Co-Vocational Certificates

Back in the summer I was trying to figure out a way for Co-Vocational Canada to be sustainable. As you may be aware, Co-Vocational Canada is a ministry of Briercrest Seminary that has been funded by a generous grant from the Lilly Foundation through the Pathways for Tomorrow phase 2 initiative. Our funding is set to run out at the end of 2026 (or possibly 2027). 

While thinking about sustainability, I was in conversations with denominational leaders to try and find a way to help lay people gain some biblical and theological foundations without having to enrol in a full degree program. As I talked with them I realized that most of them were open to accepting an unaccredited pathway, like our new CoVo certificates, as credible learning for those seeking denominational credentialing.

The certificate concept is simple. Briercrest Faculty members will teach their specialties, split them into 3 hour, online sessions. Participants pay what they would for an accredited course and they receive the same number of in-class hours and weeks as they would for an accredited course. However, there are no assignments and they will have five different faculty members and diverse topics covered over those 12 weeks. We are piloting our Basic CoVo Certificate in January and 12 participants have already signed up. I'm thrilled! This will not only help lay people learn and grow it will also go a long way to making CoVocational Canada sustainable for the long term. 

If you want to know more or to sign up, click this link: www.briercrest.ca/covo    

 

House churches and unpaid pastors

What if the Church comprised a massive collection of house churches? As I write the final chapter of my book, this is the question rolling around in my mind. Here's how I've landed on such a radical question:

First, I've looked at the life and ministry of Jesus and his disciples. My theory is that Jesus and his band of followers did not abandon their crafts and vocations but they continued to work as they preached the Kingdom.

Second, I've examined the social context of the New Testament. From voluntary associations to households managed by well-to-do people, the early church assembled in homes. While this wasn't the only context, it was a significant one. 

Third, I've explored Paul's teachings for glimpses and clues for how pastors and leaders were paid. After my deep dive I've come to this conclusion: Paul does not seem to endorse a system where church leaders get paid.

Fourth, I've investigated post-apostolic texts and the world of the early centuries. The idea of paying a pastor appears long after Paul, mid-way through the third century. It shows up in the writings of St. Cyprian of Carthage. He appeals to the Old Testament to argue for a priestly paradigm of ministry where church leaders assume a role similar to levitical priests. While this idea takes time to catch on, Constantine the Great's political reforms make this a favourable paradigm for the church.

So, what if the North American church returned to an ancient model? Could you imagine a modern Canadian or American context where churches were smaller and pastoral expectations less, enabling its team (not one pastor, but many) of leaders to work for pay outside the church?