While theological study sometimes has a bad reputation, I have found that biblical-theological study not only reminds me of the bigger picture of the truth God has revealed, but renews my heart for ministry. The Journey exists to provide a formal setting for that to happen in your life and among those in your circle whom you could encourage to benefit from it.
The Journey is an expression of ACTS Seminaries, offering graduate courses in Edmonton. With expanded course offerings, we are well on the way to being able to offer you the option of completing a Masters degree from ACTS Seminaries without relocating.
This coming Fall we have three superb courses scheduled – Pastoral Counselling, Exposition of Mark’s Gospel, and the intro Preaching Course. To register, go to the ACTS website (http://acts.twu.ca/programs/the-journey), but also be sure to let me know you are registering. Tuition at The Journey is now $320 per credit hour; the audit rate is $140. per credit hour.
PTH 605 Pastoral Counselling (3 credit hours) – Dr John Auxier, (Sept 22-24, 2011) at Mill Woods Assembly
This course explores pastoral counselling in the context of pastoral care from a family systems perspective, including integration of pastoral counselling as part of shepherding a congregation, training in empathetic listening and reflection skills, overview of key issues and topics in pastoral counselling such as Suicide Prevention, Crisis Intervention, Ethical issues, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse. The course also provides training in Premarital Counselling and Assessment using the Couple’s Check-up tool, as well as survey common mental disorders that pastors are likely to encounter such as Mood Disorders/Depression, Stress/Anxiety, Substance Abuse, and Chronic Mental Illness. The course offers a substantial experiential component, including skills practice, and personal and systemic theological reflection about our beliefs, family relationships, and emotional health in the Church.
BIE 714 Exposition of Mark (3 credit hours) – Dr Larry Perkins (Oct 20-22) at Ellerslie Road Baptist
This course surveys the content and unique emphases of Mark’s Gospel with reference to the literary and historical dimensions of his narrative. Developing a basic interpretative strategy for a gospel, including the element of application, will be emphasized, as the student becomes familiar with the genre, purpose and general theological framework of Mark and his composition.
PTH 603 Homiletics Part 1 (3 credit hours) – Dr Kent Anderson (Nov 17-18; Part 2 is Mar 8,9, ‘12) at Ellerslie Road Baptist
This is the basic course at ACTS on the preparation and delivery of expository sermons. The Fall session introduces the basic concepts, then students have opportunity to practice their skills both in their own setting as well in during the Spring session. Students must plan to attend both sessions to complete the course.
