A searchable, downloadable PDF of the original article appears below. Sylvia Cleland lives in Vancouver.
The Ministry was not my first career. In the late fifties, when I first heard God’s call to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament, women in the Presbyterian Church in Canada were not yet eligible for ordination. By the time I graduated from U.B.C. in Education, women were being admitted to Knox College. However, by then I had drifted away from regular church attendance and marriage was mainly on my mind.
As a young mother, I once again made a profession of faith and began to take seriously my promise to God, and my new responsibilities in Christ’s church. When an opportunity arose, I applied to take the Bethel Bible Teaching Course. As my studies progressed, I longed for more knowledge about the Scriptures and upon the recommendation of my minister, I applied to Regent College. I was soon a regular student in a course which led to a Diploma in Christian Studies. It was difficult returning to school. However, Regent’s academic model made it fairly simple and comfortable to proceed from entrance to graduation. I knew exactly what was expected of me in each course and I could choose where I wished to place my greatest effort for reading, study and theological reflection.
My only real problem at Regent was responding appropriately to those students and members of the faculty who did not believe in the ordination of women to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament! Fortunately, the decision about such matters as well as the suitability of candidates belongs in our denomination not to seminaries, but to church courts.
During Interterm in my second year, I took a course entitled “Work, Ministry, and Vocation.” The aptitude tests and personality surveys strongly indicated that I should quit looking for an “out,” and move towards ordination. With the support of session, minister, congregation and family, I began the process to be certified as a candidate for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament. A few weeks before my graduation from Regent’s Diploma program, I accepted the discipline of Presbytery and applied to complete my theological education at Vancouver School of Theology.
Once accepted by V.S.T., I sat for a locating interview in each Competency Division and was granted an ambiguously-worded advanced standing which I expected would result in a “shortened stay.” I was really anxious to begin ministry! However, it was to be three years before I graduated, with one year spent in an Internship and with my final year spent in part-time employment in the same congregation. At the time, the extra year was a matter of great frustration, and yet, I do not regret my three years under the V.S.T. umbrella. While there I embraced a whole new style of learning. The competency model challenged me to explore more than my preferred options and perceived interests.
Especially important to me was the weekly seminar class in my final semester. This was an unique opportunity to be pushed and challenged by fellow Presbyterians about spirituality, theology, and pastoral ministry according to the Reformed tradition.
Although I have not had, as did an earlier correspondent, a European seminary experience, I believe that my theological education offered a uniquely excellent opportunity It was a privilege to study at both Regent College and Vancouver School of Theology. In both schools,
I was at some point frustrated with the “system.” It is also true that in both schools I met godly people who represented a broad spectrum theologically and professionally. Both colleges contributed to the kind of minister I am, both have shaped my theological perspective, and each has widened my concept of church. Both schools continue to enrich my spiritual and theological growth as I attend Continuing Education events, read their publications, and share in fellowship with other graduates.
Yes, the education each seminary offers can be improved. Both are human institutions shaped by human hands. However, each is instituted in prayer, and has a mandate to prepare students to face a world which does not know God. It is my perspective that both seminaries achieve that goal with integrity and purpose; and that each produces ministers and theologians well-qualified for the work of Christ’s church.
It is my experience that both Regent College and Vancouver School of Theology respond positively to suggestions, evaluation, and constructive criticism. If one desires significant input to the curriculum and the policy of either seminary, one can always offer to serve on the Board. Graduates of V.S.T. also have an opportunity to serve on the Steering Committee of the Alumnae/i Association which has direct access to the Board through two representatives.
It is reality that graduates of Regent College must attend a denominationally-affiliated college before they may be ordained in our tradition. I understand the frustration of Regent graduates who have experienced the high quality of Regent’s academic tradition. And yet, I also know that Presbyterian students require the kind of pastoral education and denominational perspective they receive at Vancouver School of Theology. For those who have recently joined the Reformed and Presbyterian fold, such an education is especially essential.