Faith Theological Seminary 10th Convocation held

‘True spirituality is not only right biblical beliefs but right action’

Morung Express News
Jotsoma | June 1  

Shifting from the usual paradigm of spirituality in Naga society, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho today stated that “true spirituality is not only right biblical beliefs but right action.” Delivering the valedictory message at the 10th Convocation of the Faith Theological Seminary (FTS), Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary, NBCC stressed on the essence of true Christian spirituality to the 33 graduating students from the B.Th (Regular Study), B.Th(Extension Study), M.Div (Regular Study) and M.Div (Extension Study) of the Seminary.  

Advising the graduating students, the NBCC general secretary said that their achievement and success will not depend on their degrees and the amount of knowledge but on how well they translate this knowledge to the realities of other people’s lives.  

“Your theological knowledge should be brought down to their level, level of struggles in their day to day life, level of successes and even failures. These are the hard realities of life. The moment you detach yourself from these realities, your message will lose its relevancy,” remarked Keyho pointing out that the graduation event is not the end but is a commencement to a new beginning, while supplementing with a quote by South American theologian Alvin Padilla, “The final grade for theological literacy is not to be given by the seminary; That grade is merely the midterm. The final grade comes as the emerging theologian stands before his/her community and interpret life for them.”  

Keyho exhorted the students that the people they will serve are not interested in grades and degrees but are drawn towards one’s spiritual grade, inter-personal skills and lifestyles.   The people the theologian will serve, according to Keyho are more interested in ‘how you incarnate the gospel in your life; how you interpret the bible to your personal life so that it overflows into their lives.’  

Zelhou further highlighted three points of guidance to the graduating students. “First, to call ourselves theologically literate is no easy task. It takes determination, commitment and hard work. Leaving our comfort zone is not an easy task. We are called to leave our fishing net which is the sole source of survival and to become a fishers of men/women. And to do that is, to pick up our cross. The gift for you as Theological graduates is, THE CROSS”.  

The essence of executing one’s beliefs beyond surface spirituality was stressed where Keyho pointed out that the Christians are being blamed today for being too worldly ‘in our nature of doing church perhaps that is because we have stayed too far from God.’  

“Simplicity which is the mark of Christianity is now swallowed by greed and competition. When spirituality is misplaced, simplicity in ministry is missed,” asserted Keyho.  

Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, Ngovetso Lohe, B.Th stated that the graduating students will leave the seminary trained and well equipped to handle bigger responsibilities, and the knowledge that has been imparted on the students will continue to produce better outcomes in future. “Hardwork is not an easy way but is definitely a sure way to success,” said the graduating student.  

To commemorate the 10th convocation special awards were presented outstanding students. The awardees in the M.Div (Regular Study) were Keheizungle Cerai (Academic Best Student), Shovetalü (Best Thesis) and Kevi Gwirie (Leadership Best Student). In the M.Div extension study, Shothalü was awarded the Best Academic student while Hungoilu Nienu was awarded the Best Women Pastoral Ministry.  

In the B.Th (Regular study), the awardees were Khotolü Keyho (Best Academic student), Dziesengulie Angami (Pulpit Award), Zuvithsü Tsangkhuru (Best Character Student), Rangmolica Kholia (Most Improved Student), Ngovetsi (All round Student). L. Talichuba Sangtam from the B.Th (Extension Study) was awarded as the Best Evangelism student. The degrees and awards were presented by Rev. Dr. Visielie Angami, Principal FTS Choir.