In Case You Missed It: 2024 Convocation Exercises

Posted On September 12, 2024

On Friday, September 6, Reformation Bible College dedicated a new academic year to the Lord at our 2024 convocation exercises at Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla. Additionally, we were pleased to welcome 94 new on-campus students and 90 new online students to the RBC family.

After faculty, staff, and the student body processed into Saint Andrews’ Chapel, we sang an opening hymn together. Then Dr. John Tweeddale, our vice president of academics, opened with a prayer of invocation before reminding us that the purpose of convocation is to assemble together before the Lord and ask His blessing over our academic year.

Following the college hymn written by Dr. R.C. Sproul, “Clothed in Righteousness,” we gave attention to God’s Word: Jude 17–23, read by Rev. Levi Berntson, assistant professor of theology. Then Dr. Stephen Nichols delivered the convocation address, “Learning in Chaos.”

Our president exhorted the college community to focus on the timeless truth of God’s Word in the midst of our unstable society. Even in a hostile and fallen world, Christians must resist anger and anxiety as we “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

“At RBC, we will not let culture set our agenda for us.” said Dr. Nichols. “We will let God’s Word set our agenda. We will defend the faith, contend for the faith.”

After enjoying special music from our very own Reformation Chorale, Dr. Nichols called upon the RBC faculty to publicly recite their vows and affirm the statement of faith, followed by the students’ affirmation of their standards of faith and conduct. Then, after a prayer of dedication for the new academic year from Dr. Keith Mathison, professor of systematic theology, we sang a closing hymn and received a benediction from Dr. Tweeddale.

We give thanks to God for this new academic year, and we are grateful to everyone who has prayed for and financially supported RBC. Your generosity is an investment in our students and in RBC’s efforts to equip them with the knowledge of God and His holiness. Thank you for your commitment to serving the next generation of articulate Christians who will stand with a firm conviction on God’s Word and live out their faith in every vocation and calling.