Vancouver School of Theology has actively supported and promoted continuing education for almost three decades through the Chalmers Institute and other church and ministry programs. It is through this commitment to life-long learning, Christian formation and congregational vitality through education, and leadership development that places VST as one of the leading continuing education programs in Canada.

Continuing education programs are offered in various formats and locations during the year. VST works with gifted resource people and organizations that share a commitment to life-long learning to provide seminars, retreats, courses, and workshops for clergy and laity. Fees do apply and registration is required for most of the workshops through the VST website.

Certificate in Theological Studies

The Certificate in Theological Studies is a continuing education certificate (non-degree) for all who are interested in deepening their understanding of contemporary theological thought through active engagement with the topics and theological disciplines explored in VST workshops and courses.

VST Speaker Series

Vancouver School of Theology hosts a Speaker Series on alternate Wednesdays throughout the academic year. This series gives members of both our own and the wider community an opportunity to learn more about the work of VST students and faculty, as well as the wisdom of guest speakers both local and international.

Children in the Church

A special educational day long event for church school leaders, volunteers, teachers, parents, grandparents, clergy and anyone who ministers with children ages 0-12.

Church Office Administrators/Volunteers

Vancouver School of Theology values the support and commitment to the many church office administrators and volunteers. This workshop is a time for this group to be fed spirituality, to be with others who share common work, to have fun, to practice skills through workshops, to engage in self-care, and to receive support and blessing in the work, ministry and journey of being church office administrators/secretaries/volunteers.

DISCIPLE Leaders’ Training Seminar

DISCIPLE is designed to develop strong Christian leaders in local churches through the in-depth study of the Scriptures, to strengthen people in their faith, and to guide them into service and ministry. Vital congregations require biblically-nourished leadership in order to grow in vitality and discipleship.
To find out about the next DISCIPLE Leaders’ Training Seminar held at VST or if you would like to book a training seminar at your church please visit the DISCIPLE page or contact the Administrative Coordinator of Programs.

David T. Somerville Event

The Somerville Event promotes spiritual vitality and community leadership and is made possible through The Somerville Fund for Spiritual Formation. The fund was established in appreciation for the pastoral presence and spiritual guidance of Archbishop T. David Somerville.

David Somerville has contributed to the life of Vancouver School of Theology in many ways: as a student of the Anglican Theological College (Class of 1939), as Professor of Pastoral Theology for five years, and following his retirement as bishop, as the Anglican chaplain. He devoted most of his professional life to parishes and communities in British Columbia, exercising the kind of progressive and innovative leadership that led to his description as a “quiet radical” at his consecration as Bishop. He pioneered the ordination of women in The Anglican Church of Canada, supported the inclusion of children at communion, and, when he was Rector of St. James’ Parish, began a movement to care for the disadvantaged in the downtown eastside.

“One of the greatest gifts we can have is a sense of God’s presence, in the world and in our lives. It is a kind of sensitivity to the divine, that mysterious element in our lives that transcends the everyday ordinariness of existence and gives it new meaning …we need to breathe the air of the spirit to survive.”
- David Somerville, 1984

G. Peter Kaye Lecture Series

This lecture series offers several one-hour lectures and a continuing education workshop by the guest presenter over three days for VST students, alumni and the general public. The series is made possible through a grant from the Vancouver Foundation in honour of the late G. Peter Kaye, former Chancellor of Vancouver School of Theology, chair of the board of governors and executive director of the Vancouver Foundation.

Visiting Distinguished Scholar Series

The Visiting Distinguished Scholar series is an endowed lecture series which brings significant thinkers to Vancouver. Invited Scholars are internationally renowned for excellence in theological disciplines, recognized for their teaching and publication, and articulate new thinking at the borders of scholarship and praxis.

Summer School

Please visit our Summer School page for more information.

Financial Aid

Lay people wishing to audit a VST Continuing Education course or workshop can apply for a tuition bursary covering either 25% or 50% of the tuition fees, depending on their level of need and funds available. Bursaries must be applied for at the time of registration. Click here for an applicationform.

More Information

More information about the Continuing Education programming at VST please contact the Registrar and Coordinator of Programs or the Administrative Coordinator of Programs.