Nelson's Bishopdale College is celebrating eleven new graduates in theology and ministry who graduated on 27 March, the Friday before holy week.

Speaking at the graudation was the Rev Dr Maja Whitaker, who is academic dean for Bishopdale College’s academic partner, Laidlaw College. Dr Whitaker praised the students for their hard work, reminding them that theological study is in itself “a sacrificial act of worship”.

Bishop of Nelson Steve Maine picked up an additional qualification at the ceremony, gaining his post-graduate degree in theology, focused on advanced studies in ministry supervision. 

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) each shared testimonies of their time studying at Bishopdale.

The graduates spoke of a strong community at the College, saying they had appreciated all the support shown by faculty. German student Daniela Hayer said the staff were known for “loving, encouraging, appreciating, and championing the students”.

Each of the graduates noted the impact their study had made in their lives, often in unexpected ways.

“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.

“...[Then] I realised I was already in ministry. It just looked a little bit different to how I thought it would.”

Dean of Bishopdale College, the Rev Dr Andrew Burgess, also known as 'Burge', gave an address based on the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5.22.

“The fruit of the Spirit is all about relationship.” he said, setting out how love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are all aspects of how we as Christians and Christian leaders choose to interact with one another. 

 “...that makes sense to me, because God is all about relationship.” 

Burge explained how alongside theological learning and practical ministry skills, Bishopdale College aims to develop the character of their faculty, board and students.

"We can’t represent God in the world," he 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?” he asked.

Bishopdale College was established by the Diocese of Nelson to provide theological education for ministry for the diocese which upholds the beliefs of the Anglican Community of St Mark and is "proudly Anglican with an evangelical flavour". The Diocese of Nelson describes itself as "more ‘low church’ and charismatic overall than other Anglican dioceses."

Bishopdale College's academic partner Laidlaw College is an Auckland-based Brethren-founded theological college which today provides theological education to students from across a number of Protestant evangelical churches.

 This article is based on reporting by Petra Oomen.