Commencement Service Report 2023

Monday, 9th October 2023
Image: commencement-service-report-2023

Commencement Service Report

by Ana Rut Herrera Merlo

This year we had the privilege to be able to commend and welcome the new students at Knockconny. This service is a special date in the college calendar, as it is the first event where we can meet the new students and their families over a cup of tea.

Pastor Andrew Roycroft opened this time in prayer followed by our first song, ‘Only a Holy God’. After this we continued into the presentation of our new students, led by Dr Davy Ellison. We also had the opportunity to learn more about the Amazing Journey while Dr David Luke interviewed the postgraduate student James Robinson (Amazing Journey Coordinator).

This has been a year of numerous changes, amongst them we encountered the new validation and change to Spurgeon’s College, but also the recognition of our next principal. After hearing the updates on the College from Principal Edwin Ewart, the act of induction took place. Pastor Ian Grant (ABCI President) inducted Dr Johnny McClaughlin as Principal Designate of the Irish Baptist College, who later reminded us on what Paul said to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:12 and that in spite of all the changes around us we must advance the gospel.

After our third song (Standing on the Promises of Christ), Reuben Russell (Student Chairperson) read 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 and Matthew Campbell preached on this passage. He encouraged us to not lose heart. Paul was inclined to lose heart, just as we can do because of the difficulties that we might encounter in gospel ministry. But Matthew reminded us that in spite of that, we serve because of the kindness and mercy of God. It is not just because of our talents or abilities but because of Him. However, we were also reminded that gospel integrity is the foundation of our ministry, just as a tower of Jenga, when we start building on top of it and the foundation is reduced to a block, the tower begins to crumble. Even though it does the job, it does more harm at the end. We mustn’t forget that Satan deceives the world with his lies, but it is by the light of the gospel that the veil was lifted, He didn’t come to make bad people good, but to bring dead people to life.

We are very thankful for these new students who are eager to learn more about our God and share this good news. Please pray for them, for the staff and for this new stage at the College.

    Blog Archive

Let’s Read Irish Baptist College Conference (Online) From Intern to Undergraduate (Emily Middleton) Let's Read: The Hole in our Holiness — The Reason for Redemption Baptists and Revival in the Long 18th Century Second Year Placements From Intern to Undergraduate (Josh Brown) Let's Read: The Hole in our Holiness — The What and Why of Holiness Final Year During A Pandemic 2nd Year Placement Experience Friends of the College 2021 Update The Art of Reading More Books Let's Read: The Hole in our Holiness — The Real Possibility of Holiness A Basic Easter Fact The Servant King Podcast Let's Read: The Hole in our Holiness — You Are Holy Third Year Reflection Gospel Guardians: Protecting the Purity of the Gospel for Future Generations Graduation 2021 Book Review: Succeeding at Seminary Let's Read: The Hole in Our Holiness — A Work in Progress Why the Irish Baptist College is Vital to the Health of the Association A Good News Story: The Ministry Partnership Scheme Why Study the Biblical Languages? Profit in Toil: A Short Message on A Level Results Day Let's Read: Small Preaching Recognition Service Report 2021 Sin Forgiven: Nourishment for Life and Joy for Living Let’s Read: Small Preaching—The Character of the Preacher Commencement Service Report Placement Friends of the College Update God Rejoices over His People: A Meditation on Zephaniah 3:17 Let’s Read: Small Preaching—Constructing the Sermon Evangelism Teams: Newcastle and Brannockstown Evangelism Teams: Stonepark and North Belfast Christian Fellowship First Year Reflections (Reuben and Andrew) Some New Books Let’s Read: Small Preaching—The Craft of Preaching Let's Read: Small Preaching—What is God Saying? A Christmas Reflection on John 1 - ‘The coming of the light’ Christmas Reflection on John 1 - ‘Life, Light & Glory’
Time to read Genesis...again Friends of the College - January 2020 Friends of the College - January 2020 Finances Tribute to Marion Craig The Resilient Pastor: Surviving & Thriving in Ministry Just a Blow-in? What is new on the shelves at IBC? Friends of the College - February 2020 Four Reasons to Study Theology Academically From Spain to Moira Testimonial Financial Update Friends of the College – March 2020 Irish Baptist Historical Society: The Mayflower Thomas Patient: the Father of the Irish Baptist Church Testimonials The Pastors’ Conference: An Encouraging Privilege Testimonials (part-time studies) In the worst of times: COVID-19 and the Book of Ruth Friends of the College - April 2020 The Long Wait: Victory Delayed Testimonials - Preparation for Ministry and Evening Classes The Leadership Podcast Testimonials - Ladies Study Fellowship The Leadership Podcast (part 2) Friends of the College - May 2020 Reflections from the Student Chairman Why do we teach the Old Testament? Reflections on first year at IBC Friends of the College - June 2020 Why do we teach Romans? IBC Placement Is Church History a Thing of the Past? Friends of the College - July 2020 Friends of the College – August 2020 Friends of the College September 2020 Recognition and Graduation Service Introducing the Irish Baptist College’s New Logo Commencement Service Friends of the College - October 2020 Filled with the Spirit: Soundings in Luke’s Theology of the Holy Spirit The Famous Five: The Abiding Relevance of the Solas of the Reformation Friends of the College - November 2020 The Importance of Theological Training in Fulfilling the Great Commission First Year Reflections — Tim Houston Singing: The Place of Theology in Corporate Worship New Library Books Friends of the College – Unite to Pray – December Christmas Reflections
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