So wrote Ernest Shurtleff as he was about to graduate from seminary in 1887. Since then, this hymn’s become a favorite of many, including us at Church of the Good Shepherd. But the first time Ernest and his classmates sang this martial hymn, it was in their graduation service. And so we’re happy to announce that we’ll be singing it in its original context: the second graduation ceremony of the ClearNote Pastors College.

 

Three years ago, the ClearNote Pastors College graduated its first class of students. Our first class was made up of two students here in Bloomington. Both are now involved in ClearNote Church, our new church plant in Indianapolis, Indiana. Joseph Bayly is the lead pastor of that new work, and his former classmate, Steve Moxy, worships there with his family.

 

In the fall of 2007, our second class of students began their studies, and our ranks swelled to five students—a growth rate of 150%! This class of five men will be graduating this spring, and are now nearing the end of their class work at CNPC. Only a few more weeks of class, a few more papers to write, and a few more sermons to preach, and they’ll be off, each of them to serve Christ’s Kingdom in various ways:

 

David Abu-Sara has recently moved his family to Indianapolis to assist Joseph Bayly in pastoring ClearNote Church.

 

Jody Killingsworth will continue to serve Church of the Good Shepherd as music minister.

 

Jacob Mentzel will spend another year or two here in Bloomington leading ClearNote Campus Fellowship, a ministry on the campus of Indiana University.

 

Lucas Weeks is currently seeking God’s will for his vocational calling. Having grown up in Africa as the son of missionaries, he would love to return and strengthen God’s church there.

 

Lane Bowman will continue here at Church of the Good Shepherd for the time being, working alongside Jacob in ClearNote Campus Fellowship.

 

In their three years of study at CNPC, these men have each grown in their wisdom, Scriptural knowledge, and godliness. They have grown in their abilities to preach, counsel, discipline, organize, and lead. They have learned to be fathers in the church by being fathered by their elders and pastors. Having worked closely with these men for three years, I have confidence in their knowledge, character, and skill. They have finished their days of preparation; now the day of march has come, and they are ready to move out into whatever battlefield God directs them.

 

Please consider joining us as we celebrate the graduation of these men. Some of you have supported them with financial gifts; others have upheld them in prayer. Either way, God has blessed your gift in the lives of these men, and they would love to share this special ceremony with you. The graduation service will be held at 5:30 PM on Sunday, May 16^th at Church of the Good Shepherd in Bloomington, Indiana.