Divinity graduates thankful for ‘community’ found at Campbell

Community is a word that comes up often when referring to Campbell University Divinity School. For Taylor Long, a 2022 Christian Studies graduate, "community" is what drew her to Campbell as an undergrad and what brought her back to earn her Master of Divinity degree.

"I remember when I interviewed to be a student, and [professor] Dr. [Caleb] Oladipo told me, 'The joy of being at Campbell is being here together," Long said. "That has always been what made Campbell right for me."

Long and fellow Master of Divinity graduate Greg Ellington were recipients of the Russell T. Cherry Jr. Biblical Studies Award - recognizing "outstanding achievement in Biblical studies" - at Friday night's Divinity School spring commencement ceremony, held inside a packed Hobson Performance Center. For Long, she wanted an education that did more than form her brain; she wanted an experience that formed her heart and soul as well.

"I think that that is what makes Campbell different from other schools … is that you learn how to both be a good student in the classroom, but also how to apply what you've learned out in the world and especially in ministry," she said. "Campbell is a place that forms the whole person. It's a great place to be."

Eight students earned a Master of Arts in Faith and Leadership Formation degree, two students earned a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, 17 students earned their Master of Divinity and seven students earned their Doctor of Ministry degree at Friday night's ceremony.

Lori Poston was one of the 17 MDiv graduates, but the only one to walk the stage with a friend. With her guide dog Parker at her side, Poston completed a goal that she didn't believe was possible back in 2018 when a serious car accident resulted in two severe brain injuries and the loss of most of her vision.

Poston had to put aside theological education to focus on physical healing, followed by healing of her faith.

"I thought my calling was over," Poston said. "I didn't question God's place in my life or my place with God, but I thought my calling to be a minister was done. But God showed me, little by little, that this was still my calling. I was ministering to people on para-transit buses, and eventually ministering both despite my disability and sometimes because of my disability."

Poston said she chose Campbell to continue her education because she wanted a school that would not only educate her, but allow her to be who God created her to be.

"And that's what Campbell has done," she said. "From the moment I got here, I have been met with love, grace, acceptance and welcomeness and just this incredible family that I didn't know I was missing. There was something missing in my life before Campbell, and now I have it. And I'm never going to let go of it."

Army Sgt. (E-5) Nicholas Cornelius of New Bern also received his Master of Divinity Friday, answering the call to minister fellow soldiers. In September, Cornelius will be deployed to the Middle East, where tensions remain high between the U.S. and countries in the region.

"Before Campbell, I was on a path to become a lawyer, but I realized I wanted that to impress others, rather than do what God has called me to do," Cornelius said. "I've always had a heart for soldiers, and I see becoming a chaplain as a way to help others. Chaplains helped me when I first got into the Army, and I believe I can do the same. I've learned a lot about myself at Campbell."

Friday's ceremony was the first Divinity School commencement to not include two key figures in the school's founding and history. Founding Dean Dr. Michael Cogdill died in December, and founding Associate Dean Dr. Bruce Powers was unable to attend. The school's third dean, Dr. Barry Jones, spoke of both men in his welcome remarks.

"Their imprint is upon nearly every part of your Divinity school experience, including this service tonight," Jones said. "Their lasting influence is a reminder to us of the importance of the work God has called you to do. Their legacy is a reminder to everyone here tonight of the founding conviction of this school; that no matter what our individual role is in the kingdom of God, it is worth a life to follow God's call."

The ceremony marked the first Divinity commencement for Campbell's sixth president, Dr. William M. Downs, who called the Divinity Schools "one of the shining jewels in the Campbell crown."

"It is the essential institutional foundation of our shared faith - good people, great mission, [and] graduates who are making positive and lasting differences in their professions and in their communities," Downs said. "You should be proud of joining an amazing list of Divinity alumni, and you can be assured that this amazing network of alumni is very proud of you."

The commencement speaker was a familiar face on the Campbell campus, Rev. Dr. C. Lynn Brinkley, a 2008 Master of Divinity Campbell graduate who worked for 13 years as the director of church, alumni and student relations for the school. Today, Pan African Koinonia field ministry coordinator for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and remains an adjunct instructor for Campbell Divinity School.

Brinkley's 20-minute speech focused on "thickets" - metaphors for destructive forces that can appear strong, deep and impenetrable - referring to the Book of Isaiah and the story of Jeremiah.

"[Like Jeremiah], you've been wrestling with biblical texts while also trying to make sense of a world that looks nothing like the kingdom that Jesus of Nazareth proclaimed," Brinkley told the graduates. "You've asked the hard questions about injustice, hypocrisy and even your calling. That is expected of those who follow Christ - the same Christ, who also asked hard questions. 'My God, why hast thou forsaken me?'

"If you stay in ministry long enough, I'm sure you will have your own version of Jeremiah's questions. You will start to see things that don't make sense. You will walk with people through suffering that you cannot fix. And you will labor in spaces where you might feel invisible or unseen. Welcome to the thickets."

She shared the story of being issued a traffic ticket in South Carolina - one she thought was given to her unfairly - and calling that county's sheriff to protest it. That call, she said, led to a 45-minute discussion about the sheriff's own thickets - an election season, the stress of the job and his own burnout. Brinkley set aside the protest and asked the sheriff to pray with her.

"I came to realize this was divine providence," she said. "It was no longer about what I needed, but about a sheriff who needed pastoral care."

Borrowing a phrase from her late mentor, Dr. Cogdill, Brinkley said ministry is "worth a life."

"There are a lot of options in this world. But I still believe the church is the best option. I still believe Campbell University Divinity School is the best option. And I am deeply grateful for how I was nurtured at this school by Deans Cogdill and Powers," she said. "Campbell Divinity has helped me navigate the thickets in my own life and in ministry. … When you find yourself in a thicket - and you will - don't panic or become frustrated. Remain faithful to the call. Check your roots. Remember what is grounded in you. Recite Paul's prayer that will center you. Recall the hood, about to be placed upon you. And, like Jeremiah, don't stop asking the hard questions. Not because you have all the answers, but you know the one who is holding you does."

Contributors