“Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary Canada represents a new model for MB graduate theological education in Canada, one which is more accessible to pastors and leaders across the country,” says MBBS–ACTS associate dean Brian Cooper.
The latest evidence of this new approach is a partnership, begun in January, between MBBS Canada and The Journey, an Edmonton-based seminary affiliated with the ACTS consortium (Langley, B.C.). “Entry as a partner in The Journey represents a creative and strategic way to extend our vision of offering MB theological education in more accessible and practical ways,” says Cooper.
Also behind the partnership are the Saskatchewan and Alberta Mennonite Brethren conferences who will make a yearly financial contribution. Alberta executive director Daniel Beutler is pleased to have MB-connected seminary education in his province. “If we want to see pastors well-equipped and trained, we need theological education that is excellent and affordable.”
Courses at The Journey are modular intensives (offered on weekends or during the week), assume active ministry involvement, and require a mentoring component. “The neat thing about education on the run is the opportunity to immediately apply what you’ve learned rather than collecting information for two years, then adjusting to a new location of ministry,” says Saskatchewan director of church ministries Ralph Gliege.
MBBS Canada anticipates one MB professor will teach a course annually. This January, MBBS Canada assistant professor of practical theology and leadership studies Randy Wollf taught in his area of specialty, leadership.
Students may study at The Journey for credit toward a degree at ACTS Seminary (including MBBS) and for ongoing professional development.
—Karla Braun
