Ecclesia Theological College & Seminary, Dimapur held its 22nd Commencement Ceremony on April 16. (Photo Courtesy: ETCS)
Dimapur, April 18 (MExN): The Ecclesia Theological College & Seminary (ETCS), Dimapur held its 22nd Commencement Ceremony on April 16 at its campus, conferring degrees upon 36 students in the presence of parents, sponsors, church leaders, and well-wishers.
Among the graduates, 19 received Bachelor of Theology degrees, 14 were awarded Master of Divinity, and three completed the Master of through the distance-learning course.
The commencement address was delivered by Rev Dr H Gideon, General Secretary of the Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations (FNBA), who spoke on the topic “Shining faithfully in a watching world” drawing from Matthew 5:14-16.
Dr Gideon reminded the graduating students that the world constantly observes their lives, words, conduct, faith and character, calling them to live carefully and shine faithfully. He described graduation as a transition “from learning to living,” stating that the graduates were being sent out not merely with certificates but as light bearers into a world increasingly dark both spiritually and relationally.
Emphasising that Jesus’ declaration “You are the light of the world” establishes the believer’s identity before issuing the command to shine, he said light is not produced by human effort but reflects the Christ within. Citing Colossians 1:27, 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 realities of ministry, Dr Gideon 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, adding that while people may reject theology, they cannot ignore a transformed life.
Clarifying the connection between light and good works, he stated that such works are not the basis of salvation but the evidence of it. Drawing from Reformation teaching associated with Martin Luther, he said true faith is never alone but accompanied by a transformed life.
Speaking on the ultimate goal of ministry, Dr Gideon affirmed that it is the glory of God, encouraging students to live so that people would recognise the greatness of God rather than praise the individual.
He acknowledged that not all graduates would serve in prominent settings, with some called to remote villages, conflict zones, or challenging environments. Drawing inspiration from William Carey, who laboured faithfully in India despite years of hardship, he encouraged the students to remain steadfast in difficult circumstances.
The speaker cautioned that one’s light can be hidden by fear of rejection, spiritual fatigue, desire for human approval, compromise, or weariness in faith, challenging the graduates to boldly shine their light even at personal cost.
Earlier, a welcome address was delivered by Rev Dr Vikheshe Chishi, Founder and Principal of ETCS. The ceremony also witnessed the presentation of awards recognising outstanding achievements among the graduates.
