Baptist Theological Seminary Graduates 35
Graduates of the LBTS seated in their new edifice at the LBTS Campus, RIA Highway, Paynesville
Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary (LBTS), owned and operated by the Liberia Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention, on Sunday, December 12, hosted an elaborate 45th year Commencement Convocation (The 39th Commencement) for 35 students who completed their respective courses of studies in various disciplines over the last four years.
LBTS obtained full accreditation for its Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education degree programs from the Accrediting Council for Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA) in 1983.
Baptist Theological is also one of the institutions of tertiary education in the country duly recognized and accredited by the National Commission on Higher Education in Liberia to grant bachelor’s degrees. Consequently, the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary is a member of the Association of Liberian Universities (ALU).
Some of the graduates listen to the LBTS President, Rev. Dr. Momolu A. Massaquoi, PhD, as he confers degrees on them.
Of the number of graduates, 22 obtained Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology while 13 obtained Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Education, respectively.
Of the 35 that obtained BA in Theology and BA in Religious Education, six graduated with distinction. They are Mrs. Kartumu Y. Boakai, Cum Laude, Jonathan Z. Gbeadeh, Cum Laude, Gabriel L. Potter, III, Cum Laude, Josephine D.F. Tengbeh, Cum Laude, Marthaline K. Lekpeyee, Cum Laude, Tarkpor M. Quetee, Sr., Cum Laude and Musa M. Sheriff, Magna Cum Laude.
One captivating scene that made the audience, including parents, guidance and well-wishers give standing ovations, was the moment Rev. Dr. Massaquoi, LBTS President, bestowed an honour on Mrs. Kartumu Y. Boakai for her diligent and supporting efforts toward the construction of the institution graduate hall, former Liberia Vice President, Joseph N. Boakai immediately walked to the stage to kiss his wife.
Rev. Erwin Lee Trollinger, Jr. Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church, White Plain, New York, USA, who served as keynote speaker, urged the graduates to remain focused and steadfast in their duty of call.
Speaking to the graduates on the theme: “Walking Worthy of Your Calling”, Rev. Trollinger urged the graduates that what they have acquired over the years is not in vain and God is about to take them from one level of Grace to another.”
He added: “To have a job is one thing but if you have a career it means that you have study a particular discipline or expertise in what you are doing so that when you are transferred from here to another country, your career still makes opportunity for you because you are in a career and not a job,” he said.
Rev. Trollinger told the graduates that what they are about to do is not a job because anybody can do a job but if you have a call you need to be steadfast, movable and always do the work of the Lord.
In a remark, Rev. Dr. Samuel B. Reeves, President of the Liberia Baptist Mission and Educational Convention (LBMEC) said: “Today, as contemporary teachers and preachers, it is my call to you, fellow graduates to develop the culture of boldness in your sermons and messages in the classrooms, on the pulpits and your daily engagements.”
He continued, “It is now time to speak truth to power and it behooves you to be fearless as soldiers of the cross.”