Looking back at Graduation 2022
Paul Spear, our Pastoral Dean, reflects on celebrating our graduating students and commissioning them for ministry.
On a sunny Saturday morning in July, we gathered at the Union School of Theology campus for a very special celebration at the culmination of years of hard work: listening and discussing, reading and writing, essays and exams.
Students who had completed their studies gathered for their graduation. Some had flown thousands of miles to be here. Some live just down the road. They were joined by family and friends to give thanks for all that they had learned, to rejoice together in the kindness of the Lord, and to commend each other to His grace for service in His kingdom. They not only graduated, they were commissioned for ministry.
They not only graduated, they were commissioned for ministry.
It was a joyful and reverent event. Black robes and caps were the order of the day, with different coloured hoods signifying graduates on the BA, GDip and MTh programmes. The faculty also wore robes reflecting their places of study – some more colourful than others. We prayed and sang together and humbled ourselves before God’s word as we considered the privileges and challenges which will lie ahead. We then enjoyed some great food and fellowship.
President of Union School of Theology, Dr Michael Reeves, commissions our graduating students
Each student has a story about how they came to study at Union, what their time was like and what they are planning next. We heard a few of these stories which warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face. Looking around, I was reminded of a few more of those stories. There were students who had been uncertain about their application but who had come through and succeeded. There were students who had faced significant personal trials who can testify to the sustaining power of Christ. The time of study had, for some, been a trial in itself, but they pushed through to the finish, even thriving with an exceptional mark or two! Even more important, I recognised how so many have grown in their knowledge of the Lord Jesus and in the maturity of their faith. He will continue to shape and train all of them!
The day passed quickly and the Monday on campus seemed quiet. The staff who had worked so hard to make the day run smoothly took time to pause before beginning the preparations for new and returning students in September. We look forward to another year of studying and growth and, by God’s grace, another graduation in 2023. Perhaps we will see you there!
We look forward to another year of studying and growth and, by God’s grace, another graduation in 2023. Perhaps we will see you there!
Want to study with us? Find out more about our programmes: