From United Theological Seminary:

DAYTON, OH, Dec. 21, 2017 — United Theological Seminary held its Advent Commencement on Dec. 15, 2017, at Grace United Methodist Church, Dayton, OH. Forty-five masters, doctoral and Course of Study graduates earned a diploma or certificate after years of hard work, study and spiritual growth and were sent forth to serve as faithful, fruitful leaders of the Church.

Bishop Julius C. Trimble, Episcopal Leader of the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church, delivered the commencement address.

“Our metrics should not be our seating capacity, but our sending capacity,” he told the graduates, many preparing to enter into congregational ministry in the Church.

United awarded Bishop Trimble the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in recognition of his exceptional spiritual leadership, his compassion for all people and his powerful witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Bishop Trimble is engaged in faith-based work to address social justice issues, and he has been a strong advocate for the United Methodist Global Health Initiative, especially in their efforts to make the world malaria and AIDS-free.

In 2008, he was elected a bishop of The United Methodist Church (UMC). He presided over the Iowa Conference of The UMC for eight years and currently oversees the 1,125 churches in the Indiana Conference. Bishop Trimble holds a Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary. Prior to his election to the episcopacy, he served as a deacon and elder in the Northern Illinois Conference and as a district superintendent in the East Ohio conferences.

“Bishop Trimble is a passionate visionary and an inclusive leader who seeks to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” President Millard said.

ABOUT UNITED

United Theological Seminary is a graduate professional school of The United Methodist Church offering masters and doctoral theological degrees and continuing education with programs offered on campus and online. United’s goal is to prepare faithful, fruitful leaders to make disciples of Jesus Christ.