Southern Wesleyan University Commissions Religion Graduates for Lives of Ministry and Service
Apr 29, 2026 | Academics: Religion
CENTRAL, S.C. — Southern Wesleyan University’s Division of Religion held its annual Commissioning Service on Friday, April 24, 2026, in Alive Chapel, honoring senior religion majors and minors as they prepare to enter lives of ministry and service. The meaningful ceremony provided an opportunity for faculty, staff, and family members to encourage, celebrate, and pray over graduates as they step into their calling.
The service featured a thoughtful order of worship, including a prelude by Rev. Noah Cromer, a call to worship and invocation led by Dr. Brent Dongell, and the congregational hymn “Blessed Assurance.” Dr. Brad Fipps delivered the Challenge, urging students to reflect on the importance of character and integrity—considering what others will say about them when they enter a room. Dr. Mark Wilson presented the Department of Religion awards and led the Commissioning. The service concluded with a prayer for graduates by Rev. Cromer and a benediction from University Chaplin Rev. Heath Mullikin.
During the commissioning, students knelt in prayer at an altar with deep roots in Wesleyan tradition. The altar was from Freedom’s Hill Chapel, the first Wesleyan abolitionist church in the South. This chapel is now located on the campus of Southern Wesleyan University. You can find more information on Freedom’s Hill here.
Please join us in praying for these graduates:
May Graduates: Luke Burleson, Caleb Caldwell, Kinsley Donald, Brock Elrod, Emma Fairchild, Nora Hill, Makayla Lukitsch, Ashley Matherlee, Angela Parkhurst, Merritt Smith, Seth Van Steenburg, Alvaro Verdejo, Mindy Worley
December Graduates: Kenn Doster, Theorie Gray, Kate Uhlig, Sarah White
Minors: Grady Clark, Taylor Cummings, David Magallan, Samantha Walker, Sarah Watson
The Division of Religion hands out awards for exemplifying outstanding Christian character and academic excellence. This year’s winners are:
Barnabas Award (Encouragement) — Seth Van Steenburg and Emma Fairchild
Berean Award (Academic Excellence) — Kenn Doster and Brock Elrod
John Wesley Award (Pastoral Leadership) — Ashley Matherlee
Charles Wesley Award (Music Leadership) — Caleb Caldwell
Bob Black Blue Blazer Award — Luke Burleson
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20
About Southern Wesleyan University
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused, faith-filled community that offers inventive learning experiences. The university endeavors to prepare its students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to www.swu.edu.
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