Courses & Programs
Courses Fall 2024
Biblical Interpretation
Description: As I read and study the Bible, how do I know whether I'm understanding it correctly? In this course in hermeneutics, students will become familiar with different methods of interpreting the Scriptures and learn the importance of possessing a proper approach to God's Word.
Instructor: Dr. Pierre Constant
Time: Mondays 10am-1pm (begins Sept 9, 2024)
Location: In-person at Ryle Seminary and on Zoom
Old Testament: Historical Books
Description: In this course on the content, message, and aims of the historical books of the Old Testament (from Joshua to Esther), students will gain an appreciation for the role of these books in the Old Testament corpus and their relevance to salvation history and the Christian life.
Instructor: Dr. Byron Wheaton
Time: Wednesdays 6pm-9pm (begins Sept 11, 2024)
Location: In-person at Ryle Seminary and on Zoom
The God of History: Turning Points in the Life of the Church
Instructor: Dr. Steven Griffin.
Time: Weekly on Mondays from October 14th to Dec 16th, 2024, 7-9 pm.
Location: In-person at Ryle Seminary and on Zoom
Description: Why should Christians learn about Christian history? Apart from motivating us to give thanks for the ways that God worked precisely in history, a basic grasp of the major turning points in the life of the church can help us situate ourselves in the here and now as part of a global movement. Come expecting to learn and discuss how moments like The Council of Nicea (AD 325) and The Edinburgh Missionary Conference (1910) have shaped Christian belief and practice today.
Please note that this course is part of the Certificate in Christian Studies designed for those seeking a well-rounded introduction to the Christian faith but who do not wish to pursue formal academic training.
To learn more about the certificate, please see our programs below or email us for further questions.
Courses SPRING 2025
A history of English Puritanism and its spirituality
Instructor: TBD.
Time: Saturdays on January 11 and 18, February 1 and 8, March, 8, 22, and 29, and April 19. Class time from 9am-1pm.
Location: In-person at Ryle Seminary’s Burlington Ontario campus (St. George's Anglican Church, Burlington) and on Zoom.
Description: This course entails an overview of the history of English Puritanism from its emergence as a spiritual renewal movement within the Church of England in the 1550s to its splintering at the close of the 17th century. Key figures examined include Katherine Willoughby, Richard Greenham, Brilliana Harley, Richard Sibbes, Oliver Cromwell, John Owen, William Kiffen, Hercules Collins, and Samuel Annesley.
FULL COURSE LIST
3 YEARS (30 COURSES)
This program parallels a master’s degree in divinity. The licentiate consists of the full thirty-course (90 credit hrs) core curriculum, including languages and internship requirements.
Requirements: Thirty courses, and pass the English Bible Exam (written) and Doctrine Exam (oral).
2 YEARS (20 COURSES)
This program parallels a master’s degree in the arts. It consists of twenty courses (60 credit hours). Students can choose to complete the program with or without a master’s thesis. The thesis track prepares students for further academic study and for careful theological thinking.
Requirements: Twenty courses, and pass the English Bible Exam (written) and Doctrine Exam (oral).
1 YEAR (8 COURSES)
This program is designed for Christians who desire a well-rounded introduction to the Christian faith but who do not wish to pursue an advanced degree in theology. The Ryle Certificate in Christian Studies (CCS) is awarded to those who attend and participate in eight ten-week courses, including Bible Survey, Turning Points in the Life of the Church, The Major Doctrines of the Faith, Evangelism and Apologetics, Discipleship and Vocation, Christian Behaviour, and two elective courses on classic Christian texts or major figures. Classes will be held in-person (with a zoom option).
Additional Information
Seminary Training
Traditionally, seminary training has been required for individuals seeking ordained ministry in the church. Denominations have varying standards for ordination, and it is up to students to verify with their bishop/presbytery/board what program of study is acceptable. The primary role of Ryle is to educate students for effective Christian ministry, whether pastor, missionary, church planter, or lay leader.
Transfer Credit
Students with master’s level credits may apply for advanced standing for the Divinity and Christian Studies programs at Ryle. Students wishing to graduate with a Licentiate of Divinity program may apply for transfer of Ryle credit to accredited institutions.
Auditors
Any course may be audited, without any formal application or acceptance into any program. Auditors attend lectures, engage in classroom discussions, but do not need to turn in assignments.