Class of 2022 graduates of Oriental Theological Seminary presenting a message in song during its 27th Commencement Exercises and Asia Graduate School of Theology North East India (AGST-NEI) 1st Commencement Exercises held on July 26 in Bade, Dimapur. (Photo Courtesy: OTS)
OTS celebrates 27th Commencement Exercises & 1st Commencement Exercises of AGST-NEI
Morung Express News
Bade | June 27
Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS) celebrated its 27th Commencement Exercises and the 1st Commencement Exercises of Asia Graduate School of Theology North East India (AGST-NEI) at OTS Chapel Hall Bade, Dimapur on June 26.
Altogether 49 graduates were awarded degrees in different disciplines-Nine graduates from the Degree of Master of Theology (MTh)-AGST-NEI, three graduates from the Degree of Master of Theology (MTh)-OTS, 30 graduates from the Degree of Master of Divinity (MDiv), six graduates from the Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling (MACC) and one graduate from the Diploma in Clinical Counseling (DCC).
Speaker for the evening, Rev Dr Akheto Sema, General Secretary, Council of Baptist Churches in North East India spoke on “Re-visioning theological education and ministerial formation in these challenging times.”
Dr Sema listed four major challenges facing the society today-globalization, change of climatic condition, social-political and religious concern and post-modern philosophies and ideologies. He dwelt on each challenge and how the church and the theological community can no longer shy away from the day-to-day problems facing the society.
“More seriously, coming to our own Indian context, the social-political and religious situations today are big challenges before us,” he stated. In this post-Christian era, he said that “we live in an information age and we tend to succumb to false but readily believed information without critically studying the matter. Salvation is now and not hereafter.”
Dr Sema also gave his thoughts and suggestions to the theological community. He said that “we must change our narrow view of things around us, and broaden our reach,” implying that the mission field is large and huge to cover. He also talked about the need for a paradigm shift in thoughts and actions and to think beyond one’s jurisdiction and one’s community.
“There are larger and bigger communities. We cannot remain croaking in the well. We have to move out to a large world and expand our dreams and visions for the Lord’s work. Our ideas alone are not enough, we need other’s ideas and insights too in order to grow.”
He further stated that “we cannot minimize Christ, who is the foundation of our faith.” Theological community must be on guard against false teachings and wrong doctrines like, ‘I am ok with it,’ ‘all roads lead to the same destination,’ which are based on ‘religious pluralism,’ Dr Sema asserted.
He urged upon the gathering to challenge those giants without fear. “Goliaths are around us. We must be Davids today.”
“Are we ready to grapple with fast growing issues? He said that issues such as ‘homosexuality, divorce and live-in cultures’ are no longer alien, “but have reached our door steps and our homes.”
“Let us be reminded that Jesus was very ‘woke.’ He was against what was wrong. He had to sacrifice his life for what was right in the sight of God and people,” suggesting that it was important to rethink the way ministry is carried out. He further urged upon the graduates to never compromise on the word and continue to extend the Kingdom of God.
As a concluding message especially to the graduating class, Dr Sema quoted Luke 10:3 and Ephesians 5:15 from the Bible. “As you move out from here, know that you are sent to the world. You need to face the challenges in the name of Christ…Let Christ be the centre to hold, lest you fall.”
