Over the past three years the class of the 2013 Lay Pastor Training Program graduating class have journeyed, studied and dedicated time and energy to the completion of: 23 courses, 18 Friday evenings and Saturdays, 69 2-hour lectures (139 hours of lectures), 23 different text books, and innumerable assignments all in the midst of life, family, ministry. Congratulations!
More than 120 people gathered to celebrate with the graduates on June 15, 2013 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Hammonds Plains, NS. The Praise & Worship Team from Emmanuel Baptist led in worship music and played special music, “Lord I’m Available To You”.
Rev. Sarah Scott, LPTP instructor, addressed the class with this scripture and these words from Col. 4:4 – “Pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I should.” Speaking from Col. 4:2-18, she mentioned the Lay Pastor graduating class of 62AD. She commented to the grads “We are here to acknowledge that God has called you, that God has equipped you and is sending you out. We are called to a glorious ministry to take part of with God’s energy flowing through us.”
Dr. Allison Trites presented bibles to the grads from the Canadian Bible Society (currently celebrating 200 years). “Devote yourself to this wonderful book and may God use you to extend his kingdom to the glory of his name.”
Each of the grads took a few minutes and thanked the people in their lives for standing with them over these past three years. They also took the opportunity to thank God and encourage everyone in attendance to listen and answer if God calls.
Special thanks to Emmanuel Baptist Church for their hospitality in hosting the classes and graduation. Rod Laybolt commented that the church made them feel like family and at home while they were here over the past three years.
“God has worked in each of you so He could work in each of us.” – Rod Laybolt, speaking to those gathered and on behalf of the graduating class.
Congratulations to each of the grads of the 2013 Lay Pastor Training Program – Wayne Dominey, Simon Goodfellow, Rod Laybolt, and Christina Marie McCallum.
