Dimapur, October 25: Baptist Theological College Students’ Association (BTCSA) celebrated its 25th Anniversary on October 21 in the College premises on the theme “Integrating faith and knowledge for holistic ministry.”
Speaking on the theme, the anniversary guest speaker Kuholi Chishi, Additional Director of Higher Education, expounded that the word ‘integration’ has become relevant in today’s context especially in the ministry. Stating that we live in a diverse world, she said integrating various types of people, cultures, tribes and individual will make a beautiful society.
For effective ministry, she said integration of faith and knowledge are a prerequisite for holistic ministry as they are two sides of a same coin, adding one is not complete without the other. However, while integrating, she cautioned not to lose ones’ distinct identity of Christianity.She urged the members to imitate the life of St. Paul and others who had integrated their faith with various knowledge and cultures but maintained their distinct belief in God.
She said theological community is called to ‘come’ for learning and ‘go’ out for ministry. She advised that learning process may be tough but that it is necessary for going out to do holistic ministry.
The speaker concluded by saying that it is important to be critical at and sensitive towards the issues and aspirations of the people and their environment for conducting holistic ministry.
The guest speaker also inaugurated Life Skills Training Institute initiated by BTC Alumni Association. The institute aims to impart various trainings to theological students to be self-reliant economically to connect theology with people’s daily experiences.
Rev. Dr. Vezopa Tetseo, Executive Secretary of CBCC; Rev. Dr. Yiepetso Wezah, Principal of BTC; Rev. Dr. Akheto Sema, Principal of ETC, Jorhat; Principal of Pfutsero College; BTC Alumni, BTC faculty and staff, students and many well wishers joined in the celebration.
The College, which began with only 29 students 25 years ago, has 214 students today.
