‘Our’ University | Kerkgenootschap der Zevende-dags Adventisten

When we hear the word ‘university’, we usually picture an ancient institution with thousands of students. There are thirteen universities in the Netherlands, with more than a quarter million students spread across the country. In our church, and certainly here in Europe, our influence on higher education can seem limited. We have three Adventist universities, with less than a thousand students overall.

Text by the editorial team

Newbold College of Higher Education (as the full name goes) is the Adventist university in our part of the world. It opened its doors in 1901, and thousands of students have lived and studied there over the last 116 years. Most Adventists immediately think of theology when they think of Newbold, but that is only one of the many options the university offers. Students can go to Newbold to study Business, Leadership, Liberal Arts, English Language and Culture, or even just for a Gap Year.

Student Life

Student life at Newbold is very different than at most Dutch universities. The experience is much more intense, because you and all your fellow students are on one campus. You eat together, you live together, you work together, and you believe together. Most days there are opportunities for spiritual reflection, where students worship together and think about their faith. Because you’re surrounded by Adventists, many of your conversations are about your beliefs. In other words, by living at Newbold you will learn a lot about your subject area, but also about God.

Church

Newbold Church is very large. Around a thousand Adventists attend each Sabbath, in many different services. The very first, an ‘Early Morning Service’, starts at 9 a.m. After that there are more than fifty Sabbath School classes to choose from. At 11 a.m. there are two services at the same time: a more traditional service and a contemporary service with lots of singing and music. In the afternoon is a student worship, and there are also a number of services in different languages (though sadly none in Dutch!).

Activities

Students and church members organise all manner of activities. Newbold has several sports teams, as well as a walking club. Every day you can play a different sport in the gymnasium: floorball, volleyball, badminton, football, and basketball. There are also regular outreach activities, from car washes to nursing home visits. One group of students walks the dogs at a nearby shelter.

Worship

Newbold’s various worships are a regular fixture of life and study on campus. Students can choose which they want to go to, but most are extremely well attended. The week starts early Monday morning with ‘Uplift’, a group song service and Bible study. The most popular gathering is on Tuesdays: ‘The Experience’, run by our very own Christle Jasinta. ‘The Experience’ is a full worship service, but done in a completely unique way. For sport-lovers there is a ‘Prayer Run’ on Wednesdays, where students jog and pray together. On Thursdays small groups meet together in Agapè, and everyone welcomes the Sabbath together at the Friday-evening Vespers.

In addition to these regular meetings, twice a year Newbold holds a ‘Week of Spiritual Emphasis’. During these weeks the whole university comes together to praise God every day, growing closer to him and to each other.

Dutchmen and World Citizens

Each year more than fifty different nationalities are represented at Newbold. As you walk across campus you will hear a wide variety of languages, from Twi to Latvian, from Danish to Korean. You will also hear Dutch, because there are two Dutchmen working at Newbold: Dr Tom de Bruin (lecturer in New Testament) and Annet Johnston-den Ouden (administrative assistant). At the moment there are also four Dutch students, all theologians: Christle Jasinta, Gabriel Kwayie, Sullivan Selassa en Choni Miguel. Six Dutchmen—a good number, though seven would be even better!

What Can I Study?

Newbold has three faculties: Theology, Business, and the Humanities. Between them they offer more than a dozen subjects. Here are a few recommendations:

Bachelor of Science in Business (3 years)

A broad degree that covers all aspects of business, based (naturally) on a Christian perspective that we see all too rarely in contemporary business life.

Bachelor of Arts in Humanities (3 years)

An innovative and creative degree that prepares you for a diverse set of careers. You will learn to think critically and analytically, to communicate your ideas effectively, and to become a more informed global citizen. You can choose from a number of specialisations: English Literature, History, Drama, Religion, and Ancient Languages.

Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Pastoral Studies (3 years)

The best-known degree Newbold offers: a biblical and pastoral education in theology. It forms the foundation of a pastor’s training, but is also useful for (and followed by) people who are just interested in theology and the Bible.

Graduate Diploma in Biblical and Pastoral Studies (1 year)

A transition year for people who already have a Bachelor’s diploma, and are ready to steam ahead to the Master of Arts in Theology.

Master of Arts in Leadership (3 years, part-time)

Ideal for the busy leader and manager, Newbold offers a part-time degree in leadership, in collaboration with Andrews University (USA).

Master of Arts in Theology (2 years full-time or 4 years part-time)

Deep-delving theology for the enthusiastic student. Newbold offers four specialisations: Old Testament, New Testament, Dogmatics, and Pastoral Theology.

English Language and Culture

The English Language Centre offers many different courses and degrees in English Language and Culture. An ideal way to brush up on (or perfect) your English.

Gap Year in Outreach and Mission

Sometimes you just want to spend a year on your faith and your fellow human beings. The Gap Year offers that opportunity, combining study with service. It’s a chance to grow spiritually and emotionally, while taking on volunteer and mission-oriented activities.

What Will it Cost Me?

At first glance, studying in England seems more expensive than studying in the Netherlands. In practice this is rarely the case. For most of the degrees taught at Newbold you are eligible for student finance (studiefinanciering). In addition, Newbold offers a number of bursaries to help make study there more affordable. Read all about it here: https://www.newbold.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/financial-assistance-undergraduate/

Theology at Newbold

The Adventist Church is always looking for talented young people who are interested in being trained as pastors. The Dutch Union even subsidises the best students. Do you feel called by God, and are you considering becoming a pastor? Make an appointment with the Ministerial Association (info@adventist.nl).

This article was first published in Dutch, in Advent 2: Onderwijs/Kennis.