Overview of the Program

Is it for me?

Who is Barnabas for? What sorts of students are we looking for?

Details

Costs, level of study, location, etc.

Format

What is taught, how and when. 

Is it for me?

Barnabas is open to all Christians in Grey/Bruce who desire to enhance their Christian education on a part-time local basis. They will normally be a church member and be recommended through a reference from a pastor/church leader. Prospective students need to  show evidence of F.A.I.T.H. (Faithful, Available, Intentional, Teachable, Hungry).

Are you a leader looking to be equipped to lead? A ministry team members looking to be equipped to serve? A faithful Christian wanting to grow in their faith? Someone curious about exploring further Christian education? If you answered 'yes' then Barnabas is for you!

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Details

Cost: Barnabas is entirely FREE. It will only cost you your time, books and travel.

Open For All: Since one of the values of Barnabas is fellowship the modules will be held across our Bluewater churches, meeting in central locations in the winter months. Sometimes the drive will be short and sometimes long. The sacrifice is meant so you can learn in the different ministry contexts of our region and ideally travel together with other Christians and share in fellowship and reflection See the program outline below for a full list of locations.

Level: The level of study will be introductory (1st year College/University).

Length: Participants may apply to begin at three points throughout the year (Sept, Jan and April) thus allowing for ‘fellowship’ cohorts but also flexibility of entry. It is expected that you will commit to one or two years. A certificate will only be issued once you have completed 9 or 18 of the modules (the equivalent of 1 or 2 years of study). However, Barnabas is flexible so if you cannot be present for a module let the coordinator know and you can catch another course the next time around.

Credentials: At the completion of one year (9) or two year’s (18) worth of modules you will receive a “Certificate in Christian Fundamentals.” There will also be a graduation service.

Instructors: All of our instructors are local pastors/leaders or trusted guests. Each adheres to our statement of faith and have an educational level of a master's or above.

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Format

Barnabas is formatted to optimize part-time and flexible study.

Each year has 9 modules. Each module is monthly and meets the last Saturday morning from 8:30  a.m. until lunch (provided). It is hosted by a local church (4 hours + travel).
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For each module you will be required to read a short book or long article on the subject before the day of instruction and then submit a short assignment by the time of the next module. Students will be expected to meet with their pastor/church leader every 3 months to discuss what they are learning (and are encouraged to share about their education with others). Local churches who have students attending are encouraged to allow space for students to put into practice what they are learning.

We do our best to record the class for those who are unable to attend because of weather or health related issues.

A Typical Module (Saturday)

0830–0900 Arrival/Refreshments                    0900–0950 Session I                              1000–1050 Session II               
1100–1140 Practicum                                            1140–1200 Prayer                                   1200+ Lunch

Year One

Context and Christlikeness: ​Bible Handling and Hermeneutics	Old Testament Survey	New Testament Survey	​Leadership	Ethics
Christian Foundations	Teaching/ Communications	Discipleship	No Module	No Module

Year Two

Theology 1	Theology 2	Church History 1	Church History 2	Missions
Polity	Apologetics	Biblical Counselling	Worship	​No Module​

module_examples.docx
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Assessments: Graded A–F. You can only complete a module if the instructor is satisfied with your participation and that you have completed the reading and assignment. Failure to meet this standard on three occasions will mean a removal from the program. A preapproved or valid absence from a module is  permissible though taking makeup modules to attain the 9 or 18 modules will be required.