Sia'atoutai Theological College

Principal of Sia'atoutai Theological College

Rev. Dr Paula Onoafe Latu

Malo e Lelei - Greetings in the sacred triune name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!

It is with profound reverence and gratitude that we welcome you to the venerable halls of Sia’atoutai Theological College (STC), a beacon of spiritual enlightenment through divine discernments of scripture and academic rigor. Established by the Methodist Church in Tonga Conference on the auspicious day of August 14th, 1948, under the august patronage of Her Late Majesty Queen Salote Tupou III, the name 'Sia’atoutai' evokes the image of the skilled fisherman deftly weaving nets to ensnare the bountiful catch of fish. In much the same manner, our esteemed institution is dedicated to equipping men and women to 'catch' souls for God and His Church, the Methodist Church in Tonga.

Moreover, the mission of STC extends beyond mere evangelism; it is a sanctified endeavour to nurture and enrich the lives of those who seek refuge in the embrace of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Rooted in this noble purpose is the ethos encapsulated in our Motto, “Ke Kalaisi’ia mo Kelese’ia”, a phrase believed to have been coined by the venerable Rev’d Dr. Alfred Harold Wood. It was under the stewardship of Rev’d K. D. Groove, our esteemed inaugural principal, that this Motto was further embellished with the poignant addition, "'Oku tau Langa ki ‘Itaniti".

Indeed, the journey towards the amalgamation of these profound sentiments was not without its trials, yet it is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our predecessors to uphold the sacred traditions of our faith in Wesleyan framework. As the college celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Sia’atoutai in 1973, we proudly affirm our Motto as "Ke Kalaisi’ia mo Kelesi’ia ‘Etau Langa ki ‘Itaniti" – a resounding declaration of our enduring dedication to building towards eternity through the grace of Christ.

For 75 years, (1948-2023) this sacred mandate has been the guiding light of our institution, shaping our yearly themes and academic endeavours. At the heart of our mission lies the cultivation of spiritual formation and Wesleyan theological scholarship, catering to both the ordained and lay ministry of the Methodist Church in Tonga.

Within our esteemed walls, five academic programs stand as pillars of knowledge and enlightenment. From the foundational Certificate in Theology and Pastoral Ministry, taught in our native Tongan vernacular, to the rigorous Bachelor of Divinity program conducted bi-lingually in Tongan and English, each curriculum is meticulously designed to instil a profound understanding of biblical truth and theological inquiry to acquire the will of God through the scripture.

Furthermore, our Ministerial Formation and Training Program stands as a testament to our commitment to nurturing the next generation of spiritual leaders, equipping them with the tools necessary to shepherd their flocks with wisdom and compassion.

As we embark on this sacred journey of learning and growth, through divine discernments of His Word, let us remain steadfast in our dedication to the divine calling entrusted to us to win women and men to Christ. Together, let us continue to build for eternity, guided by the timeless principles of Christ and His grace to attain inner and outer holiness.

May the blessings of the Almighty Holy Spirit be upon us as we embark on this sacred journey of divine discernments, learning and enlightenment.

‘I he Loto faka’apa’apa mo’oni,

Paula Onoafe Latu

Principal, Sia’atoutai Theological College