Centre for Christian Studies

Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba

The Centre for Christian Studies (CCS), located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a national theological school grounded in the tradition of diakonia. It has been training people for ministry since 1892. Its roots are in the Deaconess training schools of the Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian and later United Churches. Students on a path toward diaconal ministry – a ministry of compassion and justice-seeking grounded in the example of Jesus who “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45) – appreciate CCS’s values of community, diversity, creativity, and right relationships.

Diploma, Degrees, and Testamur

Students in the Centre for Christian Studies’ diaconal program graduate with a Diploma in Diaconal Ministries, usually accompanied by “testamur” indicating that the student has met the United Church’s educational requirements for commissioning as a Diaconal Minister.

In addition, through agreements with St. Stephen’s College in Edmonton and St. Andrew’s College in Saskatoon, students can complete additional academic work to earn a Bachelor or Master of Theological Studies degree in Diaconal Ministry.

As well as the Diploma in Diaconal Ministries, CCS offers Certificates in Spiritual Care, Social Justice, or Education and Worship. Individual learning circles can also be taken as stand-alone courses by interested clergy and lay people through CCS’s Continuing Studies program.

For more information on these programs, visit the Centre for Christian Studies at www.ccsonline.ca/ or phone at 204.783.4490.

Marcie-Gibson-0598

I value my diaconal education for the ways that it serves as a model of ministry life. By intentionally integrating theory, theology, practice, analysis, reflection, spirituality, and creativity, it empowers me to do the same, wherever my ministry is situated. Marcie Gibson, former CCS Student

ccs-student-knot

The CCS program draws on the intellectual, spiritual, emotional and active energy of students: it is invigorating! -CCS Student Knot

Centre for Christian Studies

The Diaconal program

The Diaconal Ministries program at CCS is offered in a dispersed model. Students do not need to relocate to Winnipeg. As a result, students bring their lived experience from across the country to the program. The program can be completed in 4 years of full-time study (or spread out over a longer period at less than full time).

The program is made up of:

· Learning on Purpose, a two week intensive course.

· 12 learning circles on various topics relating to spiritual care, education and worship, and social justice. These learning circles are offered as intensives in Winnipeg or online.

· 3 eight-month practical field placements in or near their home community.

· Regular reflective assignments and meetings with a Diaconal mentor.

· 8 academic courses from another theological school.

· A Global Perspectives experience/project

· A final Integration Year

Find more on the CCS program on their website.

For more information on the history of the Centre for Christian Studies visit the CCS website.

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