Commissioning service at SWU
Southern Wesleyan University religion major Benji Overcash kneels as Rev. Dave Tolan, SWU missionary in residence, presenting him with a cross. Also pictured are religion professors Dr. Bob Black, center, and Dr. Brad Fipps.
Each spring, Southern Wesleyan University’s Division of Religion holds a Commissioning Service for senior religion majors. The service is a rite of passage for religion students as they prepare to leave SWU and move into ministry or additional ministry preparation. This year’s service was held on the Central, S.C., campus in Freedoms Hill Church on April 18. Preaching at the service was the recipient of the V.A. Mitchell Excellence in Pastoral Ministry Award, Dr. Ronald Haithcock, pastor of Long Shoals Wesleyan Church in Lincolnton, N.C.
As a part of the service, each senior kneels at the altar, where religion faculty lay hands on the student, and the senior's accountability group leader prays a prayer of blessing for the student. Then, faculty members present the student with a cross.
The seniors recognized at this year’s commissioning service included Timothy Bowyer of Central; Elizabeth Dennis of Bessemer City, N.C.; Bruce Duncan of New Castle, Va.; Looy Eubanks of North Augusta; Bryana King of Holly Springs, N.C.; Tiffany King of Holly Springs, N.C.; Benji Overcash of Thomasville, N.C.; Michelle Pickel of Easley; Ruth Russell of Baldwinsville, N.Y.; Kenny Smith of Piedmont; Julie Tabler of Greensboro, Ga.; and Jason Williams of Eden, N.C.