ADC Annual 2021-2022 by Acadia Divinity College

2021–2022 Impact Report ADC ANNUAL

Total # Students STUDENTS BY CURRENT RESIDENCE 46 2047 43 48 *Countries include: Australia, Bahamas, Burundi, Ghana, India, Kenya, Macedonia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and the United Kingdom. Atlantic Canada 137 Alberta 8 British Columbia 2 Ontario 27 Quebec 3 Saskatchewan 1 Doctor of Ministry 32 Master of Arts (Theology) 43 Master of Divinity 49 Bachelor of Theology 47 Additional Programs 28 STUDENTS BY PROGRAM ENROLLMENT 9:113 CLASSAVERAGESIZE STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO Average Age 38 Age Range 17-77 STUDENTS DENOMINATIONBY 178 8 13 199 BYSTUDENTSAGE USA 8 NorthOutsideAmerica* 13 47 28 49 43 32 Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada 43.3% Other Baptist Denominations 14.5% Other Denominations 42.2% 43.3% 42.2% 14.5% OUR STUDENT BODY at a glance 2 · ADC ANNUAL 2021–2022

The 2021–2022 academic year has been a full one – full of growth, full of renewal, full of learning. And through it all, we at Acadia Divinity College have been changing with purpose. Embracing adaptive change means that we continue to be recognised by the values of our historical DNA, while living out our mission for today, as we equip Christians to serve the mission of God with transformative impact.

Our impact is your impact. As we continue to build our base, engage our place, extend our embrace, and set the pace in theological education, we pursue our strategic vision with our students, alumni, and supporters as our focus. Thank you for your deep commitment to the mission of Acadia Divinity College as we are being led by Word and Spirit into new initiatives for training servants for ministry in Canada and around the world. As you flip through these pages, I invite you to celebrate with us and look forward with hope to the bright future to which God has called us together.

REV. DR. ANNA ROBBINS President, Acadia Divinity College Dean of Theology, Acadia University Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. Corinthians 2:12 look back with gratitude. look ahead with hope. message

And what impact our community has had! I am astounded when I reflect on everything that has been accomplished this year – from launching a new visual identity and our new strategic vision, to extending our teaching to embrace racial justice and introducing East Coast Theology, all of which you can learn about in these pages.

~ 1

PRESIDENT'S

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Indeed, in his Reflections of a Graduand during the Com missioning Service, Master of Divinity graduand, Dr. Raphael Iluyomade, acknowledged the importance of the ADC community in the success of the graduating class.

“Because you stood by our side,” he said, “we have been able to successfully negotiate terrain that everyone will agreeably say has been challenging […] The treasures we found in our studies and the compassion of ADC faculty and staff have formed us for the world of our time.”

Why We Do What We Do

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As the day progressed from our Open House to our Commissioning Supper, and then to the Service itself, we heard over and over the importance of connection, community, and faith. “Ministry is demanding work,” Colonel (The Reverend Doctor) Barbara L. Putnam (MDiv ‘95, DD ‘22) said as she welcomed our graduands into the alumni family. “You cannot take all of it on your own shoulders. You, Class of 2022, are now part of a large community of alumnae/alumni, who will be a tremendous benefit and help to you in your ministry […] If the Pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we need to rely on each other, and share the burden – because we simply cannot do this ministry alone in isolation.”

The Highlight of the Academic Year

COMMISSIONING 2022

Formed for the World of Our Time

For the first time in three years, we invited our community back to celebrate with us on-site. And, for the first time in the history of ADC, we presented the Commissioning Service in a hybrid format, with graduands and over 180 supporters tuning in via livestream from around the globe, alongside 184 on-site guests, including representatives from the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada and Acadia University.

The act of Commissioning – praying for our students and sending them out into a mosaic of ministry contexts – is the truest reflection of our mission here at ADC: to equip Christians to serve. Our students and alumni are our legacy, and we take every opportunity to celebrate the bright futures they represent. In the words of ADC President, Rev. Dr. Anna Robbins, “Commissioning is the highlight of the academic year!” And it was those words that echoed through the bustling halls of Acadia Divinity College and on the lips of staff, faculty, and students on the day of our 61st Commissioning Service.

Our students and alumni are our legacy, and we take every opportunity to celebrate the bright futures they represent.

Share the Burden

46 2047 43 48 Doctor of Ministry 7 Master of Arts (Theology) 8 Master of Divinity 8 Bachelor of Theology 9 Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies 1 Certiﬁcate in Lay Leadership 1 GRADUATES BY PROGRAM FALL 2021 & SPRING 2022 8 9 11 8 7

The ever-shifting “world of our time” Raphael referred to was the basis for the Annual John Gladstone Sermon, delivered by Rev. Dr. Steve McMullin.

“In such a world, how will you serve?” he asked. “How will you lead?” Dr. McMullin concluded with a prayer that can extend to our entire community: “May you serve with faith in God, may you lead with faith in God, may you live by faith in God. And to God be the glory.” And So, We Celebrate As we met together to recognise the hard work of our graduands, Dr. Robbins reminded us that “as we celebrate, we do so affirming that human beings were created for flourishing and not languishing.”

Commissioning is a time for us to gather, to praise God for all he’s done in our lives, and to capture moments of feasting, singing, and praise. We give thanks for the accomplishments of our students, staff, and faculty, and we use the depth of our gratitude and joy to build a strong base of community and faith that will take us into a hopeful future.

Realities

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“This 21st century, digital post-modern world of pluralism and secularism and anxiety needs to know God’s love, God’s grace, God’s hope,” Dr. McMullin said. “God has called his church – he’s called us – to go into this 21st century world and make disciples.”

Faith for 21st Century

With a wide variety of skills, strengths, and experiences around the table, the Acadia Divinity College Board of Trustees is equipped to support the work of the College by defining and clarifying its mission – determining what God is calling the College to do and ensuring there is a structure and a plan in place to achieve the stated mission. Our Board “Members of the ADC Board of Trustees bring their varied skills to the task of governance as they represent the diverse constituency of the CBAC. All of us find great joy and satisfaction in serving the mission of the College and watching students graduate as Christian leaders equipped to serve wherever God leads them. As part of the Board, I've had a front row seat in witnessing the many ways the Lord is blessing the mission and impact of ADC. It’s affirming to see students called by God become leaders in our churches and other agencies throughout the world.”

Building

Over the past couple of years, the Board has streamlined its governance structure to clarify roles, set appropriate boundaries, and enhance the Board’s ability to monitor the performance of the President, including progress on implementing the strategic vision and priorities. Multiple committees have been combined in an effort to simplify structure and utilize Board member time more effectively. The four standing committees are Executive, Governance, Finance & Investment, and Audit.

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The new Governance Committee combines responsibilities formerly designated to the Nominating Committee and Trustee Life Committee. The goal is for one committee to oversee a Board member’s experience from nomination through to completion of her/his term. This includes recruitment, orientation, rapport, continuing education, and Board and selfevaluation. The Governance Committee assesses the ongoing needs of the Board as serving members complete their final term and new members are required, giving attention to skill sets, geographical representation, and cultural diversity within the CBAC. As the College enters a new phase in its strategic vision entitled “Change with Purpose,” the restructuring of the Board is intended to help build and maintain a strong governance base to ensure the mission of the College is always future oriented. For the current list of Trustees, visit ACADIADIV.CA/GOVERNANCE/#BOARD

~ Rev. Dr. Brian MacArthur, Chair, Board of Trustees 12 members appointed by the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC) 3 members appointed by the Board of Governors of Acadia University (AU) from their CBAC appointees 3 members by virtue of ofﬁce as ex-ofﬁcio members with vote: · President of ADC President of AU · Executive Minister of the CBAC ADC Faculty ADC Alumni ADC Students THE ACADIA DIVINITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES HAS 18 MEMBERS: THE ACADIA DIVINITY COLLEGE BOARD ALSO WELCOMES 3 OBSERVERS REPRESENTING: Our Mission Acadia Divinity College equips Christians in diverse contexts with knowledge and skills to interpret the realities of life today in the light of God’s Word, to speak good news and act confidently with love and justice, and to serve the mission of God in church and world with transformative impact.

Telling Our Story: Uncovering an East Coast Gem Search We are thrilled to reveal our brand-new logo and share the symbols of our story.

Like Comment Rev. Renée MacVicar (ADC Alumna, Sessional Lecturer) 2021 15 CommentsYour Friend and 74 others Lovely! Excellent explanation – great symbolism of the ADC story and who the ADC community strives to be.

Acadia Divinity College August 13,

J Rev. Dr. Stuart Blythe (ADC Faculty) To all – I think that this is a great job. This was not just a website – but a journey into tricky waters where ‘nostalgia’ can thwart progress for the memory of old old roads. There is art and ideas, a concern to pay respect to the past, reassure the nervous, and then the painful detail and co-ordination. I think that the new logo is stunningly fresh and brilliantly explained. I will wear it.

This time last year, we were preparing to share ADC’s new visual identity – an update of a sixty-year-old logo, the launch of a new website, the implementation of a new communications strategy, and the thread of our story tying it all together. It was a balancing act between being forward-looking, while recognizing the role of the past. But how would this change be received? The strength of our community has demonstrat ed that ADC holds a unique place in the lives of our students, faculty, and beyond that can be deeply personal – a source of identity and belonging. We were thrilled with the response!

S For more information about our brand, visit ACADIADIV.CA/OUR-STORY/OUR-BRAND

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R Lori Errington (ADC Student) It looks great! Congratulations to all who worked on this new brand. It takes a lot of work and reflects much careful thought.

The catalyst for our visual refresh was rooted in our strategic vision. As we build our base, we are committed to uncovering ways to tell our story better. For our newly formed communi cations team, this has meant being more intentional with our presence on social media and with the content we share on our Fromwebsite.celebrating African Heritage Month and Indigenous History Month, to recognising women in ministry and spotlighting our students and graduates – it's been an honour to highlight the voices of our ADC community. And it’s these voices – your voices – that have enabled our story to reach much farther than we could have imagined.

So many of our students, supporters, alumni, and friends shared encouraging and insightful first impressions of the new brand, and have championed the changes ever since.

L Jeremy Vincent (ADC Alumnus) Looks awesome and love what it embodies.

Social Media Stats 1.3+2,200%+10.7%million1stPlace: Blog Series More than a Degree: Reflections on Theological Education by Rev. Dr. Anna Robbins When God Challenges Your Comfort Zone: Student Story by Rev. Graham Bell To Be or Not To Be Online? That is not the Question by Rev. Dr. Stuart Blythe 1st Place: Video Production Change with Purpose Campaign (Produced by Red Lama Media) 2nd Place: Marketing Campaign Same Great Story, Reimagined – Brand Launch (ADC Communications and Tech teams, Alivelihood Branding & Design, Nicole Lapierre Photography, Red Lama Media, Fusebox Creative) +19% +518.9% +37.4%+23.2%-19%PageviewsReachReach Unique Users Session Duration Bounce Rate Page Visits Page Visits SEPTEMBER 2021 JUNE 2022 acadiadivinity Acadia Divinity CollegeEquipping Christians to serve the missionof God with transformative impact.acadiadiv.ca 610 Followers 502 Posts 380 Following Canadian Christian Communicators Association Awards BUILD OUR BASE · 9

ADC Today is an annual publication aimed to resource our alumni and friends, and keep them connected to our wider community. In February 2022 we released our newly redesigned ADC Today that brings together compelling design elements and visuals from our updated brand with stories from across our community around the theme ‘Stepping Into Courageous Conversations.’

“A conversation doesn’t always have to lead to a decision or division. It begins with recognizing the other as a human being who bears the image of God as a starting place of affirmation, and a point of mutual commitment to love and truth. Gospel transformation can begin with a simple conversation.”

You can read and download a copy at ACADIADIV.CA/ADC-TODAY 10 · ADC ANNUAL 2021–2022

~ Rev. Dr. Anna Robbins This edition included insightful contributions from Rev. Dr. Lennett J. Anderson (Lecturer in Leadership and Racial Justice), Rev. Dr. Spencer Boersma (Assistant Professor of Theology), Rev. Dr. Stuart Blythe (John Gladstone Professor of Preaching and Worship), and more. We hope this resource will equip you to navigate life’s tricky conversations. It’s also a celebration of tough conversations gone right, resulting in GOOD news! & ADC Today

Connecting with Alumni

Friends:

OPERATING ENDOWMENTS

For more information on these funds and others visit ACADIADIV.CA/GIVE/WHERE-TO-GIVE/ALL-FUNDS

Rev. Robert (Bob) Jones Operating Endowment

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SCHOLARSHIPSACADIADIV.CA/REV-ROBERT-JONES-ENDOWMENT-CREATEDANDBURSARIES

Through the support of our donors, the following funds were created during the past academic year:

The Douglas and Patricia Armstrong Bursary A trust fund was established in loving memory of Douglas and Patricia Armstrong of Kingston, NS, by their children. Income will provide support to a student who is focused on chaplaincy and spiritual care and/or an international student. Bass River United Baptist Church Bursary Upon its dissolution, the Bass River United Baptist Church (1842–2021) established a trust fund to provide financial assistance to a student preparing for Christian ministry. Harry Hoyt Pickett Scholarship Harry Hoyt Pickett of Oromocto, NB, established a trust fund with gratitude for the financial assistance he received as an Acadia University student. Income will provide an annual scholarship to be awarded to a Doctor of Ministry student.

Supporting Our Students: Scholarships & Bursaries

“Receiving this scholarship is a huge blessing. I didn't really expect to be awarded the Dennis M. Veinotte Scholarship of Pastoral Counselling and Hospital Chaplaincy. So, when I got an email telling me I was chosen to be the recipient, it took a while to sink in. This Huestis Scholarship is not just a relief, but a great encouragement. I feel like all my work as a student is paying off, and I also feel like I'm on the path God has set for me.”

~ Matthew Sketchley, Master of Divinity student, 2022 Huestis Scholarship recipient

Dr. Paul and Dr. Linda Wilson of Topsham, Maine established an endowed fund in honour of Rev. Robert (Bob) Jones (Acadia 1963) with gratitude for their 67-year friendship. In recognition of Rev. Jones' service as a chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces, income from this fund will support the Charles J. Taylor Centre for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care at Acadia Divinity College. Dr. Taylor, a pioneer in the field of Clinical Pastoral Education, was a mentor to both Bob Jones and Paul Wilson.

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Introducing East Coast Theology

PUTTING THE EAST COAST OF CANADA on the map reflection on what matters to us here, and as we seek to nourish flourishing leaders, churches, and communities. This East Coast Theology will go on to influence the flavour of the education we provide. And maybe it will encourage Christians beyond the place that we call home today.

ADC professors will write the chapters of this book. Topics will include what the Bible says about health and justice, theological reflections related to community health, lessons from history, and practical ideas about how churches can partner with others for public health.

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Churches in Atlantic Canada are often dependent on external theological resourcing. So much of our thinking, our theology, our education, and our preaching has relied on resources developed outside of our region, and it has been up to us to make appropriate cultural adjustments if we had the time or inclination. The result is that there has often been a disconnect between our theological reflection and our lived reality.

As we continue to navigate the realities and ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Volume One of East Coast Theology will be a timely resource for anyone interested in how the church can be involved in public health.

East Coast Theology is about what God’s Word is saying through our voice, our heartbeat, for our time. At ADC, we are excited to be resourcing the ministry of the church in fresh ways here on the East Coast – and beyond.

Recent experiences have shown to others what we have known all along – that the East Coast of Canada is unique. We engage the world in particular and nuanced ways in light of our life in this place of natural beauty, relational warmth, and conflicted history.

East Coast Theology Publication, Volume One

Jesus walks here through Mi’kmak’i and Africville, on the waters of the Bay of Fundy and in the mountains of Gros Morne. We follow him with the scent of salt on our clothes and earth on our fingers; through the pine forests of Miramichi and the bustling streets of Halifax. Jesus walks here. We follow him here. The Bible speaks to our experiences and nurtures our faith. Today we recognise that there is an Atlantic Canadian voice that can engage the important issues here, where sea meets land and sky. Acadia Divinity College is birthing a theological expression we have named East Coast Theology. Through shared ideas, engaging with churches, and deepening our scholarship in this place we call home regardless of where we came from, we will write theology for this place and this time. In an ongoing series of publishing projects and hosting summer schools we will engage issues that are important to Atlantic Canadians, as we develop accessible theological

This volume arose in part out of the desire of Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of Nova Scotia, to partner with the church, and his heart for Christians to serve in their own communities in partnership with health leaders. We are delighted that Dr. Strang will be a collaborator on this project by writing the foreword and afterword of this volume.

East Coast Theology, Volume One will be available to celebrate at a summer school event in June 2023.

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In 2020, with the support of The Charis Foundation, the College appointed Rev. Dr. Terry LeBlanc, Founding Chair and Director of NAIITS, as Advisor on Indigenizing Theological Education for three years to help guide our work of indigenizing our curriculum. For the past two years, ADC faculty have sought and embraced advice and assistance from Dr. LeBlanc concerning syllabi and the evaluation of course materials, as well as welcomed him as a presenter –bringing a lived experience to class discussions. This initiative has benefited all our students – including those from nonWestern cultures and those from a North American Christian culture – as they learn to see Jesus through a wider lens.

For nearly a decade, ADC has been in a relationship with NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community (NAIITS). This partnership initiated a new degree specialization, the Acadia Master of Arts (Theology) in Indigenous Community Development. But more than that, it initiated ongoing dialogue and learning opportunities for ADC’s faculty, staff, and students to engage a community of Indigenous followers of Jesus. This has profoundly shaped us as an institution and guided our strategic focus. One area of focus is the College’s commitment to Extend Our Embrace – to be the whole people of God, seeking the transformation of our community and the communities we serve. We know that exposure to other perspectives in theological education is key to equipping our students and graduates to minister in a spirit of justice and reconciliation.

ADC'S

The decolonization of theological education requires us to rethink our teaching methods and practices, and to recognise that fresh educational approaches are needed to equip ministry leaders for changing ministry contexts. Change is continuous, and responsive change in seminaries needs to be continuous too. Educational experimentation is one way to nurture trans formation in equipping Christians to serve churches today. We are delighted that the Lilly Endowment Inc. Pathways for Tomorrow initiative is funding the establishment of a Sandbox for Theological Education and the Church. This will be a place to experiment with creative educational innovations so seminaries can continue to prepare and support effective pastoral leaders in a decolonized, emerging future.

Photos to the left were taken at the 2022 NAIITS symposium held in June which brought people from Australia, Bolivia, Canada, the Philippines, and the United States to our campus and into our classrooms. Co-hosted by Acadia Divinity College, this event extended our embrace, and allowed us to be embraced by a rich variety of people.

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Shaped

A REFLECTION ON ADC’S PARTNERSHIP with NAIITS STRATEGIC FOCUS

Over the three nights of the 2022 Simpson Lectures, Rev. Dr. Rhonda Y. Britton and Rev. Dr. Lennett J. Anderson addressed the issue of racism and the church. These lectures directly reflect the ADC strategic priority, Extend our Embrace. As the lectures made clear, racism is not merely an educational issue but a theological issue, a church issue. We invite you to watch the lectures online at ACADIADIV.CA/SIMPSON-LECTURES

Dr. Anderson seeks to offer a space within academia for courageous conversations, stimulating coursework, and a framework for transformational community engagement. Considering the many societal ills that remain prevalent today, his students are invited to seek a holistic approach to understanding the call of God in the church’s role and witness – one that is rooted in a biblical foundation for justice. In this course, Christian witness and praxis are explored in light of global concerns and human rights, especially from a Canadian perspective. “It is my heartfelt desire for each student to be able to apply a theology of justice to racial issues and dilemmas in church

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When reflecting on his first year of teaching, Dr. Anderson called his ministry at ADC one of the most enriching experiences of his life so far. “I have been warmly welcomed by all faculty, staff and students of the ADC community. I have been stretched by the invigorating conversations in each class. This community of faith engages thoughtfully, connects deeply, plans strategically, and leads prayerfully.”

Rev. Dr. Lennett J. Anderson joined the faculty of ADC in September 2021 as the first lecturer in Leadership and Racial Justice. Dr. Anderson designed and taught a new course this past winter term: Theology and the Practice of Racial Justice. “As one who is active in redressing racial justice in Atlantic Canada,” Dr. Anderson says, “it has been an absolute honour to journey with ministry students and strengthen the connection between the local church and community.”

Extending Our Teaching to Embrace Racial Justice and community,” Dr. Anderson explains. “We must be able to respond biblically and pastorally to the current social inequities impacting our day-to-day lives.”

“When I saw Theology and the Practice of Racial Justice on the course listing, I jumped at taking it. This was a practical course that spoke into what I believe is shifting and sitting at the surface of culture right now. And this course was everything I hoped for and more. It was deeply challenging on a personal level, but it was also enriching and so practical for ministry as a white person. I learned how to better come alongside and lift up BIPOC leaders, congregants, and community members. This course is needed, more than ever, by all pastors and leaders, especially those who are white.”

“Our current reality highlights that only those who maneuver cultural shifts will have sustainable ministry. The practice of ministry is not to impose new ideas upon old structures and systems, but to lead effectively and authentically with a strategy that empowers and enables everyone.”

~ Taylor Adams, Master of Divinity student SIMPSON LECTURES 2022

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Preparing ADC Students for Intercultural Ministry

How will we resource those who have already graduated who need help to minister effectively in a diverse culture? How will church leaders be prepared to lead congregations to cross ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic divides? How will pastors address issues related to justice and equity in society and in the church, and how will those themes be related to the gospel? Will our graduates be able to lead churches to bridge the divi sions in today's culture in ways that are faithful to the gospel?

ADC graduates face a very different Canada than our graduates did a generation ago. Accelerating immigration is changing our society as Atlantic Canada welcomes refugees, seeks skilled labour, and recruits increasing numbers of students from around the world – many of whom remain in Atlantic Canada and bring family members to join them. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report and revelations associated with residential schools have reminded us of challenges in relating well with Indigenous Canadians. As the ethnic diversity around us becomes increasingly apparent, we recognised that our students need to be well prepared for ministry and witness in our changing society. We also needed to be better equipped to respond to the academic and non-academic challenges of our international students. In response, the College applied and received funding from the In Trust Centre for Theological Schools to support an initiative to understand the intercultural competency among the ADC community. We have been asking some key questions: How do we prepare our students well (personally & practically)?

As a first step, a consultant on Equity and Diversity was engaged to meet with ADC leadership and the entire faculty to identify issues and suggest directions.

ADC is taking seriously the need to prepare our students well so they will be equipped for faithful and effective Christian leadership and service amid the changes taking place in the culture. ADC is taking seriously the need to prepare our students well so they will be equipped for faithful and effective Christian leadership and service amid the changes taking place in the culture.

The process of understanding has begun. Two faculty and two staff members were trained and certified as Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) qualified administrators. All members of the ADC faculty, staff, and board have completed the inventory and all ADC students will be asked to complete the inventory in the Fall of 2022. Those results will provide for us a baseline of our current understanding of other cultures and will allow ADC to create a measurable plan to help our students be better prepared.

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The Futuring Lab

The Church of Tomorrow

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Our purpose is to equip Christians to serve the mission of God in church and world with transformative impact – and we know this largely happens through the local church. The Futuring Lab will facilitate collective discovery as we learn with each other and from each other. This will ultimately help us equip leaders to nurture congregations through rapid change. Our hope is that the local church will thrive and flourish as we step into the future to which God is calling us. “We’re never abandoned in this task,” Dr. Robbins reminds us. “The Spirit is with us and ahead of us. The Futuring Lab is an opportunity to respond, to be the church that the world needs today and tomorrow.”

Forging Pathways for Tomorrow

This past year, the College applied and was awarded $60 thousand for Phase 1, and $1.25 million for Phase 2. With this funding, we plan to establish a Futuring Lab that will fulfil a twofold purpose. First, we will conduct research into trends that impact the church and theological education. Then, with this curated knowledge, we will create space for our faculty to incorporate those findings and experiment with course content, teaching methods, and practical skills – rethinking and reimagining how we equip Christians to serve. The Lilly Endowment grant funds will also be used to renovate the lower level of the College building, creating space to make the Futuring Lab a functioning reality. “We are grateful for the support of the Lilly Endowment. The potential for transformation is exciting,” ADC President Rev. Dr. Anna Robbins says. “That's what I love about adaptive change. While our mission remains the same, this project will allow us to devise new approaches to theological education for emerging contexts.”

ESTABLISHING A FUTURING LAB & EXPERIMENTING with Theological Education

The Challenge The world is changing so rapidly that, in order to thrive, church leaders and their congregations must be able to see ahead and imagine alternative futures for Christian ministry. Theological education itself needs fresh approaches; however, seminaries often tweak and adjust what is already in place rather than consider future trajectories. In response to this need, the Lilly Endowment Inc. launched the Pathways for Tomorrow initiative in January 2021. This initiative has three phases designed to help theological schools strengthen and sustain their capacities to prepare and support pastoral leaders. Part of this is done through the exploration of emerging challenges and opportunities facing institutions like ADC and the congregations they serve.

ADC is keen to share our learning and build a creative relationship with other seminaries across Canada who share a similar mission. To that end, we have begun discussions with four other Canadian schools to envision a framework that will nurture continuous research and innovation in theological education specifically for Canadian contexts.

Q: What is the importance of mental health education within theological education?

R: First, I believe we are called to love others in their entirety – in the ups and downs of all aspects of who they are.

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R: I’m not sure this was ever a plan from the beginning of my training, but each step seemed to be a natural progression from the one before. My interest in psychology came from a love of people as well as a love of science. My decision to work in mental health really grew from this. I consider that all healing ultimately comes from God and within mental health I saw a way to be part of that process as well as a great need.

As part of our strategic vision ADC is committed to equip our students and graduates to understand both their own mental health and how best to support that of their congregations. To that end a new part-time position, Faculty Advisor in Mental Health Pastoral Education and Adjunct Faculty in Pastoral Care, has been created to undertake research about the needs of ministry students and teach courses in pastoral care and mental health. We have welcomed Dr. Glen Berry to this role. Dr. Berry brings to ADC almost 30 years as a practicing clinical psychologist as well as experience as an educator, both at Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, Nova Scotia, and at Acadia University.

Q&R WITH DR. GLEN BERRY, FACULTY ADVISOR IN MENTAL HEALTH PASTORAL EDUCATION

I've also heard from many pastors and church leaders over the years who are in a place where they are dealing with mental health or addiction issues within their community. Often, they feel that they are either not equipped and/or they do not have the resources around them to help with the process. I think there is definitely a role for building some level of skills and understanding with these issues. But I think there is yet another level for church leaders and the church in general. There are many aspects of life that contribute to mental wellness or mental un-wellness. These are typically known as ‘social determinants of mental health’ and can include everything from education and food security to loneliness. I think the church can be a place that builds up these avenues for resiliency and growth within their own families or the communities around them.

Q: Why did you choose to work in mental health?

Q: What do you hope to accomplish through your work with ADC?

Mental Health

R: At the present time I feel like I have something like a compass direction more than a map, and there is a lot more to evolve as we go along. But this direction includes developing avenues for 1) learning self-awareness, 2) building skills and understanding to deal with individuals with mental health and addiction issues at a pastoral level and perhaps for some at a counseling level, and 3) fostering in creative ways the development of church families that can provide support and healing for those within the church and the broader community at large.

Following the College building renovation in 2018–2019, we equipped our classrooms with new technology, thanks in part to a grant from the Atlantic Baptist Foundation. So when the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down, we knew we had the technology needed to continue teaching online. At the same time, we knew that simply teaching in the same ways we had been teaching online for the past several years would not be effective. After an extensive workshop about online pedagogy in May 2020, faculty and staff set to work in implementing significant changes: weekly class time was divided into asynchronous and synchronous segments – a combination of pre-recorded course material and hybrid classroom time with a focus on discussion and application. This blend of content has allowed greater flexibility and has helped us engage a wider community of students around the globe. Since redesigning all our courses, we have learned that extra work is essential to connect effectively with students who are learning through online platforms. Some students find online learning better than being on-site, some students struggle with online learning, and most students are somewhere in the middle. Courses must be designed, and classes must be taught, in ways that respond to those differences. This past year, with the support of the Atlantic Baptist Foundation, we improved our hybrid learning environment by adding multiple cameras and auto-tracking devices to create a seamless hybrid experience for everyone. The Foundation grant also enabled the College to augment the library electronic resources, allowing students to access required textbooks and other research materials online, and to equip classrooms with new chairs and tables to enhance the on-site experience of our students.

“Even though I work and study on the opposite side of the country from ADC, the College has a platform that allows me to feel connected to my professors and peers in and out of the classroom. As a part-time student who works full time, ADC's hybrid learning gives me the flexibility and ease of doing both!”

The world has changed since March 2020 and with that change comes a whole world of opportunities. As we continue with hybrid learning, we are reaching more people than ever, and we are setting the pace for making theological education accessible to all.

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Tech Stats 15 Screens 8 Cameras (on campus) STUDENTS BY ON-SITE vs ONLINE 65.3% 34.7% On-SiteOnline 2021–2022 ZOOM TOTALS by Faculty and Staff Hours 1,000,000 Meetings 2,000 Participants 13,000 TOP ZOOM COUNTRIES by Number of Participants 1 Canada 23,315 2 United States 813 3 Ghana 217 4 Bahamas 189 5 Germany 111 6 United Kingdom 108 7 Bermuda 73

Advancing Our Hybrid Learning

~ Hannah Juras, Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies student

• Lilly Endowment Inc. Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative awarded the College with funds to embark on a five-year project to conduct research on trends and developments that will impact the future life of the church, as well as experiment with new approaches to theolog ical education. Construction has begun to transform the lower level of the College into a Futuring Lab. As well, we are searching for a Facil itator of Trend Research & Analysis and a Facilitator of Education for Ministry Innovation.

A Firm Foundation of Generosity and Support

While endowed funds provide a firm foundation, ADC continues to rely on annual donations to keep tuition low and to meet our ongoing needs. During the 2021–2022 year, over $2.5 million was received in gifts and grants. Your incredible support is enabling us to increase scholarships, bursaries, and student aid so our students graduate with the lowest levels of debt from any seminary in Canada. Your generosity helps remove financial barriers, encouraging Christian leaders to follow their calling. Of the $2.5 million received, the College applied and gratefully received $1.43 million in targeted grants from Foundations to launch new and innovative Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~ Matthew 6:20-21 initiatives. These funds will be used within one to five years according to each agreement.

More information is available at ACADIADIV.CA/GIVE/WHERE-TO-GIVE

22 · ADC ANNUAL 2021–2022

• The support from the Atlantic Baptist Foundation enabled the College to refresh the ADC brand and redesign the website to better reflect our renewed mission and strategic priorities, and to improve the hybrid learning environment. This included new cameras, new classroom furniture for students, and new electronic library resources.

• The Beatty Ryckman Trust made significant contributions to theological education through their passion and vision for the importance of equipping and training clergy for self-knowledge and personal wellness since 2010. Between 2017 and 2022, the Trust has annually supported the salary of the Professor of Pastoral Care.

The Charis Foundation provided funding to help advance the College’s ministry of justice and reconciliation, specifically supporting the salary of the Faculty Advisor on Indigenizing Theological Education. To equip our seminary for cultural diversity in theological education, a grant from In Trust Center for Theological Schools allowed the College to employ IDI: Intercultural Development Inventory to create a baseline assessment of intercultural competency among the ADC community.

Many years of faithful support have laid a solid foundation for Acadia Divinity College. This year, through the Lord’s provision, and your generosity, ADC's endowment grew to over $20 million. These invested funds provide a reliable financial base for the College to fulfil its mission year after year.

The past two years have reminded us that although we do not know what the future holds, we do know the One who does. Thank you for partnering with Acadia Divinity College as together we equip Christians to serve the church and world with transformative impact

Thanks to you, Acadia Divinity College continues to equip students to serve our Lord in a variety of ways and Whilecontexts.thejourney for each student is unique, there are common threads that weave their stories together. One of those threads is the caring individ uals who give to enable them to study at ADC.

Financial Overview FINANCIAL INFORMATION (as of March 31, 20211) STUDENT SUPPORT 1 Values rounded to nearest 1000s 2 Grant from the Province of Nova Scotia that ﬂowed through Acadia University 3 Grant from the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada 4 Investment earnings from endowed donations 5 There are additional scholarships above and beyond the Entrance Scholarships and Bursaries. Our students graduate with the lowest levels of debt from any seminary in Canada. EXAMPLE OF TUITION SUPPORT for our Graduate Students5 Full-time Tuition Entrance Scholarship or Bursary $9,000 50% of Tuition 25% of Tuition STUDENT AID $104,000 was awarded to students as additional student aid support. $104,000 SOURCES OF FUNDING Student Academic Fees Government DonorDenominationSupport2Support3Support–Current donations & grants Donor Support – Long-term4 Miscellaneous Income TOTAL $848,000$702,000$56,000$699,000$538,000$7,000 $2,850,100 EXPENDITURES TOTAL $2,714,000 DEVELOPMENT STATS (as of March 31, 20221) TOTAL DONATIONS & GRANTS RECEIVED FoundationsCorporationsChurchesAlumniIndividuals $1,431,000$766,000$141,000$144,000$31,000 $2,513,000 NUMBER OF DONORS FoundationsCorporationsChurchesAlumniIndividuals 19813016645 503 Audited Financial Statements are available at ACADIADIV.CA/GOVERNANCE/#FINANCIAL For information on tuition support visit SCHOLARSHIPS-BURSARIESACADIADIV.CA/ SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES $212,000 was awarded to 122 students through our Scholarships and Bursaries program. $212,000122 0.2% 2% 29.8% 24.6%24.5%18.9% (as of March 31, 20211) FINANCIAL STATS at a glance As we pursue our mission to equip Christians to serve, all that we accomplish would not be possible without your continued generosity and support. Thank you! If you would like to be part of our mission, discover more about supporting us financially by visiting ACADIADIV.CA/GIVE/GIVE-NOW

ACADIADIV.CA ACADIA DIVINITY COLLEGE 15 University Avenue Wolfville, NS • B4P 2R6 • Canada toll-free: 1-866-875-8975 local: 902-585-2210 secure fax: 902-585-2232 email:acadiadivinitycollegeacadiadivacadiadivinityacadiadivinitycollegeadcinfo@acadiau.ca Acadia Divinity College is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw people. We are the seminary of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada and the Faculty of Theology for Acadia University.