Servanthood Bible College (SBC) celebrated the 35th graduation ceremony on April 15 at the college’s Chapel Hall.
Delivering the convocation address, secretary of Eleutheros Christian Society (ECS) Tuensang, Rev. Chingmak Chang, exhorted the graduating students to be grounded in faith and committed to a life of service.
Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Apostle Paul, Rev. Chang challenged the graduates to reflect on the legacy they would leave behind.
“Our faith should be like a burning fire” he emphasized, noting that without the fire of God, one cannot truly pass on the message of the Gospel.
He also urged the graduates to be like soldiers, resolute and undistracted by worldly matters or politics, and to stand firm in truth and integrity.
Highlighting the current challenges facing the church, Rev. Chang said there was a need for pastors who not only preach but also understand the struggles of the people. “If you cannot understand people’s problems, how can you serve them?” he questioned.
He also lamented that many preachers today rely on ready-made sermons found online.
“If the sermon doesn’t touch you, how will it touch the congregation?” he question, and encouraged the graduates to make their messages personal and rooted in their own spiritual journeys.
Rev. Chang concluded with a message of hope, expressing his belief that God would use the graduates in powerful ways to serve and transform lives.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by lecturer, Atozheli Sumi, invocation by Pastor, Rev. T. Moa, and welcome address by principal, SBC, Moa.
Sushenla K delivered a message on behalf of the graduating students, while scripture was read out by Dr. J. Meren from the New Testament, and Aren from the Old Testament.
Academic Dean, SBC, Dr. Hetoni Swu led the presentation of awards and conferred degrees to the graduating students, while dedicatory prayer was offered by the speaker and benediction by Pastor of Sangtam Lithro Church, Kohima, Rev. Thsadongse Sangtam.
Altogether, 66 students graduated, 21 of Bachelor of Theology, and 45 of Masters of Divinity.