RTS Orlando Graduation

On May 19, 2006, I receieved a Master of Divinity degree from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL. It was a time of celebration and commission. The celebration involved thanking God for his unwavering faithfulness to our family during these past five years of training (3 full time years). He provided for every need we ever had during this season of life. During our seminary years our family grew to two children and our marriage not only survived but deepened. The celebration was incomplete on graduation night as Kendra and Jeb were unable to attend. Kendra was not allowed to travel because of the expected arrival of our baby daughter in less than a month. If one person deserved to celebrate, it was Kendra and it was quite sad that she missed that moment in Orlando. But God knew all along that she would mis that night as he orchestrated this entire thing by blessing us with our coming little girl. I did tell Kendra when I got home that they forgot to put her name on the diploma. She earned it as much as I did.

The time was also one of commissioning. Dr. Chuck Colson charged that graduates (pictured with me above). I will never forget him talking about the need to tremble as you step up to preach. I will never forget him charging us to minister boldly as we seek to transform all things in the culture for the Lord's glory. His called us to transform the world with his passionate recount of Abraham Kuyper's word, "There is not one square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ who is Sovereign over all does not cry: MINE!" He reminded us that we were always on duty as God's representative. There is never an off time as the world is watching. Finally, he seasoned us with the reality of our graduating. He spoke of his experience in the military when he was given the bars on the shoulder indicating his newly obtained leadership. He compared the joy he felt then to the joy we felt at graduation. Then he said, "After rising to that moment of leadership, it was then that I looked back and realized that the lives of 50 men were in my hands." So with pastors and the church. He reminded us that though we graduate and celebrate tonight into leadership in the church, the moment should sober us as the lives of His people are now in our hands. We now must lead as Shepherds and gently care for His flock. What a sobering reality but what an exciting future. Thanks to God for his goodness to grant this calling to us and for his faithfulness in assisting with the accomplishment of graduation.

Please click on the Family Picture Link on the Right to view more Graduation Pictures.