Diploma in Intergenerational Faith Formation

The Diploma in Intergenerational Faith Formation (DIFF) exists to develop ordained and lay leaders who understand and are equipped to engage in ministry in ways that focus on the formation of faith through relationships across generations. As such, it focuses on theories and practices that relate to intergenerational faith formation and ministry.

Course Delivery: Online, in-person, or a combination of both

The Diploma in Intergenerational Faith Formation can be completed fully online or through a combination of online and in-person courses. You will need an up-to-date computer and reliable internet access to participate.

DIFF Program Structure

The program components are as follows:

Four courses

  • One required course: The Intergenerating Church. This required course offers an overview of intergenerational ministry, including theories from theology and the social sciences and best practices from contemporary pastoral leaders.
  • Two designated electives. Each year, relevant courses from AST’s offerings are designated as electives for this diploma. Such courses could include:

Family Ministry
Re-Imagining Ministry with Children and Youth 
Church, Mission, and Society 
Virtue, Ethics, and the Lost Art of Leadership 
Leadership and Change Theory 
Ministerial Leadership 
Worshipping into the Future 
Resilience in Ministry 

  • One open elective. Students can take one course of their choosing from AST’s entire roster of offerings (except GTR 6000, RM 1000, GS 3000, MAP 1000, MAP 2000, SME 3000, SME 4000). 

Four online mini-retreats

  • In addition to coursework, students will meet with one another for one synchronous online mini-retreat each term in which they are enrolled in a CIM course (for a total of four mini-retreats). These retreats will be planned and convened by the program director.

Students may study at their own pace, with some choosing to take two courses per year (one in the fall term and one in the winter term) in order to complete the diploma in two years and others enrolling in courses as they are able, completing the DIFF over several years.

Admissions Requirements

  • You must have a high school diploma or its equivalent to be admitted to the program.
  • You may begin the program in September or January, but program enrolment is required before taking any component.
  • You must have an up-to-date computer and high-speed internet access.

Admission Process

To apply to the Diploma in Intergenerational Faith Formation program, please complete the following forms and submit them to the Academic Office with the appropriate fee:

Diploma Program Fees

  • Application fee for the Diploma program is $62.00
  • Tuition for each Diploma program component is $557.00 (effective June 1, 2024)
  • Related books and resource materials will cost approximately $60.00 per component

For more information

Please contact our Recruitment Coordinator (lydia.hood@astheology.ns.ca) or the Director of the Diploma in Intergenerational Faith Formation, Dr. Dave Csinos (dave.csinos@astheology.ns.ca)