40
th ANNUAL
O
n May 29, 2021, Westminster Seminary California celebrated its 40th annual commencement exercises. Thirty-two master’s degrees were awarded, including 18 Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and 14 Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees. The Class of 2021 is comprised of men and women from 9 U.S. states and 8 countries. These graduates join the more than 1,200 WSC alumni who are serving as pastors, church planters, missionaries, teachers, scholars, counselors, and lay leaders in more than 30 countries around the world. In addition to the 2021 graduates, the seminary invited the entire Class of 2020 to participate in the commencement exercises since the 2020 commencement was virtual due to state regulations during the pandemic. Dr. Dennis E. Johnson, WSC Professor emeritus of Practical Theology, delivered the charge to the graduates, titled, “Him We Proclaim.” Speaking on Colossians 1:24-2:3, Dr. Johnson encouraged the graduates to preach Christ crucified, which is the only panacea for the world’s pandemic of sin and death. Other guest participants included Rev. John Kong (Pastor of Christian Education at New
10
COMMENCEMENT
Life Presbyterian Church, Escondido), Rev. Chad Vegas (Senior Pastor of Sovereign Grace Church, Bakersfield), and Rev. William Chang (Senior Pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church of Orange County, Fullerton). The Class of 2021 experienced disruptions caused by the global pandemic for more than a year. We are thankful to our students who remained faithful and resilient despite many changes and challenges, for our faculty and administration who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support these students, and for our friends and partners of the seminary who remained generous and faithful in the midst of uncertainties. Most of all, we give thanks to the Lord for his abundant provision and protection. Please join us in praying that the Class of 2021 will be filled with the joy of Christ and his gospel wherever the Lord calls them to serve. Video from the commencement service and personal reflections from six of the graduates are available online at wscal.edu/commencement-2021
UPDATE | FALL2021
