This past Saturday, thirty-nine students graduated from Winebrenner Theological Seminary with master’s degrees in Clinical Counseling, Practical Theology, and Divinity as well as three who received their doctorates in Ministry. It was not an ending as much as a culmination of one phase and a beginning of a new phase—a new phase of leading, service, giving to others, and continuing growth.
Here are a few reflections from those who participated in the ceremony and are Winebrenner graduates from a few years past:
Sometimes a graduation feels like the end of something; the end of study, of assignments, of prescribed reading, of tight schedules. It’s actually much more.
Winebrenner graduates move into roles in strengthening marriages, families, and relationships, building into others with unconditional love, discipleship, spiritual formation, and more. They serve as counselors, pastors, teachers, and mentors; as leaders, chaplains, servants, and role-models, and in so many other careers too numerous to list here.
We are blessed to have played a part in their development and formation, and we celebrate that God continues to work in them and through them to change the world.
As part of the festivities, Reverend Doctor Robert Turner delivered the Commencement Address. You can view the full ceremony, including Dr. Turner’s address, by clicking here.
Dr. Martin Johnson
Chief Academic Officer
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This past Saturday, I had the privilege of attending the commencement ceremony at Winebrenner Theological Seminary, an event that marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and spiritual growth for our graduates. Being an alumnus myself and having attended commencement every year since 2008, this day always holds a special place in my heart.
As the Alumni Coordinator, this year I was tasked with gathering some great volunteers and then helping with getting the graduates assembled for professional photos, and lined up before the ceremony. This experience was a great opportunity to help each graduate enjoy the celebration. They could simply enjoy the experience, some of them meeting their classmates in person for the very first time after years of seeing each other only through Zoom.
I personally knew some of the graduates, and I had personally helped some along their journey in various ways, but there were many I did not know in this large graduating class of 2024. We were all united in the fact that we have all experienced getting a degree through Winebrenner. While our individual experiences may have been different, they were also the same in some respects. Every student goes through struggles and sacrifices along the journey of earning a seminary degree, and every graduate experiences the joy of a job well done, carried to that point by the grace of God.
Saturday’s commencement was more than just a ceremony; it was a celebration of community, faith, and the enduring bonds that tie us together. I am honored to be a part of this journey, and I hope that these newest alumni will remain connected to the seminary so we can continue to help and support one another in our Christian walks.
Dr. Katie Erickson
Alumni Coordinator
You can find summaries of previous years’ graduations by clicking on the following years: 2023, 2022