81 graduate from Miracle Ministries Institute of Ministry

“As an attorney-at-law, I am trained to be thorough and analytical in my evaluations. I am sure that all of us can substantiate the fact that our training has been very comprehensive, invigorating, intellectual and highly enriched by the Spirit of God”
— Valedictorian Hugh Jacobs

Eighty-one students, representing a wide cross-section of Pentecostal/ Evangelical churches and denominations across the country, graduated at the Miracle Ministries Institute of Ministry last Saturday. The event, which turned out to be quite a grand affair, was held at the Christ Castle auditorium, Chase Village, Chaguanas. The students who completed a two-year intense leadership ministry programme, came from denominations such as: the Open Bible Standard Churches, Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies (PAWI), The New Testament Church of God and several other churches and ministries. The graduates were prepared for various levels of ministry functions, including those of pastors, evangelicals, teachers, counsellors, social workers and administrators. Subject areas included character development, professional and pastoral counselling, dynamics of social work, leadership management and marketing, basic health sciences, basic and advanced theology, comparative religion, personal and media evangelism, research and thesis preparation, communication and public speaking, stress management, sermon preparation and delivery plus other ministry-related topics. As head of the Institute, and one of the senior lecturers on the faculty, I personally admired the depth of commitment displayed by students in their effort to educate and upgrade themselves in preparation for effective service to humanity. Service that is less than excellent is an injustice. If mediocrity makes us comfortable then we have lost the true essence of service and life.

The emphasis in our Institute over the past sixteen years has been developing and enhancing quality workers and leaders. To the students, I did not only stress the importance of leadership, but relevant, visionary leadership, in the words: “Leadership can be described as essentially the most powerful force on earth. By this the direction status and destiny of civilisation, and all of humanity, are defined and determined. “Enlightened, forward-thinking, Spirit-led leadership policies and practices are therefore definite imperatives, especially in this ‘digital age’. In some cases — for high achievers in particular — to modify the matrix may suffice. In other instances it may take a complete make over!” Among the graduates were many professionals. One of them was attorney-at-law Hugh Jacobs who delivered the valedictory address. The thoughts which Jacobs expressed, on behalf of the Class of 2003, did obviously impact the large audience and the many pastors and church leaders present.
The following is an extract from Jacobs’ Valedictory presentation:

“In the design of life, there is time. Inherent in time, is season. And there is a reason for every season. With season and time there is paradigm. And paradigm is married to purpose. Purpose is inextricably bound to destiny. It is in this context only, can we comprehend the magnitude and depth of the significance of this very historic day, July 19, 2003, and the two unforgettable preceding years. “Each one of us 81 graduates seated here today, set sail on a two-year voyage. We navigated our course, encountering the unrelenting choppy waters of rigid discipline, rigorous character tests, and standards of excellence that constantly had us tip-toeing to measure up. The uncompromising standards of this Institute were like the gas chamber for mediocrity, laziness, and the average-mentality syndrome. “The extremely relevant, dynamic, innovative and creative approach to ministry, which was drilled into us, constituted the gallows for the reluctant, backward and monotonous ministry style. And perhaps, the intense shock of those unexpected exams, provided the ideal electric chair for the effective execution of that criminal called complacency. “Our broad spectrum of study took us over an exciting but eye-opening and thought-provoking landscape. We are fully conscious of the fact that we face enormous ministry challenges in the frighteningly evil world of today.

“As an attorney-at-law, I am trained to be thorough and analytical in my evaluations. I am very sure that all of us can substantiate the fact that the training which we have received during the past two years, is one of the most comprehensive, invigorating, intellectual and highly enriched by the Spirit of God. It is a level and quality of training that’s, to a large degree, unparalleled in any institution of equal jurisdiction, or of higher learning”. In a direct expression of gratitude to the lecturers, graduate (and businessman) Stephen Lee remarked, “We had the distinct privilege and honour to be tutored by esteemed men and women who have speared nothing in making invaluable inputs into our lives. “During our two-year programme, it was quite evident that our lecturers approached their duties in a manner reflective of sheer excellence. Each presentation mirrored professionalism, competence, creativity and an earnest interest in the Kingdom’s commission of our Lord. “You have, beyond doubt, indelibly affected our lives, and we do feel a deep sense of indebtedness to you. We express our profound gratitude to you”. The Institute re-opens in September.