A Minute from the rector
Congratulations to the 2025–2026
Graduates of European Nazarene College!
What Does Theological Education Look Like?
Sometimes it looks like a diploma held proudly in a graduate's hands. Sometimes it looks like a pastor kneeling for ordination. Sometimes it looks like a student staying up late after work to finish an assignment. And sometimes it looks like churches, families, faculty members, mentors, and district leaders gathering together to celebrate what God has done.
This year, the story of European Nazarene College was written across six countries.
In Moncalieri, graduates were recognised during District Assembly worship. In Frankenthal, a district convention paused to celebrate the first ADAT graduate of the Germany Learning Centre and the first Salvation Army graduate in that context. In Tirana, graduates stood alongside alumni, including the very first graduate of the Albania–Kosova Learning Centre. In Zaragoza, Spain, local churches gathered around graduates who are already serving as pastors and ministry leaders. In Astana, Kazahstan, graduates from Russia and Central Asia received their awards together, demonstrating that Christian education continues to unite believers across languages, cultures, and borders. In Zaanstad, graduates, students, district leaders, and church members gathered for a celebration that combined graduation, testimonies, and ordinations, reminding us that theological education is not separate from ministry but deeply woven into the life of the Church.
The numbers themselves tell an encouraging story. Sixteen students graduated from seven Learning Centres. Three completed the Advanced Diploma in Applied Theology. Six completed the Diploma in Christian Ministry. Seven received the Certificate in Spiritual Formation. Two graduates received Cum Laude honours, and one graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Yet the deeper story is not found in the numbers.
The deeper story is that local churches invested in future leaders. Faculty members taught faithfully. Learning Centre teams organised classes, mentored students, and encouraged them through difficult seasons. Families sacrificed time and resources. Students persevered through ministry responsibilities, work schedules, family commitments, economic uncertainty, and the ordinary challenges of life.
And God was faithful.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that "neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." Across Eurasia, we have witnessed that growth. We have seen students receive their first district licences. We have celebrated ordinations. We have watched alumni assume new pastoral and leadership responsibilities. We have seen graduates continue their studies and deepen their commitment to Christ and His Church.
Theological education is never merely about information. It is about formation. It is about men and women becoming more faithful disciples, more effective servants, and more Christlike leaders. Every certificate, diploma, and degree represents a story of transformation. Every graduation ceremony represents a community affirming God's work in the life of another believer.
As we celebrate the Class of 2025–2026, we rejoice not only in what has been completed but also in what lies ahead. The graduates leave with certificates and diplomas, but more importantly they continue with a calling: to love God, serve the Church, proclaim the gospel, and participate in God's mission in the world.
For this, we give thanks.
To God be the glory.
"One School in Many Nations"
Most colleges hold one graduation ceremony each year. EuNC tells a different story.
As a decentralized, multilingual college serving students across many nations, EuNC celebrates graduation where ministry happens. Rather than gathering everyone in a single location, graduates are honoured within their local churches, district assemblies, conventions, and ministry communities. Throughout the year, celebrations take place in different countries, languages, and cultural contexts, yet each ceremony remains part of one shared EuNC story.
What may appear as many graduations is, in reality, one college celebrating God's faithfulness in many places. From local congregations to district gatherings, from Europe to Central Asia, graduates are recognised by the communities that have prayed for them, supported them, and served alongside them throughout their educational journey.
Each ceremony is unique. Together, they form a beautiful picture of a single college, united in mission, multiplying its impact across nations.
With joy and gratitude,
Mária Gusztinné Tulipán
Rector, European Nazarene College
