Characteristics of an Effective Ambassador  (2Tim 3:10-17)

The Arab Baptist Theological Seminary just held its 42nd graduation ceremony in the presence of over 200 church and community leaders and members.  Welcoming the audience, President Elie Haddad highlighted that this is a time of praise and worship, setting up a stone of acknowledgement and reminder for ABTS and our graduating students that "thus far has the Lord helped us."

The Keynote Speaker at the event was Rev. Dr. Tony Maalouf,  Associate Professor of Missions, Assistant Dean of the School of the Missions, & Director of the Islamic Studies Program at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Reading from 2Timothy 3: 10-17, Dr. Maalouf focused the graduation address on the "Characteristics of an Effective Ambassador", highlighting the importance of the Ethos (or moral standing), the Pathos (or the zeal and enthusiasm), and the Logos ( the Word or content) such as that while studying theology addresses the Logos, obedience to God's Word and worship build up one's zeal and ethics.

Dr. Maalouf advised the graduates that an effective ambassador follows in the steps of Paul who has set an example in His relationship with God, relationship with others, and his relationship with the rest of the world (...the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world).

Similarly, an effective ambassador follows in the steps of Paul in terms of his zeal. Often times, the knowledge may be available but not the enthusiasm for ministry.  And without zeal and enthusiasm there is no clear calling, and without a calling there is no burden, and there is no burden without hearing the Lord's voice talking to us; and without hearing God's voice there is no sense of need, there is no heart beating as the Lord's. 

And last but not least, an effective ambassador follows in the footsteps of Paul in terms of His trust in the Word... He understood the Word, the context and the need for lifelong learning.  Dr. Maalouf cautioned our Algerian, Sudanese, Syrian and Lebanese graduates not to fear those who seek to learn more, but rather he cautioned them from those who are satisfied with what they know.

Draoui Benamara, ABTS' student who just graduated with a Bachelors of Theology - with Distinction - spoke on behalf of the graduates, noted that his time at ABTS constituted a new phase following which he now sees, hears and thinks differently. "ABTS is like a second mother to me that just gave birth to me today".

Please join us in prayer for our graduating students as they set out on a new phase in a life in His service.

June 22nd, 2009