On January 2-3, Zhongnan Theological Seminary in Hubei held a graduation ceremony for the 2024 one-year volunteer class, attended by all faculty and students.
During the commissioning service on January 2, class advisor Rev. Wei Zhiyong delivered an exhortation titled "An Example of Being Sent," encouraging the students to take responsibility, remain vigilant, and work diligently, said the seminary. Rev. Zhu Zhiguo, chairperson of the provincial TSPM and president of the school, inquired of the students and led a team of pastors in performing a laying-on-of-hands ceremony. Following the ceremony, students presented a series of performances.
The next day, at the graduation ceremony, a provincial government official Liu Qinghua outlined three expectations for the graduates, which were strengthening their faith, taking on responsibility, and maintaining strict self-discipline. Liu encouraged the students to become leaders, practitioners, and exemplars of the sinicization of Christianity. Reverend Zhu awarded the graduates their certificates and further elaborated on the qualities of talents “who have a good character and religious accomplishments and could play an important role at critical times.”
During the ceremony, the volunteer class students made a special offering to their alma mater, performing a collective hymn.
