June is the time of BGU graduation. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, we had to postpone this year’s graduation ceremony until December. But our graduates already achived what they thrived for: their studies are finished, their dissertation oral reviews are over, so they are ready to go… Let us celebrate them! Although, our Dr. Sisters and Dr. Brothers will miss the June ceremony, they will not miss the community of BGU students and professors surrounding them even after graduation.

Two of our current doctorate graduates share their thoughts and personal experience with BGU and the current issues of the pandemic.

Naw Tawng, Myanmar:

My appreciation for the eight leadership perspectives I learned at BGU has only increased due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. Covid 19 has reaffirmed the importance and relevance of the eight leadership perspectives to deal with current challenges in one’s ministry setting. This pandemic has shown that human beings are interconnected and interdependent on each other to survive and to thrive socio-economically, emotionally, and spiritually.

It also serves as a reminder for us in ministry that we are operating our mission in a global, pluralistic, urban, economic, and political landscape, and that we need to see the Church from the perspective of the world. In the midst of frustration, despair, depression, economic hardship, and doubts caused by the pandemic crisis, I find that what the people need is transformational leaders who understand and practice incarnational, servant, shalom leadership principles. I thank God at BGU I had the privilege to learn skills necessary to develop myself as a transformational leader.

Dr. Tina Jackson:

I am both elated and inspirited about receiving my doctoral degree in Transformational Leadership. This has been my life’s work for the past 10 plus years. I look forward to adding value to the lives of emerging and current leaders. Bakke has given me much insight and encouragement, which I will pass on to others. My doctorate is complete during a time when transformation, inspiration, and the BGU Perspectives are most needed in our communities, ministries, and businesses. I believe my God-given calling is for a time such as this. People need truth, spiritual guidance, and servant leadership to overcome the challenges they are facing and to ignite their purpose and giftings as leaders.

Through a heart of love, I intend to use my voice, years of wisdom, experience, and education to utilize what I have learned at BGU. Passion, Purpose, and Persistence have guided and served as a foundation for future work that reflects my doctoral journey.

During this Covid-19 pandemic, BGU has been supportive in following up with me through my professors, staff, and colleagues. We have maintained a close connection and have formed an alliance of prayer and fellowship that is truly a blessing. BGU is family. I encourage all my colleagues who are continuing their studies to be steadfast and unmovable as you forge forward (1 Cor. 15:58). Do not fear, do not delay, and stay vigilant. We are called and chosen to be a catalyst for change in the world. Our global initiatives are many, but our goals are the same: to bring glory to God and see souls saved, restored, and set free for the Kingdom. Share your wisdom and knowledge and spread God’s agape love so we can prevent God’s people from perishing. Perfect love casts out all fear (Hosea 4:6, 1 John 4:18).

A Song…For a time such as this