Who Are We?

     Gardner College is the accredited co-educational institution of the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) in Canada. It came into existence in 1933 primarily to train and equip leaders for the Church; to facilitate a cooperative and inclusive approach to the challenge of theological education; for the integration of academic study, spiritual formation and Christian leadership. This is still a prime purpose and program of the College. However, Gardner College has since then broadened its focus to include other vocational fields while maintaining excellence in the preparation of men and women for varied, vital vocations in the society and world at large... active in non-theological arenas.

     Gardner College welcomes students from all denominations, cultures and communities, and is committed to providing an environment for study, work and worship free from harassment and discrimination of any kind. Gardner College is an environment where academic excellence is observed as a celebration of God's lively creativity in each person. Being here involves acquiring knowledge and skills, developing wisdom, mature judgment and spiritual formation in a context of a learning, faith based community.

     A student enrolled at Gardner College is welcomed into an accepting extended community comprised of other students, faculty, staff, and family members. Whether persons are enrolled in the Theology program, the Early Childhood Development program, the BRE or the Child Youth Care program (CYCW) they will soon discover that it is more than just an exercise in acquiring theoretical knowledge. The awareness of human core beliefs and behavior is sharpened and relevant enquiries can be addressed in a non-threatening environment.

     Gardner College is affiliated with other Colleges and institutions of higher learning in Canada and the U.S.A., which allows for the transferability of degrees and credits.

     Gardner College is equipped to offer a broad range of high quality learning opportunities through programs of academic study and practice. Gardner College unites the academic and spiritual disciplines necessary to prepare persons for effective and fulfilling vocation in the world.

Why Gardner?

• A school of 30-40 students, we care about the individual student’s life and character encouraging a close, supportive community.

• Class sizes of 3 to 10 students facilitate discussion about the issues, as well as personal guidance in skill-development.

• Professionally experienced faculty open for one-on-one consultation.

• Practicum placements for children’s and youth work are within walking distance.

• Transferability of several courses to universities and other post-secondary schools.

• Gardner draws on qualified, experienced, active professionals from the larger Camrose community to teach some of its courses.

• While Gardner’s heritage is Church of God (Anderson, Indiana), we serve people of all backgrounds and faiths, other nationalities and cultures, creating a non-coercive, supportive, environment encouraging spiritual awareness and formation, in the midst of our academic learning.

• B.Th. grads have become senior pastors, youth pastors, children’s workers; they have also been enthusiastically accepted at major Canadian Seminaries (Regent, Tyndale, Taylor, Providence, etc.), other denominational seminaries, and many in the States including Anderson (Indiana), and Mid-America Christian Universities, Warner Pacific, and Warner Southern Colleges.

• A strong variety of options that allow each student to tailor his/her program to their specific interests

• Well-designed residence accommodation, with cable Internet access in every room, as well as tasty meal packages (one-minute walk from dorm room to the lunch room!), all at very competitive cost. Student lounge has pool table, foosball, DVD/Video player with cable TV, and comfortable furniture, along with a complete kitchen.

• Gardner is beside the Camrose city centre:

  • Easy walking distance to doctor, dentist, sports, and variety shopping.

  • an aquatic centre, new Regional Sport Development Centre (home of the Camrose Kodiaks AJHL hockey team), field house/running track, playing fields, outdoor volleyball and basketball courts, walking, cycling, roller blade trails, are all within 2 to 4 short blocks from the school.