ABOVE PHOTO: The first graduating class of Regent College (1970-1971). Pictured second from left is Dr. James Houston, the founding principal of the College.

History, Mission & Goals

The College was founded in 1968 as the first graduate school of theology in North America to make education of the laity its central focus. The beginning of such a venture in Western Canada was a response to a growing belief that the “new frontiers” of lay involvement should be implemented in a strategic centre of trade and commerce. Vancouver proved ideal because of its location on the Pacific Rim and its access to other capitals of the world.

A second conviction shared by Regent’s founders was that the College should relate to the university world, which is the focal point for the development of the philosophies that shape both thought and action in today’s marketplace of ideas. To that end, the College sought and obtained affiliation with the University of British Columbia in 1973, thus giving its students access to the facilities and life of a major centre of secular learning. Affiliation with UBC, however, has not necessitated any loss of independence or self-determination on the part of the College.

Additionally, Regent College is a response to an obvious need for quality evangelical theological training that will meet the requirements of the church in Canada and elsewhere. From its inception, the College has been committed to building up the church, and it does so through continuing education for ministers and missionaries, and the Master of Divinity and Master of Theology programs that combine traditional curricula with integrative interdisciplinary studies.
The College offers a full range of graduate study programs taught by an international faculty committed to the historic evangelical faith, both as a credal affirmation and as a living experience. The College emphasizes close contact between faculty and students as an integral part of the development of Christian character. To that end, times of worship, together with growth in personal spiritual disciplines, are considered an essential part of the educational process.

MISSION STATEMENT

Regent College is an international graduate school of Christian studies that educates, nurtures and equips men and women to live, work and minister in their varied vocations, in ways honouring to God.

PARTICULAR GOALS

To provide resources for developing a firm biblical faith, nourished by the Christian heritage and marked by realism, thoughtfulness, intelligence and integrity.
To develop Christian perspectives on all fields of study and all aspects of personal and professional life.
To maintain a corporate life of worship and service that encourages the formation of disciplined and mature Christian character.
To prepare men and women from all walks of life to serve Jesus Christ effectively in their varied vocations, in the home, the marketplace and the church.
To instill in future pastors, evangelists and teachers of the Christian faith an ideal of leadership that centres upon mobilizing and training all believers to take their full share in the every-member ministry of the Body of Christ.
To model and impart attitudes of acceptance and skills of adaptation that can break down social, cultural and racial barriers, so that Regent students may be salt and light wherever they go.
To further Christian understanding in the church and in the world through research and publications.
To focus and further a commanding vision of healthy Christianity, which affirms the primacy of personal godliness, the importance of spiritual and intellectual integration, the divinely-intended variety of gifts and ministries, and the complementary roles of office-bearers and others in the Body of Christ.