Eston College
51°09′N 105°48′W / 51.150°N 105.800°W
Former names | Full Gospel Bible Institute (1944-2005); Full Gospel Bible College (2005-2007) |
|---|---|
| Motto | To Know the Scriptures and the Power of God |
| Established | 1944 |
| President | Rev. Brian Fuller |
| Undergraduates | 73 |
| Location | , , |
| Campus | 730 1st Street SE - Eston, SK |
| Affiliations | ACOP, ABHE, AYMI, CCCC, CHEC, EFC, Great Plains College, PAC. |
| Website | www.estoncollege.ca |
Eston College is a private Christian post-secondary educational institution located in Eston, Saskatchewan, Canada. Since 1944 it has served as the primary training center for the Apostolic Church of Pentecost (ACOP) and welcomes students from across Canada and around the world.Unique in its rural setting, Eston College provides a educational and discipleship setting that allows you to “learn more about yourself, your world, and your creator.” [1]
History
Founding
In 1944 at a Trossachs Camp meeting a meeting was called to discuss the location and operation of a bible school that would serve the churches in the ACOP, which at the time was called the “Full Gospel Missions Fellowship”. [2] At this meeting five men were appointed to carry out the work of starting a bible college for the fellowship. The five men on this Committee were Glen McLean, Lorne Pritchard, Ron Burnside, Elmer Powers, and Harold Hollands. [3]
These five men build the foundation for the Full Gospel Bible Institute (FGBI) that opened its doors on November 6, 1944 welcoming six students. [4] Eston was chosen as the location for the Bible School after a number of locations were considered. Some of these were Pangman SK, Trossachs SK, and Eston SK. “G. S. Mclean’s presence at Eston and the local churches willingness to donate a site at Eston may have been factors that tipped the scales.” [5]
History in Short
Situated in the far south-east corner of the small farming community, Eston College began with an old farm house and use of the Eston Full Gospel Church on the other side of town. The student body grew quickly and by the second term of 1944-45 school year there were 18 students registered. During the early years G. S. McLean was the Principle with Rev. Wilfred B. Mitchell and his wife serving as teachers, the registrar, and the secretary. The early years depended upon adjunct faculty such as Lorne Pritchard, Ern Baxter, and Albert Marshall. The bible education received in these early years set a precedent for the future of FGBI. [6]
In a meeting in Eston October 8, 1953 the governing bodies of FGBI and the Apostolic Missionary Training Institute (AMTI) met together for the final time after four years of discussion to finalize the detailed of the merger of the two bible schools. The two church fellowships of the ACOP and the Evangelical Churches of Pentecost were already under going talks of a merger and it was deemed unnecessary to have two bible schools. It was decided that AMTI would close down and the students would be transferred to FGBI.[7], [8]
G. S. McLean served at the president of FGBI for 39 years[9] and saw the small prairie bible school grow from 6 students in its inaugural year to a peak that stands to this day of 187 students in 1976. During this time FGBI also saw its campus develop and other departments open within the institution. Notably FGBI Press, Summer Institute of Missions, the A. D. Marshall Library, The Bible and Science Department, and was host to numerous conferences and gatherings.
In April of 1983 the Board of Directors of FGBI appointed Rev. Alan Mortensen as president and Willard Mitchell as Vice President. Although G. S. McLean retired as president he became Chancellor of the Full Gospel Bible Institute until his death in 2000. Alan Mortensen would lead FGBI through the next 12 years seeing growth and change take place as time progressed through the eighties and nineties. During Alan Mortensen’s tenure as president there was a devastating fire that destroyed the chapel which led to further campus development, there were new ministry opportunities that were made available, a flag was adopted for the institution, and growth was to take place after an enrolment low in 1986 with 97 students.
In 1997 the College Board of Directors appointed Todd Atkinson, a young Oxford graduate, as President on FGBI. During Todd’s time at FGBI there was significant campus development and a newly recognized desire to see the School move toward accreditation so it could offer degrees and transferable credit.
In 1999 Lauren Miller was appointed president. During the 10 years that Lauren Miller was president FGBI changed its name to The Full Gospel Bible College in October of 2005, and then again to Eston College in May of 2007. The college started to grant Bachelor of Biblical Studies Degrees in 2000 offering diploma upgrades to previous graduates (see academics) and currently enrolled students a 4 year bachelors program. Lauren guided the college through the eight year accreditation process with the Association for Biblical Higher Education with the college receiving full accreditation in May of 2007. [10], [11]
Brian Fuller was appointed president in 2008. During the three years since he has seen significant changes take place at Eston College. Two of these changes include a renewed focus on discipleship; a new program being offered called GO Discipleship. Brian continues to provide strong leadership to the college with a humble heart and dedication to Christ.
Theological Distinctives
Eston College today is a bible college that holds to the Evangelical and Pentecostal tradition as laid out by the following statement of faith found at Eston College Statmement of Faith.
Eston College Believes...
- That the Apostles Creed contains the central tenets of Christian Faith and is the basis for Christian Fellowship.
- That the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada has articulated the tenets of faith that distinguish the Evangelical community in Canada.
- That within the Pentecostal tradition there are several historical distinctives that distinguish the Pentecostal expression of the Christian Faith. Some of these historical distinctives are also specific to the expression of faith within the Apostolic Church of Pentecost of Canada. We recognize and respect these distinctives. These distinctives profoundly influence the expression of Christian Faith within the college and the content of our teaching in related courses.
- That the Bible is the inspired, infallible, authoritative written Word of God.
- In the eternal existence of one true God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- In the Savior of men, the Lord Jesus Christ, conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, very God and very man.
- In the creation, test and fall of man, as recorded in Genesis; his total spiritual depravity and inability to attain to divine righteousness.
- That forgiveness of sin and eternal life is freely offered to all by our Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation of sinners is by grace through faith alone, in the perfect all sufficient work of Christ, who died for our sins, was buried and rose again on the third day for our justification.
- In Water Baptism of believers by immersion in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- In the Baptism with the Holy Spirit as an experience subsequent to salvation with the scriptural evidence; namely, speaking in tongues.
- In the gifts of the Holy Spirit as enumerated in the book of Acts and the Epistles.
- In the Lord’s Table as a memorial for believers.
- In Divine Healing as practiced throughout the New Testament.
- In the eternal life of the believer and the eternal punishment of the unbeliever.
- In the Spirit-filled life. The Holy Spirit is the catalyst for sanctification and seeks to produce His fruit in the believer’s life as their minds are renewed and they are conformed to the image of Christ.
- In the personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ for His Church.
- In the sanctity of marriage, as a life long exclusive commitment between one man and one woman
Presidents of Eston College
There have been five presidents that have served at Eston College [12]
- Dr. G. S. Maclean (1944-83)
- Rev. Alan Mortensen (1983-97)
- Rev. Todd Atkinson (1997-99)
- Rev. Lauren Miller (1999-2008)
- Rev. Brian Fuller (2008- present)
Today
Throughout the History of Eston College, their mission has been to teach the truths found in Scripture, provide the essential tools needed for ministry, and foster an environment where young people are able to grow in their faith. Eston College is achieving this by moving forward in an unwavering manner that is dependent on the Holy Spirit and directly focused on Christ. Cite error: There are <ref> tags on this page without content in them (see the help page).
Direction and Mandate
Eston College has maintained a steady focus on Bible Education throughout its history. That has not changed today. This is reflected in Eston College’s Mission statement and Student Learning Outcomes.
Mission Statement
Eston College is an Evangelical, Pentecostal community whose mission is to develop disciples of Christ - faithful men and women educated in the wisdom of the Bible who walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit and who extend God’s grace by serving as His ambassadors in the home, church, and marketplace.
www.estoncollege.ca Mission Statement
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Cultivate a God-centered, God-dependent, and God honouring walk that exhibits Christ-like character through submission to the Holy Spirit
- Develop a Christian worldview that is founded on God’s revealed truth in Scripture, is informed by college level learning, and is demonstrated by wisdom and integrity when interacting with the world
- Nurture effective communication skills and identify ministry skills and spiritual gifting to serve God’s purposes
- Foster a passion and commitment to be disciples who participate in the call of the Church to impact the world for the glory of God
www.estoncollege.ca Student Learning Outcomes
Academics
Eston College offers a variety of programs all with a focus on biblical studies and theology. At the conclusion of the eight year accreditation process the Association for Biblical Higher Education gave Eston College accredited status. The accreditation gives Eston College the ability to demonstrate a standard of education that is standardized and guarantees that students will receive a certain quality of education and allows students to transfer credits to other institutions. “ABHE exists to enhance the quality and credibility of higher educational institutions that engage students in biblical, transformational, experiential, and missional higher education.” [13]’
Programs offered
The programs Eston College offers are...
- Certificate in Biblical Studies is a one year program that provides students with a foundation in their Christian faith especially if they are planning on pursuing further education or entering the marketplace.
- Associate Diploma in Biblical Studies is a two year program that provides students with a solid foundation in the bible, theology, and church history.
- Diploma in Biblical Studies is a three year program that provides students with a biblical education giving them what they need for ministry in their churches and communities.
- Degree Programs
- Bachelor of Biblical Studies is a 4 year program that specifically focuses on equipping students for Ministry with a biblical education.
- Bachelor of Biblical Studies with Evangelism Focus works cooperatively with Apostolic Youth Ministries International’s Life Force missions program providing students with a strong biblical education and experience in Evangelism.
- Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies provides students with a previous non-theological arts degree an opportunity for students to build a biblical and theological worldview coinciding with their previous education.
- Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies provides students with a previous non-theological education an opportunity to study bible and theology developing their Christian worldview and graduate with a degree.
- Diploma Upgrades provides graduates from FGBI with a Diploma to upgrade to a Bachelor of Biblical Studies recognizing the students previous ministry and experience in there degree evaluation.
- GO Discipleship is a program that provides students with accredited classes in tandem with outreach and Christian ministry opportunities.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) provides students an opportunity to learn English in the unique environment at Eston College.
Information from www.estoncollege.ca Academic Information
Student Life
Eston College provides a unique environment for students to grow in their faith while studying at a post-secondary level. Some of these are…
- Students at Eston College are generally required to live in College Residences for a portion of their education. This gives students an opportunity to live, grow, and build relationships in an environment that fosters personal and spiritual growth.[14]
- Chapel and Community activities are scheduled on a weekly basis promoting personal and spiritual growth. These events provide the college community an opportunity to participate in traditional chapel services and hear speakers from a diverse variety of backgrounds.
- Student Representative Council (SRC) is the student government that provides leadership to students at Eston College. The SRC is involved in curriculum planning, student services, the library development, among other aspects of school leadership. The president of the SRC also sits on the college’s Board of Directors. The President of the SRC for the 2010-11 academic year is Junior Jesse Switzer. [15]
- Eston College has a history of providing students with an opportunity to participate in physical activity at personal, intramural, and competitive levels. There are work out facilities located in the dorms, Student Services provides intramural floor hockey and other sports/games opportunities for students, and full time students are able participate in competitive sports in the Prairie Athletic Conference. [16]
- Part of Eston Colleges mandate is to provide opportunities for ministry and practical life experience. Two of the opportunities Eston College provides for students are Contact Teams and World Action Teams. [17]
Community Involvement
Eston College, being situated in Eston Saskatchewan allows students to experience rural life on the prairies while completing thier post-secondary education. The Town of Eston has long been a gracious host to the College and it is Eston College's desire to give back by being involved in Eston and the surrounding area as much as possible. Without the support for the college in Eston the history of Eston College would be drastically different.
Notes
- ^ EstonCollege.ca - About us
- ^ Wegner p. 65-68
- ^ Prairie Fire p. 7
- ^ Eston College.ca -Eston College History
- ^ Larden p. 125
- ^ Prairie Fire p. 7-13
- ^ Prairie Fire p. 19-22
- ^ Larden p. 129
- ^ Eston College History
- ^ EstonCollege.ca - History
- ^ EstonCollege.ca – Accreditation
- ^ EstonCollege.ca – History
- ^ ABHE.org – Mission
- ^ EstonCollege.ca – Academics
- ^ EstonCollege.ca – Student Life
- ^ Prairie Fire p.36
- ^ EstonCollege.ca – Student Life
References
- Eston College (2011). "Eston College".
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ABHE (2011). "ABHE - Mission".
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - Eston College (2010). "Eston College - Accreditation" (PDF).
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|coauthors=and|month=(help) - Eston College (2010). "Eston College - History" (PDF).
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|coauthors=and|month=(help) - Larden, Robert A. (1971). Our Apostolic Heritage. Friesen Printers.
- Wegner, Linda (2006). Streams of Grace. ACOP.
- FGBI Press (1994). Prairie Fire; The 50 Year History of the Full Gospel Bible Institute. FGBI.
