WAKE FOREST, N.C.—A graduation ceremony was held on Dec. 13 at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C. About 158 students including 121 grads in the seminary’s theological program received their diplomas and degrees ranging from master of arts and master of divinity to doctor of philosophy.

Timothy Lewis, pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Troy, Ill., and chairman of Southeastern's board of trustees, delivered the charge to the graduates from 2 Timothy 4, telling them the path to successful ministry – which is faithfulness of a minister.

"Some people measure success by attendance and numbers, by how much attention they get, by the size of their buildings or by how much money they make," Lewis said. "But how does God measure success?"

He said God measures success by a minister's faithfulness to finish the race He has marked out for Him.

Lewis reminded the graduates of setting the Word of God as the priority and to be diligent in preaching and teaching the His Word.

"If you're going to succeed in ministry," he challenged the graduates, "make priority for this Word of God in your life, in your home and in your ministry. Make central, whatever your ministry is, the Word of God. Teach it, preach it and proclaim it.... There is such a future for you, but you must finish the race and fulfill your ministry."

With a new commission, STBS graduates will step into the real world of building Kingdom of God as the leaders and ministers of many believers guiding them to the right path of faith.