The Methodist Church of Samoa's Theological College at Piula has announced the successful candidates who have passed the annual entrance exam this year.

The successful candidates, who will commence their studies in the next academic term, were advised by the theological college through a public announcement aired on TV1 Samoa on Thursday.

However, passing the exam does not mean an automatic entry into Piula as the next step for successful candidates is the Tautinoga. This is a stringent interview process to test the character, attitudes and behaviour of the shortlisted candidates. The interview ensures the successful candidates are committed to their calling and ensure that they are cleared of criminal offences, have marriage certificates for the married couples, divorce documents if required as well as examine medical reports amongst others.

Signed by the Secretary-General for the Methodist Church, Reverend Dr. Eteuati Sili Leuo Tuioti the public notice also advised the successful candidates to assemble at the church's main office at Matafele on Tuesday 4 July 2023 for their interviews. The entrance exams for the aspiring church ministers were undertaken on Friday 9 June 2023 at the theological college compound in Piula. 

Of the 12 candidates, three are from the big island of Savai'i, one is from New Zealand, and eight are from the island of Upolu. The successful candidates are Komitiolemau Taumafai Komiti, Puletua Laumoli Lavea, Abraham Jr. Petaia Wells, Fa'afouina Jnr Fa'afouina, Charles Reupena Asiata, Senituri Tevita Tagaloa, Casper Mauigoa Tafaima'a, Sefo Peter Schuster, Falefaaea Tagotau Paulo, Palemia Ugapo, Koroseta Asotasi and Tony Soosemea. 

Piula Theological College trains men and women of faith to become agents of change in the lives of the people of God and continue to interpret the faith through a fruitful collaboration of academic competence, Methodist spirituality and Samoan cultural values. The theological college offers quality theological learning, where academic excellence is carefully woven with spiritual quality and pastoral discipline. 

They offer programmes for a diploma in theology, bachelor of divinity and bachelor of divinity with honours accredited by the Samoa Qualifications Authority. They also offer studies to attain a Master's in Theology and the theological college had its first graduates from the Masters programme last year.