Today is my 11th commencement as a faculty member at Seminary of the Southwest. It is always a special day and a little hectic. Do you get to say goodbye to everyone you want to? To whom will you have the opportunity to give a word of encouragement? How many of these graduates will you see again? It is a bittersweet time for everyone involved.
As each name is called, I listen with pride because of the completion of an academic journey and the personal growth experienced by each one during their seminary sojourn. A multitude of classes, much worship, many pool parties, shared memories, prayers, and this particular moment in life come together at graduation. The significance of each student’s accomplishment, as well as their future is front and center at commencement.
Graduates go forth to a variety of vocations, taking their formative experiences with them. We have faithfully done our work if their formative experiences are building blocks for a lifetime of service and growth. The question that arises for me at each commencement is, ‘have we made disciples’? (Matthew 28:19-20: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”)
The root of the Greek word most often translated ‘disciple’ in the New Testament also connotes ‘pupil’ or ‘learner’. Disciples, as I understand it, are not just followers, which may suggest passivity, but are learners. They seek to grow, to engage, and to deepen their life in God, which then deepens their ministry.
My work is done, in a way, when a student crosses the stage. But internally I hope my work has only begun. I hope that in some way I have modeled a love of life long learning. Perhaps, even, a love for the vocation each student has been called to. However, the most important part of Matthew 28 is in the single imperative, “Go”.
When then Presiding Bishop-elect Michael Curry preached at the closing Eucharist of the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church he used Matthew 28:19-20 as his text (“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”). His emphasis was stated clearly at the beginning of that sermon: “Now I’ve got one word for you. If you don’t remember anything else I say this morning, it’s the first word in the Great Commission: GO!”
So graduates “Go!” Go into all the world and love honestly, pray without ceasing, serve as if your life depends on it, and keep your eyes fixed on the ministry of Jesus.
What is your vocation?
How would you articulate God’s call upon your life?
Dr. Steve Bishop is the Associate Professor of Old Testament at Seminary of the Southwest. Steve served as an ordained minister in the Church of Christ prior to undertaking graduate studies. Steve’s academic interests include the poetry of the Hebrew Bible and literary translations of it into English.
