This past Friday night was our Lancaster Baptist High School graduation. As a pastor, this was an evening of joy and thankfulness as I watched our young people prepare to enter adult life with a heart of commitment to the Lord. Many of these students have spent much of their lives at Lancaster Baptist Church, and I’m so thankful to be their pastor.

What I saw Friday night was a testimony to the value of Christian education. It confirmed that the faith and sacrifice of parents over the years to give their children a Christian education is wise. It presented a beautiful picture of what can happen in a child’s life when he or she has the combined influence of Christian parents, a Bible-teaching and preaching church, and a Christian school.

I’ve often told our church family, “Christian education doesn’t cost—it pays.” Watching our seniors graduate with pure and consecrated hearts and well-prepared for a life of service emphasizes the truth of that statement. I’m praying for them as they serve the Lord in the various capacities He has directed them, and I’m looking forward to seeing God continue to use and bless their lives.

The sixteenth commencement exercise for West Coast Baptist College this past Wednesday marked a significant milestone for our family. Our youngest son, Matthew, and his wife, Katie, graduated. As they walked across the platform, I thought of 3 John 4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” What a joy it was to give them both their diplomas, knowing that they are already using the training they have received to serve the Lord.

Matt and Katie met at West Coast Baptist College during their freshman year, and they were married in August of 2010. They both finished their classes this past December, and they have been serving in Oceanside, California, with Pastor Stephen Chappell at Coastline Baptist Church. Matt is the youth pastor, and he and Katie are serving God faithfully each week—reaching and teaching young people with the Word of God. (more…)

It’s hard to believe that with Wednesday morning’s commencement exercises, West Coast Baptist College will complete its fifteenth year of training laborers for the harvest. What a joy it is to have a part in the ministry of alumni serving around the world. And, although graduation is always bitter-sweet, we are thankful for the students who will receive their diplomas on Wednesday and join the ranks of WCBC alumni in ministry.

Graduation week includes many events that are a blessing to students, family, and friends. This year, we will be able to livestream all of these main events at wcbc.edu. (All times listed are Pacific Time.) (more…)

Graduation time! As I share these thoughts with you I must admit I’m still a bit stunned to think that our youngest child, Matthew, has now graduated from high school! I can still recall when Matt was born at the Antelope Valley Hospital nearly eighteen years ago. His name means “gift from God” and we certainly feel that way about each of our children.

Matt and his classmates were blessed to hear a fantastic message at their graduation last Friday night by Dr. David Gibbs Jr. The message dealt with having a good name.

While Terrie and I sense gratitude and even some relief to have our children moving along in life, we also sense an added responsibility to pray for them, mentor them, encourage them, and help them along the way.

Somewhere in our society there has developed a disconnection between generations of families. Perhaps this is due to sin and disappointment of various kinds. But I truly believe it is my great privilege and responsibility to continue encouraging our family in the coming years.

Matt plans to attend West Coast Baptist College this fall. Of course, we are thrilled with his decision and we covet your prayers for him as he begins preparation for a life of ministry for the Lord Jesus Christ.

This past Wednesday morning, parents, pastors, and friends gathered together for the commencement services of West Coast Baptist College. It was a joy to see 139 graduates cross the platform to receive their diplomas. During the commencement address, I challenged each graduate to pass on the “Baton of Faith”. As Christians running the race that is set before us, it is our responsibility to pass the Word of God, our Baton of Faith, to the next generation.

Passing the Baton
2 Timothy 2:1-5

I. The Baton Delivered
A. It has been delivered lovingly ~ 2 Timothy 2:1
B. It has been delivered literally ~ I Thessalonians 2:13

II. The Baton Defended
A. You must hold it ~ 2 Timothy 1:13
B. You must heed it ~ 1 Timothy 4:16

III. The Baton Distributed – “Commit”
A. Distribute with Consecration ~ 2 Timothy 2:4
B. Distribute with Compassion ~ Jude 22

This graduation day was a culmination of countless hours of investment and training on the part of many parents, pastors, teachers, and mentors. I count it a great honor and privilege to work alongside these Christian workers in the training up of the next generation of servant leaders.

Although it is sad to see these students go, we are reminded that the purpose of West Coast Baptist College is to train up laborers for His harvest. It is now time for each graduate to go out and make a difference. We look forward to seeing what God will accomplish in and through their lives. Please pray for these graduates as they enter the fields that are white unto harvest.

Matthew 9:36-38
“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

To see photos & video related to the graduation, click here.