A "deacon" in the Bible is one who models Christ-like character in a servant capacity (1 Timothy 3:8-13). The Deacon's Track is an option in our academic programs that is designed to train servants to be Christ-like and have a strong biblical foundation.
This track is for those who are serious about developing a relationship with Jesus Christ, increasing their knowledge of the Bible, having a campus experience, and developing great relationships with other Christian young people.
The target group for this track are those who wish to have a Bible College experience but would not meet the academic entrance requirements and who wish to gain vocational experience.
What the Deacon's Track is:
- Same class content as the academic program
- Same professors
- Same chapel/discipleship occasions
- Same student life/ministry/service opportunities
- Same dorm and recreational activities
- Eligibile for Canada government student loans
- An opportunity to study the Bible and get vocational experience while at Bible College
- Different in syllabus and course requirements
What the Deacon's Track is not:
- An apprenticeship program
- Accredited
- A place to goof off and waste time
- A job placement - this is Bible College with a vocational experience
Other Details
You will spend 10 hours/week learning practical skills paired with a business with opportunities in:
* Carpentry
* Electrical
* A Tire Shop
* Food Services
* Auto Parts Store
* Cabinet Making
* Plumbing/Heating
(NOTE: NBC cannot guarantee placements in any one area - all are subject to work/placement availability).
You might have opportunities to take part in "modular" courses in:
* Obtaining a Bus driver's license
* Small engines
* Possession and acquisition license (PAL)
* Saskatchewan Hunter's Safety
* Basic First Aid
NOTE: Subject to final availability
How it Works
1. The student will be enrolled at Nipawin Bible College in a full course load in the Deacon's Track.
2. The student will be required to participate in all classes and chapels.
3. The student will be required to do a student ministry as well as the regular 5 hours/week of student work (which may or may not be the same as their Deacon's Track work).
4. The student will do between 10 hours per week with a "vocational mentor" on the job assigned to him/her.
5. The student be evaluated monthly in his/her academic, community and work ethic.
6. In order to be allowed/invited back for second semester, the first semester must be successfully completed.
7. When the student completes his/her full year of the program he/she will receive a certificate.
Requirements
- Profession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, and evidence of a born-again experience
- Consistency in Christian living and a commitment to spiritual growth
- Graduation from high school and 18 years of age or older
- Valid driver's license
- Reliable transportation - Vehicle and fuel are the responsibility of the student in order to get to work placement
- Clear Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sectors Check
- Willingness to abide by student handbook standards and sign the community standards agreement (see the student handbook)
- Work specific gear that may include: steel-toe boots, safety glasses, outdoor work clothing (for the cold) and coveralls with reflective markings. Where necessary, the host business will provide additional job-specific items such as earplugs, uniforms, respirators and trade-specific tools.
Course Assignments
The homework load is about 1/4 of the academic track. Each 3 credit course only assigns 10 hours of homework over its duration (ie. a semester). This means that taking a full Deacon's Track course load would require about 4-5 hours of homework a week. Many assignments will have options that work for your learning style.
FAQ's
The tuition and room/board costs are the same for all programs in the college. For the Deacon's Track, there may be some additional expenses which need to be kept in mind. If the student has the opportunity to take the extra “modular” components (bus driving, Hunter’s safety, PAL course, etc.) there will be costs in order to complete these certified courses.
The student will be a volunteer for the duration of their program and will get credits toward successful completion of the Deacon's Track. He/she needs to pass the first semester’s requirements in order to be invited back for the second semester in the Deacon's Track.
The Deacon's Track is not a certified apprenticeship. Some apprenticeship programs allow previous hours of experience to be counted toward a logbook. The student is encouraged to check with an accredited apprenticeship program for details if there are further questions in this regard.
We will attempt to pair each student with their preference indicated on the application form. Depending on availability and the number of applicants, we would try to give the student their second choice. It is very helpful for each student to be as flexible as possible.
Not likely. It is the intent of the Deacon's Track to pair the student with one vocational opportunity for the year so as to learn that vocation as well as possible. Changing sites frequently means that the student is not very useful for the host tradesman. Remember that he/she is running a business and needs a contribution from the student, not repeatedly starting from square one.
YES. The second year will look the same as the first year while taking the courses required for the Christian Ministry Diploma and if successfully completed, will receive this diploma.
No. Students wishing to get the academic certificate/diploma must complete all the required courses in the academic track with the academic assignments. However, students may transfer from the Academic Track to the Deacon's Track but will not get the academic certificate/diploma.