Tyndale University
Tyndale University is a Canadian private interdenominational evangelical Christian university in Toronto, Ontario, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs. Tyndale students come from over 40 different Christian denominations.[3]
This article is about the university and seminary in Toronto, Ontario. For the seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, United States, see Tyndale Theological Seminary. For the institution in the Netherlands, see Tyndale Theological Seminary (Europe).Motto
Academics[edit]
Undergraduate[edit]
The university offers the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Religious Education, and Bachelor of Education.[33]
Majors in business administration, English, history, philosophy, psychology, and religious studies receive a foundation of general knowledge before moving on to their areas of specialization. Tyndale offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in human services conjointly with Seneca College, which allows a student to earn a BA degree from Tyndale plus a diploma in either early childhood education or social service work from Seneca. Graduates of the sixteen-month Bachelor of Education (BEd) program are eligible for a Certificate of Qualification from the Ontario College of Teachers. The Bachelor of Religious Education (BRE) is a three-year professional degree for students preparing for various forms of Christian ministry. Tyndale also offer a one-year Certificate in Christian Studies.
In 2008 Tyndale received the top score in the Canadian University Survey Consortium survey of students who agreed or strongly agreed that they are satisfied with the quality of teaching they have received; the results were subsequently published in the Maclean's 2009 University issue.[34] Tyndale also ranked first overall in the number of students who strongly agreed that they are satisfied with their "decision to attend this university".[35]
Seminary[edit]
The seminary is the largest theological school in Canada accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.[36] It is approved to grant the following graduate degrees: Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), Master of Theology (Th.M.), Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Theological Studies (MTS). In addition, Tyndale Seminary also offers graduate diploma programs in six areas of concentration: Biblical studies, Theological studies, Leadership, Global missions & intercultural studies, Spiritual formation, Christian education & discipleship, Pastoral ministry, and Youth and family ministry. The seminary offers courses in the traditional day and evening format, as well as online and modular courses.
Tyndale Seminary offers all of the courses required by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy for certification as a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist.[37] Graduates of this program can move toward credentialing in the Province of Ontario to offer psychotherapy in agencies (secular or Christian) or in private practice.[38]
In 2006, an agreement was reached with the Association of Canadian Chinese Theological Education (ACCTE) to establish the Canadian Chinese School of Theology (CCST) at Tyndale Seminary for the training of Mandarin-speaking students and pastors. This led to a long-term agreement, which was signed in 2012.[39]
Centres[edit]
Tyndale University houses five centres: the Hudson Taylor Centre for Chinese Ministries, the Tyndale Centre for Leadership, the Tyndale Intercultural Ministries Centre, the Tyndale Family Life Centre, and the Tyndale Spiritual Formation Centre. The Hudson Taylor Centre for Chinese Ministries, named after Hudson Taylor, has a mission to advance Chinese ministries in North America and around the world.[40] The Tyndale Centre for Leadership is mandated to foster the development of Canadian Christian leaders in congregational contexts, Christian organizations, the marketplace and public sectors.[41] The Tyndale Intercultural Ministries Centre's mandate is to link a vast network of local churches, denominations and mission organizations, in partnership with church and para-church organizations by offering training seminars and professional development workshops.[42] The Tyndale Family Life Centre offers professional counselling and supportive workshops for the larger community and members of the general public.[43] The seminary is also home of the Tyndale Spiritual Formation Centre,[44] including the Tyndale Association of Spiritual Directors.[45]
Accreditation[edit]
Tyndale University is fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada to award its graduate theological degrees.[46] The university is also accredited with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.[47] Tyndale is an affiliate of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities[48] and the Christian Higher Education Canada (CHEC) association.[49]
Partners[edit]
The school is interdenominational and thus has various evangelical partner denominations.[50]
Controversy[edit]
Tyndale University was scheduled to have former President of the United States, George W. Bush, speak at a breakfast hosted by Prem Watsa of Fairfax Financial Holdings on September 20, 2011.[51] According to Tyndale professor Craig Carter, Bush "was to speak on the role of faith-based institutions in the world of higher education."[52] Upon learning of the scheduled event, a group of alumni launched a website[53] protesting Tyndale's association with Bush. After two days of online protests, the event was canceled[54] "due to a scheduling change" but no other explanation was given.[55] Following the cancellation, former Tyndale president and vice chancellor Gary Nelson noted the need for Tyndale "to have clearer policies and guidelines in place so that diverse views can be expressed in a respectful and hospitable space."[56] He also expressed regret that Tyndale "did not have such a framework in place" and stated that "Tyndale will continue to host various people to speak on issues that matter."[56]