Acadia Divinity College

The document outlines a vision for "A Generous Faith-Shaping Future." It identifies key strategic pillars focused on amplifying formation, mobilizing education, empowering connection, and igniting innovation to achieve its objectives.

The document records the Service of Induction for Rev. Dr. Anna Robbins as the seventh president of Acadia Divinity College and Dean of Theology at Acadia University. The event included scripture readings, prayers, and a charge delivered by Dr. Stuart Blythe. Key themes discussed included the meaning of contending with challenges (foot soldiers) and embracing greater challenges (horses), drawing from the Book of Jeremiah, and the need for theological education to equip leaders for the future, emphasizing courage, depth, and prophetic performance in the face of injustice. The service also featured remarks from the Chair of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Minister of Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada regarding Dr. Robbins' qualifications and the selection process.

This lecture by Douglas John Hall presents the thesis that the era of Christendom, characterized by the historical domination of official Christianity in the Western world, is effectively concluding. Hall argues that North American churches are increasingly marginalized and must actively embrace a process of intentional disengagement from the dominant culture. This disestablishment, he posits, is a necessary precondition for a meaningful re-engagement with society, enabling churches to recover their genuine mission as a prophetic minority. The lecture emphasizes that this transformation necessitates a disciplined theological reflection to differentiate the Christian message from prevailing cultural assumptions, rather than merely adopting radical ethical positions or viewing disengagement as an end in itself. The ultimate goal is for Christians to become 'salt, yeast, and light' by relinquishing the ambition of being the official, dominant, or powerful religion.

This lecture series explores the importance of developing a Christian worldview within post-secondary education. It outlines seven key components: understanding in academic disciplines, critical rationality, moral autonomy, self-awareness, vocational orientation, political awareness, and aesthetic and cultural awareness. The presentation emphasizes how this comprehensive framework can inform and enhance scholarship, teaching, and policy to foster a holistic, ethical approach to education that addresses societal challenges and offers a broader perspective on human life and the world.

Acadia Divinity College's 2021-2026 strategic vision focuses on four key areas to equip Christians for effective ministry in a changing world. These areas are: Building a strong foundation by enhancing faculty, student support, financial security, governance, and communication; Engaging the college's place by connecting with the local community, Acadia University, and the broader East Coast context; Extending its embrace through inclusion, justice, reconciliation, and diverse partnerships; and Setting the pace through innovation in theological education, including exploring new technologies and approaches to mental health. The overall goal is to prepare leaders who can nurture new work in local communities and provide faithful witness in today's culture.