Commencement strategy

Seminary commencement services are overwhelming. The ceremony usually takes place in a jam-packed auditorium or large cathedral church; at our seminary it is held in a Gothic university chapel. As the music begins, the faculty process in their 40 different colors of academic regalia, followed by the graduates in their robes and hoods. The organ, brass, and choir make it feel as if we are processing into heaven. It’s sublime.

But that’s not the overwhelming part of the experience. And I doubt it’s the reason that the families of the graduates have flown in from around the country to cram into a pew.

The part that knocks me out is watching the graduates make their way to the chancel, where I wait to place a degree in their hands. As each name is called the graduates climb the stone steps, hold out an open hand, and smile.