The graduating Class of 2023 presenting a song during the 28th Commencement Exercises of the Oriental Theological Seminary. The celebration was held at Chümoukedima Ao Baptist Church on May 28. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | May 28
The 28th Commencement Exercises of Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS) was celebrated this afternoon, here at Chümoukedima Ao Baptist Church, with Rev Dr Mar Pongener, Executive Secretary, Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) as the commencement speaker.
65 graduates were awarded degrees in different disciplines – 47 graduates from the Degree of Master of Divinity (MDiv), 14 graduates from the Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling (MACC) and 4 graduates from the Degree of Master of Theology (MTh)-AGST-NEI.
Addressing the congregation of families, friends, local churches and well wishers, Rev Dr Mar Pongener, the Executive Secretary of ABAM, expressed his joy at sharing the stage with the OTS family and congratulated the graduates. Rev Pongener reminded them that their purpose in coming to OTS was to be trained to serve God on earth. He emphasized the importance of going out into the world to make disciples of all nations, as mandated by God.
Rev Pongener cautioned the graduates against prioritizing personal achievements over the commission given to them by their "master." He criticized what he referred to as "modern theologians" who drift away from the true call of mission and service, often seeking personal fame and comfort instead of centering their ministry on God.
The speaker encouraged the graduates to let the word of God govern their thoughts, actions and every aspect of their lives. He urged them to prioritize integrity and character, emphasizing that true character is about doing what is right, not what is "popular or convenient."
In his address, Principal, Dr Joshua Lorin highlighted the growth of OTS over the past 32 years. Starting with just 16 students, the Seminary now offers three additional degrees, has an enrollment of nearly 200 students, and has over 700 graduates around the world. Dr Lorin emphasized that the Seminary is committed to forming servant leaders in obedience to God's mandate.
He expressed gratitude to the families, local churches and sponsors for their support and assured them that their relationship with the Seminary will continue beyond graduation.
During the ceremony, Prof Alongla P Aier was also conferred the Honoris Causa by the OTS, whose professional career and ministry has spanned almost five decades, as a speaker, teacher, leader in various institutions and platforms. She has taught at OTS in full time capacity for the last 27 years and as an emeritus professor for the past three years.
