Regent College is pleased to announce a new partnership with The Alliance Canada (formerly known as the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada) as an approved educational institution within the Leader Formation Pathways program. Regent is one of just five such partner schools in BC and Alberta, and the only one to focus primarily on graduate education. 

This partnership will allow Regent students preparing for ministry with The Alliance Canada to receive tuition subsidies of up to $4,000 per year through the Alliance Canada Leadership Training Fund.

Regent has a long history of friendship with The Alliance Canada. Numerous students, faculty, and staff members have deep relationships with Alliance churches, and these connections have enriched our life as a community. We are delighted to enter into this institutional partnership and to continue building relationships with Alliance churches and ministries in our local area and beyond.

Regent College President Paul Spilsbury welcomed this development. “Regent has been privileged to play an important part in the formation and training of Alliance pastors for many years. This new partnership strengthens that bond and means that we will continue to partner in this kingdom work for years to come. This is good news indeed!”

Mardi Dolfo-Smith, Executive Pastor at Coquitlam Alliance Church, shared Paul’s enthusiasm. “As a graduate of Regent College, a pastor, and Board member with the Alliance in Canada, I am really excited about this partnership. Regent forms leaders with spiritual and intellectual depth for a complex world.  I believe this collaboration will help shape a new generation of Alliance leaders deeply rooted in Christ and renewed in vision for engaging in mission." 

Leader Formation Pathways

According to the denomination’s website, “Alliance Canada Formation Pathways are intentional commitments to engage in formal Bible study at an approved theological institution, serve in a local church, and grow through mentorship.” Regent resonates deeply with this integrated approach to personal and pastoral formation in the context of community. 

Regent also appreciates that The Alliance Canada offers three distinct Leader Formation Pathways:

  • A Church Hub pathway for individuals just beginning to explore a calling to ministry within a church context;
  • A Second Career pathway designed to be accessible and supportive for individuals looking at a transition in their vocational journey (many of whom feel at home in the Regent community); and
  • An Advanced Formation pathway for individuals already engaged in theological education (now including Regent students!).

As a community whose students represent a wide range of life stages, we recognize the importance of a flexible approach that makes room for the diverse ways in which God can call people into vocational ministry.

To learn more about The Alliance Canada’s Leader Formation Pathways, please visit the program’s webpage.

Regent's Transdenominational Identity

Regent College has been a transdenominational institution since its founding. This does not mean that denominational commitments are unwelcome at Regent—on the contrary, our community is enriched immeasurably as students and faculty bring ideas, emphases, and practices from their various theological traditions into our shared conversation. 

Our approach is not to ignore or downplay denominational differences, but rather to engage with them constructively, recognizing that God’s Spirit is at work throughout the universal church and trusting that our knowledge and love of God can only grow as we learn from one another. We don’t always agree on the details, but we recognize our unity in Christ and embrace opportunities for respectful dialogue in a world that too often encourages hostility and polarization.

Regent is confident that this new partnership with The Alliance Canada will allow us to better serve both students and churches. For additional information on how Regent supports students preparing for ministry (including denominational ministry with Presbyterian and Anglican congregations), see our MDiv program page.

Regent College and The Alliance Canada share a commitment to Jesus Christ and a vision for preparing Christian leaders for faithful, thoughtful service. We are grateful for this opportunity to cooperate as partners with one another and participants in God’s mission to the world.


To learn more about studying at Regent, contact our Admissions team!