MBC Convocation: Turning the Page to a New Academic Year

Students, families, staff and faculty gathered in Phillips Chapel for the MBC Convocation Saturday, Sept. 12. Convocation is a day set aside to celebrate the coming academic year and come together around a shared vision for the school.

As a member of both the staff (ACTS Director) and faculty (Writing Instructor), Convocation Day was, of course, very important to me. As I filed in behind my colleagues to sign the doctrinal statement and heard the familiar rustle of the shiny black polyester gowns, I was struck by the realization that Montana Bible College is more than just a school, and we, as faculty, are doing more than simply

teaching students.

Montana Bible College Worship Leadership Program Chair Joanna King signs the MBC doctrinal statement at the Convocation ceremony held Sept. 12 as writing instructor and ACTS Director Mandi Foster (in yellow) looks on.

We are a family making disciples for Christ. Being part of this calling is an honor I don’t take lightly, nor do my fellow instructors. As the MBC Mission statement declares:

“Montana Bible College provides quality education that shapes Christian leaders through Academics, Service, and Discipleship.”

Discipleship is something everyone at MBC is passionate about.

“I am looking forward to seeing what this year holds,” Men’s RA Kaden Tilzey said. “I am excited to see relationships being established and built, especially in the realm of discipleship and studying God’s word together.”

In his convocation speech, President Joe King challenged the MBC community with new goals for the academic year:

1)     Continue to hold fast to our fidelity to the Scriptures.

2)     Continue to serve Christ, His Church, and our community.

3)     Continue to be disciples who make other disciples.

As if he couldn’t reiterate it enough, King made MBC’s mission clear one last time: “God calls all of us to be effective disciple-makers.”

Montana Bible College President Joe King addresses students, faculty, staff and community members during the school's first Convocation ceremony held at Phillips Chapel on Sept. 12.

Selah Davidson, a new freshman at MBC, resonated with President King’s challenge.

“I didn’t know what to expect going to a convocation, but it was a cool experience! The thing I liked most was hearing our President Joe King speak about giving all the work to the Lord. It makes me feel good being here, knowing we have such a faithful president!”

As we at Montana Bible College turn the page to a new year, we continue to serve Christ and make disciples. As President King said,

“We want to serve the Lord in sincerity and faithfulness.”

Montana Bible College Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Andre Gazal reads scripture at the MBC Convocation ceremony held in Phillips Chapel on Sept. 12.

For Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Andre Gazal, the upcoming school year is ultimately an opportunity for everyone in the MBC family to practice what is preached...and taught.

 “My vision is that all of our students as well as our faculty, through the conjoining of study and worship, continue more and more to know the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the very truth itself, and for that to manifest itself in worshipful service.”

This is the heart of Montana Bible College. Convocation Day was such a special day to gather together and remember our mission and calling as a Christian college. As we, as faculty, begin classes, we know we are not just teaching students theology or how to structure an essay; we are training them to be disciple-makers for Jesus. What a responsibility and what an honor.

Mandi Foster teaches Effective Written Communication and directs the Academic Culture Training for Students program at Montana Bible College.