CCS’s Diploma in Diaconal Ministries: Studies in Transformation and Action is an intensive community-based program which enables students to remain in their resident location while completing the requirements for diaconal or lay ministry.
Course Requirements
DIPLOMA IN DIACONAL MINISTRIES
- 1 Learning on Purpose circle
- 12 Theme Learning Circles
- minimum 3 Spiritual Care
- minimum 3 Social Justice
- minimum 3 Education & Worship
- 3 Field Placements
- maximum 2 in same setting
- 3+ Diaconal Praxis Years
- for each active year in the program
- 8 Academic Courses (externals)
- taken at a recognized educational institution
- required courses:
- Introductory Theology, Christian Scriptures, Hebrew Scriptures
- Elective Theology, Christian Scriptures, Hebrew Scriptures
- Christian Ethics
- Church History
- 1 Global Perspectives Experience
- includes pre- and post- trip learning
- 3 Integrating Circles
- taken in final year of the program
Components
There are four main components to the 4-year diploma program:
- Theme Learning Circles
- Field Education
- External Academic Courses
- Praxis
Theme Learning Circles are 6-day in-person intensives (or 6-week online courses), exploring various themes in ministry and faith-based leadership and action. Learning Circles include readings, assignments, and group work. Two in-person Learning Circles are offered back-to-back in the fall, and two back-to-back in the spring. (See “Courses and Circles” for a schedule and descriptions of our upcoming courses.)
Field education is arranged within the student’s home area with learning facilitation on site or nearby. A Learning Facilitator is available on-site (or nearby) to reflect with the student on the practice of ministry. In addition, each student meets with a local lay committee which provides support and opportunities for reflection on field learnings.
External Academic Course requirements may be completed close to the student’s home or by correspondence through other theological schools or universities. Both the institutions and the courses chosen must be approved by CCS staff.
Praxis is the ongoing learning community for all diaconal ministry students across the country. Students set their own learning goals and plans for the year in consultation with program staff. Throughout the year reflection papers ask students to make connections between what they are learning (in learning circles, external, elsewhere) and their experience. Each student connects with a learning partner, and with a Diaconal Mentor with whom they explore questions of diaconal identity and perspective. Diaconal students do a Praxis component for every year they are active in the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long will the Diaconal Ministries program take me to complete?
A. You can do it in four years of full-time study. (Longer if you want to do it part-time.)
Q. What does a full-time course load look like?
A. A full-time load would include a full year’s Praxis (Sept to May), a full year’s Field Placement (Sept to May), four theme learning circles, and two external academic courses (taken at a partner theological school).
Q. Do I have to move to Winnipeg?
A. No. You’ll probably come to Winnipeg a couple of times a year for learning circles, but the rest of the time you’ll be in your home community working on assignments, practising ministry skills, meeting with a mentor, connecting with CCS staff and other CCS students remotely.
Q. What can I do with a Diploma in Diaconal Ministries?
A. United Church of Canada candidates for ministry who earn a Diploma in Diaconal Ministries also receive testamur for Diaconal Ministry in the United Church of Canada. (“Testamur” is a declaration by the school that a graduate has completed the education and training necessary to be ordained or commissioned.) The CCS Diploma is recognized by the Anglican Church of Canada (possibly with additional courses, at the discretion of a bishop) as formation for deacon ministry or part of formation for priestly ministry. The Diploma in Diaconal Ministries program also prepares students for community and non-profit work, spiritual direction, chaplaincy, management and administration.
Q. Is this a Master’s Degree?
A. No, BUT if having a Master’s Degree is valuable to you, CCS has partnerships with St. Andrew’s College (Saskatoon Theological Union) and with St. Stephen’s College (University of Alberta) whereby students can earn a Master of Theological Studies degree in conjunction with CCS Diploma. Students must complete the CCS Diploma in Diaconal Ministries program with the majority of their external academic courses taken at the degree-granting school, as well as other requirements (eg. a thesis). It is recommended that CCS students wishing to pursue an academic degree apply to a partner school early in their studies. More info…
Q. Do I have to have an Undergraduate Degree to be admitted to the Diploma program?
A. Not necessarily. Having some experience of post-secondary education is really helpful, but not required, provided you can demonstrate an ability to read, reflect, and communicate at a graduate level.
