Central Baptist Theological Seminary

Commencement

May 10, 2024

Prelude ……………………………………………………………….. Melody Bruffey

*Academic Processional ……………………………………… Melody Bruffey
Holy Art Thou, G. F. Handel

School Song ………………………………………………….. Roy Beacham, Th.D.
The Word and the Testimony

Invocation …………………………………………………. Josh Stephens, D.Min.

Welcome ……………………………………………… Matthew Morrell, D.Min.
                                                                                             President
Scripture Reading …………………………………………. Matt Shrader, Ph.D.

Commencement Address ……………………………. Lee Ormiston, D.S.M.
                                                    Pastor Emeritus, Family Baptist Church

Alumni Welcome …………………………………………… Craig Muri, D.Min.
                                                                             Chairman of the Board

Recognition of Scholarships ……………………….. Brett Williams, Ph.D.
                                                                                                        Provost

Presentation of Graduates……………………………. Jonathan Pratt, Ph.D.
                                                              Vice President of Academic Affairs

Awarding of Academic Degrees ……………. Matthew Morrell, D.Min.

Investiture of Academic Hoods …………………… Roy Beacham, Th.D.
                                                                                 Brett Williams, Ph.D.

Prayer of Dedication ……………………………. Douglas McLachlan, D.D.
                                                                                                   Chancellor

Closing Remarks …………………………………… Matthew Morrell, D.Min.

*Benediction …………………………………………………. Kevin Bauder, Ph.D.

*Academic Recessional ………………………………………… Melody Bruffey

Psalm 19, Benedetto Marcello

The Word and the Testimony

by Dr. Richard V. Clearwaters
Founder of Central Seminary
Isaiah 8:20

To the Law and Testimony
Ever shall be Central’s song;
For within these sacred pages
We have found the Father’s Son.
Of our service He is worthy,
For His form we plainly see,
In the pages of the Volume
Daily witnessed there for me.

Words there great and oh so precious,
Ever speaking loud and clear
To lost sinners, poor and needy,
By God’s nature, now drawn near.
For the hunger that He gives us,
By this Self of His within;
We are pure in daily living,
Through the power He gives to men. 

In the world and no part of it,
We will shun its sin and lust;
For the Savior’s image charms us
Through the Book, for us to trust.
In the highways and the byways,
In the halls with noise and din;
Here at “Central” He is central,
Like the Book that brings us Him.