Ross encourages Southwestern graduates to adore, serve King Jesus

Graduates of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Texas Baptist College (TBC) were challenged to minister in light of the fact that enthroned Jesus is “reigning over the universe” and their own lives and ministries during the May 2 spring commencement address by Richard Ross (’74, ’80), senior professor of student ministry and two-time alumnus.

The graduating class included 415 students earning degrees and certificates from Southwestern and TBC, the largest graduating class since 2002, with students from 36 states and 21 countries, bringing the academic year to a total of more than 700 graduates.

Ross, who has served in ministries to students for 56 years, spoke of his own “Christ awakening,” when in 2006 he became more fully aware that the role of Jesus in the atonement of believers did not end at the empty tomb, but continues with Him sitting enthroned as King over all.

“I realized that from that moment until this very moment, King Jesus has been reigning over the universe,” Ross said. “Not only is He my sacrifice and my Savior, He is also my monarch.”

Ross referenced Scriptures describing the attributes of Christ, including the image of the invisible God, the head of the church, the Prince of peace, the exalted One, and the Alpha and Omega. When a person recognizes these facets of who Jesus is, Ross said that believer will serve Him as the King enthroned in glory, adore Him fully, and seek His Kingdom on earth.

To determine whether they are living as true servants of the King, Ross asked the graduates what their prayer life looks like: “Do you sense you are approaching King Jesus enthroned? Does your voice sound like you’re speaking to royalty? Do you spend more minutes declaring His glory than asking for things?”

More than 400 Southwestern and Texas Baptist College graduates were recognized during the May 2 commencement.

For those serving in or preparing for ministry, Ross asked if their teaching lessons, speaking engagements, and sermon messages point people to the greatness and glory of Jesus on His throne. And, more personally, do their friends and family members experience this greatness of God by being with them. This service to the King should continue even to a martyr’s death, Ross pointed out.

“In your final moments, will you whisper, ‘This is for the King I adore’?” Ross asked. “Only when you’re ready to die for Him are you ready to live for Him. You don’t get out of bed in the morning to build your brand or build your platform or get more likes or chase preaching in big conferences. This isn’t about you. Everything you are and everything you do should be motivated by a deep adoration of God the Son.”

Ross warned the graduates that many of them may enter a ministry similar to the church of Laodicea, referred to in the Book of Revelation as “lukewarm.” These congregations may include believers who consider their faith personal and only to bring good things to themselves.

The antidote to that sad state, Ross said, is to stop being enamored with self and focus on “being enamored with the resplendent King on the throne.”

But for a ministry leader to guide others into a life of faith with a passion for Christ, evangelism, and discipleship, Ross said they themselves must first be awakened to the greatness of King Jesus.

“I challenge you to recess out those rear doors, committed to continually awakening to the greatness of God the Son, in the power of the Spirit, for the glory of triune God, committed to adoring your King Regent with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength, committed to arising to join him in bringing His kingdom on earth. I challenge you to walk out saying, ‘I’m leaving with a diploma in one hand and an awakening in the other all because of the glory of Christ.’”

He concluded: “All hail King Jesus, all hail.”

Ross has served in the Jack D. Terry School of Educational Ministries since 2000. He holds both a Master of Religious Education and Doctor of Philosophy from Southwestern. He served as a local church youth minister for 30 years and 16 years as the youth ministry consultant for Lifeway Christian Resources. He has authored or edited 27 books and was one of the founders of the True Love Waits movement at his youth group in 1993, which encouraged sexual abstinence.

Professor of New Testament Jim Wicker is named the recipient of the David S. and Lanese Dockery Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence.

James Wicker, professor of New Testament, was named the recipient of the David S. and Lanese Dockery Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence. Established in 2022, the award recognizes a faculty member for their faithful and effective teaching of students and genuine demonstration of personal care and concern for the development of students, nominated and voted on by their peers. Wicker has served on the seminary faculty since 2000.

President David S. Dockery also recognized the family and friends of the graduates who “have prayed for and walked with and helped each one of these graduates achieve this milestone, this important marker in their lives today.”