Updates from the ATTS
The Arthur Training School (ATTS) is a theological college in the Anglican Diocese of the Arctic. This school educates and prepares future ministers for service in the North and equips both lay and ordained people for Christian Service. Northern people are trained for northern ministries. You can see our previous blog post on the ATTS HERE. We recently received an update from the ATTS Director, Bishop Joey Royal about recent progress with the program.
A New Model For Theological Education In The Arctic
By: Bp Joey Royal
Back in 2016, when ATTS reopened in Iqaluit, one of the goals was that ATTS would be an education resource for the entire Diocese. Up to now, the focus has been on establishing ATTS in Iqaluit and training on-campus students. We graduated seven students since 2016. Praise God!
When the Education Committee met in late 2022 we had a sense that change was coming and change was needed for ATTS. We had a clear sense God was leading us to fulfill this initial vision - that ATTS would be a resource for the entire Diocese. And so, we decided, for now, to shift away from on-campus training in Iqaluit. Instead, we will be bringing ATTS to people where they live.
This is the basis and background to the Deacon Training Program, which launched January 2023 in English and September 2023 in Inuktitut. The program is a combination of online classes and meeting in-person one week at a time in hubs like Iqaluit, Yellowknife, the MacKenzie Delta and Arviat. Now – only one year later – we have 42 students enrolled in four different cohorts!
One of the key principles of this training is that it is outcome-based. That means, rather than transplanting a “southern” education model to the north, we began with the needs of the north in mind. Rather than asking “what courses should be in this program” we asked “what skills and knowledge do northern people need to minister within their own context?” From that latter question we developed our outcomes, and then designed a 6-module program that would meet those outcomes.
We’re thrilled about the response to this ambitious and exciting new initiative in ministry formation and training. Please pray for us! And if you feel so moved, you can donate to this project through the diocesan office. We are not charging students tuition; we are instead trusting the Lord for his provision to cover the cost of internet, flights to and from hubs, and the printing of materials. The Lord has provided all our needs thus far and we have no doubt he will continue to do so.
To donate, or to subscribe to the Arctic News for more information on this and other exciting northern ministry endeavors, contact:
The Diocese of The Arctic
PO Box 190, Yellowknife NT X1A 2N2
867.873.5432 | dota@arcticnet.org
ATTS Director Bishop Joey Royal
Map of the Diocese of the Arctic