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About The Institute

Intensive theological training.
In the context of the local church.

Our History

Grace Theological Institute began in 2021 as a leadership development ministry of Grace Fellowship Church in Edmonton, Alberta. Our initial goal was to train and equip elders within our own church and prepare biblically qualified men for church planting and missionary work. In that first year, we launched a two-year course of study designed to deepen students’ understanding of Scripture and develop the skills necessary to serve Christ as faithful under-shepherds. Our first class consisted of three students who were eager to study the Scriptures and learn the art of faithfully shepherding Christ's flock. However, by 2022, interest began to grow beyond our local church, with sincere and diligent Christian men from other parts of the world reaching out to request support with biblical training. By the fall of 2023, we had students from across Canada and overseas, prompting the development of our own online campus alongside our residential campus in Edmonton.

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Though we are still early in our journey, we marvel at what the Lord is doing. Today, Grace Theological Institute is now in our fourth year of operation and we have the privilege of serving students in Alberta, Quebec, and in various regions in Africa. Our three-year Diploma of Pastoral Theology Program integrates robust academic study with hands-on ministry experience, using a residency-based model that allows students to remain in their home churches while they train for ministry.

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Our Mission

Our mission is to serve Christ and His church by entrusting faithful men with the gospel of Jesus Christ and whole counsel of God, that they might be able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).

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Our Doctrine

Sound doctrine is vitally important to our mission as a theological training centre. You can read our doctrinal statement below. 

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History
Mission & Doctrine

Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: What does the learning format look like?

A: Our students follow a set curriculum from September through June, and complete the same classes, lectures, cohorts, exams, and assignments simultaneously. This helps our students to have fellowship with each other throughout the year, with plenty of opportunities for mutual encouragement and accountability. The courses are delivered at a pace comparable to a part-time course load. Students have a high degree of flexibility in their learning and can complete reading and lectures at their own pace throughout the week; however, they also benefit from some structure, with set start and end dates, fixed deadlines, and biweekly cohorts (in-person or virtual). Students have access to lectures, exams, assignments, and other course material through our online campus.

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Q: What does a typical course look like?

A: A typical course at Grace Theological Institute lasts 5–7 weeks and consists of the following:

  • 15–20 hours of video lectures

  • Two to three class cohorts with an instructor and fellow students (2 hrs. each)

  • Approximately 400-500 pages of assigned reading

  • A midterm and final exam on the lectures and reading material

  • A practical application assignment completed in the local church​

 

Q: Do students need to live in Edmonton to attend?

A: Whenever possible, men are encouraged to join us as residential students and immerse themselves in their learning; however, we recognize that this is not feasible for many. For this reason, we accept students from around the world. For distance students, we simply require that they and their families maintain membership in a biblically faithful local church that is prepared to fully support them in their learning and pastoral residency.​​​

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Q: Can I work while enrolled in the Institute?

A: Yes. We encourage our students to continue to work and provide for their families. Our students typically spend 8-12 hours per week in their studies. Additionally, we encourage each student to be an active member of their local church and to avail themselves of opportunities to serve sacrificially, lead Bible studies, preach and teach, engage in evangelism and discipleship, and participate in pastoral visits.

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Q: Can I audit classes at Grace Theological Institute?

A: Individuals may audit classes if they are interested; however, space may be limited depending on our current cohort sizes. Please contact us at admissions@graceinstitute.ca to inquire.

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Q: Is Grace Theological Institute an accredited seminary?

A: No. Grace Theological Institute remains a ministry of Grace Fellowship Church Edmonton and is not recognized by an accrediting body. Though our students participate in seminary-level lectures and read many of the books found on seminary reading lists, our aim is not to duplicate a typical seminary experience. Rather, we aim to provide much of the academic rigor found in a biblically-conservative seminary setting, while pairing that academic training with experiential application in the local church. Rather than a purely academic experience, the Institute offers students a training model similar to that of a hospital residency, where they actively learn new material and immediately apply it under the supervision of an experienced practitioner.

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Q: What do graduates receive at the end of their three-year program?

A: After successfully completing three years of study in the Institute, students will graduate with a Diploma of Pastoral Theology. This recognizes the students' completion of over 16 individual courses (two- and three-credit) and hundreds of hours of study and practical ministry experience.​​

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Revised: February 2025

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