Before we send our students across the stage (to receive their diploma), and then on out into the world, we will worship together one last time at a baccalaureate service.

For the past several years this service has taken on the intentional theme of: An Ordination to Daily Work.

We want our students to recognize that — regardless of what field of work, sphere of society, or corner of the world they are heading to — God will be there, and wants to use them in some intentional ways in that place.

This service has proven to be a powerful time for our students, year after year, as they prepare to leave our campus community — as students — and enter into the global community — as faithful workers.

I specifically love the time we spend hearing student’s stories about how they encountered God, and found themselves transformed, during their formative college years. They often share testimonies about how they came to campus with their own ideas about what they would do with their lives — only to eventually feel led to do something different — something that would honor God, more fully utilize their talents and passions, and ultimately help to meet needs in a hurting world.

It is POWERFUL.

Year after year I am SO thankful for this time… to hear about how God has been at work all along — producing fruit, changing lives and preparing a new class of students to be salt and light to a world in need.

Nurses, educators, artists, athletes, scientists, scholars, leaders — future lawyers, pastors, professors, public figures, government officials, trainers and performers… God wants to use them all — for His glory — and to bring about His Kingdom here on earth.

I’m excited for our time of worship this afternoon — and to hear the powerful testimonies of a few of our students — but even more so to hear the stories someday off in the future… of how God has worked in and through this year’s graduates!

I know that this kind of “sending out” event looks different from campus to campus — and ministry to ministry — so I’m curious:

• How do you “send out” your graduates?
• What message, or mindset, do you hope your students leave campus with?
• What are you most excited about in regards to this year’s graduating class?

I’d love to hear your stories. If you have a moment you can share in the comment section below.