Piula Theological College
Mission Statement: Piula Theological College is commissioned to recruit, nourish, nurture and equip the body, mind and soul of the generations of Samoa Methodist Church stewards who have answered the calling to make disciples and baptize in the name of the risen Lord, Jesus Christ.
Governance: Piula Theological College is responsible to the General Conference of the Samoa Methodist Church. Since its initial inception in 1868, the Samoa Methodist Church has faithfully watched over the institution in terms of financial needs, physical growth and general development and maintenance up to the present.
Administration: The General Conference of the Samoa Methodist Church appoints the following administrative bodies: Komiti Piula, Academic Board of Studies, Principal and Faculty.
History: The training institute which was commenced at Satupaitea in 1859 was transferred to Lufilufi in 1868. It was given the name of Piula some 32 years later. The name is a transliteration of Beulah meaning married. The implication is that Piula College is married to the Lord. While the education received in class could be called "western" or "European" in its approach, methods, and history, candidates are encouraged to appreciate the excellence of their own Samoan culture and to take part in a proper manner in Samoan custom and society. The emphasis throughout its history has been on both intellectual and manual work.
Accreditation: Piula Theological College Diploma in Theology and Bachelor of Divinity programmes are accredited by the South Pacific Association of Theological Schools (SPATS).
College Calendar: The College operates on a two-semester system, based on the Methodist General Conference Calendar Year. Semester One runs from August to December and Semester Two from February to July.
Courses: The college offers a Diploma in Theology course and degree courses.
The Diploma in Theology course is a four-year program of study. This is the minimal qualification for graduates to be recruited as ministers of the Samoa Methodist Church. It consists of 42 units. A candidate must have reached the age of 25 years and must have completed Year 13 Education Level or its equivalent. The candidate must go through certain selection processes within the relevant synod of the Samoa Methodist Church, pass the College Entrance Examination and be interviewed by a panel comprising the Methodist Church Executive Committee. The objectives of the course are (a) to train the candidates to become well equipped ministers of the Word and be responsible for the church ministry; (b) to make available knowledge that leads to an appreciation of a Samoan perspective on the Gospel; (c) to create in the candidates the appreciation and importance of Methodism as an instrument of God's grace; (d) to prepare candidates to become resourceful and economically aware of means and ways to improve people's standard of living; (e) to train candidates to acquire authentic and trustworthy leadership. Apart from satisfactorily completing the 42 units of the course, a student must do assigned field work and gain the approval of the faculty.
The Degree Programme operates in two categories: the Bachelor of Theology course is a two-year programme, while the Bachelor of Divinity is a three-year programme opening doors to post-graduate studies. The objectives are (1) to prepare candidates to enhance their learning abilities thus exploring opportunities to know more about God's purpose in Ministry; (2) to provide opportunities for advanced theological studies that will promote independent research and academic competency; (3) to provide relevant and appropriate training in biblical and theological studies which prepare the candidates to confront new challenges to the church and contemporary issues in ministry (social, economic, political and ecological, women, youth, sects and other faiths); (4) to promote and maintain ecumenical partnership with other local theological institutions; (5) to encourage mutual relationship with regional and global theological institutions. Admission to the degree programme is granted to Piula Theological College graduates with B+ in Diploma of Theology, diploma graduates of the college with a B average who have been in the ministry for a minimum of two years, a student with B+ Diploma of Theology from another recognized institution, other secular diploma or degrees from recognized institutions, part-time or in-service candidates who have been working in ministry for several years.
Language: While classroom lectures are delivered both in English and Samoan, all written assignments, research papers, theses and exams are done in English only.
Fields of Study: Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Christian Theology, Church Ministries and Supporting Studies. There is also a Women's Programme designed to prepare faletua for their part in team ministry in the Methodist Church.
Principal: Rev. Dr Professor Fineaso Fa'alafi
Pictures left to right: The Principal, Dr Fineaso Fa'alafi; The old chapel; College choir; New assembly hall