RHEMA BIBLE TRAINING COLLEGE celebrated its 52nd graduation on Friday, May 15, 2026. The Rhema Bible Church Auditorium was filled with excitement, and graduates robed in red, blue, and black were ready to turn their tassels. This year, 227 students received diplomas and a symbolic relay baton—a Rhema tradition that represents the call to take the message of faith and revival to the world.

Dean Tad Gregurich opened the ceremony by honoring the graduates’ sacrifice, obedience, and preparation. He also took time to honor Dr. Kirk DuBois, who faithfully served Kenneth Hagin Ministries for 44 years. Tonight marked his final official event as he embarks on a new chapter pursuing God’s call on his life. However, he will continue to contribute to our RBTC students by teaching specific courses part-time and sharing his wisdom and experience in the classroom. Gregurich highlighted that Dr. DuBois was a fellow laborer, diligent colleague, and a vital part of this ministry, who will be missed.

THIS YEAR’S COMMENCEMENT speaker was traveling minister and author Rev. Tony Cooke. He is a 1980 and 1981 RBTC graduate and served as RBTC dean, instructor, senior associate pastor, and National Director of the RMAI department for many years. Cooke began by emphasizing the importance of what happens after graduation. “We’re excited about the years you’ve studied at Rhema, but we’re even more excited about what is ahead of you because God has put amazing things inside of you.”

He encouraged the graduates to hold on to what they’ve learned at Rhema, even if they don’t end up on a big platform and instead serve behind the scenes. “Don’t wait for recognition, position, or a title. Wherever you are, begin to serve. . . . Make your main concern function, not position. Make your priority service, not status.”

To illustrate this point, Rev.Cooke noted that both Jesus Christ and Pontius Pilate had a basin of water. But while Pilate washed his hands in it to evade responsibility, Jesus used it to wash His disciples’ feet and serve them. Rev.Cooke encouraged the graduates to embrace responsibility and be there for others, just like Jesus. This was the culminating point, presenting the listeners with a choice about the attitude they would carry into their future. He said, “Being Christlike and being an example of godliness is foundational to everything else that you might do in life.”

Rev. Cooke sent the former students out as laborers into the harvest field, emphasizing what his own graduation speaker, T.L. Osborne, said 46 years earlier: ‘Ministry is pretty simple. Love people and help them.’

RBTC President Kenneth W. Hagin then charged the listeners to run their race effectively. “Be willing to endure. Sometimes things do not come easily, but success is experienced by those who work hard and persevere. Embrace the challenge, knowing that God is your source, strengthener, and help. He will see you through to the end.”

He advised the students to find their ministry wherever God has called them—whether in an office, working on a car, or elsewhere. Afterward, Rev. Kenneth W. and Lynette Hagin  passed out relay batons. Each graduating class received a red, blue, or black baton. On each baton, the following words are engraved:

“I commit today to carry the baton of revival to this generation. I will carry the banner of faith and God’s power to a lost and dying world. This is my time to do all God has called me to do.”

With their tassels turned and faces aglow, the class of 2026 left the auditorium in a procession carrying torches, candles, and flags. The evening reminded them that no matter where they are, they can change the world by serving.