GRADUATES of the Christchurch-based Moorlands College celebrated their achievements in a ceremony at the Priory.

More than 90 BA and MA graduates marked the completion of their Applied Theology degrees in front of guests and college staff members.

More than 70 per cent graduated with a 2:1 or First Class Honours degree this year.

Dr Paul Nyquist, President of the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and guest speaker at the service, spoke of the impact the graduates would have in the world today.

Reflecting on recent news and current affairs, he said: "How does God want us to walk out in a world like today? He wants each of us to have a heart that is totally his."

Many of the Moorlands College graduates will now take up roles as church leaders, children’s and youth pastors, teachers, evangelists, charity workers, missionaries and church planters across the UK and beyond.

Megan Barrett graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) Applied Theology (Youth and Community Work). She is now beginning her career working with Message Wales, a project working with schools, prisons, communities and local churches to share the good news of Jesus.

She said: "My experience studying at Moorlands College was challenging and hard, but also incredibly fun and life transforming. It not only continued to stir up my passion for studying the Bible, but it also equipped me with the tools to be able to study God’s word at an even deeper level.

"I am so thankful that God called me to Moorlands and I cannot wait to see him continue to do amazing things in my life, and in the lives of the young people that I’ll meet in my role with Message Wales."

Moorlands College aims to encourage students’ spiritual growth, practical skills, and intellectual development through biblical and theological teaching.