2023
Year in Review
As we look ahead to a New Year, we look back on 2023 to celebrate how God has led us to where we are today. What a year it has been! Here’s what we were blessed to have accomplished in 2023:
Welcomed 87 New Students
This past year, we welcomed 87 new students to our MDC community! We are so grateful for the testimonies of God’s faithfulness that each of these students bring to MDC, whether they joined us in person or remotely from across the country, we are so blessed to have them study with us and their role within our community.
Opened Two New Research Centres
In April and May, we launched our two new Centres. The Centre for Patristics and Early Christianity, directed by Dr. James Payton Jr. and Dr. Don Springer, is a student-focused centre that educates and empowers emerging scholars and ministers in the world and thought of Ancient Christianity. The Centre for Church and Culture, led by John Steadman and Dr. John Hilber, is a research centre that provides an interactive educational environment that enables pastors and other Christian leaders to navigate cultural issues that pose challenges to the mission of the church.
Welcomed Four New Staff Members
This past year we celebrate the arrival of four new staff members to our team. Our Staff are vital to the mission of MDC and we are grateful to welcome these new members to the team: Shannon Baines as Registrar and Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Janielle Lim as Admissions Counsellor, Daphne Dyck as Marketing and Events Assistant, and Ambrose Thomson as Advanced Degrees Recruiter.
Hosted Two Major Conferences
In April, over 200 leading scholars from across North America gathered to discuss Secularism and the Pursuit of Transcendence at our one-day conference. In May, we partnered with A Deeper Communion to host a conference called Creative Justice on disability and the Church. Brian Doerksen, Dr. Amy Kenny, and many other speakers joined us to host conversation and research on this important topic.
Celebrated Our Graduates
On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, McMaster Divinity College proudly conferred degrees and certificates upon 39 graduates from each of our programs. We also recognized the exceptional contributions of Dr. Patricia Harvey and Dr. Paul Bates as our honorary doctorate recipients.
Featured Faculty
In August, we launched a new faculty series on our social channels, introducing faculty to new members of our community and giving them the opportunity to share more about the courses they are teaching and the research they are currently involved in, with some interesting tidbits along the way! Check out those videos below.
Launched a Research Fellowship Program
Early this Fall, we announced a new Research Fellowship program offering scholars a unique chance to delve deeper into areas of Christian theology as part of an academic community. Our 2023-24 scholars, Dr. Emad Botros, Dr. Cynthia Tam, Dr. Ambrose Thomson, and Dr. David Yoon, were named.
Attended 20+ Events!
This past year, we attended over 20 events across the United States and Canada to meet new prospective students, share about MDC, and catch up with alumni. From seminary fairs to conferences to denominational meetings, we were there! If you know of an opportunity to share MDC, send us an email, we would love to hear from you!
Shared the Stories of our Students
” I have always considered the way to God as knowing Jesus, being transformed by Him, and doing His work until He returns, and here it was, laid out in McMaster Divinity College’s mission.” –Renan Anjos (MDiv Student)
“MDC’s professors challenge me, whenever possible, to use my creativity in assignments by incorporating artistic elements alongside more traditional academic practices.” –Cherie Michels (MDiv Student)
Connected with Local Pastors
At our first Pastors Lunch & Learn event, nearly 50 local pastors, ministry leaders, students, and faculty gathered for a session by Dr. Michael Knowles and engage in conversation about challenges in the Church.
Published 10 New Titles
Our faculty and the MDC Press have published 10 new book and journal titles this past year with many more coming next year. Check out all of our 2023 titles at the link below. To submit a book proposal to the MDC Press, visit their webpage.
Announced a Free Tuition Offer for Winter 2024
In November, we announced an exciting new offer granting full-time Ontario students enrolled in the MDiv and MTS programs funding to cover the full cost of their tuition! If you know someone thinking about studying with us, there has never been a better time! This offer is limited to our Winter 2024 term only and has limited space remaining, apply today!
We thank you for your part in this past year’s success–for your prayers, your encouragement, your gifts, and the many other ways you participate and stay connected with us here at McMaster Divinity College. We wish you God’s richest blessings for 2024, and pray you remain safe and healthy throughout the New Year!