Fuller Theological Seminary | Template Browser Title

NEWS AND EVENTS
News/Events Home | Current Seminary News | Event Calendar
Fuller In The Media | News Archives | A Resource for Journalists

Fuller Seminary Awards Chad Billington With Coveted Parish Pulpit Award

Chad Billington, from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, expects to graduate this September with his M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary. Billington, who was awarded the Dean’s Scholarship when he enrolled at Fuller in the fall of 2000, is this year’s co-winner of the seminary’s coveted Parish Pulpit Award.

This annual award is given to one or two graduating students in the School of Theology who are committed to parish pulpit ministry. The students are offered one year of overseas study, giving them a unique opportunity for further preparation for preaching ministry. Associating in international academic and church situations enables students to expand their understanding of other cultures as well as human nature. Such insights and experiences benefit the preaching effectiveness of these future pastors. Past recipients have studied at theological schools in Britain, South Africa, Africa, Australia, Israel, and Germany.

Billington plans to use his award to study in Nairobi, Kenya, this fall. “I could have traveled to Europe and studied in a school there, but I want to study outside of the Western world, to see what life is like for people in an area very different from my upbringing,” he says. “I hope that my experiences there will shape me into a globally minded pastor, remembering my responsibility to fellow Christians and people around the world.”

Following his year of study, Billington plans to find a local church where he can serve as a pastor. “God has given me the ability to speak and teach, and using the new tools I have been given at Fuller, I want to make a difference in the lives of people,” he says.

Billington credits Fuller with giving him not only the basics of theological study and understanding, along with the necessary training to pastor a local church, but also with a broader understanding of other Christian traditions.

“I believe this is important because local churches should work together for the cause of the Kingdom of God,” Billington says. “My knowledge of church history and the theology of different Christian bodies and nationalities will enable me to approach other pastors and church leaders with respect, understanding, and willingness to cooperate, focusing on our shared faith in Christ and honor each other’s differences in theology and culture.”

Though Billington is leaving the Fuller community behind, he won’t soon forget the three years he spent on campus. An avid photographer, Billington shot more than 1,500 photos of friends, trips, and everyday life to document his experience.

“I just completed a photo essay, ‘A Week in My Life at Fuller,’ where I tried to document everyday occurrences so I would not forget all the regular sights and moments I have had since being here,” Billington says.