Competency-Based Theological Education (CBTE), at its heart, seeks to successfully prepare students for this unique combination of theological proficiency and practical, ministerial care.

In CBTE, much of a student’s time is spent in the church working alongside other pastors and engaging in the real work of ministry. Assignments have a direct connection to a student’s work within the local church and, in addition, they are taught how to take their theological knowledge and communicate it effectively through their preaching and teaching. Through ongoing mentorship, involvement in the inner workings of ministry, and the numerous opportunities to develop and hone skills, CBTE provides an ideal environment in which students can become fully equipped leaders within the church.

One of the unique characteristics of CBTE is its ability to address the development of character alongside growth in knowledge and skill. This characteristic is captured in the language of “Head, Hands and Heart” used in the Certificate of Christian Foundations.

LEAD is a clarifying acronym of the educational integration of this competency-based model:

L – Learn (about) (head)
E – Embrace (with heart) (heart)
A – Apply (in life) (hands)
D – Disciple (others) (hands) -> Mastery Observed

Northview’s CBTE programs are rooted in Scripture. Therefore, students will incorporate God’s Word as the central basis upon which they build. Students will master the appropriate tools for constructing structures to support effective life and ministry. By doing this it is expected that students will determine the passages of the Bible that are applicable to the given situation (MLOs/ODAs) and will evaluate everything (including other readings) through the lens of Scripture.

Find a more detailed description of what CBTE is HERE

The Ministry Apprenticeship Program works in partnership with Northwest Seminary • College. Northwest has created a Certificate in Christian Foundations worth 30 undergraduate credits. Northwest sets the certificate requirements and provides the curriculum, and Northview provides the classes, instructors, and ministry context to fulfill those outcomes. Participants complete the certificate on location at Northview Community Church (both the classes and ministry experience).

The program is a 40-hour-a-week commitment and runs from September to the beginning of May. Each apprentice will receive a placement in one of Northview’s ministry departments and will spend 15-20 hours a week gaining leadership experience within that context. The rest of their schedule includes classes, prayer and reflection times, and small group meetings to connect as a community and grow together. 

We are providing an opportunity to explore and understand the gifts you’ve been given for the benefit of the body of Christ because we believe every Christian has these gifts (1 Cor 12:7). Therefore, it is essential that you understand this program is not just about you, it’s about the Church whom Christ died to save. Your participation in the program should be motivated by a growing love and desire to serve the people of God. 

However, this does not mean you’ve necessarily experienced or discerned a “call” to vocational ministry, or that you are committed to pursuing professional pastoral or ministry leadership after the program. We use the word “explore” intentionally because exploration in a ministry context, enriched by study and mentorship, is what we are seeking to provide. Whether the Lord leads you to be a pastor or a plumber after completing MAP, we are committed to helping you grow in the ministry capacities and capabilities he has given you.

• Discipleship: Work alongside the Discipleship Pastor and lead at either men’s or women’s bible study, participate in baptism classes and services, and participate in leadership training initiatives.
• Worship: Work alongside the Worship Pastor and train young leaders to lead worship (kids, youth, and young adults), lead during weekend worship services, learn how to assemble the necessary elements of a service, and participate in the creative process of songwriting.
• Children’s Ministry: Work alongside the Children’s Pastor to prepare and lead weekend ministries and events that disciple and support families (child dedication, date night childcare, etc).
• Middle School Youth: Work alongside the Middle School Youth Pastor to prepare and lead youth nights, engage with smaller groups of youth in intentional discipleship, and train leaders.
• High School Youth: Work alongside the High School Youth Pastor to prepare and lead youth nights, engage with smaller groups of youth in intentional discipleship, and train leaders.
• Young Adults: Work alongside the Young Adults Pastor to prepare and lead gatherings and events, engage with smaller groups in intentional discipleship, and train leaders.
• Campus Ministry: Work alongside a Campus Pastor for a well-rounded experience of discipling all demographics and participating in a variety of ministries each week. Each campus provides unique ministry opportunities based on the needs of the community they serve. Placements are available at the following campuses: Mission, East Abbotsford, and Central Abbotsford.
• Global/local outreach: Work alongside the Local Outreach Coordinator and Missions Pastor in a variety of ministries that meet specific needs in the community. This is an opportunity to work alongside other charitable organizations and generate/nurture partnerships between the community and the Church.
• Production/Communication: A specialized role for someone who already possesses skills in one or more of the following areas: video production and editing; script-writing and editing; technical experience with sound and lighting; ProPresenter set-up and operation; set design; social media; and/or graphic design. The applicant should want to learn how to adapt their skillset to serve within the church setting. An internship in this department would be tailored to the student based on the skills and experience of the person applying.

• Administration/Finance: A specialized role for someone who already possesses skills in one or more of the following areas: Accounting and Finance, Operations, and Development and Growth. The applicant should want to learn how to adapt their skillset to serve within the church setting. An internship in this department would be tailored to the student based on the skills and experience of the person applying. It could also be part of a split placement arrangement with another area of Ministry.

Ministry placements are decided by the program coordinators based on the ministry intentions of the apprentice and the placements available.

Students accepted into the program are responsible for their own living arrangements, food, transportation, and other personal bills/expenses.

MAP students will be enrolled in an educational institution (Northwest Seminary • College), and are therefore eligible to apply for student loans to help them cover their costs for the year.

Students who are already enrolled in post-secondary education and are in need of a ministry internship are able to apply for MAP. We offer an upper level learning track for students who are more advanced in their education. Students who are interested in how this could work with their degree program and credits are encouraged to send an inquiry for more information.