MILL VALLEY, Calif. (BP)–Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary held commencement ceremonies at all five of its campuses throughout the month of May. Chancellor William O. Crews, traveling to each of the ceremonies, told the graduates, “It doesn’t matter who you are, but who He is.”
A total of 159 graduates received degrees from 11 courses of study at the institution’s five campuses: certificate in Christian studies-seminary extension, diploma in Christian ministries, diploma in theology, master of music in church music, master of arts in worship leadership, master of arts in Christian education, master of arts in educational leadership, master of arts in theological studies, master of divinity, master of theology and doctor of ministry.
Crews, in his commencement address, drew on the example of Joshua from the Old Testament. “Joshua was a slave for most of his life, doing what others asked him to do. Good leaders are good followers.” Emphasizing dependence on God, Crews exhorted the graduates, “You must admit your weakness and absolute need of God to be a successful leader.”
Crews told the graduates to base their ministry on the Bible. “I know you have been forced to read many books in your time in seminary, but do not neglect the wisdom contained in this most important of all books,” he said.
Finally, Crews challenged the graduates to say “yes” to the will of God. “Joshua was willing go into the promised land when everyone around him was telling him not to go. Are you willing to go anywhere and do anything God wants you to do? Before you know the facts and are able to analyze the situation, are you willing to run blindly into God’s will? If you do, God will put His hand on you and when He does you will be successful.”
Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary is a Cooperative Program ministry of the Southern Baptist Convention with campuses in Northern California, Southern California, the Pacific Northwest, Arizona and Colorado.
–30–
(BP) photo posted in the BP Photo Library at http://www.bpnews.net. Photo title: GRAD HONORED.
