asbury theological seminary
The Nineteenth Commencement Florida Dunnam Campus
Saturday, May 15, 2021 Orlando, Florida
The Nineteenth Commencement
May 15, 2021
Asbury Theological Seminary Florida Dunnam Campus
University Carillon United Methodist Church Oviedo, Florida
The President’s Cabinet President Timothy C. Tennent, Ph.D. Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Douglas K. Matthews, Ph.D. Associate Vice President of the Florida Dunnam Campus R. Stephen Gober, D.Min. Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and Operations of the Florida Dunnam Campus Eric Currie, M.Div. Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer Bryan P. Blankenship, M.B.A. Vice President of Advancement Jay E. Mansur, C.F.S. Associate Provost and Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Services Kevin Bish, M.Ed. Vice President of Formation Donna Covington, M.A.C.L.
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Academic Officers Associate Provost and Dean of the Orlando School of Ministry Brian D. Russell, Ph.D. Associate Provost Christine Johnson, Ph.D. Dean of the Beeson School of Practical Theology Thomas F. Tumblin, Ph.D. Dean of the School of Biblical Interpretation David R. Bauer, Ph.D. Dean of the E. Stanley Jones School of World Mission and Evangelism Gregg A. Okesson, Ph.D.
Dean of Advanced Research Programs Lalsangkima Pachuau, Ph.D. Dean of the School of Theology and Formation James R. Thobaben, Ph.D. Assistant Provost of Institutional Evaluation, Assessment and Academic Administration S. Brian Yeich, Ph.D. Dean of Library, Information, and Technology Services Paul A. Tippey, Ph.D. Registrar Michael A. Salmeier, D.Phil.
Marshal of the Academic Procession Richard L. Gray, Ph.D. Professor of Leadership and Christian Ministries Assistant to the Marshal Eric Currie, M.Div. Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and Operations of the Florida Dunnam Campus Student Marshal Hector Nieves Master of Divinity Student
The Academic Procession The Academic Marshal The Student Marshal The Candidates for the Degree of Doctor of Ministry The Candidates for the Degree of Master of Divinity The Candidates for the Degree of Master of Arts The Candidates for the Certificates The Candidates for the Latino Latina Studies Program Certificate The Staff of the Seminary The Faculty of the Seminary The President’s Cabinet The Platform Party
The Nineteenth Commencement Saturday, the Fifteenth of May Two Thousand and Twenty One Eleven o’clock in the Morning University Carillon United Methodist Church “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:7-8
President Timothy C. Tennent, Presiding Processional.............................................Marche Royale...........................Rev. Dawn E. Salmons Jean Baptise Lully Pianist/Praise and Worship Leader Words of Welcome................................................................................ Dr. Timothy C. Tennent President, Asbury Theological Seminary Dr. R. Stephen Gober Associate Vice President of the Florida Dunnam Campus Invocation............................................................................................................... Dr. James Miller Professor of Inductive Biblical Studies and New Testament Hymn of Praise.......................And Can It Be That I Should Gain............................Rev. Salmons
Charles Wesley (Sagina) 1. And can it be that I should gain 3. Long my imprisoned spirit lay, An interest in the Savior’s blood! Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Died he for me? Who caused his pain! Thine eye diffused a quickening ray; For me? Who him to death pursued? I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; Amazing Love! How can it be My chains fell off, my heart was free, That thou, my God, I rose, went forth, Shouldst die for me? And followed thee. Amazing Love! How can it be My chains fell off, my heart was free, That thou, my God, I rose, went forth, Shouldst die for me? And followed thee. 2. He left his Father’s throne above 4. No condemnation now I dread; (So free, so infinite his grace!), Jesus and all in him is mine; Emptied himself of all but love, Alive in him, my living Head, And bled for Adam’s helpless race, And clothed in righteousness divine, ’Tis mercy all, immense and free, Bold I approach th’ eternal throne, For O my God, And claim the crown through It found out me! Christ my own. ’Tis mercy all, immense and free, Bold I approach th’ eternal throne, For O my God, And claim the crown through It found out me! Christ my own.
Song of Praise.................................What A Beautiful Name.....................................Rev. Salmons Fielding/Ligertwood 1. You were the Word at the beginning One with God, the Lord Most High Your hidden glory in creation Now revealed in You, our Christ Chorus 1: What a beautiful Name it is What a beautiful Name it is The Name of Jesus Christ our King What a beautiful Name it is Nothing compares to this What a beautiful Name it is The Name of Jesus 2. You didn’t want heaven without us So, Jesus, You brought heaven down Our sin was great, Your love was greater What could separate us now Chorus 2: What a wonderful Name it is What a wonderful Name it is The Name of Jesus Christ our King What a wonderful Name it is Nothing compares to this What a wonderful Name it is The Name of Jesus What a wonderful Name it is The Name of Jesus
Bridge: Death could not hold You The veil tore before You You silence the boast of sin and grave The heavens are roaring The praise of Your glory For You are raised to life again You have no rival You have no equal Now and forever, God, You reign Yours is the kingdom Yours is the glory Yours is the Name above all Names Chorus 3: What a powerful Name it is What a powerful Name it is The Name of Jesus Christ our King What a powerful Name it is Nothing can stand against What a powerful Name it is The Name of Jesus What a powerful Name it is The Name of Jesus What a powerful Name it is The Name of Jesus
Recognition of Spouses & Families.................................................... Dr. Timothy C. Tennent President, Asbury Theological Seminary Scripture Reading. ................................. John 17:17-23.................................Dr. José Javier Sierra Associate Professor of Counseling Address.......................................“The Foundation of Our Unity”...................Rev. Jamie Westlake Senior Pastor of University Carillon
Recognition of Honors and Awards................................................ Dr. Douglas K. Matthews Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Academic Excellence Award (LLSP) International Honor Society of Theta Phi Eta Beta Rho Hebrew Honor Society OSL Hoyt Hickman Award Towel and Basin Award Fred Van Tatenhove Endowed Award Harry Hosier Award Faculty Service Awards
Presentation of Graduates.......................................................................Dr. Jeffrey W. Frymire Associate Professor of Homiletics Dean of the Chapel
Presenting of Certificates Latino Latina Studies Program Certificate Christian Discipleship Leadership
Conferring of Academic Degrees Master of Arts Master of Divinity Doctor of Ministry
The Service of Consecration for the Class of 2021 Dr. Timothy C. Tennent
Presidential Charge to the Class of 2021 The Words of Affirmation and Commitment The Call to Ministry President:
Brothers and sisters of the 2021 graduating class of Asbury Theological Seminary, our call to discipleship is a call to love.
Graduates: Hear, O Israel! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. President:
We are called by Christ to embody all of the realities of the inbreaking kingdom as we preach the gospel, serve the poor, and live in holiness.
Graduates: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; He has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; and to comfort all who mourn. President:
Though in Christ we are one body, we have many members, with gifts differing according to the grace given to us by the Holy Spirit.
Graduates: The gifts the Lord gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. President:
Graduates, do you affirm in the presence of this company that you have heard God’s call to a vocation of ministry; that you have tested that call in reflection and ministry; and that you now stand ready to take further steps of faithful service and mission?
Graduates: This we affirm. President:
As our mission proclaims, “Asbury Theological Seminary is a community called to prepare theologically educated, sanctified, Spirit-filled men and women to evangelize and to spread scriptural holiness throughout the world through the love of Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and to the glory of God the Father.” Are you prepared to go forth as ambassadors of this message?
Graduates: Trusting in the work of Christ, we are.
President:
Graduates, will you give yourself to a life of: earnest piety and community formation; prayer, the study of the scriptures, and all the means of grace; solidarity with the poor and marginalized, seeking justice and offering mercy; lifelong learning; concern for the whole of God’s creation; and mission among those who have yet to call on the name of Jesus Christ?
Graduates: We will, the Holy Spirit being our helper. President:
Members of the faculty, members of the President’s Cabinet, and Trustees, you have heard our graduates affirm their call to active discipleship and ministry. Will you join me in their commission by standing with them?
President, Faculty, President’s Cabinet and Trustees stand and say:
We commission you as servants of our Lord Jesus Christ to serve Christ in all the world, to know Him and to make Him known, to embody in your lives the good news of the Kingdom of God, to be the church in the world, and to build up the body of those who call Him Lord. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
President:
Let us pray. Almighty God, Father of all mercies, graciously behold these your servants. Without Your help, they are helpless. Empower them therefore with Your Holy Spirit, that they may be strong for the tasks which lie ahead; and in all their works may they glorify Your Holy Name and advance Your blessed Kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn of Dedication............ Here I Am, Lord / Aquí Estoy Señor..........................Rev. Salmons Daniel L. Schutte 1. I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry. All who dwell in dark and sin, My hand will save. I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?
Chorus 1: Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard You calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if You lead me. I will hold Your people in my heart.
2. *Yo, Señor de viento y paz Al banquete del amor A los pobres llamaré Y salvaré Del más exquisito pan De mi Vida se saciarán Con mi voz ¿quién cantará? ¿Quién me seguirá?
Coro 2: Aquí estoy Señor Heme aquí Señor En la noche escuché tu voz Guíame, Señor Yo te seguiré En mi corazón a tu pueblo guardaré
Chorus 3: Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard You calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if You lead me. I will hold Your people in my heart.
*Verse 2 translation: I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame. I will set a feast for them, my hand will save. Finest bread I will provide, ‘Til their hearts be satisfied, I will give my life for them, Whom shall I send?
Benediction.......................................................................................................... Dr. Joseph Okello Professor of Philosophy of Christian Religion Recessional............................ Improvisation on Be Thou My Vision..........................Rev. Salmons Irish Melody
All degrees granted based on the satisfactory completion of the student’s work.
Candidates for the Certificate of Latino Latina Studies Program JENNIFER ESTHER ALLEN GITTENS
KATIA PATRICIA MENDEZ
MARIA DEL CARMEN GARCIA
SYLMAR RAQUEL RIVERA
SULANE MACHADO
EFRAIN RODRIGUEZ
JANNET MARQUEZ
Candidates for the Certificates Christian Discipleship
Leadership
KATHRYN MANUEL HALTERMAN
KEYLA ENID GONZALEZ
Candidates for the Degree of Master of Arts Biblical Studies
Mental Health Counseling
JUNE ALLISON BROWNE
ERIN GETMAN BENJAMIN
◊CHRISTINA ANN PULLIN
DANIELLE MAY BROOKS
GEORGE ROWLAND REED
HOLLY ELIZABETH FEIX DANIEL PAUL MOOREY
Christian Ministries
MOLLY PAIGE SPRUILL
KIMBERLY LYNN DIXON
SARAH CHRISTINE WHIPPLE Leadership Ministry
DWAYNE UBERT BARNES
DWAYNE UBERT BARNES
EVELYN SOTO
*VIRGINIA QUARRIER KNOWLES Marriage and Family Counseling
ANGEL JESUS LOPEZ
TANESHA YVETTE HOPSON RACHAEL PRESTON SUMNER LILLYAN O VARGAS
Pastoral Counseling *ELIZABETH ANNE HALEY JAROD MICHAEL JOHNSON
* Theta Phi ◊Eta Beta Rho
Candidates for the Degree of Master of Divinity MADELINE ELAINE BAUM
JUSTIN DANIEL MORRISROE
ANDREA MEGAN BENSON
CARMELO OQUENDO
KERRI DENISE BIGLER
*CHARLES THOMAS PARKS III
JACQUELYN YVONNE BOGEN
DANIELA RAE PEELE
RICARDO LUIS CARMONA
SHAWN LYNN PROCTOR
JEZIEL ABEL CARRASQUILLO
TONY EUGENE REDMOND
LINDA JEMISON CHISLOM
MILCA RIVERA
PAMELA JANE DEDEA
ERIC ALAN RUOFF
*JOHN RICHARD FLEISCHAUER
JANET ANN SACK
WILLIAM JOSEPH HARRIS
HECTOR IVAN SANTIAGO ROLON
LEAH ELIZABETH HIGGINBOTHAM
*JEFFREY BENJAMIN TAYLOR
DAVID SESSIONS JACKSON
JAN MICHAEL VANDERMARK
*SUSAN MCCUNE
Candidates for the Degree of Doctor of Ministry VERONICA ELIZABETH AGUILAR Dissertation Project: Exegetical Assistance to Enhance Sermon Preparation by Fulltime Church of God Pastors in Buenos Aires Mentor: Dr. Brian D. Russell EVERDITH YARITZA LANDRAU Dissertation Project: Addressing Health Disparities Among African American Women in Mecklenburg County: A Mix Method Study on Village Heartbeat Health Promotion Program Mentor: Dr. C. Milton Lowe
NELSON PARRA JEREZ Dissertation Project: Dealing with Depression: Factors That Contribute to the Presence of Major Depression Disorder and its Impact in Hispanic Pastors of the Church of God in the Southeast Region Mentor: Dr. Anthony J. Headley JOSE ESTEBAN RODRIGUEZ-SANJURJO Dissertation Project: Puerto Rican Crisis Migration: A Pastoral Response to Hurricane Maria Crisis Migrants Mentor: Dr. Angel Santiago-Vendrell
* Theta Phi ◊Eta Beta Rho