The Certificate in Diaconal Ministry is designed to prepare men and women for diaconal ministries (ministries of Word and Service) in the Evangelical Church of Canada (ELCIC).
This program is designed with sufficient flexibility to serve those who are seeking to become rostered Diaconal Ministers in the church, but are unable to complete the MTS in Diaconal Ministry degree program.
Program Goal
The aim of the Certificate in Diaconal Ministry focusses on four areas, namely to:
- Enable all participants to appropriate an introductory understanding of the primary sources and classic traditions of the Christian faith.
- Assist participants in the program to grow in a deeper understanding of and commitment to the liberating Gospel of Christ and the life of the church and in society.
- Develop and foster in all students the specific practical skills necessary to relate the Gospel of Christ effectively to the challenges of diaconal ministries in our church and society.
- Produce not only well-trained diaconal ministers but also curious students, encouraging participants to commit to build upon the basic foundations of this program, and develop an ongoing process of ministry and reflection in their work and service to the church and society.
Curriculum
Generally, the Diaconal Certificate program is one year of full-time study, or two-year part time.
Students may take a combination of:
- Onsite intensive courses,
- Intensive distributed learning courses (designated with the DL suffix to the course number)
The curriculum is comprised of:
- Nine, 3-credit courses (27 credits)
- Participation in processes of spiritual formation and worship
- One unit of CPE/PCE
- A supervised internship (field placement of 9 -12 months), and
- Attendance at a one-week ELCIC Diaconal retreat.
Please view our Academic Handbook for details on required courses.
Requirements for Admission
- Attainment of a Bachelor of Arts degree, or its equivalent in an area of specialization applicable to working as a Diaconal minister.
- Synodical Candidacy Committee endorsement (for ELCIC students)
- Completion of the online Application for Admission, plus
- - Submission of supporting documents as outlined in the application from
- - Submission of application fee
- Documentation of a criminal record check and vulnerable sector registry check (as available).
Tuition / Fees
Please visit our Tuition Page for a summary of tuition and other program fees.
Admissions
Please visit our Admissions Page to learn how to apply.
Learn More About the Program
Read our current Academic Handbook (for MDiv, MTS and Certificates) for more detail about the Diaconal Certificate and about studying at our seminary.
Time Frame to Apply
Please visit our "How to Apply" page.
Apply Now
Students must apply online: