Applause greeted Rhema Bible Training College’s 49th class as the 262 graduates filed into the Rhema Bible Church auditorium on May 19, 2023. Each graduate received a diploma and a runner’s relay baton. The diploma marked the completion of their training. And the baton served as a reminder to carry the banner of faith and God’s power to a lost and dying world.

Rev. Josh Pennington, pastor of More Life Church in Newark, Ohio, and a 1999 RBTC graduate, delivered the commencement address. Rev. Pennington told the graduates that the world is waiting on them and gave them points that would help them finish their race.

AS I LOOK OUT at this sea of bright and eager faces, I see a future filled with limitless potential. You have the power to shape the world, to create a legacy and positive change, to leave an indelible mark on the lives of the people that you serve.

They are waiting on you. They’re waiting on you to lead. They’re waiting on you to innovate. They’re waiting on you to inspire. They’re waiting on you to make a difference. So as you walk across this stage and into the next chapter of your life, remember this: the world is waiting with bated breath.

So lean into authenticity. Be a servant leader. Cultivate curiosity. Demonstrate empathy. Practice patience. And seize every opportunity that lies ahead of you.

In front of me, I see a group of people who will answer the call. And as you do, the Spirit of God will empower you to preach the Gospel, heal the sick, cleanse the leper, raise the dead, remove burdens, destroy yokes, recover sight to the blind, heal the brokenhearted, bind up their wounds, proclaim liberty to the captives, and turn this world upside down.

Before you go tonight, I have one last thing I want you to do. Look as far over your left shoulder as you possibly can. Now look over your right shoulder as far as you can. Let that be the last time you ever look back, except to remember the faithfulness of God.

And remember, the world is waiting on you.

Thinking about going to Rhema?

Attending Rhema Bible Training College is life changing. But don’t take our word for it. Here is what a
few graduates had to say.

“Learning how to be led by the Holy Spirit and growing in relationship with God has impacted my life in a way that I’ll never be the same.”

—Justin, Ministry Fundamentals

“Rhema was a renewal of life for me. A rejuvenation, so to speak. The Lord restored my foundation, my ministry, me, and my family.”

—Louis, Pastoral Ministry

“I’ve learned so much. The foundation of my life has been completely reset. I feel confident in going into the children’s or youth ministry, whatever the Lord has me to do.”

—Dajah, Student Ministries

“The Word of God comes alive when you’re in class. There are some things you think you know, but when you sit in class, you see it in another light.”

—Sunday, 2nd Year, Pastoral

“My favorite moment every week was always Exaltation. Developing a prayer life and those intimate moments with the Lord has completely changed my life.”

—Jeremy, Ministry Fundamentals