Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Eastern University, and Palmer Theological Seminary, the Seminary of Eastern University, demonstrate the many changes that happened throughout this centennial.  At the turn of the previous century, Baptist church leaders felt that some of the well-known seminaries of their day were no longer faithful to the Scriptures. As a result of this assessment, Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, among a few others throughout the country, was formed with the commitment to be “conservative, yet progressive.” This is a commitment in tension, which has lasted one hundred years.

In the graduating class of 2026, we can see and admire the number of degrees that the seminary is bestowing today. We have M.DIV, MTS, MPT, ESCM, DMIN, and PHD, because the church of the Lord Jesus Christ requires different specializations. Not only that, but some of the graduates are moving into professions beyond the church because they feel that the Lord is calling them to become hospital and military chaplains and counselors.

As I wrote this, I was in Macedonia, the place where Paul received his call to change his intended itinerary and proclaim the gospel to the continent of Europe. Our seminary motto, "The whole gospel, to the whole world, through whole people," affirms the missiological commitment of our faculty and students. One of our professors used the term "glocal," meaning both global and local. Our seminary emphasizes both the importance of being active in the local community and congregations and having a vision for the global church, which invites our participation and our God-given gifts.

My prayer, and the prayers of my fellow Palmer faculty, administration, and staff, is that the body of Christ will recognize in you the richly gifted people of God that make up the class of 2026. We are confident that you will do a great work in the power of the Holy Spirit and we send you into the world with God’s abundant blessings.