If you are eager to learn and anxious to explore both inside and outside the classroom, you are in good company here! Vancouver School of Theology tends the work of community and spiritual formation in many ways. It is the case that theological education is a deeply personal undertaking. However, it is also the case that we make our sojourn in the company of others. Faith and maturity contribute to competence in ministry as well as knowledge and skills. Praying together, eating together, and playing together are an integral part of the School. In close cooperation with the denomination from which a student comes, the community at VST seeks to be a centre for creative growth in the love and service of God.

Mentor Groups

As one of the ways to tend community life and spiritual formation, all students are invited to participate in a faculty-student mentor group. These groups meet once every-other-week, and each group will formulate the structure and focus of its particular life. Information regarding which Mentor Group a student is part of can be found posted on the Community board in the 3rd Floor Lounge. If you have questions, or to request changes, please email the Registrar.

Worship

Worship is one of the most important ways community is built at VST. Students and faculty from each denomination conduct traditional worship services — from once a week to twice a day! As well, the entire community of students, staff and faculty meet for Community Worship on Thursday mornings. Students, staff and faculty are all involved in orchestrating this worship. Friends of VST and visitors are most welcome to attend. More information can be found on the Spiritual Resources and Places of Rest page.

Shared Meals

Students, faculty, and staff have many opportunities to gather together in casual conversation over a shared meal in the 3rd Floor Lounge. From Monday – Wednesday, a simple soup and bun lunch is prepared and made available for everyone in the VST community. There is no fixed cost, though donations are accepted. On Thursdays after Community Worship, a larger Principal’s Lunch is prepared and served from 1:00 – 2:00pm in the Lounge. Again, all are welcome.

Recreation & Health

VST is situated in a naturally beautiful area — especially good for running, cycling, walking on the beaches or in the woods.

All VST students pay a fee to the University of British Columbia Alma Mater Society, permitting access to recreational facilities on the UBC campus — including swimming pools, a gymnasium with weight rooms, hot pools and other facilities such as UBC libraries. Other cultural activities on campus include noon hour concerts, plays at the Frederic Wood Theatre, performances at the Chan Centre and public lectures.

Students also organize sports and cultural events. Check with the VSTSA (Student Association) for more information on up-coming events.

VSTSA

The Vancouver School of Theology Students Association, provides a forum for students to discuss items of mutual interest and concern. All students registered at VST are members of the Association and pay student fees each academic year. Each spring, the VSTSA elects a new executive which is responsible for calling monthly meetings and planning the agenda for the following academic year.

Student representatives sit on the following committees: Academic Policy, Alumnae/i Steering Committee, Curriculum, Buildings and Property Policy, Library, Finance, Faculty Council, and Housing. There is also a student representative on VST’s Board of Governors.

Families / Child Care

Our community life is enriched by the presence of families with children living on campus. Normally, no formal arrangement is made for child-care by the School, although students tend to organize as needed. Children are always welcome at worship. There is a small playground area adjacent to the Iona building, bringing children and adults together in community.

Bus Service

Downtown Vancouver can be conveniently reached with TransLink buses which can be boarded a 5 – 10 minute walk away at the UBC bus loop.

Shops

There are many small boutiques and retail stores off-campus. Grocery stores, dry-cleaners, banks and other necessities are a short distance away and can be accessed by car, bike, bus or on foot.

More information can be found on the Community Resources page.