Commencement Service 2025
Commencement Service 2025
By Nathanael McIlveen
This year the College Commencement Service was held at Ballykeel Baptist on Tuesday 16th September. The College community was greatly encouraged as we reflected on God’s goodness over the past few months and in particular, the emergency accreditation was a great provision to enable us to continue our studies. God has also been faithful in bringing seven new undergraduate students to IBC as well as many individuals beginning the Foundations Course. David McCluskey and Debbie McLaughlin shared about their experience of the Foundations Course and how they have been blessed through it. Another encouragement was the opportunity to publicly recognise and pray for David Ball (an elder at Ballykeel Baptist) as he begins his new role as the College Management Director. Jonny McGreevy (pastor of Portstewart Baptist) preached to us from 2 Samuel 6. The big challenge he presented was to continue to prioritise our relationship with Jesus during the busyness of our studies.
Can I encourage you to pray for us at the College? Here are a few prayer points:
Please pray for those starting the Foundations course, and for the first year students, many of whom are beginning undergraduate studies for the first time. Pray that God would help them find their feet in studying and essay writing.
Secondly, pray for the second years as they commence their placements. The second year at IBC can be very intense; balancing studies, placement, personal commitments, and devotional life.
Thirdly, pray for the final year students as we look ahead to the future and seek to discern what comes next.
Fourthly, please pray for the staff as they aim to teach, equip, and encourage the students and in particular, pray for David Ball as he begins this new role and seeks to support the College staff.
Finally, please pray for both staff and students that we would experience God’s help this year but above all, we would continue to enjoy an intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
