|
 This
year, with the reduction of students receiving their educations at
the campus in Lincoln, the traditional format of graduation in the
morning and seminary commencement in the afternoon was altered into
a single ceremony for all graduates of the class of 2023.
An organ prelude was performed by LCU alumna, Linda
Storm. “Holy is He” was performed as the processional with Storm on
the organ and Professor Emeritus of Worship Ministry Jeffrey Colleen
on the piano.
A congregational hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy" was led by Dr. Darrin
Akin, Adjunct Professor of Worship Ministry. The invocation was
given by Larry Roberts, Associate professor Emeritus of Psychology.
A warm welcome was given by President, Dr. Silas
McCormick, who could not have appeared prouder of the 2023
graduates' hard work and accomplishments; after which he introduced
the commencement speaker, Dr. John D. Castelein.
Dr. Castelein was born in France, raised in Belgium,
and became an American citizen in 1984. He attended Johnson Bible
College (1966-68) before graduating from Lincoln Christian College
(1970). He earned an MA and an MDiv in Theology from Lincoln
Christian Seminary in 1977. He received a PhD in Theology in 1988
from the Divinity School of the University of Chicago.
Dr. Castelein taught undergraduate courses at LCU from 1977 until
1992. He taught theology in the seminary and the DMin programs from
1992 until 2014, when he retired.
He had preaching ministries in Indian, Illinois (Lincoln Christian
Church 2001 to 2006) and his hometown of Genk, Belgium.
[to top of second column]
 |
However, raised in the secular culture of Belgium,
challenged by his critical doctoral studies in religion, Dr.
Castelein stepped away from the faith from 2010 until 2022. Then, by
God's amazing Grace, he experienced a reconversion, which finally
united his mind with his heart in loving God our Father and serving
Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Dr. Castelein’s testimony to the graduating class was
not the typical commencement speech where one charges and encourages
students to go change the world...although they understood that that
is the great commission. His testimony was about having walked away
from the faith on three separate occasions and God's grace pursuing
him. Each time God was personal and intentional making himself known
to Dr. Castelein, who could not deny the power of God's grace
touching and profoundly changing his heart and mind.
So, to the class of 2023 (and to the rest of us) the message is
about becoming God's obedient servant. Choosing to serve with
gratitude for the grace He freely gives us on this journey..."not I
but Christ...not I but Christ".
Following Dr. Castelein’s address, happy students filed across the
stage receiving their diplomas and warm congratulations for the
leadership of Lincoln Christian University.
Afterward, the students celebrated with family and
friends as many gathered inside and outside the chapel for family
pictures as well as embraces from family, friends, and fellow
students.
Read Dr. Castelein’s address to the students.
[Karen Castelein] |
