Thoughts from current students and graduates

Tyndale introduced me to people, books and thinking that changed everything about my understanding and practice of ministry to people of all ages, but especially children. I'm no longer bound to what companies tell me they have to sell for ministry resources.  I can analyze, assess and create the resources I need in my particular situation at this particular time - and do it from a place of deeper and more confident faith.  

I value the freedom Tyndale encouraged me to find to both discover truth and respond to it personally.  I was given skills, in fact, to know, to know why, and to know how my learning would make a difference.  That personal and  practical approach still drives me now as a teacher as well. 

Janie Robertson, MDiv in Christian Education (2002), Family Ministries leader and curriculum writer at Nassagaweya Presbyterian Church

Tyndale has been successful in providing me a theological framework for me to serve in the marketplace, reaching out to people coming from diverse cultural and faith backgrounds.  My major in CE helps me discern and grab opportunities in developing disciples according to their life stages and developmental needs, which afford constant reflections and revisions to my philosophy of Christian education, and thus improvements to my teaching/impacting the lives I come into contact with.

I value many things about my Tyndale experience, to name just a few:  The faith communal experience (makes me see the importance of the Body to the growth of a disciple of Christ); the diversity of cultural and faith backgrounds from different students; the great teaching and sharing of life and faith experience by top-notch professors; the encouragement to continue life-long learning and reflections; the knowledge and awareness that we, responding to God's call to be equipped and to serve, are not walking alone as we interact with others in/or outside classrooms; awareness of things happening in ministry, churches, theological education, and the world, and thus having a sense of knowing the bigger picture God is painting.

Cindy Shum, MDiv in Christian Education (2008), formerly a legal assistant, now working with intercultural marketplace leaders

Tyndale gave me a solid theological grounding on which to reflect and carry out ministry. The Christian Education major in particular helped me to understand some of the basic principles about how we learn. The Western approach to education often focuses on an "objective" approach to learning. Usually the Teacher is seen as the Expert who imparts his or her knowledge to others usually in a lecture-format. I learned from my readings and from the Bible that as social beings, we tend to learn best in community as we explore questions, seek truth and share our experiences together. This relational way of learning places a high importance on sharing our stories with one another - especially in the beginning stages of the relationship. (We can't really learn together until we know each others' stories.) Most of the meetings, classes and groups I lead begin with an intentional time of sharing our stories with each other. I do this even with our newcomers who love it!

For me, Tyndale was a time God used in my ministry preparation. Studying and working on assignments helped to theologically shape my thinking and reflection which I believe is key to biblical and creative ministry. But this period in my life was also a time to develop relationships and have meaningful conversations with others too. I remember having a meeting once with Dr. Siew in his office where God used his words to affirm me in my ministry and calling at a critical time in my life.

Jeremy Tao, MDiv Pastoral Studies/Christian Education (2005), Small Groups & Connections Pastor, Cornerstone Christian Community Church