SPATS Council Meeting 2026: Reweaving Theological Education in Oceania

St John the Baptist Theological College was privileged to participate in the South Pacific Association of Theological Schools (SPATS) Council Meeting, hosted by Piula Theological College in Samoa from 16–20 September 2026.

Held under the theme, “Pipi'imale'ele'ele: Reweaving Grounded Models of Theological Education in Oceania,” the gathering brought together theological educators, church leaders, and representatives of theological institutions from across the Pacific. The theme invited participants to reflect deeply on how theological education can remain firmly grounded in the faith, cultures, languages, communities, and lived realities of Oceania, while responding faithfully to the changing needs of the Church and society.

Mrs Tupou Tuinukuafe represented St John the Baptist Theological College at the meeting. The College is grateful for the warm fellowship, generous hospitality, and valuable learning shared among the participating theological schools. The discussions strengthened a common commitment to preparing ministers who are spiritually formed, academically equipped, culturally grounded, and pastorally responsive.

Organisational Development, Accreditation and Guideline Review

A key focus of the SPATS Council Meeting was the ongoing work of organisational development, accreditation, and the review of institutional guidelines for theological education in Oceania. Council members recognised that theological schools must continue to strengthen their governance, policies, academic standards, safeguarding practices, and formation processes in ways that are both accountable and responsive to the particular realities of Pacific communities.

The discussions acknowledged the common challenges facing Pacific Island countries, including climate change, migration, drug use, HIV, economic pressures, and changing family and community structures. These realities affect the life of the Church and the communities from which theological students come. They therefore require theological institutions to review their structures, programmes, and guidelines regularly, ensuring that ministerial formation remains relevant, compassionate, and grounded in the lived experiences of the people of Oceania.

The Council reflected on the importance of accreditation not merely as a process of meeting external requirements, but as a means of strengthening the mission and purpose of each institution. As Dr Eci Naisele of HECF observed, “We need to move from quality as compliance to quality with purpose in our accreditation and missions.” This challenge calls theological schools to ensure that policies, standards, and review processes serve the wider goal of forming faithful, capable, prayerful, and mission-focused leaders for the Church.

Through ongoing organisational development and the careful review of accreditation frameworks and institutional guidelines, theological schools can better support students, staff, churches, and communities. Such work enables institutions to maintain quality, strengthen accountability, share resources, and prepare ministers who are equipped not only to preach and teach, but also to accompany, advocate for, and serve the people of God amid the changing realities of the Pacific.

“Be Like Water”

The Council was also strengthened by the wise reflection of the Rev’d Dr Mose Mailo, Principal of Piula Theological College and President of the SPATS Council, who encouraged participants to “be like water”: to fit into one’s surroundings, while remaining ready for change when new doors are opened.

This image speaks powerfully to the calling of the Church and theological schools today. Like water, the Church is called to enter communities with humility, to be present among people as they are, and to respond with gentleness and wisdom to their particular contexts. At the same time, water moves, adapts, and finds a way forward. Theological institutions must likewise remain rooted in Scripture, tradition, prayer, and the life of the Church, while being open to new approaches, partnerships, technologies, and models of formation.

To “be like water” is not to lose our identity or compromise the Gospel. Rather, it is to allow the unchanging love of Christ to be expressed in ways that are faithful, accessible, and life-giving for each generation and community.

Fellowship, Collaboration and New Pathways

The Council meeting concluded with worship and fellowship on the final Sunday in Samoa, when many Council members were invited to preach in local congregations. This was a meaningful expression of shared ministry and the deep bonds of Christian fellowship across the Pacific.

The final event of the SPATS Council Meeting was the launch of the Methodist Graduate Theological Consortium, bringing together Sia'atoutai Theological College, Piula Theological College, and Davuilevu Theological College. This significant initiative reflects a growing commitment to cooperation, shared resources, and strengthened pathways for postgraduate theological education and formation in the region.

St John the Baptist Theological College gives thanks to Piula Theological College for hosting the meeting and to SPATS for creating a space for mutual learning, prayer, reflection, and partnership. We look forward to stronger collaboration with theological institutions across Oceania, including new pathways for student formation, shared academic resources, staff development, and ministry preparation.

May God continue to guide the Church and its theological schools as we reweave grounded, faithful, and hopeful models of theological education for the people of Oceania.