Mission:

Equipping the People of God for the Work of God

VISTA nurtures and equips the lay people of God on Vancouver Island.

The purpose of Vancouver Island School of Theology and Arts Society (VISTA) is to equip the Christian community on Vancouver Island in higher education through the promotion of Christian theology and the arts by:

1. Offering bi-annual theology conferences

2. Offering retreats, public lectures, and courses promoting Christian Theology and the Arts

3. Establishing creative partnerships with Christian universities and seminaries 

4. Promoting a place of learning across denominations

Statement of Faith – Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Reflection on Difference, Unity, and Core Truth Focus

At VISTA, we come from many church traditions, yet we stand together on the foundation of the Apostles’ Creed and the truth that every person is wonderfully made in God’s image. We believe our differences can deepen, not divide, our fellowship. In our courses, we focus on what we hold in common—growing in faith, wisdom, and love. Our courses are dedicated to equipping the people of God for the work of God, fostering learning, respect, and spiritual growth without promoting or debating denominational distinctives.