Leaders
formed for the long
distance.
Help Bishopdale College form leaders with deep character and biblical theology — for this generation and the next.
A Tuesday Morning
Small groups. Deep study. A community that forms leaders.
Every Tuesday morning, small groups of students meet at Bishopdale College to study Christian Leadership and Mission with Alice Kinyua. After lunch they study Hebrews with Rebecca Burgess.
Most have driven to Bishop Eaton House from across Nelson and Tasman. Others join online, participating equally with their lecturers and other students.
This is Bishopdale College 157 years on from Bishop Suter's founding vision of raising leaders locally for the church and God's kingdom — leaders with deep character and biblical theology, who will raise the temperature in their setting, rather than leaving it to study elsewhere.
For 157 years, Bishopdale College has formed local leaders with deep character and biblical theology.
The college has always depended on those who believe in its vision and people. That mission continues.
The funding landscape for smaller tertiary colleges such as Bishopdale is more uncertain than it has been in a generation. While the college has always run lean, the years ahead will ask more of us than previously.
Successive generations of supporters have sustained Bishopdale and its vision. Now it's our turn. Go the Distance is our invitation to sustain the college's work for today and tomorrow.
The Nelson Diocese is committed to revitalising its churches through gospel-shaped leaders — an ambition shared across the wider church.
Bishopdale is where those leaders are formed. Their impact multiplies over a lifetime, in parishes and communities around our region, our country, and overseas.
"I wanted more than an academic qualification. I was looking for a pathway that would prepare me for a lifetime of faithful gospel ministry anchored firmly in God's Word."
From the Bishop
As Chair of Bishopdale's Board, I see up close what it takes to sustain a small theological college — dedicated staff, a tight budget, and a deeply committed community.
Every training run reminds me of Paul's words: "Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things." Endurance matters — and shaping godly leaders matters even more.
Whether you've supported Bishopdale for decades or are hearing about it for the first time, your partnership matters.
Bishop of Nelson · Chair of Bishopdale Board
Support the run →
Help us sustain and shape Bishopdale College
Three ways to be part of Go the Distance in 2026.
Give
Our 2026 goal is $120,000, building toward a sustainable base of annual giving beyond that.
- One-off gift
- Regular monthly contribution
- Bequest or planned gift
Share
Telling the story is often the most powerful act. Help Go the Distance reach the people who need to hear it.
- Post to Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn
- Add to your notices or Sunday service
- Share the page with friends and family
Introduce
If you know someone who shares this vision, your introduction may open doors we cannot reach alone.
- Personal introduction
- Host a conversation
- Offer professional skills