By Maxwell Mapungwana
Harare – Prominent cleric, motivational speaker and life coach Bishop Dr Aderino Nyabanga has challenged theology graduates to become transformational leaders and solution providers capable of addressing the spiritual and social challenges confronting communities.
Speaking as the guest of honour during the 2026 Victor’s Diet Theological Seminary graduation ceremony in Harare on Saturday, Bishop Nyabanga congratulated the institution’s leadership for its commitment to theological excellence, leadership development and advancing the Christian faith.
Addressing church leaders, graduands and invited guests during the graduation procession and conferment ceremony, Bishop Nyabanga described the occasion as a celebration of sacrifice, discipline, spiritual growth and wisdom, while reminding graduates that their mission was only beginning.
”Graduation is not merely the end of a course; it is the beginning of greater responsibility,” he said.
”The world is not waiting for title holders. The world is waiting for solution providers. The Church is waiting for transformational leaders, and communities are waiting for trained servants of God.”
Preaching under the theme “Equipped for Kingdom Impact” and drawing from 2 Timothy 2:15, Bishop Nyabanga urged the graduates to ensure that their theological education translated into meaningful service and godly character.
He outlined three principles for effective ministry, saying theological education should first transform the individual before influencing others through sound leadership and service.
Secondly, he said graduation marked the beginning of greater responsibility, calling on the new graduates to become leaders of integrity, servants of excellence, ministers of impact and ambassadors of Christ.
”Kingdom leadership is not about titles. It is about service, responsibility and sacrifice,” he said.
His third message focused on the need for graduates to make a tangible impact in society by responding to challenges such as spiritual confusion, moral decline, leadership crises, family breakdown and economic hardship.
”You are graduating at a time when the world desperately needs strong spiritual leadership,” Bishop Nyabanga said.
”Go and become light in darkness. Go and become hope to the hopeless. Go and become answers to your generation.”
He also encouraged the graduates to remain humble, teachable, prayerful and committed to lifelong learning.
”Never stop learning. Never stop growing. Never stop serving,” he said, adding that while academic qualifications could open doors, character remained the foundation for lasting success in ministry.
Bishop Nyabanga concluded by praying for God’s continued blessings upon Victor’s Diet Theological Seminary, Adullam Bible Institute and the graduates’ families, expressing confidence that the new graduates would become influential leaders in their ministries and communities.
Speaking at the ceremony, postgraduate lecturer Apostle Determination Chibhebhe said 39 students graduated, with 18 receiving certificates and 21 awarded diplomas.
He said the seminary was committed to addressing doctrinal challenges by equipping students with a sound understanding of Scripture at a time when misleading teachings were becoming increasingly widespread.
”We are equipping our students with the true understanding of the Word of God in today’s world,” Apostle Chibhebhe said.
”There are many teachings that are mushrooming, but at Victor’s Diet Theological Seminary we ensure students are grounded in biblical truth.”
He said the curriculum covers subjects including the Old Testament, New Testament, hermeneutics and homiletics, enabling students to accurately interpret and teach Scripture.
To improve accessibility, the institution also offers online learning through WhatsApp groups and Zoom sessions every Tuesday and Thursday, while face-to-face lectures are conducted on Saturdays at the college campus.
One of the graduates, Pastor Diskson Muchenagumbo, said the programme had deepened his understanding of the Bible, including its structure, the distinction between the Old and New Testaments, the five discourses of Jesus’ ministry and the importance of proper theological training.
”When I go into practical ministry, I will be equipped with enough knowledge. A calling alone is not enough,” he said.
Muchenagumbo said he intended to use the knowledge gained to help address drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people, through biblical teaching and counselling.
”They need the knowledge to counsel them on how they can survive with the help of God,” he said.
”God has a syllabus for living, and that is what I will be preaching so that people can live soberly and free from drug abuse.”
