There was great joy at the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies as students, faculty, families, friends and supporters gathered to celebrate the achievements of this year’s PhD graduates.
Held in the beautiful setting of St Philip & St James Church, the annual graduation ceremony marked the culmination of years of faithful research, perseverance and ministry. More than the awarding of degrees, the occasion celebrated God’s continuing work through Christian leaders whose research is already strengthening churches, communities and mission organisations around the world.
The ceremony opened with a procession of students and faculty, followed by worship, prayer and readings before the presentation of degrees in partnership with Middlesex University. It was a fitting reminder that rigorous scholarship and Christian discipleship belong together at the heart of OCMS.
OCMS Board Vice-Chair Sophie Van Houtryve led the bidding prayer, and Executive Director Dr Paul Bendor-Samuel welcomed guests both in the room and joining virtually from around the world — a reminder of how far this Oxford community reaches. He reflected on the demanding journey each student has travelled. He reminded graduates that a PhD is never a solitary endeavour, but one shaped by perseverance, community and dependence upon God.
Raising Up Mission Theologians
This year’s graduating cohort reflects the breadth of our global community. Their research explored subjects ranging from Christian-Muslim relations, public theology and cross-cultural partnerships to social entrepreneurship, urban mission, church leadership, education, and the witness of Christians in diverse cultural and religious contexts. Each thesis represents not only significant academic achievement but a commitment to serve the Church through thoughtful, contextually rooted scholarship.
A highlight of the ceremony was the graduation address by Dr Girma Bishaw, Director and Founder of the Gratitude Initiative. Speaking from his own experience of leadership and service, he encouraged graduates to view their research not simply as an academic accomplishment but as a lifelong calling to serve others with wisdom, humility and gratitude. His message resonated deeply with the occasion, reminding graduates that scholarship reaches its fullest purpose when it contributes to God’s mission in the world.
Dr Marina Behera presented the PhD graduands, and certificates were awarded by Dr James Graham, Middlesex University’s Deputy Dean of Education, together with OCMS Academic Dean, Dr Chammah Kaunda — a partnership now well into its second decade. New graduates, Dr Claire Chong and Dr Brent Brewer, offered responses on behalf of their cohort, speaking to the long, often solitary discipline of part-time doctoral study, and the community that had carried them through it.
Following the formal proceedings, graduates, faculty, family members and friends gathered for photographs, refreshments and the traditional graduation cake cutting. These moments of celebration reflected the strong sense of community that characterises life at OCMS and the many friendships formed during years of shared study and encouragement.
As these alumni return to churches, universities, mission agencies and communities across the globe, they carry with them not only doctoral degrees but a shared commitment to serve Christ through faithful research, thoughtful leadership and practical mission.
A Decade of Building
Before the closing prayer, the ceremony paused for an unexpected moment of appreciation. On behalf of the Trustees, Chair Ian Smith marked ten years since Dr Paul Bendor-Samuel became Executive Director of OCMS.
Reflecting on the past decade, Ian highlighted the growth of OCMS under Paul’s leadership, including the strengthening of its academic programmes, the launch of the Oxford Research Institute for Mission & Innovation (ORIMI) earlier this year, and the progress made towards the Centre’s building redevelopment. He also thanked Paul for the relationships he has nurtured with scholars, alumni, supporters and friends around the world. It was a warm and heartfelt tribute, warmly received by everyone gathered, recognising ten years of faithful leadership and service.
Graduates 2026
We congratulate each of our 2026 graduates and pray that God will continue to bless their scholarship and ministry in the years ahead.
Dr James Allan Phillips
The Portrayal of Jesus in Islam Amongst Contemporary Muslims Writing to the American Public: In What Ways do Their Writings Represent Continuity and Change in Relation to Formative-Classical Muslim Understandings? (Oct 2024).
Dr Christopher Vannoy
The Emancipatory Effect of Startup Hybridity on Transnational Faith-Based Social Entrepreneurship (Oct 2025)
Dr Brett Brewer
Evangelical Students and a Christian-Muslim Interfaith Journey: The Benefits and Challenges of Engaging in Pluralistic Dialogue (Jan 2026)
Dr Matthew Bradham Nance
The Practice of Partnership: Cross-Cultural Relationships and the Struggle for Mutuality (Feb 2026)
Dr Samuel Amir Bazmjou
The Notions of Vilāyat-i Faqīh and Qayyim Style Leadership and Their Influence on Iranian Society and Its Religious Minorities, Especially on the Farsi-Speaking Evangelical Church and Its Leadership (Apr 2026)
Dr Brian Seim
Discerning an Effective Gospel in Urban Diversity: An Exploratory Case Study of Adaptive Welcoming Churches as Effective Mission in Diversity (Apr 2026)
Dr Andrea Ruth Tan Roldan
Dr. Isabelo F. Magalit: A Case of Public Theology in the Philippine Evangelical Context (Apr 2026)
Graduating in Absentia
Dr Claire Tse Chien Chong
Unravelling Rituals, Examining Biases: A Christian’s Inquiry into the Cambodian Buddhist Custom of Pchumben (Jun 2025)
Dr James Kepo
The Civil War and Educational Continuity in Southern Sudan (1983–2005) (Sep 2025)
Dr Tetsuya Morita
Mission Drift or Strategic Adaptation? A Critical Realist Study of Ethiopian Faith-Based Low-Fee Private Schools (Sep 2025)
Dr Amar Pandey
Generational Curses and the Old Testament: An Exegetical Study of Key Biblical Texts (Feb 2026)
