The program of studies for cadets integrates learning in academic courses, field placements and spiritual formation experiences. Underlying this approach is the conviction that adult learning takes place not only in the formal classroom, but in the realities of Christian ministry and the disciplines that form us in Christlikeness.
This learning is campus-based in that it is centred at The College For Officer Training in Winnipeg, but it is not limited to that location. Cadets take most of their course work at the CFOT campus, but also at Booth University College. Field placements in Winnipeg form the heart of cadet ministries, but opportunities are created to practice leadership in other parts of the territory, and even internationally. CFOT has a strong life of communal worship, which nurtures personal spiritual discipline, small groups, mentoring relationships, and joins with other expressions of the Christian church in ecumenical worship.
CFOT’s campus-based program has many components. However, it’s primary goal is to produce officers who “know God, know themselves and know their mission.” To accomplish this, the program trains cadets:
- to understand the Christian scriptures which disclose God’s salvation story
- to understand The Salvation Army’s story within the wider church
- to understand the context of the 21st century and how it impacts our mission
- to understand those practices that will enable salvationists to have a transforming influence on our communities
The program for officer training takes place in three phases:
1. Introduction to Officership Course
Completion of the Introduction to Officership course is a mandatory prerequisite to the training program at CFOT. This is a three credit hour course which involves studies in the Bible, The Salvation Army, and the tasks and relationships of officers.
2. CFOT Program of Studies
The CFOT Program of Studies leads to the Certificate of Salvation Army Officership, and the ordination of cadets. This program normally takes place over a 22 month period in Winnipeg. There are three main elements to this program: academic studies, spiritual formation and field training. While there is an integrity to each of these elements, there is also intentional integration so that they are experienced as a cohesive program of studies.
Academic Studies
The program of academic studies is designed specifically for future Salvation Army officers. While cadets may take certain courses with other students, most course syllabi are designed with future officers in mind.
The College For Officer Training is associated with Booth University College. This means that all courses are taught as accredited courses, and can lead toward the eventual completion of a Bachelor of Arts (General) in Biblical and Theological Studies degree from BUC. Some cadets may already have taken post secondary education, and because of this some adjustments to their program at CFOT may be considered. Normally all cadets will be required to take the equivalent of a full course load during their training. The chart below provides an overview of the two year training program.
Click here for a detailed list of courses being offered at CFOT. For more information contact Major Margaret McLeod, Director of Academic Studies. Click here to leave a comment or to receive more information.
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The spiritual formation program affords a very deliberate opportunity for cadets to engage in both corporate and individual spiritual formation. This happens through varying elements e.g. chapels, In Sundays, mentoring relationships, in-class instruction and assignments. For more information on the spiritual formation program click here.
During a cadet’s training, various opportunities are provided to facilitate practical learning and development of ministry skills. A rotation schedule will take first year cadets to many different locations in Winnipeg where cadets will observe the work of practitioners both inside and outside The Salvation Army. Opportunity for dialogue and reflection on these experiences within field training labs provides a very helpful form of learning. In-class instruction linked with practical experience by way of assigned internships assists cadets in achieving their field learning goals. Cadets will also sent on a two-week winter assignment and an eight week summer assignment in July and August. For more information on the field program click here.
3. Post-Commissioning Program
Upon successful completion of the officer training program, a commissioned officer will continue with a program of development for five years. This program, which includes a residential course at Jackson’s Point, is designed to lead towards confirmation of officership.
To learn more about our other training models, simply click on the highlighted titles below:
- Full Time Residential Training: Cadets train on site, in Winnipeg, for two years with occasional variations depending on their prior learning.
- Auxiliary-Captain Training: Training is completed in approximately five years, while assuming the responsibilities for an appointment.
- Field-Based Tailored Training: Cadets with significant prior learning and ministry competance train at a Salvation Army ministry unit rather than at CFOT.
If you have further questions about officer training or any of the information on this website please leave us a comment and we will do our best to get back to you. To leave a comment or ask us a question please Click here.
