SWU Honors Religion Students at Commissioning Service
Apr 30, 2025 | Academics | Academics: Religion
CENTRAL, S.C. — Southern Wesleyan University’s Department of Religion held its annual Commissioning Service on Friday, April 25, 2025, in the Alive Chapel, honoring senior religion majors as they prepare to enter the ministry. The heartfelt ceremony offered faculty and staff an opportunity to encourage and pray for the graduates as they begin their next chapter. During the event, students were recognized with Department of Religion awards for exemplifying outstanding Christian character and academic excellence.
It was a powerful moment as 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.
“We’re incredibly proud of these students who are preparing to change the world for Christ,” said Dr. Mark Wilson, Associate Professor of Christian Ministry. “Our society needs bold and impactful individuals to proclaim the truth of the Gospel, and these students are well-prepared to take on this mission with confidence and determination. We're grateful God is calling this group to work on behalf of the Kingdom and to obey the Great Commission.”
Please join us in praying for these graduates: Jared Baldwin, Noah Brayerton, Lydia Ervin, Jacob Gourdin, Caleb Hurley, Erika Kallam, Beth Kraft, Sean Lane, Corri Cusimano, Riley Smith, and Dahlia Clay (religion minor).
Award Winners:
- The Bob Black Blue Blazer Award: Jared Baldwin
- The Eunice Award: Riley Smith
- The Berean Award: Jared Baldwin
- The Barnabas Award: Lydia Ervin
- The John Wesley Award: Sean Lane
“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.
Follow SWU:
facebook.com/southernwesleyan/
instagram.com/swu_edu
linkedin.com/school/southern-wesleyan-university/
Media inquiries, please contact: