Curriculum Review underway

Following extensive consultations conducted during the recent self-study process for accreditation renewal with the Association of Theological Schools, the faculty of the College has launched into a process of updating and retooling its masters and bachelors degree programs. Building on the success of the recently relaunched Doctor of Ministry curriculum, the process is designed to produce a curriculum that, while preserving academic rigour, better equips Christian leaders for ministry in contemporary society. 

“We learned a lot from listening to our constituency during the self-study process”, commented Academic Dean Dr. Bruce Fawcett. “While we heard great admiration for the quality of education at ADC, we also heard a plea for revisions to the more applied areas of our programs that would result in effective preparation for ministry in a very different environment that exists when compared to the time of the College’s founding. Some of our key watchwords in the review process have been: missional, hopeful, contextualized, renewal, rigorous, accessibility, and affordability. We think our constituency will be delighted by the future direction of the College”.

“We are excited about the proposed changes to existing programs for those planning an academic career and those seeking ordination, but also about potential new programs in the area of chaplaincy and equipping other ministry leaders. We anticipate that through our Wolfville campus, our new New Brunswick extension, and our existing Halifax metro extension to offer new programs and degrees that would benefit volunteer leaders, part-time church staff, and others who have a heart for ministry but are not seeking ordination”, said President Harry Gardner.

The President’s Task Force on Curricular Renewal, comprised of Stephen McMullin (Director, New Brunswick Extension Program), Dr. Leslie McCurdy (Director, ADC in Metro), Dr. Glenn Wooden (Associate Professor of Old Testament), Dr. Bruce Fawcett (Academic Dean), and Dr. Harry Gardner (President), has completed the bulk of its work as a committee of the faculty and has begun presenting its recommendations to the faculty for discussion and revision.  It is hoped that the proposed changes will be presented for Senate approval early in the New Year so that the new programs will be ready for students in the fall.