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Adam talking to his congregation
Adam Dodd.

Dr Adam Dodds is Senior Pastor of the Elim Church in Dunedin. He completed his PhD in Theology at the University of Otago in 2013.

Would you recommend the Theology Programme at Otago?

Yes. I do regularly.

How does your academic study relate to your faith?

I spent 10 years in formal theological training, most recently doing my PhD in theology at Otago. Those years were very formative, enriching, and have broadened, deepened, and strengthened my faith.

Have you been able to use what you've learned in your church context? If so, how?

I do so all the time. As a preacher and a leader I constantly draw on the knowledge I have learned and the perspective I have gained.

Is there anything else you would like to say to prospective Theology students?

The greatest commandment is to love God with all one's heart, mind, soul and strength. Studying theology is a wonderful opportunity to love God with all one's mind. This is crucially important, and a privilege. To honour God it also needs to be complemented with loving God with all one's heart, soul, and strength, and love of neighbour.

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