MB Biblical Seminary graduates 39 students

Thirty-nine graduates were sent into ministry from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary’s campuses in Fresno, Cal. and Langley, B.C. this spring.

The 2004 graduating class from MBBS–ACTS in Langley, B.C.: (back, l–r) Lauren Berg, professor Ron Toews, MBBS president Jim Holm, professor Doug Berg, Alan Goerz; (front) David Swan, professor Bruce Guenther, Sean Hassall, Young Jin Lee.

Nine MBBS graduates received the Master of Divinity degree, 27 received the Master of Arts degree, and three received a diploma in Christian Studies.

Seventeen graduates are preparing for or already involved in North American pastoral ministry, seven in missions, one will become a chaplain, and 10 will work in marriage and family counselling. Four will be in ministries yet to be determined. Twenty-one of the graduates are Mennonite Brethren.

The Fresno graduation ceremonies were held, Sunday, May 2 at Northside Christian Church. Henry Schmidt, who concluded his ten-year term as Seminary president in 2003, gave the address to the graduates and was also awarded the title of President Emeritus by the MBBS Board, in recognition of his 35 years of service to the Seminary, the MB denomination, and the many churches of all denominations represented by the student body.

Cal Bergen (left), chair of the MBBS board, awards Henry Schmidt with the title President Emeritus during graduation ceremonies in Fresno. Schmidt also gave the address to the graduates.

The MBBS–ACTS graduation was a part of the graduation ceremony of the larger ACTS seminary consortium, which now represents six seminaries.

—Brad Thiessen