Malua Theological College
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Malua Theological College is a post-secondary school in Apia, Samoa. Established in 1844, it is the oldest continuously operating seminary in the Pacific.[1] The school is a member of the South Pacific Association of Theological Schools.
MISSION STATEMENT
For more than one hundred and fifty six years, Malua Theological College has provided training for the ministry of the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa. Throughout these years, the College adapted and developed itself to meet the many changes in the life of Church and the Society it serves. However, it was recognised from the outset that the College would be required to develop and adapt to change in a rapidly changing world.
Society’s view and definition of reality have changed and will continue to change as social expectations evolve and new social issues emerge. Traditional values keep on changing as the theoretical and empirical aspects of culture change. In the academic arena, practically all intellectual disciplines, including Theology, are constantly developing their methodological assumptions and methods of interpretation.
It is important that the College continues to develop and adapt itself to these changes as they affect the ministry and the life of the Church.
A recent change of importance is the inauguration in 1997 of a degree programme. That change involves a significant development extension of the role of the College. In addition to and complementing the training of ministers for the Church’s congregations (the College’s traditional role), the College now also provides an advanced academic programme offering the degrees of Bachelor of Divinity and Bachelor of Theology, in addition to the Diploma in Theology.
Far from being mutually exclusive, these two features of the College’s role are not only inter-related but are in fact intended to be mutually reinforcing. Thus, since 1997 these have been the double foci of the role of the College.
While this new feature of its role does not entail a radical departure from the primary purpose for which the College was established, it is a clear indication that the College is developing and adapting its institutional objectives as the need to do so arise. It also underlines the role of the College as an academic institution.
In keeping with this two-fold role, courses at the College, while aiming for an academic standard of excellence will continue to have a practical orientation, and will emphasise aspects that are most relevant to the ministry of the church.
The aim is to provide quality theological education, and to equip students with knowledge and skills necessary for an effective ministry in the Church, a ministry undertaken of course within the constraints of political, economic and cultural structures and inevitably affected by the changes occurring thereto.
The College also aims at a national and international role by fostering and developing close links with other tertiary institutions, by means of staff/student interchanges sharing standards of excellence in spheres of specialisation.
The College is committed to the participation of its faculty members and students in developing and pursuing its objectives, as well as to the principles of equity and equal opportunity in theological education.
A BRIEF HISTORY
Malua Theological College was founded on September 24, 1844, by Revd. George Turner and Revd. Charles Hardie of the London Missionary Society. “For Jesus and His Church” – this became, and still is, the philosophy of the College; it encapsulates the intrinsic and unchanging nature of the College. Discussions concerning the establishment of the College began in 1840 when the need for an educational institution that would provide educated ministers became evident. But it was not until February 1844 that formal agreement was reached to establish such an institution. In September of the same year the College was officially founded. According to Turner, the College was established for the sole purpose of providing an educated minister for each congregation in Samoa and in other island communities of the Pacific.
A permanent site for the College was secured in the district of Saleimoa in an area known as Maluapapa or Malua, as it is now commonly called, situated approximately twelve miles west of the capital of Apia and about the same distance east of Faleolo International Airport.
The College offered its first courses on September 25, 1844, with twenty-five students, all single males aged between twelve and twenty four years, attending. In 1846, married students and their wives were admitted to the College, and from then on, the education of student’s wives became an integral part of the College’s programme.
The admission to the College of students from other Pacific islands such as Vanuatu, Niue, the Loyalty Islands, and New Caledonia within ten years of its founding was another very significant development. Writing in 1869, Turner pointed out that after only twenty five years since its beginning, about 1143 graduates, Samoans and other Pacific islanders, had gone from the College to serve in the mission fields in Samoa and elsewhere, providing clear evidence that the College was in fact fulfilling the primary purpose for which it was established.
The Fale Iupeli (Jubilee Hall), built to commemorate the College’s 50th year was officially opened in 1897. Since then that monumental building has been a permanent and notable feature of the College campus. Noteworthy also is the Fale Senetenari (Centenary Hall), which was erected to mark the 1944 celebration of the College’s one hundred years. Both buildings are currently used for community worship and other College functions.
Wide interest in the formation of a Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) led to a meeting held in the College in 1961 of various church leaders from around the Pacific region. In this meeting, an initial agreement was reached not only in respect of the formation of the Pacific Conference of Churches, but also in respect of the establishment of a regional theological institution.
The Pacific Theological College (PTC), opened in Fiji in 1966, has had a close relationship with the Malua Theological College since then, mainly through College graduates who have graduated from the PTC with either a Bachelor of Divinity or a Master of Theology and have become lecturers at the College since 1969.
The academic standard of the College is reported to have been significantly raised by Dr. John Bradshaw when he was principal of the College from 1956 to 1963. Dr. Bradshaw not only introduced new subjects such as Psychology, Pastoral Counselling, Homiletics and Greek into the curriculum, but he also made English the teaching language for all subjects. Dr. Bradshaw’s efforts to upgrade the academic standard of the College further led him to prepare a number of students to acquire their Certificates of ‘Proficiency in Religious Knowledge’ from London University.
Revd David Bowen, principal from 1964 to 1967, took the academic development of the College even further when he introduced Hebrew and Systematic Theology in the curriculum. In undertaking to improve the College library, Revd. David Bowen was able to obtain from the Theological Education Fund (TEF) a number of books, which added significantly to the collection. His wife, Gerda, in 1964 founded the first of such early childhood institution in Samoa.
Upon the expiry of Revd. David Bowen’s term of office the administration of the College was handed over to Samoan ministers who also were College graduates. The significance of this change of leadership for the Samoan people was profound. The change of leadership in 1967 was a signal that the College had come of age. Revd. Mila Sapolu was the first Samoan Principal of the College.
On September 24, 1994, the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa commemorated with pride and thanksgiving one hundred and fifty years since the founding of the College. Reflecting on the events of the commemoration, a former student of the College observed that the celebration ended with a clear affirmation of the importance of theological education in Samoa, and the greater role that the College would play in it. Indeed the essential nature of the College shall remain, ‘For Jesus and His Church’, and there must be a continuing commitment to the progressive development of its academic programme as well.
By resolution of the General Assembly of the Church in May 1996, the proposal for the degree programme was given formal approval. The implementation of this programme has become the responsibility of Revd Prof. Otele Perelini. After extensive planning and organisation, the degree programme began in 1997.
By the authority of the General Assembly of the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa, the College is empowered to confer degrees and award diplomas as follows:
Bachelor of Divinity (BD)
Bachelor of Theology (BTh)
Diploma in Theology (DipTh)
ORGANISATION
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CHURCH In so far as the General Assembly is the Supreme Council of the Church it is therefore the governing authority of the Church’s Theological College as well. While the constitutional authority to make resolutions pertaining to general matters affecting the Church and her different institutions (such as the College) is vested in the General Assembly, the implementation of those resolutions falls to the Church’s various Committees. In the case of the College it is the Elders’ Committee.
THE ELDERS’ COMMITTEE Its membership comprises one elder Minister from each of the Church’s sub-districts in Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii and the United States of America. The functions of the Elders’ Committee include the appointment of the Principal of the College for a term of five years and the confirmation of the annual reports of the Board of Malua Theological College.
THE BOARD OF MALUA THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE This is the Executive and Advisory Body which oversees the management of the College. As a sub-Committee of the Elders’ Committee, the Board is thus under the authority of and accountable to the former, but with some degree of independent responsibility for the running of the College.
The functions of the Board include
(a) The implementation of all matters which, in its opinion, are conducive to and necessary for the development of the College.
(b) The appointment of the Vice-Principal of the College.
(c) The selection and appointment, or, if required the termination of the employment of lecturers of the College.
(d) The preparation of the annual budget for the College for submission to the Elders’ Committee for confirmation and presentation to the Finance Committee for action.
(e) In cases of urgent or unforeseen College financial requirements, the Board has the authority to refer them directly to the Finance Committee for appropriate action.
(f) The preparation and submission of reports of the Board’s own work to the Elders’ Committee, and through the latter to the General Assembly.
Membership of the Board comprises the Officers of the Elders’ Committee, all members of the Ministerial sub-Committee (a sub-committee of the preceding body), the Officers of the General Assembly and the Principal of the College.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Rev Risatisone Ete FT Chairman
BD Distinction (PTC)
Rev Tautiaga Senara FT Secretary BA, BTh, PGDipTh, MA (Otago)
Rev Amosa Amosa FT Vitoria
Rev Toese Peleti FT Niu Sauelese
Rev Kerita Reupena FT Kuiniselani
Rev Ioritana Tanielu FT Aukilani i Matu BD (PTC), ThM (Princeton)
Rev Tavita Taule’alo FT Aukilani i Saute
Rev Risatisone Ete FT Niu Sila i Saute
Rev Si’ueva Gogo FT Itu o Tane
Rev Tavita Roma FT Fa’asaleleaga
Rev Esekielu Tanielu FT Aana
Rev Apelu Lelevaga FT Malua
Rev Eteuati Pasia FT Faleata
Rev Lauina Vui FT Apia Sasae
Rev Kerisiano Soti FT Apia Sisifo LTh (Knox Coll. NZ), BA (NUS), BD (MTC)
Rev Tunumoso Iosia FT Falealili Sisifo
Rev Isaia Isaia FT Falealili Sasae
Rev Iosia Evile FT Hawaii
Rev Liki Tiatia FT Amerika BD (PTC), ThM (Princeton)
Rev Esekielu Tanielu FT Chairman of the General Assembly
Rev. Alama Atapana Moreli Alama IV FT * Vice Chairman of the General Assembly
Rev Dr. Iutisone Salevao General Secretary of the Church LLB (Otago), LLM Hons (Auckland), BTh, PhD (Otago)
Rev Iosefa Tiata Treasurer of the Church BCom, M. Entrepreneurship, BTh, MTh (Otago)
Rev Prof. Otele Perelini Principal of the College PhD (Edinburgh)
- Rev. Alama passed away - 26 January 2008.
FACULTY The Faculty functions under the authority of the Board of Malua Theological College, with a degree of independence in the administration and academic life of the College.
The Faculty recommends to the Board, and through the Board to the Elders’ Committee and the General Assembly, on the planning and supervision of the academic and general development of the College. The Faculty is thus responsible for the development of the College curriculum, the formulation of courses and requirements thereof, the establishment of examination procedures and approval of examination results, as well as the supervision and assessment of the progress of students.
A further function of the Faculty is to establish and endorse the Rules and Procedures relating to the admission of students to either of the two degree courses and the Diploma of Theology course, before their submission to the Board for approval.
It is the Faculty’s duty to establish and ensure the maintenance of the College’s academic standards. Its membership comprises the Principal, Vice Principal, and members of staff.
FACULTY & ADMINISTRATION
PRINCIPAL Otele Sili Perelini BD Distinction (PTC), STM (Yale), MPhil (St Andrews), PhD (Edinburgh) Ordained Minister of the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa Professor of New Testament Studies and Lecturer in Christian Ministry
VICE PRINCIPAL Featunai Ben Liua’ana BD Hons, MTh (PTC) PhD (ANU), Ordained Minister of the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa DEPARTMENT OF OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES Peniamina Leota BA (Victoria), BD Hons, MTh (PTC),PhD (Melbourne) Ordained Minister of the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa Lecturer in Old Testament Studies, Language and Literature
Eperone Futi BD Hons (PTC), ThM (Princeton) Ordained Minister of the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa Lecturer in Old Testament Studies, Language and Literature
Makesi Neemia BSc (Auckland), BD(MTC), MTh (PTC) Ordained minister of the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa Lecturer in Old Testament Studies, Language and Literature
Arthur Wulf BA (Victoria), BD (MTC), MTh (PTC) Ordained Minister of the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa Lecturer in Old Testament Studies, Language and Literature
Seilala Luamanuvae BTh (MTC), MTh (Th. UK) Lecturer in Old Testament Studies, Language and Literature
DEPARTMENT OF NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES Otele Perelini Lecturer in New Testament Studies, Language and Literature
Muao Su’a BSc (USP), BD (MTC), MTh (PTC) Ordained Minister of the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa Lecturer in New Testament Studies, Language and Literature
Saipele Maiava BTh (MTC), MTh (Th.UK) Lecturer in New Testament Studies, Language and Literature
Semo Tapaleao BSc (Auckland), BD (MTC), MTh (Th. UK) Lecturer in New Testament Studies, Language and Literature
Vaitusi Nofoaiga Dip. Teaching (Wellington), BA Victoria), BD (MTC), MTh Hons (Auckland) Lecturer in New Testament Studies, Language and Literature
Alesana Eteuati BD Hons (PTC), ThM (Princeton),PhD candidate (Otago) On study leave
DEPARTMENT OF CHURCH HISTORY Featunai Ben Liuaana Lecturer in Church History and Pastoral Theology
Latu Latai BA (NUS), BD (MTC), MTh Distinction (PTC) Lecturer in Church History
Arthur Wulf Lecturer in Church History
Aukilani Tuiai BSc. (Auck), BD (MTC), MTh (Geneva), PhD candidate (Charles Sturt Uni.) On study leave
DEPARTMENT OF THEOLOGY Ma’afala Lima BD (PTC), ThM (Princeton),PhD candidate (Melbourne) Ordained Minister of the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa Lecturer in Theology
Eletise Suluvale BD (MTC), PhD Sc (Adelaide) Lecturer in Theology
Semo Tapaleao Lecturer in Theology
Siu Vaifale BD Hons (PTC), MTh (Geneva), PhD candidate (Geneva) On study leave
Peletisala Lima BCA (Victoria), BD (MTC), MTh (PTC), PhD candidate (Charles Sturt Uni.) On study leave
DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Otele Perelini Lecturer in Christian Ethics & Pastoral Ministry
Sesera Tolova’a BD (PTC), Cert. Adv. Theo. Studies (Taiwan), MTh (PTC) Ordained Minister of the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa Lecturer in Practical Theology & Pastoral Ministry
Terry Pouono BA (Auckland), BD (MTC), MTh (Geneva) Lecturer in Christian Ethics & Pastoral Ministry
Featunai Ben Liua’ana Lecturer in Pastoral Ministry
Fa’alepo Tuisuga BTh (MCD), MTh (PTC) PhD candidate (Melbourne) On study leave
WRITING SKILLS
Featunai Liua’ana
Torise Neemia Dip.Tchg, BA, MA (Auckland), MTh (PTC)
ADMINISTRATION
Bursar Solipo Niulesa
Secretary / Typist Lapu’aisalele Tagaloa
Librarian Featunai Ben Liua’ana
Library Assistants Perise Virginia Liua’ana
Cert. Office Technology (Canberra), Cert. Early Childhood Ed. (USP)
Litara Tolova’a
Cert. in Women Studies (PTC)
Kindergarten Julie A. Perelini
BEd. (Massey), MEd.(Edinburgh)
Housing Faatafa Nefu
DipTh (MTC)
