“Graduation Saturday” dawned with bright, crisp weather and
hopeful expectations. Central’s largest
graduating class in years was poised to receive their diplomas and degrees, and
the day did not disappoint. As a
seminary community we were able to savor the accomplishments of those who
entrusted their ministry formation to Central.
The class of 2014 was a remarkably diverse, a core value we cherish.
First, we heard
an engaging speaker. Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook offered the commencement
address, which focused on a life well lived and what that means in particular
for ministry leaders. She also reflected
on her service as 3rd Ambassador at Large for International
Religious Freedom for the United States of America, from May 2011 through
October 2013.
Second, we
enjoyed the unparalleled hospitality of Friendship Baptist Church, a vibrant
church in Kansas City, MO. Ably led by
Central Alumnus James Terrance, Jr., the church knows how to make folks welcome. This commencement had many moving
parts—translation, video, international guests, wardrobe malfunctions (not like
Janet Jackson)—and the church met every challenge. It is a wonderful thing to be in partnership
with such a congregation. We pursue different
aspects of the same ultimate goal of equipping persons for the work of
ministry. Central prepares congregational leaders, and Friendship makes
disciples.
Third, we
conferred three degrees, one of them for the first time: the Doctor of Ministry
in Congregational Health. Two stellar graduates represented this new
educational initiative, one from the Shawnee-based cohort, and one from the
Myanmar Institute of Theology cohort. It
was a significant moment in Central’s life, as we witnessed these two men—one
serving in Topeka as associate pastor of First Baptist Church, the other as
principal of United Theological College in Chin State-- receive their doctoral
degrees.
Fourth, we
celebrated the significant contribution of the Rev. Dr. Arlo R. Reichter, who
received the Central Distinguished Service Award. He has been instrumental to the development
and flourishing of the CBTS-Wisconsin extension site. Teaching, administering, recruiting, and
encouraging are hallmarks of his service.
Celebrating
the 112th commencement, we are filled with gratitude. The long history of Central speaks of God’s
desire for well-prepared leaders for the church and larger community. It also speaks of God’s providence prompting
persons to continue to sustain this essential ministry. It matters in the larger calculus of the
varied ways in which we pursue the Reign of God. We continue to seek that Reign as first
priority, trusting that “all things will be given” as well (Matthew 6:33).
Molly T. Marshall
Central prepares women and men for seeking God, shaping
church, and serving humanity.
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