The 73rd Synod of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle
Information on the Web
The Certificate in Christian Studies
Here in the diocese of Qu'Appelle, as in other dioceses around the world, we are witnessing a
re-emergence of the ministry of the whole people of God. There is a sense in which we are
re-discovering the church to be a group of ministering people rather than a group of people
gathered round a minister! As such, ministry is about every Christian living out their faith
in the everyday world,
St John's Nottingham (www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk) has been preparing men and women for various
kinds of ministry and service since 1863, and in 1978 it launched St John's Extension Studies
to open up some of that training to a wider range of people through distance learning. Their
belief is that every Christian can 'do theology' and so be equipped to respond to the many pressing
questions that surround us. 'Distance learning' is the ideal way to do this because students
are in constant touch with the 'real world', indeed, they are at the cutting edge of mission
in a way that paid ministers can never be. Little wonder then that St John's 'student centered'
learning materials have become a key resource in equipping Christians all around the world,
providing easy access to theological studies for anyone, irrespective of where they live or
whatever their educational, social or church background.
In essence, the Certificate in Christian Studies is a practical distance learning course in
applied theology, designed to equip people in every local church for ministry and mission. It is
equivalent to one year of full-time study, spread over several years on a part-time basis. And
for many different kinds of people, the CCS is a dependable way of developing their Christian
learning and discipleship. In this regard, along with EFM (Education For Ministry) and the
diocesan ministry workshops, the CCS is the diocesan standard required for accredited lay
leadership or for local ordination to deacon or priest.
But why, you might ask, is there a need for another training course in the diocese when EFM is
in existence and available. CCS fills a need in three ways:
(a) studies can be undertaken by
an individual at their own pace therefore not subject to a group being formed first, as with EFM
(this is helpful especially to students in smaller rural parishes), although one can study CCS in
a group if so desired. (b) CCS has assigned pieces of work graded by trained tutors, this is helpful
to the diocese in knowing whether a student has understood their studies and can share their learning
in a comprehensible way, especially if accreditation is sought for lay or ordained ministry in a church.
(c) CCS also offers a balanced range of study units in three general fields; Biblical studies; doctrine
and history; and practical theology. Units designed to equip students in areas of their interest and
gifting rather than a set course for all.
In the desire to make the CCS accessible to all a partnership in learning agreement as been negotiated.
This enables considerable unit savings, furthermore, three lending libraries of supplementary reading
material have been established in each of the three Archdeaconries. Details of each unit for the CCS
and information about other courses and training materials will be on display in the diocesan synod
resource room, or you can contact Archdeacon Rob Hardwick for further details rob.hardwick@sasktel.net
.
Currently 17 students are engaged in study for the CCS across the diocese. These are from parishes
in the Pelee and Wascana deaneries, to parishes in Punnichy, Moose Jaw and Swift Current. In addition,
people from four parishes are currently studying 'Faith For Life' books, again written by St John's
College, receiving practical training in Pastoral Care, Spirituality, Theological Reflection and
Teacher Training.
This is an exciting time in our history, through CCS; Faith For Life; EFM; retreats; regional and
diocesan workshops and partnerships with, the College of Emmanuel/St Chad and Briercrest Bible College,
Christians across our diocese have the opportunity to grow in confidence, expertise and in knowledge,
all key components in being more effective in mission and ministry. We commend these learning
opportunities to you as we look to the future in hope, praying more and more will be drawn to learn
how to, more effectively, live out their baptismal ministry in the world today.
Respectfully submitted by Archdeacon Rob Hardwick, CCS Course Administrator.
The 73rd Synod of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle