGE
21. HORIZON COLLEGE & SEMINARY
36. ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE
7. CANADIAN BAPTIST SEMINARY
22. KALÉO
37. ROSEBUD SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
8. CANADIAN LUTHERAN BIBLE INSTITUTE
23. THE KING’S UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
38. ST. MARK’S COLLEGE
9. CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY
24. LIVING WORD BIBLE COLLEGE
39. ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY
10. CANADIAN SOUTHERN BAPTIST SEMINARY & COLLEGE
25. LUTHER COLLEGE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF REGINA
40. STEINBACH BIBLE COLLEGE
11. CAPERNWRAY HARBOUR BIBLE CENTRE
26. MB BIBLICAL SEMINARY
41. SUMMIT PACIFIC COLLEGE
12. CAREY THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE
27. MILLAR COLLEGE OF THE BIBLE
42. TAYLOR COLLEGE & SEMINARY
13. CLEARWATER COLLEGE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES
28. NAIITS-INDIGENOUS PATHWAYS
43. TRINITY WESTERN UNIVERSITY/CANIL
14. COLLEGE OF EMMANUEL & ST. CHAD
29. NEWMAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
44. VANGUARD COLLEGE
15. COLUMBIA BIBLE COLLEGE
30. NORTHWEST BAPTIST SEMINARY
45. VICTORY BIBLE COLLEGES INTERNATIONAL
44 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
East NL 27
QC ON
NB 22 30 6
MONTREAL OTTAWA
3 29
10
12 13
9 18
1
HALIFAX
2
NS
26
16 23 25 24
4 17 19 31 20 35 32 33 34 36 11 14 TORONTO 8 15 HAMILTON 28 7 21 5
1. ACADIA DIVINITY COLLEGE
16. INSTITUT DE THÉOLOGIE POUR LA FRANCOPHONIE
31. TORONTO BAPTIST SEMINARY & BIBLE COLLEGE
2. ATLANTIC SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
17. INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN STUDIES
32. TORONTO SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
3. AUGUSTINE COLLEGE
18. KINGSWOOD UNIVERSITY
33. TYNDALE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE & SEMINARY
4. CANADA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
19. KNOX COLLEGE
34. UNIVERSITY OF ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE
5. CANADIAN REFORMED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
20. MASTER’S COLLEGE & SEMINARY
35. WORD OF LIFE BIBLE INSTITUTE
6. CAPERNWRAY QUEBEC BIBLE CENTER
21. MCMASTER DIVINITY COLLEGE
36. WYCLIFFE COLLEGE
7. CONCORDIA LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
22. NEW BRUNSWICK BIBLE INSTITUTE
8. CONRAD GREBEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
23. PAROLE DE VIE QUÉBEC
9. CRANDALL UNIVERSITY
24. THE PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE
10. ÉCOLE DE THÉOLOGIE ÉVANGÉLIQUE DU QUÉBEC
25. PROFAC ÉCOLE THÉOLOGIQUE
11. EMMANUEL BIBLE COLLEGE
26. INSTITUT BIBLIQUE DU QUÉBEC
12. FACULTÉ DE THÉOLOGIE ÉVANGÉLIQUE
27. QUEEN’S COLLEGE
13. FACULTÉ DE THÉOLOGIE RÉFORMÉE
28. REDEEMER UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
14. GLOBAL UNIVERSITY CANADA
29. ST. PAUL’S UNIVERSITY
15. HERITAGE COLLEGE & SEMINARY
30. ST. STEPHEN’S UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 45
God the Great Gardener By Michelle Sudduth
There is one area of my life that, despite my best
womb,” in praise of the great depth of knowledge and careful
intentions and efforts, usually ends in failure. It is the area of
nurturing that has characterized God’s tending hand from
gardening. I rarely keep plants alive. Leafy greens, blooming
the very beginning of his life. God is at work to design us into
bulbs and even the un-needy cacti die slow, painful deaths
beautiful gardens as we continue to grow up in Him.
all around my house. I end up having to buy replacement greenery, much to my frustration. I’ve even marked on my calendar when my plants need to be watered so as to prevent their death and avoid making another trip to the store. But this has not worked! My desire for a greener life exceeds my ability to fulfill it — c’est la vie.
I have recently experienced God’s green thumb working in my garden, in very clear ways. Knowing that God was tending me in a new way, I assumed that the plants in my garden that were not thriving would be nurtured back to life and that I would feel immediately better. I have instead felt the pain of His pruning shears and the pressure of His shovel as He deals
I have over-analyzed this, plummeting the depths of the darkest
with the unkempt plants that have turned yellowish brown in
recesses of my heart to figure out what makes my thumb so
the hands of the world. I watched as God did not simply water
yellowish-brown! After all, I’m good at other “tending” jobs,
and shed sunlight on my withering branches. Instead, He dug
such as nannying. All the kids grew tall and were happy, fed,
up and replaced the plants in my garden because they were
dressed, and stayed alive every day I cared for them. So what
tended poorly and were bringing death to me. God is carefully
makes keeping houseplants alive so hard for me?
landscaping my heart with new plants that will thrive and bear
This globe contains hundreds of thousands of species of
fruit under His watch.
plants — just think of all the tending necessary to sustain that
John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you
amount of life on a daily basis. Amid the variety, all plants
remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from
share the need for nourishment, protection, and plenty of
me you can do nothing.” When we remain in God, we allow
time to flourish. Pruning occurs, and flowers wither and die,
Him the keys to our garden so He can do His brilliant work.
but only in order that room be made for further growth in a
Abiding means that our garden is an extension of His tending
coming season. What a complex and amazing process! Given
hand. We do not uproot, prune, water, or find nourishment on
my track record in keeping houseplants, I am well aware of
our own. Instead, we allow Him free reign to grow life in every
the fact that someone greater than I must keep the world of
corner of our hearts.
horticulture spinning. God is the Great Gardener. He brilliantly tends the entire world, knowing well the particularities of everything His hand creates. That includes us! The Psalmist says, “You knit me together in my mother’s
46 | CONVERGEMAGAZINE.COM
If your heart hurts today in an area of old pain, do you think God is trying to remove an old plant from your garden? Will you let Him do this wonderful work, though it may cause you pain? Let the Great Gardener shovel, shear, and perfectly shape each and every plant in the garden of your heart so only wholeness and beauty will flourish.
EXCITED TO BE AT THE FRONT OF THE CLASS A LEADERSHIP PROGRAM OF:
AND
Where one year of college could change the rest of your life. FIND OUT MORE TODAY.
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“I know I’ll look back at this year as one of the most foundational in my Christian walk.” - JARED BAYLEY
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE GUIDE | 47
Think you can change the world with a degree?
We do.
can be big, like finding your calling big. Or it can be small, like asking a single question small. It’s about what you choose to do on the one hand, and who you are on the other. We are more than our jobs, and God has a calling for each of us, wherever we go. That changes everything. Starting with you.
redeemer.ca
A degree you can believe in.
