It can be challenging to find ministry formation courses that have been designed specifically for deacons and those discerning a possible call to diaconal ministry. Here are three Canadian courses:
(1) Practice of Diaconal Ministry
The Venerable Kyn Barker (Deacon), Coordinator of Deacons for the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, teaches an online course offered in the fall called: "Practice of Diaconal Ministry" through Trinity College and the Toronto School of Theology. Kyn is secretary on the board of directors of Anglican Deacons Canada. The course can be audited or taken for credit in a degree programme at the Toronto School of Theology: https://www.tst.edu/academic/course/practice-diaconal-ministry-9 For more information, contact Archdeacon Kyn Barker, Coordinator of Deacons, Diocese of Toronto: <deacons@toronto.anglican.ca>
(2) Ministering by Word and Example
The Centre for Christian Studies (CCS) based in Winnipeg, MB offers a new online course entitled: "Ministering by Word and Example" (with a focus on the Anglican diaconate). Founded through the merger of Anglican Church of Canada and United Church training schools in 1969, the Centre for Christian Studies specializes in the formation of diaconal ministers and deacons and is particularly well known and respected in the United Church of Canada. In recent years CCS has been seeking ways to better serve those exploring a calling to the diaconate in the Anglican Church through their course offerings. Maylanne Maybee, one of Canada's longest serving Anglican Deacons, was Principal of CCS from 2011 to 2017.
(3) Anglican Diaconal Ministry
The Vancouver School of Theology offers a a course in diaconal ministry (DS502). The Diocese of New Westminster developed this course jointly with VST as part of the Diploma in Anglican Diaconal Studies program. The course is taught by The Rev. Sharon Salomons, formerly Director of Diaconal Formation for the Diocese of New Westsminister. It is a 2 credit course. Contact VST registrar, Anita Fast at afast@vst.edu to register or for more information.
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