11 Bishopdale College students graduated on Friday – including someone you might not have expected… Bishop Steve Maina!
The assembly was greeted by Rev Dr Maja Whitaker, academic dean of Laidlaw College, Bishopdale College’s partner. She praised the students for their hard work, and called theological study “a sacrificial act of worship”.
Daniela Hayer and Hana Wood (Level 5 Diploma in Christian Studies), Kimberly Rea (Graduate Diploma in Theology), and Rev Alice Kinyua (Bachelor of Theology with Honours) shared testimonies of their time studying at Bishopdale. They spoke of a strong community at the college, appreciating the support shown by faculty. Daniela, from Germany, said that the staff were “loving, encouraging, appreciating, and championing the students”.
They noted the impact that study made in their lives, often in unexpected forms. “I entered my study thinking that I'd be heading back overseas long term on mission or going into ministry,” said Kimberly, who works as a retirement village activities coordinator, “when I realised I was already in ministry. It just looked a little bit different to how I thought it would.”
Dean of Bishopdale College Andrew Burgess – known as Burge – gave an address based on the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
“The fruit of the Spirit is all about relationship,” Burge said, “and that makes sense to me, because God is all about relationship.” Alongside theological learning and practical outworking, Bishopdale College aims to develop the character of their faculty, board and students. We can’t represent God in the world, Burge argued, if we aren’t made more like him.
“I can go on about who God is with great joy for a long, long time. But if who I am doesn't reflect that, then who wants to listen to me?”
As the graduates return to work, ministry, family or further study, may their learning and friendships deepen and continue to bless them in their next chapters.
If you’d like to grow in your own understanding of God and his Word, while developing your character and making lasting connections with other Christians, consider studying at Bishopdale College! Learn more on their website.
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We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
11 Bishopdale College students graduated on Friday – including someone you might not have expected… Bishop Steve Maina!
The assembly was greeted by Rev Dr Maja Whitaker, academic dean of Laidlaw College, Bishopdale College’s partner. She praised the students for their hard work, and called theological study “a sacrificial act of worship”.
Daniela Hayer and Hana Wood (Level 5 Diploma in Christian Studies), Kimberly Rea (Graduate Diploma in Theology), and Rev Alice Kinyua (Bachelor of Theology with Honours) shared testimonies of their time studying at Bishopdale. They spoke of a strong community at the college, appreciating the support shown by faculty. Daniela, from Germany, said that the staff were “loving, encouraging, appreciating, and championing the students”.
They noted the impact that study made in their lives, often in unexpected forms. “I entered my study thinking that I'd be heading back overseas long term on mission or going into ministry,” said Kimberly, who works as a retirement village activities coordinator, “when I realised I was already in ministry. It just looked a little bit different to how I thought it would.”
Dean of Bishopdale College Andrew Burgess – known as Burge – gave an address based on the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
“The fruit of the Spirit is all about relationship,” Burge said, “and that makes sense to me, because God is all about relationship.” Alongside theological learning and practical outworking, Bishopdale College aims to develop the character of their faculty, board and students. We can’t represent God in the world, Burge argued, if we aren’t made more like him.
“I can go on about who God is with great joy for a long, long time. But if who I am doesn't reflect that, then who wants to listen to me?”
As the graduates return to work, ministry, family or further study, may their learning and friendships deepen and continue to bless them in their next chapters.
If you’d like to grow in your own understanding of God and his Word, while developing your character and making lasting connections with other Christians, consider studying at Bishopdale College! Learn more on their website.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
