DIMAPUR, APRIL 17 (MExN): Ecclesia Theological College and Seminary (ETCS) held its 22nd Commencement Ceremony at its Dimapur campus on Wednesday, conferring degrees on 36 students across three programmes.
The graduating batch comprised 19 students from the Bachelor of Theology, 14 from the Master of Divinity, and three from the Distance Course in Master of Divinity. The ceremony was attended by parents, sponsors, church leaders, and well-wishers of the graduates.
The programme was chaired by Inkali Zhimo, Lecturer at ETCS, and commenced with a prayer by Xükhüpu, President of the Alumni Association. The welcome address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Vikheshe Chishi, Founder and Principal of ETCS, who acknowledged the Executive Committee Chairman, board members, faculty, and staff, along with special invitees.
The commencement address was delivered by Rev. Dr. H. Gideon, General Secretary of the Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations (FNBA), who spoke on the theme "Shining Faithfully in a Watching World," drawing from Matthew 5:14-16.
He told the graduating students that the world around them is constantly observing their lives, words, conduct, faith, and character. "Graduation marks a transition from learning to living," he said, adding that the graduates were not merely receiving certificates but were being sent out as light bearers into a world that is "increasingly dark, spiritually and relationally."
Highlighting the brokenness within families and communities, Rev. Dr. Gideon remarked that the need of the hour is not more graduates, but individuals who can reflect the light of Christ.
He stressed that Jesus' declaration — "You are the light of the world" — establishes the believer's identity before issuing any command to shine. Light, he said, is not something produced by human effort but something that reflects Christ from within. Citing Paul's letter to the Colossians, he affirmed that "Christ in you is the hope of glory," urging students to manifest Christ in their lives rather than rely solely on academic knowledge.
Addressing the practical realities of ministry, the speaker noted that "light does not fight darkness but simply shines, causing darkness to disappear." He encouraged the graduates to shine through truthful preaching, integrity in character, and humility in service, cautioning against the pursuit of popularity or personal ambition.
"While people may reject theology," he said, "they cannot ignore a transformed life."
Rev. Dr. Gideon also drew on the example of William Carey, recounting how the missionary laboured faithfully in India through years of hardship and little visible success, yet ultimately left a lasting impact. He urged the students to remain steadfast even in difficult circumstances.
He cautioned the graduates that their light could be dimmed by fear of rejection, spiritual fatigue, desire for human approval, and compromise. "To be the light," he said, "is to embody Christ in character, conduct, and conviction."
Closing his address, Rev. Dr. Gideon affirmed that the graduates are not merely recipients of degrees but are "the light of the world," called to shine faithfully wherever they are placed.
The ceremony also recognised outstanding achievements among the graduating class. The Principal's Award for Academic Excellence was conferred on Ms. M. Tsarihla (M.Div.) and Mr. Nim Tsering Rai (B.Th.). The Resilience Award went to Mr. Moses Van Zung Basi and Mr. Salai Lain Bawikung, both of B.Th.
The Christian Leadership Award was presented to Mr. Y. Moilang (M.Div.), the Mrs. Hovili V. Chishi Memorial Award for Best in Preaching to Mr. Onen (M.Div.), and the Mrs. V. Kakheli Award for Best in Discipline to Vikhamshi K (M.Div.).
The congregation sang the hymn "Onward Christian Soldiers" in response to the commencement address. The benediction was offered by Rev. Dr. Athsan Yimchunger, Chairman of the ETCS Executive Committee, followed by the recession.
