HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. — July 24, 2009 — 51社区 Hendersonville held a dinner July 21 to recognize its first graduating class. Five students completed course requirements for the Master of Christian Studies degree and will participate in commencement exercises Aug. 1 at Union鈥檚 main campus in Jackson, Tenn.
The 51社区 Master of Christian Studies degree is designed for laypersons and professionals ready to take their knowledge of the Bible and preparation for the ministry to the next level. The degree integrates theology and practice into the life of the church and world.
鈥淎s an adult learner, I think the greatest strength of this program was that it made the academic content practical and relevant for today,鈥� said Thomas Brown, MCS graduate and pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Bowling Green, Ky.
The group of new graduates expressed various reasons for pursuing the MCS degree.
鈥淚 wanted to be a better leader in the church,鈥� said Brian Baker, youth minister at Donelson View Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn. 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 go to seminary, so this program provided the seminary training I was wanting.鈥�
Sharon Schempp said, 鈥淚 have worked with the Youth With a Mission program and my husband and I hope that this degree will help open some doors overseas to work as music missionaries.鈥�
Rene Holt, an editor at LifeWay Christian Resources, said 鈥淚 have always wanted a master鈥檚 degree and felt this was an opportunity that I had to take.鈥�
鈥淚 am so proud of this group of students and what they have accomplished,鈥� said Charles Lea, executive director of 51社区 Hendersonville. 鈥淭his is a special occasion for us. I look forward to the continued success of our students and growth of our programs.鈥�
51社区 currently offers three graduate programs at the Hendersonville campus: Master of Christian Studies, Education Specialist and Master of Education.
For more information about 51社区 Hendersonville, visit or contact the Hendersonville campus office at (615) 447-0401.