Oklahoma City, Trinity was the setting Aug. 9 for a joyful celebration as the Oklahoma Baptists Haskins School of Christian Ministry honored 17 graduates who earned either certificates or diplomas after completing the school’s academic requirements.
The graduation ceremony opened with a warm welcome from Oklahoma Baptists Associate Executive Director Alan Quigley. Other participants included Ever Borunda, Dean of the Haskins School; Amy Cordova; Emerson Falls; Philip Jones; and Walter Wilson.
Graduates received recognition in several categories.
Jose Agnel Funez Salinas received a Diploma in Advanced Pastoral Ministry.
Daniel Alberto Silva and Jose Angel Funez Salinas received a Diploma in Pastoral Ministry.
Diamond Becenti, Balkis Lizeth Hunt and Jose Angel Funez Salinas received a diploma in Church Ministry.
Trey Eason, Gavin Jackson, Joey Landara, Chris Peters, Jeremy Rhodes, Michael Christian Ridgway, Nicholas-Starkey-Martinez, Ismael Suarez, Thure Tolson and Francisco Vasques received a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry.
Pamela Gettens, Jennifer Leann Johnson and Evelyn Villalba received a Certificate in Church Ministry.
Following the ceremony, graduates, staff, and guests enjoyed a reception, sharing in fellowship and reflecting on the accomplishments of the day.
The Haskins School of Christian Ministry was created by Oklahoma Baptists, with its first class offered in the fall of 2016. Since then, the school has continued to grow, adding classes and programs to better equip ministry leaders across the state.
“Oklahoma Baptists have a long history of equipping Pastors and staff within our ethnic churches and smaller in attendance churches,” said Quigley. “Haskins School is an extension of that commitment which was first envisioned by Robert Haskins for whom the school is named. The school provides training for men and women who have felt God’s calling but are not in a season of life that would allow them to go to a college or seminary at this time in their life.”
Most recently, Borunda introduced two new advanced diploma programs—the Advanced Diploma in Pastoral Ministry and the Advanced Diploma in Evangelism and Missions—to provide continuing education opportunities for graduates seeking to further their skills and knowledge.
“The Haskins School is a valuable resource available to every Oklahoma Baptist church,” said Borunda. “My hope is that more pastors and churches will utilize the Haskins School to train leaders who will help advance the Kingdom of God throughout our state and beyond.”
The Haskins School serves a diverse student body, including pastors, church leaders, and ministry volunteers, offering both foundational and advanced training for effective ministry. Some students traveled from other countries to receive their degrees from Haskins.
One of these stundets was Suarez who traveled from the central region of Mexico to receive his Certificate in Pastoral Ministry. Suarez is a retired medical doctor in Mexico whom God called to ministry. He decided to study with Haskins to help him be better equipped to pastor his local congregation in Rioverde, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
The Haskins School offers non-accredited diplomas and certificates in any of the five different programs (Small in Attendance Churches, Native American, African American, Women, and Hispanic). The graduates recognized on Aug. 9 represent a commitment not only to personal spiritual growth, but also to serving churches and communities with excellence.
Prospective students may learn more at haskinsschool.org or by calling Oklahoma Baptists at 405-942-3800.
