by Tony van der Hiele

From the moment a student first sets foot on the Canadian Baptist Theological Seminary and College campus, whether in person or online, they begin a journey of academic studies, ministry training, community building, and leadership development. On May 1 and 2, fourteen students completed their CBT journey, and the school celebrated and honoured the Class of 2026. Graduation weekend filled Friday night’s fellowship with joy and gratitude, and the Saturday Commencement Service with recognition of the graduates’ achievements and a sense of God-given purpose! 

 The eve before the graduation ceremony felt like a reunion of family, friends, alumni, trustees, returning volunteers, faculty, and staff, all gathered to hear the graduands reflect on their CBT journey. Barry Nelson, Vice-President of Institutional Advancement, welcomed everyone to the Friday night Student Testimonies and Dessert Fellowship. As he introduced the student testimonies, he touched on the one outcome that is the same for every degree program at CBT: “Students have grown in Christlikeness. This outcome is what sets a seminary degree apart from every other degree.”  

 Christlikeness was evident as the graduands reflected on their unique school journeys. In the midst of glorifying God, thanking professors, and expressing gratitude through words, prayers, and songs, there was a longing to be faithful and stay faithful, to reach the lost, and to save souls. Alexander Brown, Master of Divinity graduand, shared that desire: “We will see those whom the world has written off and despised come into new life and breathe and laugh. And there is nothing more precious than that.” Christlikeness was also reflected in a posture of humility and continuous learning as students go from CBT to the next assignment. “God is not done with me,” reflected Michael Green, another MDiv graduand. “He is still teaching me and showing me new things. He is growing me in a new field and a new avenue.” Anna Rutherford, a graduand of the Bachelor of Christian Ministry program, expressed her gratitude for the CBT journey she’s been on with this prayer: “Thank You for this school, for the story of how you brought it together, how you keep it together. Thank You for the professors and staff who pour into so many, sharing their journeys, walking alongside us as they guide us. And thank You, Lord, for walking the journey with me.”  

The school also knows that married students don’t walk the educational journey alone. The spouse is there to encourage, support, and pray for them, and often to sacrifice just as much—if not more—so their husband or wife can pursue the program God put on their heart at the start. Brenda Peacock, Women in Ministry Team lead, read the moving praises the graduands had prepared beforehand and presented their spouse with the lighthearted “PHT” award (Putting Hubby – or Honey – Through).   

A beautiful spring afternoon invited the many supporters of the graduands into the sanctuary of Bow Valley Baptist Church for the 37th Commencement Ceremony. Every core faculty member contributed, from leading worship and music to prayer, scripture reading, and the hooding of master’s program graduates; their active participation made the ceremony feel personal and meaningful for the entire school community. 

Dr. Rob Blackaby, CBT’s President, prefaced his introduction of the 2026 Commencement Speaker by expressing gratitude to the many North American churches, largely unknown to the student body, that have stood with the school and its students over many years. “Northside Baptist Church in Corsicana, Texas, is a prime example.” Facing the students, Rob Blackaby continued, “They stand for me this afternoon as exemplary of the many who have stood with you over many years…their church has prayed for you, invested in you, in your entire history as a student of our school.” As such, it was immensely fitting that Daniel Harper, the Senior Pastor of Northside Baptist Church, delivered the challenge to the graduands. 

In his sermon, Pastor Harper likened the circumstances of the scattered believers the apostle Peter addressed in the first chapter of his first letter to the tough places where many of the soon-to-be graduates would go. “Sometimes what looks like displacement is actually deployment,” he told the graduands. “God intentionally puts us in tough places. As seeds.” He urged them to propel themselves toward ministry, always with eyes fixed on Jesus, and ended his challenge with these words: “The sweetness of Jesus Christ will far outweigh any stings you will get along the way…Never forget, the gospel that you preach is the gospel that sustains you, so preach it to yourself often. Stay close to the grace of God!” 

CBT awarded a college certificate, a college diploma, a bachelor’s degree, and eleven master’s degrees. These graduates have now completed their God-given task of ministry training. With a degree, diploma, or certificate in hand and the reminder that they are chosen, planted, and sent by God, they exited the stage with joyful smiles. And for a long time after the ceremony ended, they were celebrated by friends and family with gifts, cards, flowers, and many a picture to capture the memorable occasion.  

From the first day at CBT to this milestone, these students have shown incredible dedication to God and their studies. As a school, we know that their journey in ministry is only just beginning. The graduates move from CBT onto their God-given assignments. As a school, we continue to pray for each of them by name, and the prayer of our 37th Commencement Speaker, Daniel Harper, perfectly reflects our heart for them. “Use these men and women far beyond what they could have ever asked or even imagined. For your glory. For the spread of the gospel. For the name of Jesus Christ.”  

Congratulations, Class of 2026! 

Jessica Kratko – Samuel Program Certificate 

Anonymous Student – Diploma of Christian Ministry 

Anna Rutherford – Bachelor of Christian Ministry 

Michael Bartolay – Master of Christian Studies 

Abhay Benson – Master of Christian Studies 

John David Capule – Master of Christian Studies 

Arthur Ng – Master of Christian Studies 

Christian Obando – Master of Biblical Studies 

Alexander Brown – Master of Divinity 

Michael Green – Master of Divinity 

Josiah Hallman – Master of Divinity 

Ariana Papineau – Master of Divinity 

Gene Takana – Master of Divinity 

Xuewei Xu – Master of Divinity