I was asked about that bowl at graduation
On May 8, 2021, I graduated with my Doctor of Ministry degree. As I walked across the stage, I got a warm hug from President Silas McCormick, a diploma (it was really empty; I got the real one later), the doctoral hood from Dr. Barney Wells, and a wooden bowl from Dr. Don Green. One of the coolest traditions for Masters and Doctor of Ministry students graduating from the seminary is connected with the idea of servant leadership.
Each master’s graduate of the Seminary receives a towel and each DMin graduate receives a bowl. The tradition goes back to Dr. Wayne Shaw and is based on John 13. It was at the Passover meal, just before the capture, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus that “he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him (4-5).
Dr. Shaw used to say to the graduates, “‘This towel signifies that when our students graduate, it is not for arrogance, honor, or prestige, but so that they might go out and wash the feet of the world. This is what we are about’” (from the program booklet).
Doctor of Ministry graduates receive not only a bowl but also a basin which one can fill with water to wash and dry the feet of the world.
It is this powerful symbolism on which LCU stands. We seek to send out servant leaders, not just leaders. We send out servants who are willing to be ambassadors of Jesus and who are willing to take off all pretense and humbly serve humanity.
We seek to model Jesus.
Mark records a teachable moment with his disciples that impacts us today, in which Jesus said, “‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
I am so honored to receive the basin. For if Jesus didn’t come to be served but to serve, neither will I.
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Check out Lincoln Christian University for how you can be a part of our community of servant leaders.
