Introduction

Two important historical moments in the life of the Theological College of the Canadian Reformed Churches fall within the time period that is covered in this 2008-2001Calendar. On Thursday, November 20, 2008 it is forty years ago that the 1968 Synod of Orangeville decided that a Theological College be established for the training of ministers within the federation of Canadian Reformed Churches. And in September of 2009, Lord willing, it will be forty years that the College will have been in existence. You can read more about its inception in the History and Character section of the Calendar.

On the screen of time, forty years is but a speck, but during that time the Lord has richly blessed the College. Not only have we benefited from highly qualified faculty and dedicated staff, but the College has also been blessed with eager young men who pursue the ministry of the Word for which the Theological College was established.

The word "theological" in the first part of the name implies that the focus of study is theology, the study of the Triune God who is the God of heaven and earth. One of the requirements for that course of study is a deep love for the Bible as God’s infallible and reliable revelation to his church about himself and his world. As you peruse the pages of this Calendar you will find that much emphasis is placed on the study of the Bible in its original languages. But the four year study is well-rounded in that it seeks "to explore in a scholarly way the riches given by God in the Reformation of the church." (See section on Purpose) The reference to the Reformation of the church connects to the second part of the name of the College of the Canadian Reformed Churches. It was established specifically for training men to serve as ministers of the gospel within these churches in which the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dort serve as faithful standards of the Reformed faith.

We are very thankful that the College has been able to share that vision with many students from different cultures and continents who also embrace the Reformed principles of the faith. For nearly four decades the College has been able to pass on the riches of God’s Word and the beauty of the Reformed confessions to many students from Canada and around the world. Many are now preaching the gospel across the globe, and thanks to the rigorous academic standards that are maintained at the College, a considerable number of graduates have been able to pursue studies at the doctoral level. Two of the current faculty are graduates of this institution of learning.

If you are a prospective student to the College, we trust that you will find the information in this Calendar to be of great help to you in finding out what course of study you are expected to follow. If you are a returning student, we trust that you will find that the same solid course requirements are still in place which will help you receive a training that is rooted in the Word of God and the Reformed confessions, and that will equip you for the glorious ministry of the gospel.