Challenged to Engage Scripture: 2024 Graduate Charles Banda

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my transformative experience at African Christian College. I already had a strong faith and a passion for theology, but I lacked the knowledge and skills to truly engage with the complexities of the Christian faith. My time at African Christian College has completely changed my life’s trajectory and equipped me with the tools and understanding to make a meaningful impact in the world.

One of the biggest changes is in my thinking. African Christian College challenged me to engage critically with the Bible and theology. I learned to approach scripture with a deeper understanding of its historical and cultural context and to grapple with the text’s complications and tensions. This has not only deepened my faith but also given me the ability to engage with others in a more thoughtful and respectful manner.

As a student from a different cultural background, African Christian College challenged me to critically examine my assumptions and biases and to learn from and engage with the diverse perspectives of my peers.

Charles Banda, 2024 Graduate

Regarding skills and abilities, African Christian College equipped me with the tools to communicate my faith and theology to others effectively. Through demanding academic study and practical ministry experience, I honed my abilities to articulate and defend my beliefs and engage in meaningful dialogue with those of different faith traditions.

Spiritually, African Christian College was a place of growth and transformation for me. The community provided a nurturing and supportive environment to explore and deepen my faith. Through chapel services, prayer groups, and intentional discipleship, I was challenged to grow in my relationship with God and to live out my faith in an authentic and meaningful way.

One of my favorite memories is the sense of community and fellowship I experienced on campus. The friendships and contacts I made with fellow students from different countries like Sudan, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana, South Africa, Eswatini, my fellow Malawians, and Zimbabwe have been invaluable and have enriched my time in countless ways.

The most surprising and challenging thing I learned was the importance of cultural sensitivity and contextualization in ministry. As a student from a different cultural background, African Christian College challenged me to critically examine my assumptions and biases and to learn from and engage with the diverse perspectives of my peers.

As I look to the next chapter in my life, I am confident I am well-prepared. The knowledge, skills, and spiritual formation I received will serve as a strong foundation for whatever path I pursue in my home congregation, family, and community. I am excited to live out my faith and engage the world in a meaningful and impactful way, and I am grateful to African Christian College for equipping me for this journey.

For anyone considering enrolling at African Christian College, I wholeheartedly recommend it. The spiritual and academic programmes, the supportive community, and the practical ministry experience make it an exceptional place to learn and grow. The faculty and staff are deeply committed to the success of their students, and the opportunities for personal and spiritual growth are abundant.