Buies Creek, N.C.—Richard Brunson, Executive Director of the North Carolina Baptist Men, encouraged Divinity School students to answer the call to service as they prepare for a life of ministry. Brunson spoke at the Campbell Divinity School’s 2008 Service of Convocation and Commissioning held Tuesday, Sept. 16.“This service honors our newest students who have heard God’s call and have said, ‘yes,’” said Dr. Michael Cogdill, dean of the Divinity School. “They come together today with their families, friends and church members to celebrate that call.” As keynote speaker, Brunson explained the ongoing efforts of the North Carolina Baptist Men to help those areas devastated by Hurricane Ike.“Many of our members are in Baytown, Texas, as I speak,” said Brunson, whose organization prepared and fed over 70,000 people during the hurricane. “They are cleaning out homes, sheet-rocking and providing much-needed supplies.”The North Carolina Baptist Men were also on hand during Gustav and Katrina.“Our life is about missions,” he said. “That is what Christians are called and gifted to do. God made us this way in order to prepare His people to be the body of Christ. All Christians are called to be ministers, to be the hands and feet of God.”A total of 49 new Master of Divinity students and six new Doctor of Ministry students received their commissions on Tuesday.Aurora, N.C. resident Jessica Cruz, who was one of those commissioned, decided to enter the Master of Divinity program at Campbell while serving as the worship leader of her church, Faith United Methodist in New Bern, N.C.“As I was praying and seeking God’s plan in my life, I just came to the realization that I not only needed to prepare myself mentally, but spiritually as well,” said the mother of three. “A good carpenter carries all of his tools with him. I wanted to be a good carpenter for what God wanted me to do in my life.”The Campbell Divinity School offers four master degree programs—the Master of Divinity, Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration, Master of Divinity/Master of Arts in Community Counseling and Master of Arts in Christian Education. Each program features core curriculum and vocational/elective concentrations designed to assist students in preparing for their chosen ministry areas. One doctoral program, the Doctor of Ministry degree, is also offered. The degree program features a combination of core seminars, elective courses in one’s field of interest and independent reading and research.Photo Copy: Divinity students prepare to be commissioned into Christian service at the 2008 Convocation and Commissioning service held by the Campbell Divinity School. From left, Charles Edward Dail, Amy Dawn Chrismon, Jamie Kar Lai Chong, Christine Joy Chemey and Verga Brooks.
Brunson’s mission symbolizes call to service