Christian Education and Formation

The Christian Education and Formation degree equips you to educate and disciple people in today’s complex world through applied and academic courses in Biblical studies, theology, education, and the social sciences. You will learn how to form Christian disciples in church ministry and other missional contexts through biblical principles, educational concepts and models from both Christian tradition and the wider discipline of educational studies.

Possible ministries and positions include:
  • Pastor
  • Associate Pastor
  • Christian Education & Faith Formation
  • Religious Educator
  • Children’s Pastor
  • Family Ministry Pastor
  • Marketplace Ministry
  • Teach in Christian Schools
  • Outreach Ministry
  • Youth Ministry
  • Young Adult Ministry
  • Professor
  • Literacy and International Development

Interdisciplinary

The Christian Education and Formation major provides an interdisciplinary approach to Christian education and faith formation promoting a broad and full experience. You will learn Christian history, theological studies, biblical studies, educational studies, and spiritual formation creating a complete context from which to pastor, teach, and disciple others.

Broad Educational Base

Our experienced faculty teaches courses such as: Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Education, Human Development and Learning, Curriculum Theory, God’s Word and World: Literacy, Education & Development, Teaching as Theological Act, Children’s Ministry, and Ethnographic Research. You will study current trends in Christian education and faith formation in church ministry and other missional settings.

Community of Learning

Our program is geared towards forming the pastoral and educational leader in a supportive learning community. While subscribing to a broadly evangelical core, Tyndale goes beyond denominational beliefs by bringing together all Christians into one dynamic faith community. You will be part of a student body representing over 40 different denominations and 30 ethnic groups. Students learn best when they learn from each other, with professors as experienced guides and mentors.

The Master of Divinity is a three-year professional ministry degree that provides you with knowledge and skills to be an effective and holistic ministry leader. The MDiv blends academic study, mentored learning and practical experience in a comprehensive program that will prepare you for ordained ministry or for Christian leadership in its various forms.

MDiv students will acquire foundational preparation for ordained ministry and for Christian leadership in congregations and other settings. Students will:

  1. develop breadth of knowledge and critical understanding of the theological disciplines;
  2. acquire capacities for understanding and engaging the cultural, social, and global context of God’s mission in the world;
  3. experience personal and professional growth through a process of intellectual, spiritual and ministry formation;
  4. develop and hone skills for theologically reflective ministry practice in its various forms.

 

Program Requirements

Biblical Studies (5 Courses)
  • [BIBL 0501] Biblical Interpretation: Interpreting and Applying the Biblical Text
  • [OLDT 0511] Old Testament Theology and History
  • [NEWT 0522] New Testament Theology and History
  • OLDT____ Old Testament course
  • NEWT____ New Testament course
Biblical Languages (3 Courses)
  • [NEWT 0321] Elementary Greek I or [OLDT 0611] Hebrew Grammar I
  • [NEWT 0322] Elementary Greek II or [OLDT 0612] Hebrew Grammar II
  • [NEWT 0523] Greek Exegesis I or [OLDT 0711] Hebrew Exegesis I
Theology (3 Courses)
  • [THEO 0531] Systematic Theology I
  • [THEO 0532] Systematic Theology II
  • THEO___ Theology course
Christian History (2 Courses)
  • [HIST 0561] History of Christianity I
  • [HIST 0562] History of Christianity II
Ministry Formation (6 Courses)
  • [CHED 0552] Learning to Teach and Teaching to Learn
  • [CHED 0701] Christian Education and Formation Major Internship
  • [LEAD 0510] Leadership Development
  • [MISS 0782] Gospel, Church, and Culture
  • [SPIR 0700] Spiritual Formation
  • PAST___ Pastoral Ministry course
Major in Christian Education & Formation (4 Courses)
  • [CHED 0551] Historical and Philosophical Foundations for Christian Education
  • [CHED 0652] Learning by Design: Curriculum Theory and Practice 
  • [CHED 0662] Ethnography: Tools for Reading Social Contexts
  • CHED____ Christian Education and Formation course
Electives (4 Courses)

Total MDiv Courses: 27

Program requirements subject to change.
View Major Sheets »

The Master of Theological Studies is a two-year graduate degree that helps you understand the biblical, theological and historical foundations of the Christian faith. The MTS is flexible program that can be tailored to meet your learning and ministry interests, or help you prepare you for further studies. Students may select electives from across the curriculum, or use them to focus their studies in a chosen concentration.

Students completing the MTS program will acquire a broad understanding of the theological disciplines for Christian faith and practice. Students will:

  1. gain theological understanding and insight through study of the heritage of Christian scripture, history, theology and ministry;
  2. develop aptitudes for thinking critically, theologically and biblically in relation to faith, vocation and ministry; 
  3. acquire critical awareness of God’s mission in the world in its social, cultural and global contexts;
  4. demonstrate depth of understanding in a particular field (for those opting to concentrate in an area of study).

The MTS Modular is a specialized, cohort-based program that allows students to complete the degree, one evening per week, in a fixed sequence of courses delivered over three years. 

Program Requirements

Bible, Theology and History Courses (7 Courses)
  • [BIBL 0501] Biblical Interpretation: Interpreting and Applying the Biblical Text
  • [HIST 0561] History of Christianity I
  • [HIST 0562] History of Christianity II
  • [OLDT 0511] Old Testament Theology and History
  • [NEWT 0522] New Testament Theology and History
  • [THEO 0531] Systematic Theology I
  • [THEO 0532] Systematic Theology II
Ministry Formation (3 Courses)
  • [LEAD 0510] Leadership Development
  • [MISS 0782] Gospel, Church, and Culture
  • [SPIR 0700] Spiritual Formation
Electives (8 Courses)

Total MTS Courses: 18

Program requirements subject to change.
View Major Sheets »

The one-year Graduate Diploma program provides you with a foundation of biblical, theological and ministry studies for your spiritual growth and ministry development. The Graduate Diploma allows you to tailor your studies to meet your learning and ministry needs. You may choose a concentration in Christian Studies, Leadership, Global Mission and Intercultural Studies, Pastoral and Chinese Ministry Foundations, Pentecostal Studies, Spiritual Formation or Youth and Family Ministry.

The Diploma in Christian Studies may also be taken on Monday evenings in a modular, cohort-based format with a fixed sequence of nine (9) courses delivered over one and a half years. The MTS (Christian Studies) may be taken entirely online.

All successfully-completed coursework can be transferred to the MDiv and MTS programs.

Whether you're interested in vocational ministry and leadership or personal study and enrichment, Tyndale offers a wide range of degree options that will meet your needs and goals.

Graduate Diploma** MTS
Master of Theological Studies**		 MDiv
Master of Divinity***		 ThM
Master of Theology		 DMin
Doctor of Ministry		  
A program geared toward adult learners interested in being equipped for ministry in their chosen profession A degree that will develop students' theological understanding for general educational purposes A degree designed primarily for those considering vocational, church-based ministry An advanced academic degree that provides an opportunity toexplore biblical, theological or historical studies in preparation for a PhD or ThD program An advanced professional degree designed for church leaders whose ministry will be integrated into their study and research Description
9 18 27 6 courses + thesis 6 intensive modules + a major project

Courses
Required
1 year 2 years 3 years 1 year 3 years Duration*
Want to enhance your biblical and theological understandings in a setting that will engage your intellect and deepen your faith Are seeking a foundational graduate degree that can be utilized in a wide range of professional and ministerial contexts Wish to prepare for ordained ministry or for general pastoral and religious leadership responsibilities in congregations and other settings Have completed an MDiv or MTS and wish to enhance your ministerial and missional practice with additional scholarship, or prepare for further study at the doctoral level Have completed an MDiv or equivalent and are engaged in substantive ministry further developing your skills and capacities for effective leadership Pursue if...
Notes:
* Program durations are based on a traditional, full-time course load of nine courses per year.
** Also offered in a modular format designed to meet the needs of students with full-time demands such as family, church or career.
*** Tyndale also offers an In-Ministry MDiv degree program for people who are engaged in part-time or full-time in vocational Christian ministry.
 
» Program Faculty

Dr. Yau Man Siew

Associate Professor of Christian Education and Formation

ysiew@tyndale.ca
416.226.6620 Ext. 6750

PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 1994
MDiv, Regent College, 1990
Diploma in Theology, Discipleship Training Centre, (Singapore), 1985
BPharm (Hons.), University of Wales, 1979

Visiting Scholar, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto (OISE/UT), 2000-01.
Visiting Scholar, Columbia University (Teachers College), 2008-09.

Areas of Specialization: Curriculum and instructional theory, assessment of learning in theological education, educational leadership and faith formation in congregational settings.

Dr. Siew taught at Singapore Bible College & Seminary from 1994-2000 and has been part of the Tyndale Seminary faculty since 2001. He has contributed chapters to With an Eye on the Future: Development & Mission in the 21st Century (MARC Publications, 1996) and Serve the Lord with Gladness (Biblical Graduate School of Theology, 1991). His articles have appeared in the Journal of Christian Education, Theological Education, Asia Journal of Theology and the Baker Dictionary of Christian Education (2001). His major research interests are in education and faith formation in congregational contexts, as well as assessment of learning in theological education. He has consulted with the Association of Theological Schools of US and Canada in different research projects. In 2008-09, Dr. Siew received a major pastoral leadership grant from The Louisville Institute (www.louisville-institute.org) looking at the “pastor as shepherd-teacher.” Dr. Siew is a charter board member of Learn to Earn Canada, a chapter of Learn to Earn, South Africa (www.learntoearn.org.za). He was teaching and consultant pastor at a local church in Toronto from 2000-07, and regularly conducts teacher enrichment workshops for churches in the Greater Toronto Area. He is a member of the Association of Professors, Practitioners and Researchers in Religious Education (APPRE), and the Society of Professors in Christian Education (SPCE).

View all Seminary Faculty » | View all Faculty »

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Requirements

Admission requirements for the following students:

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DMin
CCST

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DMin
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Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

The program seeks to provide candidates with a collegial, academic and professional milieu in which you will advance your understanding of the nature, purposes, and practice of ministry; enhance your leadership and formational competencies in discernment, theological reflection, and in-ministry research; gain opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. Learn More | View Requirements

Canadian Chinese School of Theology (CCST)

Tyndale University College & Seminary (Tyndale) and Association of Canadian Chinese Theological Education (ACCTE) have collaborated in a strategic partnership to organize the Canadian Chinese School of Theology (Toronto). Learn More | View Requirements

Visiting/Occasional Students

I wish to take classes at Tyndale Seminary but do not want to be admitted into a degree or certificate program. If you have completed a bachelor's degree and wish to take graduate-level course you can become an occasional student or audit a course. Or if you are registered at another graduate theological institution and are eligible to take courses at Tyndale Seminary, you can submit a Letter of Permission. Apply as a visiting/occasional student

Need help? Contact Admissions at: 1.877.TYNDALE (896.3253) | 416.218.6757 (local) | admissions@tyndale.ca

The following is a list of all degrees, diplomas, and areas of study offered at Tyndale Seminary. As a graduate theological school, Tyndale Seminary admits students who have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college (see admissions requirements). Click on each of the items below to find descriptions, opportunities and course requirements.

Areas of Study

Degrees & Diplomas

Special Programs