Winebrenner Theological Seminary (WTS) completed both of their commencement services this week, one service at the WTS Building on the Findlay campus, and another commencement ceremony at the Marion Correctional Institute (MCI).
40 students graduated at the WTS Commencement Service on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, while an additional 8 students received their certificates of completion at the MCI service on Wednesday, August 6th.
Both services were beautiful in their arrangement and it’s always an honor to see people work hard and reap their just reward.
Having been through Winebrenner myself, it’s beautiful knowing that education and discipleship go hand in hand, and that each of these students have submitted themselves humbly to teaching and instruction, some at an age or position in life where they could very well assert themselves as teachers in their own right. Theological education, when done well, is always spiritually formational and it’s tremendously encouraging to see 48 graduates being educated, discipled, and spiritually formed.
You can watch the entire WTS Commencement Service
Both services shared much, but the MCI service was also uniquely beautiful. The service was for incarcerated students and their families, some who were already released by the time the service happened, and some who will serve out the rest of their lives inside MCI or another prison like it.
Seeing these students be celebrated by their families and faculty for their success and perseverance, is genuinely moving. It was doubly moving to see other inmates celebrate the achievement of the students.
Dr. Kathryn Helleman gave a power message about “Serving God in Hard Places” based on the text from Isaiah 6:1-10. The reality is that whether these students leave prison or not, they are going to have hard ministries. They may face prejudice, fear, and mistrust once they are set free, and they will continue to face hard hearted inmates inside the walls of MCI, the majority of which don’t want anything to do with Christ. And yet, these students all said aloud, “Here I am Lord, Send me.”
Interested in classes yourself or for someone you know? Winebrenner Theological Seminary and the CGGC are partnering together to bring a new course called "Transformative Discipleship Practices" with professor Dr. Matt Lake, the keynote Speaker at Triennial Conference this past July. At $300 a month, you can't beat that deal for graduate level theological education.
Winebrenner Graduate Programs and Graduate Numbers 2025
Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling: Graduated 14
Master of Arts in Practical Theology: Graduated 15
Master of Divinity: Graduated 7
Doctor of Ministry: Graduated 4
Certificate of Completion – Institute for Christian Studies at MCI: Graduated 8
Certificate of Involvement – Institute for Christian Studies at MCI: Awarded 2
We have more great news to share!
The CGGC has partnered with Fresh Expressions (FX) to continue the conversation from Triennial Conference in July. Keynote Speaker Pastor Matt Lake, and FX Director of Training Heather Jallad will be leading a FREE workshop and webinar on Tuesday, August 12th from 3 P.M. – 5 P.M. EST.
You can sign up for the workshop and webinar here to receive your invite link.
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