On Saturday, June 29, 2019, over 300 people joined us to celebrate with 39 Faith Bible Seminary MABC and M.Div. students in our 2019 graduation celebration. We’d like to offer you a taste of graduation in today’s FBS blog post.
For the full graduation experience please enjoy the links below. The first link directs you to the entire graduation ceremony. The subsequent links direct you to specific portions of the graduation celebration and to pictures from the graduation.
The Complete 2019 Faith Bible Seminary Graduation
Sydney Millage (MABC) Testimony
The Faculty Award Presentation
Commencement Speech (Pastor Steve Viars)
President Aucoin’s Prayer for the Graduates
Pictures from the 2019 FBS Graduation
Brian Hannon M.Div. Graduation Testimony: “Heart Change”
The following is an excerpt from M.Div. graduate, Brian Hannon’s graduation testimony. You can view Brian’s full testimony here. 
Three years ago, when I was applying for the M.Div. program at Faith Bible Seminary, I was hoping that I would grow in my knowledge of God’s Word.
Biblical knowledge is immensely valuable and I have certainly grown in that way, but the main lesson I have learned from attending FBS is that there is a big difference between biblical knowledge and spiritual maturity.
I came seeking biblical knowledge, but was quickly confronted with my lack of spiritual maturity. I have learned that spiritual maturity is not an event, it is a process. It is not something you can attain in a 3-year program.
Spiritual maturity comes when you take the biblical knowledge that you have and use it to navigate the pressures of life. This has been the hardest thing I have ever done. The rigorous theological training and the challenges of ministry that I have faced have created a level of pressure in my life which, by God’s grace, has allowed me to grow in spiritual maturity.
I thought my greatest need was biblical knowledge, but God knew that I needed heart change.
He knew that I needed to be humbled. He knew that I needed to be pushed to my limits so I would depend fully on him. He knew that I needed to be reminded of how little I knew so that I would relate to the people He places in my life with compassion, gentleness, and patience. If I am going to be the pastor that God has called me to be then biblical knowledge alone is not enough. I must also recognize my desperate need for God’s grace.
FBS has taught me that the more dependent I am on God, the more helpful I will be to His people.
Sydney Millage MABC Graduation Testimony: “Equipped to Equip Others Also”
The following is an excerpt from MABC graduate, Sydney Millage’s graduation testimony. You can view Sydney’s full testimony here.
My husband David and I applied to Faith Bible Seminary with a desire to help others. As a spouse, his expectations and cost were different than mine. As a student, I expected biblical equipping and exceptional teaching; challenge, discomfort, and growth.
The Master’s program at FBS more than met my expectations.
Yes, FBS provided biblical equipping, exceptional teaching, and challenging, uncomfortable growth. But I also experienced deep fellowship, uncommon grace, forgiveness, sharpening, and a safe place to grow in authenticity.
My studies and time at FBS have equipped me to counsel women and children, working with pastors, counselors, and physicians from different locations and churches. I provide direction and instruction with a regional counseling ministry.
Having a Master’s degree and ACBC certification created an opportunity to minister in the guidance office of our public high school. Writing a thesis on domestic violence resulted in a published book, online ministry, and speaking engagements as well as the impetus to become a certified legal and medical advocate for victims of domestic abuse.
Faith’s focus on local church ministry has equipped me to continue investing in youth and leadership as David’s wife. With the Word of God as my compass, His Spirit my Guide, Jesus as my Savior, and God the Father directing my steps, my heart overflows with praise, adoration, thanksgiving and worship.
A Word from Our FBS President, Dr. Brent Aucoin
The FBS model for training pastoral students is unique in comparison to traditional seminaries. Our M.Div. graduates are equipped with solid academics and real-world pastoral experience 
during their training. Upon graduation, they are free from encumbering debt and burnt-out families. Therefore, the men are indeed able to embrace, without constrain, the ministry opportunities before them wherever God may lead.
FBS is looking for ministry partners for those who want to see this model continue to equip pastors in this way. Would you consider being a giving partner as part of your stewardship goals over and above your tithe to your local church? Specifically FBS is looking for partnering donors who can commit an amount of $25.00-$50.00 (or more) per month. I would be delighted to talk with you about this personally. Please email me at baucoin@faithlafayette.org. Or you can go online and set up monthly donations at the following link.
Also, if your heart lies more with training more biblical counselors through our MABC program you can give one time gifts to our MABC scholarship fund at the this link.
Thank you for considering these stewardship opportunities.
