May 20, 2008 | By Paul F. South
  
NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary conferred 184 degrees May 17 during the school’s 90th commencement service.

While issuing his charge to the graduates, including some who endured losing every material possession in Hurricane Katrina, Seminary President Chuck Kelley offered encouragement to those who would face trials in ministry.

Preaching from John 14:1-3 – where Jesus warned of the troubled times to come, including Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial, Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion – Kelley donned dark glasses that gave him the look of a New Orleans jazz man. Kelley paraphrased Jesus’ admonition to the disciples – "Be cool," even in the troubles to come.

"This is a tough time, a difficult time, a dangerous time," Kelley said. "But be cool. Do not be troubled. It’s actually more accurate to hear Jesus say, "I know your hearts are troubled – stop worrying."

Jesus could give that assurance, Kelley said, because "He knew that all things – no matter how hard or difficult they looked – were in the Father’s hands." Kelley called Christ’s counsel one of the most important lessons graduates could take from their seminary experience, particularly in the wake of Katrina.

"There is not any circumstance in life that you will ever find yourself outside of the hand of God," Kelley said. "There is absolutely no circumstance in life in which the grip of God can be broken from around your heart or around your soul."

"At every moment of your life, at every moment of your ministry . . . Whatever kind of setting God sends you to for your ministry, you are going in the grip of God," Kelley said. And you are going in the shadow of His presence; and you are going wherever you go, to be under His watch care."

Kelley also reminded graduates that while they have a limited time on earth and in ministry, God’s glory is coming, an assurance given by Christ in His promise "In my Father’s house, there are many dwelling places."

Kelley showed graduates a pocketwatch that once belonged to the seminary’s first president, Byron Hoover DeMent, that now rests on Kelley’s office desk. The hands of the timepiece are frozen, a daily reminder to Kelley that his time as president of the seminary –and his time of ministry -- is limited.

"That’s the way it is for your life and for your ministry," Kelley said. "There is a time limit. Trouble will come to an end. Trial will come to an end. Your opportunity to do ministry in the name of Jesus will come to an end."

In that light, Kelley reminded students of the first Christian martyr, Stephen. Even as he was being put to death, Stephen kept a heavenly perspective, fixed on the glory to come.

"This is what you know about yourself. Wherever God sends you, whatever work you do, you have a limited amount of time to do it," Kelley said. "And when it is done, you will be received into the glory of God by Jesus Himself."

He also urged graduates not to lose their passion for ministry, even when trouble comes. Using another prop – this time a bottle of Louisiana hot sauce, Kelley urged grads to serve God with flavor and passion, an energy that can impact thousands for the kingdom of God.

"Don’t you dare walk out of here as graduates of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and give Jesus anything less than the full spice and flavor of your passionate best. Give it to Him, because my friends, glory is coming."

Kelley’s address was interrupted twice by standing ovations in the packed Leavell Chapel. The graduates, including some who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina, were applauded for their perseverance in following God’s call to ministry. Eighty-five percent of the seminary’s pre-Katrina student body returned to continue their academic work after the storm.

The seminary faculty and staff also received a standing ovation. Seventy percent of the faculty lost all of their belongings in the Aug. 29, 2005 storm. But within 10 days of the storm, they regrouped and found a way to reinvent the seminary curriculum and keep on teaching. It was an effort, Kelley has often said, unprecedented in the history of theological education.

As part of the graduation exercises, four married couples earned their degrees simultaneously. Ashley Nalls Brooks and her husband, Page Matthew Brooks, were awarded doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Ashley Brooks, a native of Tifton, Ga., earned her Ph. D. in psychology and counseling. Her husband, Page, a native of Montgomery, Ala., earned his doctorate in theology.

Charity and Michael Williams were awarded their doctoral degrees during the ceremony. Michael Williams completed requirements for the doctor of ministry degree in 2007, but wanted to share the moment with his wife, Charity, as she received her doctor of philosophy degree. The Williams serve in Mobile, Ala.

At the master’s level, Rhyne Putman and his wife, Micah, received graduate degrees. Rhyne was awarded a master of divinity degree with specialization in biblical languages. Micah received her master of arts in Christian education.

Derek Brown received a master of divinity degree with specialization in psychology and counseling. His wife, Ariel Denise Brown, was awarded a bachelor of arts in Christian ministry. Derek Brown is a native of Manning, S.C. Ariel is originally from Charleston, S.C.

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