This article is from the EMU News Archive. The approximate date of publication was in May 2005. Current EMU news is available at www.emu.edu/news

Use Power Rightly, Seminary Graduates Told

The graduates of Eastern Mennonite Seminary face a paradox: They will be in positions of power and authority, but their strength will emerge amid their "weaknesses and vulnerabilities."

At the seminary's 56th annual commencement held Apr. 30 in EMU's Lehman Auditorium, the speaker told the graduates that "power isn't something we have a right to but is entrusted to us by God. It can easily be usurped."

Using the example of the Apostle Paul, J. Nelson Kraybill, president of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, noted that "God showed him [Paul] that his weakness, his thorn in the flesh, would be used to gain strength in ministry.

"Paul's oratorical skills were not of primary importance, but rather his
determination to preach the crucified Christ," he said.

Dr. Kraybill gave the 28 seminary graduates three challenges as they go forth in their ministries:

- "Be grounded in Jesus Christ in your worship and discipleship.

- "Self-differentiate, that is, say what you think and believe as leaders; and

- "Stay in touch with all parts of the community you serve, not to control or dictate but to work at issues together."

The seminary graduating class included 17 members of Mennonite Church USA, four from the United Methodist Church and several from other denominations and non-denominational groups. The youngest member is 25, the oldest, 59.

The seminary class of 2005 has accepted or will continue pastoral ministry assignments with congregations in several states; enter chaplaincy residency programs, doctoral studies, and overseas missions work or explore ministry options.

Dr. Kraybill has been AMBS president since 1997. Earlier, he taught high school in Puerto Rico, pastored a church in Vermont and was program director at the London Mennonite Centre in England.

A frequent speaker in congregational and conference settings, he has taught widely on issues of mission, allegiance, early church and the book of Revelation.

A graduate of Goshen (Ind.) College, Kraybill received a masters degree from Princeton (NJ) Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in New Testament from Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Va.

In addition to articles in various publications, he is the author of "Miscarriage: A Quiet Grief," co-authored with his wife Ellen G. Kraybill (Herald Press, 1990), "Imperial Cult and Commerce in John's Apocalypse (Sheffield Academic Press, 1996) and "On the Pilgrim's Way: Conversations on Christian Discipleship During a Twelve-Day Walk Across England" (Herald Press, 1999).