Learn to serve God and others by providing pastoral service in a variety of contexts. Expand your biblical literacy, learn to reflect theologically on life and ministry, become conversant with a Christian worldview and apply this knowledge into pastoral ministry in a culturally relevant manner. Develop techniques in the art and science of preaching. Develop skills in interpreting Scripture using interpretation and context within key books of the Bible as tools. Learn how to provide Godly counsel and leadership to others.

Why Pastoral Care & Leadership?

Learning in Community

We believe that your educational journey is best when you have faculty and peers that support you. Prairie is a place where everyone knows your name and cares about your growth as an individual.

Multiple Ways to Study

The two-year diploma provides the ideal opportunity to discern if pastoral work is an appropriate life calling for you. The four-year degree prepares you for future seminary studies.

Practical Opportunities

All students will complete a 12 credit Pastoral internship – often at their home church. A week long Proactive Ministry Retreat (PMR) at Kerith Creek Retreat Centers is also expected in the four year degree program.

Do you have questions? Let's chat...

Kelly Steffen

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Kelly Steffen

I enjoy leading my program because I am passionate about the church. The Lord has allowed me to serve as a youth, associate and lead pastor, as well as a church planter. My educational qualifications are a Masters of Religious Education and Masters Diploma in Missiology and some doctoral work.

Pastoral Care and Leadership (Bachelor)

All courses are three credits unless shown otherwise.

Bible & Theology (45 credits)

NT 112 Reading the Gospels and Acts

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.

NT 221 Reading Paul’s Letters

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.

NT 351 Reading Hebrews to Revelation

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).

OT 112 Reading the Torah

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 221 Reading the Historical Books

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.

OT 343 Reading the Psalms and Wisdom Literature

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.

OT 453 Reading the Prophets

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.

ST 105 The Christian Quest

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.

TH 100 Introduction to Christian Theology

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.

TH 210 The God of the Gospel

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.

TH 313 Creation to New Creation

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.

BT 409 Word and 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.

Bible and Theology Electives (9 credits)

Arts & Sciences (36 credits)

HF 111 Thinking & Writing

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.

HF 231 History of Western Civilization I

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.

HF 232 History of Western Civilization II

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.

SC 230 History and Philosophy of Science

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.

SS 170 Christianity in the 21st Century World

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.

SS 210 Introduction to Psychology

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.

SS 261 Leadership Foundations

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.

AS 400 Integrative Seminar

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.

Arts and Sciences Electives (9 credits)

Arts and Sciences Elective 300 Level or Higher

Pastoral Care & Leadership (24 credits)

CM 250 Intro to Counselling

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”.

CM 484 Pastoral Care and Leadership Internship (6 credits)

In consultation with the Pastoral Director and partnering churches, students will be placed in intentional ministry settings culminating their field training. Pastoral internships may be crafted to suit desired objectives (e.g. chaplaincy, pastoral leadership or parachurch ministry). At least 250 hours of internship must be met.

PA 106 Pastoral Care and Coaching
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.
PA 165 Equipping for Pastoral Ministry

An introduction to contemporary youth and pastoral ministry. Students will examine youth and church culture, various models of youth and pastoral ministry, the biblical and theological foundations for reaching and discipling today’s youth and families as well as a short study on the history of youth ministry. The areas of programming, teaching, recruiting, volunteers, and administration, developing relationships with students and families, and personal care in ministry will also be covered.

PA 312 Preaching and Communication

This course is an introduction to preaching and youth communication that covers the creation, development and execution of sermons. In this course, students will have the opportunity to deliver sermons in various settings, even on radio. It is the belief that you learn public speaking through experiential learning.

PA 373 Leading Multiplication Movements

This course focuses on a Biblical understanding and practice of Kingdom multiplication. The basis for disciple-making will be explored and how disciple-makers can multiply disciple-making movements of gospel proclamation. This course will also include elements of church planting.

PA 482 Hot Topics for the Next Generation

This course is designed as a capstone course to cover various topics found in the church and parachurch ministry. This course will look at current trends and issues as they relate to youth/pastoral ministry. Students will also assist in the research and presentation of course topics related to present and future Ministry.

Concentration (Choose One) (9 credits)

Business in Ministry

BU 110 Introduction Management

This course is intended to introduce and lay a foundation for all the rest of our business program. The students should therefore develop practical competencies in management in the context of a robust and Scripturally-grounded theology regarding God’s view of work and, in particular, the work of management. Biblical Management involves the skills, knowledge and character needed to lead a business (or any other organization) in ways that glorify God and fulfill His purposes. This class then will prepare students for management through self-examination in the light of what management looks like when Biblical perspectives are taken on topics like roles, motivation, competition, leadership and wealth.

BU 211 Financial Accounting

This course covers the fundamentals of financial accounting including its goals, guiding principles, key functions, uses, and limitations grounded in a biblical perspective. Students will experience what it is to build and use an accounting system while learning about the basics of bookkeeping and financial statements.

BU 362 Business Skills in Ministry (1.5 credits)

BU 430 Business Project Management (1.5 credits)

This one-and-a-half credit class is designed to introduce students to the world of Project Management. Key project management concepts, skills and tools will be learned and applied to several theoretical cases and at least one actual project. Students will learn to plan, execute, and then evaluate their success in project management.

Christian Formation and Counselling

CF 212 Introduction to Spiritual Theology

Spiritual theology focuses on the theology of spiritual transformation, growth, and the life of Christian communion with God. In a way, spiritual theology is at the heart of Christian theology and it integrates theology with the spiritual practice of living the resurrection life in Christ by the Spirit. This course provides an introductory overview of spiritual theology, the history of spiritual theology, and the systematic issues associated with spiritual theology. In addition, students will also engage in some of the practical, relational, and habitual aspects of Christian formation.

Campus Option

CF 418 Integration of Theology and Psychology

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 

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.

Frontier Lodge Option

CF 231 Prayer, Community, and Creation

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.

OL 104 Introduction to Experiential Education (1.5 credits)

This class introduces the skills, knowledge and principles necessary to understand and use the experiential education method effectively at a basic level. Students will experience the model throughout their time in the Explore Program, but concentrated time is set aside to learn about how the student can facilitate experiences towards the learner’s growth and development. A four day course paired with a practicum opportunity will form the means of curriculum delivery and application. The experience and practice of the concepts from this class, however, are found throughout the entirety of the Explore Program.

OL 136 Outdoor Leadership for Christian Formation (1.5 credits)

This class serves to provide students a framework for understanding leadership both in theory and in practice. This class will present the transactional and transformational model of leadership to students as a framework for understanding how leadership works from the perspective of leader, follower or from an undefined role. The class addresses but moves past leader/follower functions to examine how “leadership” can come from anywhere, given a proper understanding and application of power, authority and influence.

Intercultural Ministry

IS 140 World Religions

A basic understanding of the beliefs, doctrines, and practices of the major world religions will allow Christians to be more effective in their witness for Christ in today’s multicultural world. After a survey of the ideas, philosophy, doctrine, and major practices of the main religions we will discuss how our Gospel witness can be/should be contextualized to people from a particular world religion. We will not include Christianity or Judaism in our study. Includes visits to places of worship in Calgary.

IS 351 Cross-cultural Communication

In this course, we will deal with foundational principles for communication between people from different cultures. You will learn to be aware of the influence of thinking processes, worldviews, plus verbal and non-verbal behaviours. We will also cover aspects of anxiety and uncertainty that everyone faces when communicating with someone from a different culture. Most of the assignments will relate to you applying the teaching to your own interaction with different cultures or people from different cultures.

TH 332 Theology of Mission

This course will look at God’s mission and the biblical foundation for doing mission–including the nature and purpose of God, mission in the Old and New Testament, the essential missionary task, and the instruments of mission. We will also examine a number of contemporary models/paradigms/theologies of mission.

Worship Leading and Music

DM 103 Introduction to Digital Media (1 credit)

An introduction of Digital Media for all the students enrolled in the Music & Worship Arts Program, this course will give students an overview of digital photography, social media design, video production, and filmmaking. Anyone who aspires to be a recording artist or worship pastor at a modern church will need to know the basics of how digital media works and how to work with visual artists. This course will help prepare recording artists, songwriters, musicians and worship leaders to co-work and complete projects and live events with visual artists.

WA 101 Introduction to Worship Leading (1 credit)

Worship has been described as a multifaceted jewel. No matter what side from which the jewel is viewed, there is always something new to see, a new depth to experience. Individuals seeking to lead congregational worship have undertaken a fascinating and lifelong journey. What view does the worship leader have of the worship of the triune God? What part of worship is most familiar? What part is most challenging? This course seeks to introduce the student to the breadth and depth of topics that encompass worship leading and ministry.

WA 227 Recording and Producing (1 credit)

This course introduces students to basic audio recording: including digital recording, tracking & editing. There is an emphasis on critical listening and analysis, as well as discussion of music and musical form. We will also explore how to think critically about music from an artistic view as well as a Christian viewpoint.

WA 320 Worship by Design

The corporate worship service of a local, Christian congregation will be the focus of this course through exploring and studying a variety of worship service design methodologies where each method brings with it its own set of ideas and implications. Students will study the philosophical background of service design methodologies with the intention of using evaluative tools and methods to quantify the pros and cons of various service designs.

WA 354 Worship as Christian Formation

What is the relationship between worship and Christian formation? How is the Church leadership and congregants formed through week-by-week corporate worship services? Is this a missed category when thinking about how people are discipled in the Christian faith? An introduction to the use and meaning of rituals, symbols, and how people grow in faith will be discussed to assist the student to begin the development of a philosophy of worship as Christian formation.

Pastoral Care and Leadership - Diploma

All courses are three credits unless shown otherwise.

Bible & Theology (30 credits)

NT 112 Reading the Gospels and Acts

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.

NT 221 Reading Paul’s Letters

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.

NT 351 Reading Hebrews to Revelation

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).

OT 112 Reading the Torah

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 221 Reading the Historical Books

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.

OT 343 Reading the Psalms and Wisdom Literature

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.

OT 453 Reading the Prophets

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.

ST 105 The Christian Quest

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.

TH 100 Introduction to Christian Theology

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.

TH 210 The God of the Gospel

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.

Arts & Sciences (12 credits)

HF 111 Thinking & Writing

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.

SS 210 Introduction to Psychology

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.

SS 261 Leadership Foundations

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.

SS 273 Cultural Anthropology or SS 314 Social Psychology

(SS 273) The course is an introductory overview of Cultural Anthropology—the study of human beings from a holistic perspective. We will study theory, insights, and methods used to understand people and their relationships in human cultures. We will learn to understand some basic rationale for different ways of life and how to apply general anthropological knowledge and skills to everyday life in Canada or overseas. The topics include the concept of culture, world view, social organization (kinship, economic, social groups, political, and religious/ideological organization), communication, life cycle, expressive culture, and change.

(SS 314) In this course students will study the impact that social environment and group interactions have on attitudes and behaviors. This course explores the way in which feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and intentions are constructed and how these factors influence our decisions and interactions with others.

Pastoral Care & Leadership (18 credits)

YO 240 Educating the Next Generation

This course examines the teaching methodology for Christian Education. The student will be introduced to several curriculum design processes that will help you become more effective teachers. We will explore several teaching methods that bring lessons to life with feeling and impact.

CM 250 Intro to Counselling

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”.

PA 106 Pastoral Care and Coaching
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.
PA 165 Equipping for Pastoral Ministry

An introduction to contemporary youth and pastoral ministry. Students will examine youth and church culture, various models of youth and pastoral ministry, the biblical and theological foundations for reaching and discipling today’s youth and families as well as a short study on the history of youth ministry. The areas of programming, teaching, recruiting, volunteers, and administration, developing relationships with students and families, and personal care in ministry will also be covered.

PA 312 Preaching and Communication

This course is an introduction to preaching and youth communication that covers the creation, development and execution of sermons. In this course, students will have the opportunity to deliver sermons in various settings, even on radio. It is the belief that you learn public speaking through experiential learning.

PA 373 Leading Multiplication Movements

This course focuses on a Biblical understanding and practice of Kingdom multiplication. The basis for disciple-making will be explored and how disciple-makers can multiply disciple-making movements of gospel proclamation. This course will also include elements of church planting.

  1. Knowing and loving God through the power of the Holy Spirit in Word and Prayer.
  2. Modeling spiritual leadership and a well-managed life in singleness or marriage.
  3. Leverage Christ-centered creative communication strategies to reach the next generation.
  4. Serving the church and community by caring for the poor, the fatherless, the widow, the imprisoned, the oppressed, and the marginalized.
  5. Equipping the next generation of disciples in the gospel.
  6. Influencing the church and culture by being agents of transformation and resilience.
  7. Being godly stewards of our gifts, time, talent, and creation.

Pastoral Care and Leadership

Two-Year Diploma

Our graduates go on to:

  • Complete a Bachelor degree in Pastoral ministry or other majors at Prairie College.
  • Service as a church worker, church planter, church educational program leader, worship leader, pastor, youth worker, camp leader, and numerous other roles within a church or para-ministry setting.

Four-Year Degree

Our graduates go on to:

  • Service as a church worker, church planter, church educational program leader, worship leader, pastor, youth worker, camp leader, and numerous other roles within a church or para-ministry setting.
  • Graduate studies in ministry, theological studies, missiology or divinity

Admissions Requirements

Academic Admissions Requirement:

  • A minimum average of 60% in five grade 12 courses.
  • A minimum of 60% in English 30-1 or 30-2.

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:

  • Personal Testimony
  • Two Spiritual References
  • Declaration for Admission

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:

Pastoral Care and Leadership students are charged a $60 program fee in the Fall semester.

For our Tuition & Fee rates please see Finance Your Online Education.

Canada & United States Application

Winter 2025 (January start), Fall 2025 (September start) and Online Education (start anytime) applications are open. 

International Student Application

Prairie welcomes applications from individuals all around the world! To begin the International Student Application please click the link below. 

Master's Application

If you are applying for the Master of Christian Ministry Leadership or the Master of Global Christian Educational Leadership please click the link below. 

Information Request

Tell us a bit about yourself and an admissions representative will be in touch shortly!

Here are key opportunities you can partner with Prairie

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.

Expansion of Prairie Aviation Training Centre

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.

Scholarships & Education Fund

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.

Prison Bible Encounter Program

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. 

General Ministries

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.