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Discern God’s ways in your life and prepare to disciple and help others. You want to work with people, influencing them for good and encouraging them with hope. The Counselling & Christian Formation program will provide a firm foundation for you as you look towards a career in helping others.
Students will develop an understanding of the theoretical and practical foundations of counselling and develop practical skills in becoming a “skilled helper.” Those who wish to go to become a clinical counsellor are able to pursue their Masters in Counselling after this program.
Prairie’s Christian Formation Diploma will equip you to:
Build a strong foundation in the life-giving Word of God by covering the entire canon of Scripture over seven courses.
Box 4000
Three Hills, AB T0M 2N0
Canada
Phone: 403.443.5511
TollFree: 1.800.661.2425
admissions@prairie.edu
info@prairie.edu
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All rights reserved
All courses are three credits unless shown otherwise.
In this course, students are introduced to the story of Jesus Christ and his earliest disciples as told by the four Gospels and the book of Acts. Students will grow in their understanding of who Jesus is as well as in their ability to interpret the bible by attending to its literary, historical, and theological character.
This course is an introduction to the life and letters of the apostle Paul. Students will gain a basic understanding of the historical, literary, and theological characteristics of each of Paul’s letters, and in the process will further develop their skills in attentive and critical bible reading.
In this course, students are introduced to the book of Hebrews, the Catholic epistles (James, 1, 2 Peter, 1, 2, 3, John, Jude), and the book of Revelation. This course will focus on the ways in which the earliest Christians navigated the eschatological tension between the first and second comings of Jesus. In the process, students will gain further understanding of the historical circumstances of Christians living in the late first-century Roman empire, as well as extend interpretive skills development (esp. literary analysis, canonical integration, history of interpretation, and theological appropriation).
A study of the first five books of the Bible, focusing on the historical, literary and theological features of these books as well as establishing a strong grounding in Torah principles as preparation for interpreting the rest of Scripture.
A study of the books of Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings and Ezra-Nehemiah in their cultural, historical, and literary setting. Brief interaction with Ruth, Esther, and 1-2 Chronicles as they relate to the books associated with them. Focuses on interpretive and contextual issues, historical setting, cultural concerns, and their relevance in developing a strong biblical theology in today’s world.
A study of Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs, focusing on historical, literary, and theological features of these books with special emphases on Hebrew poetry and ancient Near Eastern Wisdom literature.
A study of the Latter Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve), with Daniel and Lamentations, focusing on developing sensitivity to the historical, literary, and theological dimensions of these books. Class time will include discussion of the relevance of the prophetic books for contemporary critical issues.
The Christian life is the experience of God drawing us into a relationship that is nothing less than the believer’s participation in the life of God through union with Christ. This is the Good News (i.e. Gospel) that takes root through sola scriptura (Scripture alone), solus Christus (Christ alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), and soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone). The transformative participation in Christ and His purposes gives this present life value, direction and hope. The believer is called to the quest of faithful discipleship in this participation and engagement with Christ.
The course is an exploration of and involvement in that quest. You will be challenged toward intentional participation in the life of God through your faithful discipleship response to His person and work. The content will explore a Christian spiritual theology and practice of participation with Christ. The theological approach to this participation is as a transformational relationship with the triune God in which you have both responsibilities and privileges. The course is designed to stretch beyond a cognitive/intellectual exercise and therefore you will be encouraged to actively engage in whole-hearted participation with God, both inside and outside of the classroom. The desired result is that you will know God more deeply, relate to Him as one intimately known by Him, and desire to make Him known to others.
This course introduces students to the biblical, doctrinal, philosophical and historical “big picture” outlines of the Christian faith. The course aims to equip students with the skills to develop a Christian mind by assisting them in constructing a theological foundation for thinking and dealing with life’s most important issues. This course will also enable students to begin to think theologically and to construct a Christian worldview for the edification of the community of faith and to the glory of the almighty God whom we serve.
A systematic orientation to the center of Christian theology—the life of the Triune God. This course will cover the doctrines of God, Trinity, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and Revelation. It will also consider questions of method, including the sources and norms of theology. The discipline of theology will be approached as a practice of the church, both local and global, carried out for the benefit of the church’s life, its proclamation, and its service to the world.
The purpose of this course, following TH 210, is to provide a systematic orientation to the second half of the field of Christian theology—God’s creation. This course will cover the doctrines of creation, humanity, sin, salvation, church and last things. The discipline of theology will be approached as a practice of the church, both local and global, carried out for the benefit of the church’s life, its proclamation and its service to the world.
This course focuses on helping students bring the living Word of God to the world and the church in effective and creative ways. A significant aspect of the course is to address important issues in biblical, historical and theological exegesis. In addition, the course would also help students develop a broad theological and practical framework for the ministry of the Word of God within the modern world and the life of the church.
This course focuses on a variety of aspects of academic research. The student will critically assess a variety of sources that mostly pertain to the task of apologetics. The primary focus of this course is research and writing, and the secondary focus is apologetics. This means that the student will assess, analyze, summarize, and review source documents that pertain to apologetics. The student will learn how to write academically and how to properly paraphrase source documents in order to enhance their critical thinking skills. Additionally, the student will be familiarized with the library and information literacy. In sum, this course is designed to introduce the student to the task of sound research and proper academic writing.
This course describes and analyzes the range and nature of Christian expression around the world. This will be done in three ways: 1) by briefly describing the four main streams of Christianity evident today; 2) by examining the variety of expressions of indigenous Christianity in the various geographical regions of the globe, and major challenges Christians face in each region; and 3) by getting a brief introduction of how Christianity spread from its Hebrew roots in Palestine to becoming a global faith which is known today as World Christianity (Christianity whose agenda is no longer determined by churches in the nations of the West). The underlying question for Christians living in the West is, ‘What is our place and role in this recently altered global landscape of Christianity?’ This course will offer some possible answers to that question.
In this course students will study the fundamental principles of human behavior and cognitive processes. Students will learn to recognize and interpret various psychological theories and approaches, apply basic psychological principles and strategies to contemporary issues, accomplish a research project involving a major psychological concept and work cooperatively with classmates to begin to formulate an integrative approach to psychology.
This introductory course will assist in nurturing leadership character, convictions and competencies. The foundational content will explore a theology and philosophy of leadership, investigate the formation of a Christian leader and survey the primary tasks of leadership. Building on this foundation, you will receive contextualized training for the specific leadership ministry in which you will be serving during the academic year. You will be challenged toward becoming a godly influencer of others.
This course surveys the historical development of scientific thought, primarily in the western tradition, from its origins in ancient Greece to the twentieth century. While the course does examine major figures and their scientific achievements, it does not do so in the context of “science as the inevitable march from primitivism to progress,” i.e. science as the continuous accumulation of knowledge and mastery of the natural world. Rather these events will be studied in the context of the prevailing worldview or philosophical paradigm which provided the framework for scientific inquiry and discovery in various cultural periods. As such particular attention will be given to the interplay between philosophical-religious and scientific ideas.
This course covers, in survey fashion, the events and themes which make up the early part of the story of the western world. The chronological range extends from the period of the earliest known ancient near eastern civilizations through to the end of the medieval period (mid-15th century) in Europe. While related historical events in other parts of the globe will be used as reference points, the primary geographical stage will be the regions of the Middle East, the Mediterranean basin and the wider European subcontinent. The course focuses on key events, people and ideas which played a formative role in developing this collective entity referred to as Western Civilization.
This course picks up the narrative of western civilization where HF 231 left off. It covers the period from the late Middle Ages to the late 20th century. Two key questions which the course raises and then seeks to answer is: 1) what is modernity? and 2) how has it formed western civilization and then the world beyond the west? Or, to put it another way, ‘how did The West become The West?’ While using political events as the primary reference points in mapping the historical narrative, the course will also explore a variety of other cultural events, people and movements which shaped the modern age. These include: religious/philosophical ideas, especially as they are expressed in art, architecture, music and literature; developments in the fields of science and commerce; and key social institutions/practices. In addition to studying these developments through the writings of academic historians, students will also have an opportunity to practice the craft of producing an historical account of their own.
The purpose of this seminar is to aid students in the process of bringing faith, learning, vocation, and ministry into a coherent way of life. Any understanding of such a life is always worked out in reference to the vital questions and concerns of our cultural moment, as well as the enduring, universal questions faced by each successive generation. Students will study a range of cultural theologies from a variety of vocational perspectives and then present their own theological findings on a topic pertinent to their vocational future.
An orientation to gospel coaching in its relation to ministry; in-class and out of class practicum involves small group coaching networks and observation. Students will discover that pastoral care involves coaching others which flows from listening to the Holy Spirit and using the Word of God to minister to others.
This pass/fail course is a weekly reading group for discussing works related to Christian Formation. We will critically discuss perspectives, insights, and issues arising from the texts we read, pursuing our own formation as disciples of Jesus and our formation together as brothers and sisters in Christ. Given our concern with formation, this course will involve regular group prayer in the presence of Christ, as well as serving Prairie College together in a campus initiative oriented to Christian formation (e.g., a chapel service led by CFC students).
This course is required for as long as a student is in the Christian Formation diploma or degree program, up to a maximum of three years. Those at Frontier Lodge will join the course in Fall Term 2, but will receive full credit at the end of the year.
A tech-free course conducted at Frontier Lodge and area, in conjunction with two outdoor leadership courses and facilitated by Frontier Lodge staff, Explore instructors and interns, and a qualified spiritual director. Personal prayer, readings and journaling are interwoven with group prayer and adventure-based learning outings designed to develop foundational practices of Christian spiritual growth.
An exploration of various models of Christian spiritual direction combined with extensive attention to mastering the New Way Model of Spiritual Direction, with emphasis on practical demonstration and application. The biblical and historical aspects of spiritual direction as well as the incorporation of group and personal spiritual direction into the ministry of a local church will also be discussed.
This course helps students to have a better understanding of the relationship between the discipline of theology and psychology. It covers the way in which theological themes and thinking contribute to our understanding of human psychology and vice versa. One of the key aims of this course is to enable students to develop and utilize a basic theological and psychological framework for the practical ministry of Christian formation.CF 430 Theory and Practice of Spiritual Direction
This is a foundational introductory course on theories and practice related to the field of interpersonal helping skills in the context of Christian ministry. Through active involvement, the student will experience the basic process of helping others identify issues, set goals and move forward in their lives. Students will learn to recognize their role and what they bring into the helping relationship as a “skilled helper”.
The program will provide instruction and experience in the realm of ministry under the direct supervision and training of a qualified Christian. The student will also have regular sessions with an appointed spiritual director. Students will apply individually to the Program Coordinator after contacting the church or agency. The Internship Supervisor will be required to submit evaluations and may be contacted for a phone conversation halfway through the internship.
Students in this course will develop several practical skills which will lay the foundation for being able to offer spiritual direction. Each student will demonstrate his or her ability to establish a relationship with someone who will request spiritual direction from the student. The establishment of a safe and caring relationship with the directee will be demonstrated by the student to her supervisor. Learning takes place in this practicum experience as students offer spiritual direction to a directee, who gives written permission to have the session recorded and viewed by the student and the supervisor only for the purpose of the student’s learning. The recording will then be destroyed. The student will listen to the recording, write up a critique according to the format supplied by the supervisor, then afterwards receive supervision from the instructor on their direction. The student will complete 10 one-hour sessions.
Together with CF 430, students who complete this course satisfactorily will receive a “level 1” certification in spiritual direction from Urban Sanctuary.
All courses are three credits unless shown otherwise.
In this course, students are introduced to the story of Jesus Christ and his earliest disciples as told by the four Gospels and the book of Acts. Students will grow in their understanding of who Jesus is as well as in their ability to interpret the bible by attending to its literary, historical, and theological character.
This course is an introduction to the life and letters of the apostle Paul. Students will gain a basic understanding of the historical, literary, and theological characteristics of each of Paul’s letters, and in the process will further develop their skills in attentive and critical bible reading.
In this course, students are introduced to the book of Hebrews, the Catholic epistles (James, 1, 2 Peter, 1, 2, 3, John, Jude), and the book of Revelation. This course will focus on the ways in which the earliest Christians navigated the eschatological tension between the first and second comings of Jesus. In the process, students will gain further understanding of the historical circumstances of Christians living in the late first-century Roman empire, as well as extend interpretive skills development (esp. literary analysis, canonical integration, history of interpretation, and theological appropriation).
(NT 351) A study of the first five books of the Bible, focusing on the historical, literary and theological features of these books as well as establishing a strong grounding in Torah principles as preparation for interpreting the rest of Scripture.
(OT 453) A study of the Latter Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve), with Daniel and Lamentations, focusing on developing sensitivity to the historical, literary, and theological dimensions of these books. Class time will include discussion of the relevance of the prophetic books for contemporary critical issues.
A study of the books of Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings and Ezra-Nehemiah in their cultural, historical, and literary setting. Brief interaction with Ruth, Esther, and 1-2 Chronicles as they relate to the books associated with them. Focuses on interpretive and contextual issues, historical setting, cultural concerns, and their relevance in developing a strong biblical theology in today’s world.
A study of Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs, focusing on historical, literary, and theological features of these books with special emphases on Hebrew poetry and ancient Near Eastern Wisdom literature.
The Christian life is the experience of God drawing us into a relationship that is nothing less than the believer’s participation in the life of God through union with Christ. This is the Good News (i.e. Gospel) that takes root through sola scriptura (Scripture alone), solus Christus (Christ alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), and soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone). The transformative participation in Christ and His purposes gives this present life value, direction and hope. The believer is called to the quest of faithful discipleship in this participation and engagement with Christ.
The course is an exploration of and involvement in that quest. You will be challenged toward intentional participation in the life of God through your faithful discipleship response to His person and work. The content will explore a Christian spiritual theology and practice of participation with Christ. The theological approach to this participation is as a transformational relationship with the triune God in which you have both responsibilities and privileges. The course is designed to stretch beyond a cognitive/intellectual exercise and therefore you will be encouraged to actively engage in whole-hearted participation with God, both inside and outside of the classroom. The desired result is that you will know God more deeply, relate to Him as one intimately known by Him, and desire to make Him known to others.
This course introduces students to the biblical, doctrinal, philosophical and historical “big picture” outlines of the Christian faith. The course aims to equip students with the skills to develop a Christian mind by assisting them in constructing a theological foundation for thinking and dealing with life’s most important issues. This course will also enable students to begin to think theologically and to construct a Christian worldview for the edification of the community of faith and to the glory of the almighty God whom we serve.
A systematic orientation to the center of Christian theology—the life of the Triune God. This course will cover the doctrines of God, Trinity, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and Revelation. It will also consider questions of method, including the sources and norms of theology. The discipline of theology will be approached as a practice of the church, both local and global, carried out for the benefit of the church’s life, its proclamation, and its service to the world.
This course focuses on a variety of aspects of academic research. The student will critically assess a variety of sources that mostly pertain to the task of apologetics. The primary focus of this course is research and writing, and the secondary focus is apologetics. This means that the student will assess, analyze, summarize, and review source documents that pertain to apologetics. The student will learn how to write academically and how to properly paraphrase source documents in order to enhance their critical thinking skills. Additionally, the student will be familiarized with the library and information literacy. In sum, this course is designed to introduce the student to the task of sound research and proper academic writing.
This course describes and analyzes the range and nature of Christian expression around the world. This will be done in three ways: 1) by briefly describing the four main streams of Christianity evident today; 2) by examining the variety of expressions of indigenous Christianity in the various geographical regions of the globe, and major challenges Christians face in each region; and 3) by getting a brief introduction of how Christianity spread from its Hebrew roots in Palestine to becoming a global faith which is known today as World Christianity (Christianity whose agenda is no longer determined by churches in the nations of the West). The underlying question for Christians living in the West is, ‘What is our place and role in this recently altered global landscape of Christianity?’ This course will offer some possible answers to that question.
In this course students will study the fundamental principles of human behavior and cognitive processes. Students will learn to recognize and interpret various psychological theories and approaches, apply basic psychological principles and strategies to contemporary issues, accomplish a research project involving a major psychological concept and work cooperatively with classmates to begin to formulate an integrative approach to psychology.
This introductory course will assist in nurturing leadership character, convictions and competencies. The foundational content will explore a theology and philosophy of leadership, investigate the formation of a Christian leader and survey the primary tasks of leadership. Building on this foundation, you will receive contextualized training for the specific leadership ministry in which you will be serving during the academic year. You will be challenged toward becoming a godly influencer of others.
This course surveys the historical development of scientific thought, primarily in the western tradition, from its origins in ancient Greece to the twentieth century. While the course does examine major figures and their scientific achievements, it does not do so in the context of “science as the inevitable march from primitivism to progress,” i.e. science as the continuous accumulation of knowledge and mastery of the natural world. Rather these events will be studied in the context of the prevailing worldview or philosophical paradigm which provided the framework for scientific inquiry and discovery in various cultural periods. As such particular attention will be given to the interplay between philosophical-religious and scientific ideas.
This course covers, in survey fashion, the events and themes which make up the early part of the story of the western world. The chronological range extends from the period of the earliest known ancient near eastern civilizations through to the end of the medieval period (mid-15th century) in Europe. While related historical events in other parts of the globe will be used as reference points, the primary geographical stage will be the regions of the Middle East, the Mediterranean basin and the wider European subcontinent. The course focuses on key events, people and ideas which played a formative role in developing this collective entity referred to as Western Civilization.
This course picks up the narrative of western civilization where HF 231 left off. It covers the period from the late Middle Ages to the late 20th century. Two key questions which the course raises and then seeks to answer is: 1) what is modernity? and 2) how has it formed western civilization and then the world beyond the west? Or, to put it another way, ‘how did The West become The West?’ While using political events as the primary reference points in mapping the historical narrative, the course will also explore a variety of other cultural events, people and movements which shaped the modern age. These include: religious/philosophical ideas, especially as they are expressed in art, architecture, music and literature; developments in the fields of science and commerce; and key social institutions/practices. In addition to studying these developments through the writings of academic historians, students will also have an opportunity to practice the craft of producing an historical account of their own.
The purpose of this seminar is to aid students in the process of bringing faith, learning, vocation, and ministry into a coherent way of life. Any understanding of such a life is always worked out in reference to the vital questions and concerns of our cultural moment, as well as the enduring, universal questions faced by each successive generation. Students will study a range of cultural theologies from a variety of vocational perspectives and then present their own theological findings on a topic pertinent to their vocational future.
An orientation to gospel coaching in its relation to ministry; in-class and out of class practicum involves small group coaching networks and observation. Students will discover that pastoral care involves coaching others which flows from listening to the Holy Spirit and using the Word of God to minister to others.
This pass/fail course is a weekly reading group for discussing works related to Christian Formation. We will critically discuss perspectives, insights, and issues arising from the texts we read, pursuing our own formation as disciples of Jesus and our formation together as brothers and sisters in Christ. Given our concern with formation, this course will involve regular group prayer in the presence of Christ, as well as serving Prairie College together in a campus initiative oriented to Christian formation (e.g., a chapel service led by CFC students).
A tech-free course conducted at Frontier Lodge and area, in conjunction with two outdoor leadership courses and facilitated by Frontier Lodge staff, Explore instructors and interns, and a qualified spiritual director. Personal prayer, readings and journaling are interwoven with group prayer and adventure-based learning outings designed to develop foundational practices of Christian spiritual growth.
Students design and carry out research on an aspect of Christian formation (2 credits) or read and critique one or more key Christian spiritual writings approved by the instructor (1 or 2 credits)
The Diploma in Christian Formation sets students up to complete the Bachelor of Ministry – Christian Formation. Additionally, students can easily go on to complete other degrees at Prairie such as the Intercultural Studies or other Ministry degrees.
This diploma better equips you to help other Christians in their walk with God. This is especially important for anyone involved in children’s ministry or youth discipleship.
Our degree graduates go on to:
• Pursue graduate education in counselling or social work (e.g., at Briercrest Seminary**, Providence University College and Theological Seminary).
• Take up specialized support roles for addictions, rehabilitation, and mental health (e.g., Youth Care Worker at Rock Solid Refuge).
• Lead in discipleship or small group ministry as a church pastor or camp director.
• Pursue para-church chaplaincy.
** Due to Prairie College’s partnership with Briercrest Seminary, graduates of the 4-year Christian Formation and Counselling program may receive up to 12 credits of advanced standing towards a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Briercrest Seminary (a 63 credit hour degree).
Academic Admissions Requirement:
For Homeschool students and applicants outside of Alberta please visit our Steps to Apply page.
Christian Life & Testimony:
Prairie College requires that students demonstrate a Christian life and testimony in order to effectively participate in our Christ-centered community. Applicants show evidence of meeting this requirement in the following application items:
English Language Proficiency:
Applicants whose first language is not English must show proof of English Proficiency. See International Admissions Procedures for more information.
For our Tuition & Fee rates as well as Room and Board please see Fees & Financial Aid
Program Specific Costs:
Christian Formation students are charged a $60 program fee in the Fall semester. Students participating in the Frontier Lodge 7-week experience have a fee of $1000 to offset additional programming in the Canadian Rockies in that term.
Winter 2025 (January start), Fall 2025 (September start) and Online Education (start anytime) applications are open.
Prairie welcomes applications from individuals all around the world! To begin the International Student Application please click the link below.
If you are applying for the Master of Christian Ministry Leadership or the Master of Global Christian Educational Leadership please click the link below.
Tell us a bit about yourself and an admissions representative will be in touch shortly!
We have launched our Campaign for Greater Impact to provide students with the very best learning opportunities and campus facilities for the decades ahead.
In Phase One of this Campaign, we plan to invest in much-needed campus renewal, including: upgraded Infrastructure, a new Student Residence, Cafeteria, Worship Auditorium, and expanded Aviation Training Centre. A modern campus requires an investment that is bold, and even expensive, but each Campaign Project is strategic, and designed to enhance Prairie’s campus and student life experience.
This expansion of PATC’s facility is a key project of Prairie’s Campaign for Greater Impact. It will increase the College’s capacity to train a new generation of Christian aviators to serve God in missions, and also address the growing need for trained pilots in the commercial aviation sector.
Invest in the next generation of missional professionals. Each year Prairie College distributes over $500,000 in scholarships and bursaries to students. We are grateful for each gift that reduces the burden of students’ tuition and allows students to fulfill their God-given professions.
Encourage inmates in five institutions across Alberta to discover or reconnect with Jesus Christ. This fund assists the students studying the Certificate in Bible program with scholarships, resources for classes, and instruction.
Prairie College is educating students to pursue a Biblical foundation for life and career. Your contribution to this fund assists in minimizing the College’s general operating expenses.
To allocate your gift, please select one of the donation buttons below.