Continuing Education
Vancouver School of Theology has actively supported and promoted continuing education for almost three decades. It is through this commitment to life-long learning, Christian formation and congregational vitality through education, and leadership development that places VST as one of the leading continuing education programs in Canada.
Continuing education programs are offered in various formats and locations during the year. VST works with gifted resource people and organizations that share a commitment to life-long learning to provide seminars, retreats, courses, and workshops for clergy and laity. Fees do apply and registration is required for most of the workshops through the VST website.
VST hosts numerous public events, conferences, and workshops throughout the academic year to which the general public are warmly invited.
For upcoming events please visit News & Events.
Certificates
Certificate in Theological Studies
The Certificate in Theological Studies is a continuing education certificate (non-degree) for all who are interested in deepening their understanding of contemporary theological thought through active engagement with the topics and theological disciplines explored in VST workshops and courses.
Indigenous Studies Program Certificate in Theological Studies
The ISP Certificate in Theological Studies is a non-degree program for students who are interested in deepening their understanding of Christianity and theological thought framed by the Indigenous context in which the learner is rooted. Summer school classes can be used towards the ISP certificate.
Certificate in Children, Youth & Family Ministries
The program in Children, Youth and Family Ministries at Vancouver School of Theology is designed to offer the opportunity for participants to gain background and learn skills in the field from an accredited theological school. A student can participate in the program as an auditor in classes or as a student admitted to the Certificate in Children, Youth and Family Ministries. The educational opportunities offered through the program are flexible enough to be available for students from varied denominations and backgrounds.
Public Lectures
Somerville Lecture
The Somerville Lecture promotes spiritual vitality and community leadership. It is made possible through The Somerville Fund for Spiritual Formation, which was established in appreciation of the pastoral presence and spiritual guidance of Archbishop T. David Somerville.
David Somerville has contributed to the life of Vancouver School of Theology in many ways: as a student of the Anglican Theological College (Class of 1939), as professor of Pastoral Theology for five years, and following his retirement as bishop, as the Anglican chaplain. He devoted most of his professional life to parishes and communities in British Columbia, exercising the kind of progressive and innovative leadership that led to his description as a “quiet radical” at his consecration as bishop. He pioneered the ordination of women in The Anglican Church of Canada, supported the inclusion of children at communion, and, when he was rector of St. James’ Parish, began a movement to care for the disadvantaged in the downtown east side.
“One of the greatest gifts we can have is a sense of God’s presence, in the world and in our lives. It is a kind of sensitivity to the divine, that mysterious element in our lives that transcends the everyday ordinariness of existence and gives it new meaning …we need to breathe the air of the spirit to survive.” —David Somerville, 1984
G. Peter Kaye Lecture Series
This lecture series offers several one-hour lectures and a continuing education workshop by a guest presenter over three days for VST students, alumni, and the general public. The series is made possible through a grant from the Vancouver Foundation in honour of the late G. Peter Kaye, former Chancellor of Vancouver School of Theology, chair of the Board of Governors, and executive director of the Vancouver Foundation.
Summer School
Two companion summer schools are held at VST each summer: the VST Summer School and the Indigenous Studies Program Summer School.
Vancouver in the summer is beautiful; it is a perfect time to welcome you to the temperate shores of Burrard Inlet at Vancouver School of Theology for our Summer School. Courses in preaching, Bible, theology liturgy, and spirituality are all waiting to be discovered. Learners at all levels are welcome. Please explore the options to find a course or a retreat that engages your interest, passion, curiosity, and imagination. We look forward to welcoming our friends back to Summer School, and eagerly anticipate making new ones. If you are wondering whether your friends are coming, they are!
VST Academy
VST’s mandate propels us to provide offsite continuing educational opportunities to our wider community, and courses are currently offered annually at various locations in BC, and on occasion in locations wider afield such as Alberta, Washington State, and Hawaii. These courses are taught by VST faculty who bring their academic expertise and passion for teaching directly to congregations. Registration is required and a small fee covers the cost of the course. Courses are generally in a workshop format and include a free public lecture that all participants attend as part of their instruction.
Short-Term Accommodation
There are many choices of accommodation available in Vancouver. Having the right information will help you find a great place to live while completing your studies!
Financial Aid
Lay people wishing to audit a VST Continuing Education course or workshop can apply for a tuition bursary of up to 25% of the tuition fees, to a maximum of $100.