There’s no better place in the world to learn how to preach than Artizo

By Jacob Vandiver – graduate Jun 2024

Since graduating from Artizo, I’ve been serving as a curate at St. John’s Vancouver in a part-time capacity as I’ve finished my degree at Regent College this past academic year. Very soon I’m beginning a 3-year full-time curacy with St. John’s where I’ll continue to pastor young adults, preach and lead at the 6pm service, and gain experience in various aspects of ordained pastoral ministry. I’ve also been appointed as the chaplain for the Anglican Studies program at Regent College. In this role, I’ll serve as a pastor to Regent students seeking connection with the Anglican Diocese of Canada and foster Anglican spiritual practices at the college – daily morning prayer and weekly Holy Communion.

The training and experience I received through Artizo have been invaluable for me as I’ve stepped into ordained ministry this past year. The training in bible-based ministry (exegesis, sermon prep, bible study) prepared me to take up the ministry of the Word for the sanctification of God’s people (John 17:17). This is an office that is both very excellent and very difficult. However, the training I received through Artizo has helped me develop tools and wisdom for rightly handling the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). My time in Artizo prepared me to take up this weighty vocation with joy and confidence.

Artizo also gave me exposure to working in the local church alongside staff and volunteers. This experience was so helpful as I stepped into a staff position myself and began working with volunteers on a daily and weekly basis. My time as an Artizo apprentice made my transition to a staff member very natural and easy because I came in with exposure to the weekly happenings of behind-the-scenes church life.

Someone once told me that “there’s no better place in the world to learn how to preach than Artizo.” I found this to be true! And I also found much more: Artizo is a wonderful program to prepare for a life of vocational ministry in the local church. The experience and training you get in Artizo prepares you to serve God’s people in this challenging and wonderful way.