Atlantic School of Theology (AST)

10/16/2026

We are very grateful to Rev. Dr. Mark Jefferson, of Acadia Divinity College, for joining us as our 2026 Nicholson Lecturer.

Over two evening lectures, Dr. Jefferson highlighted how Christian formation happens through rhythmic patterns before propositional claims, and that preaching must counter the "rival cadences" already shaping congregations.

He shared a Christ-centered, Spirit-enabled approach, Cadential Homiletics that understands preaching as a recurring rhythm of hearing, discernment, proclamation, formation, and witness, offering an alternative cadence to the world's competing cultural forces.

We caught up with Dr. Jefferson to discuss his experience at AST.

The lectures have been recorded, keep an eye out for the link in the coming weeks.

10/16/2026

Proud of AST alumnus Rev. Samuel Landry ('26) and his research on how shared meals break down barriers between those who serve and those who are served.

Read how his Sunday Supper placement in Dartmouth shaped his Master of Divinity thesis at AST and ongoing ministry!

What happens when a church stops serving people from across a table, and starts sitting down to eat with them?

That question became central to the Rev. Samuel Landry’s graduate research at Atlantic School of Theology.

During a parish placement at Christ Church in downtown Dartmouth, Samuel helped launch a Sunday Supper program that brings together people across boundaries of class, race, age, and ability.

“The meal provides food for those who need a free meal, but also draws together people … who might otherwise never meet,” he says. “By God’s grace, a new community has begun to form around the table, where all are equal members.”

Samuel’s research grew directly out of that experience, asking how shared meals can shape the spiritual life of a congregation and challenge the distinction between those who serve and those who are served.

An AFC bursary helped support Samuel’s theological education at Atlantic School of Theology, where he completed his Master of Divinity in 2026. He is now a deacon in the Diocese of Fredericton.

His story is part of AFC’s October Membership Month series, highlighting how investment in theological education and leadership helps prepare people to serve the Church and its communities in new ways.

Read Samuel’s story:
https://www.anglicanfoundation.org/in-the-breaking-of-bread/

Learn more about AFC membership:
https://www.anglicanfoundation.org/membership/

Christ Church Dartmouth NS
Anglican Diocese of Fredericton
Atlantic School of Theology (AST)

10/16/2026

On one of the most beautiful days of the whole year, Saturday, September, 19th, twelve day-pilgrims joined Dr. Rob Fennell for a “pop-up” pilgrimage in the Prospect Village, NS, area.

The incredibly scenic High Head trail wowed the travelers as they skirted the coast and navigated some muddy trails.

AST alumni, new students, former participants in Camino NS, Pine Hill staff (past and present), and visitors from Ontario joined in the fun.

Partway through the hike, the pilgrims paused for prayer and two brief readings from Scripture, reminding us of the call to praise God in the midst of the grandeur of creation.

Follow AST news and the Camino Nova Scotia page for notices about upcoming events!

10/15/2026

The digital article is now live!

Rev. Dr. Heather McCance, AST President, is spotlighted in Broadview's latest issue (Sept./Oct.), which celebrates small churches and their remarkable strength.

In her interview, she shares 10 tips for handling change, along with this inspiring message: "Small churches will always find a way to be faithful to who God is calling them to be."

Find the complete article on Broadview now!

10/15/2026

In an interview with CTV News at Five last evening, Dr. David Deane, Academic Dean at Atlantic School of Theology, discussed the news regarding Pope Leo's lung cancer diagnosis, sudden surgery to remove a nodule, and subsequent hospitalization.

Dr. Deane reflected that unlike traditional Vatican “Kremlin-style” secrecy, this time the Vatican and the Pope showed a refreshing level of transparency regarding his health. The Dean also shared how experiencing serious illness will likely deepen the Pope's personal empathy, compassion, and ministry moving forward.

View the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEU1tnVQFkQ

10/15/2026

AST is exploring new horizons with the Ecumenical Shared Ministries Training Program. This nationwide initiative brings regional partners together, creating a self-sustaining network to ensure no community or pastor has to navigate the unprecedented challenges of our time.

"Collaboration and diversity is at the heart of this project. Ecumenical Shared Ministries are a precise example of what sustainable collaboration looks like in everyday lives. The unity and commitment of these partners will bring to life the possibilities of collaboration, and we will set an example of what can be accomplished when diversity stands at the centre of theological thinking." - Rubén David Bonilla-Ramos, Director of the Ecumenical Shared Ministries Training Program.

Give monthly, inspire yearly. Your recurring gift creates lasting impact—sustaining our mission one month at a time. Visit the link in the comments to make your gift today.

10/14/2026

Members of the AST community and Pine Hill Divinity gathered at the Kenneth C. Rowe Hall at Pier 21 for the Brunswick Street Mission’s annual Mission Breakfast Fundraiser this morning.

Since 2006, this annual event has brought the community together to support vital local initiatives. Attendees were inspired by a powerful keynote address from Dr. El Jones—author, poet, journalist, educator, and activist. A two-time National Slam champion and former Poet Laureate of Halifax, Dr. Jones delivered a moving spoken word performance, sharing insights grounded in her ongoing commitment to social justice, advocacy, and Black scholarship in Canadian academia.

Pine Hill Divinity Hall sponsored the breakfast and ensures its annual participation by purchasing a benefit table. Proceeds directly support Brunswick Street’s vital community services, including their food bank, breakfast program, laundry services, free café, and social work support.

10/13/2026

At Atlantic School of Theology, we are committed to this profound conviction.

Through rigorous scholarship and ecumenical dialogue, we equip our students to lead with purpose - becoming catalysts for sustainable growth, resilience, and the flourishing of all people throughout Atlantic Canada and beyond.

Give monthly, inspire yearly. Your recurring gift creates lasting impact—sustaining our mission one month at a time.

Visit the link in the comments to give today.

10/09/2026

As the fall colours surround our campus on the Northwest Arm, the Atlantic School of Theology community gives thanks for our vibrant learning environment, our dedicated faculty and staff, our generous community, and each of our students pursuing lives of service and faith.

AST is closed on Thanksgiving Monday (Oct. 12). Regular schedules resume on Tuesday.

Have a safe and meaningful holiday weekend!

10/09/2026

This past August, AST student Sherry Brown was selected as one of only 50 emerging Christian leaders from across the United States and Canada to participate in the North America–Turtle Island Regional Ecumenical Theological Institute (NATI-RETI).

Guided by the theme "Where Now for Visible Justice?", Sherry and her peers engaged deeply with six critical pillars: solidarity with Indigenous communities, racism and anti-racism, secularism and laicity, wealth disparity and poverty, climate justice, interfaith dialogue.

Watch as Sherry shares her key insights from this transformative gathering.

Find the complete video on our YouTube channel.