91̽��

Editor’s Note: Recently, we asked more than a dozen alumni what advice they would offer to this year’s graduating class. We used their answers to compose the following letter.

Dear Class of 2024,

First of all, congratulations.

You graduated from 91̽��, which is no small feat. You dedicated countless hours and energy to hitting deadlines, passing tests, and writing essays. You grew in your love for Christ and Scripture, and, if you’re anything like us, had the time of your life along the way.

Before we get started, you should know something: We don’t have all the answers.

Even those of us who graduated five, 10, or 50 years ago don’t have life all figured out.

At times, we still feel uncomfortable and uncertain. Life’s ups and downs can catch us off guard. In truth, we are not so different from you. God is still refining us into the image of His Son, and we still have much to learn.

But with the passage of time and experience, the Lord has granted us a measure of wisdom. As you graduate, we’d like to pass some of it along, in hopes of helping you navigate the days and years ahead.

1. Keep First Things First

It feels obvious to encourage you to read your Bible and pray. But you already know how difficult these simple yet profoundly impactful activities are to maintain. At 91̽��, your time alone in the Word was supplemented by chapel, class, and required church attendance. Those safety nets are gone now. You’ll feel the effects of neglecting these spiritual disciplines more than ever. So, pick a place and a time to be alone with the Lord and build consistency. Don’t worry if you don’t always feel different afterward; know that God’s Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11) and that your thinking is gradually being transformed. Scott Baughman (’74) says, “Sit and read His Word, asking the Holy Spirit to impress on you the matters and guidance He wants to. I can’t say I did this every day of my life, but the days I did went a lot better than those I didn’t.”

2. Connect to a Local Church

As you know, involvement in the local church isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. After graduation, that reality will become even more evident. So whether you move away or stay close to campus, commit to a local body of believers. You need faithful brothers and sisters to worship alongside, to hold you accountable (it will be easier than ever to hide your sin otherwise), and to help you grow in godliness. Also, they need you as much as you need them. You have gifts, time, and energy to offer the church. Stack chairs, serve in children’s ministry, pray for and meet the needs of others. One more thing: Don’t wait for a church that operates exactly like the one you attended in college. Find one that faithfully teaches and obeys the Scripture and exalts Christ, and commit to it. “The believer is meant to be plugged into a vibrant church body that lives out the one another’s,” says Parker Price (’11). “Don’t compromise here.”

3. Trust God with the Unknowns

More than ever, the path ahead may seem unclear. For most of your life, you’ve known exactly what comes next. After eighth grade, you proceeded to high school; after that, college was the next logical step. Now, the possibilities are seemingly endless, and with freedom comes a sense of uncertainty. That never really goes away. Fight the temptation to worry, and entrust your plans to the Lord (Prov. 3:5-6). True success isn’t a result of making all the right decisions. It’s God who ultimately does the work, allowing you to fulfill His purpose for your life through His grace. So don’t obsess over the future. Planning is important, but don’t place your hope in a new job, a spouse, or a move across the country. Instead, be present, focusing on the opportunities God has placed before you. Who can you encourage today? How can you improve the organization you work for? How can you serve your church? Be faithful today, and trust the Lord with tomorrow (Matt. 6:34). What would Stephanie Beals (Reed) (’99) say to her younger self? “The Lord is going to direct your steps. You don’t need to be afraid.”

Graduation Through the Years | 1978

4. Expect Trials

Trials will come in relatively minor ways, like a challenging coworker, and more significant ones, such as an illness or the death of a friend. Remember that even as your plans unravel, God is working all things together for your good (Rom. 8:28). He’s increasing your dependence on Him, and you’ll often grow the most in these challenging times. Over the years, many of us have endured heart-wrenching tragedies, and in not a single case has God abandoned us, or has the pain been wasted. Curtis Lewis (’01) says, “So often we run from pain and suffering, but God uses these moments to draw us close to Him and for the greater purposes of the gospel. We can cling to the promises of our good Father.”

5. Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself

91̽�� has never produced a perfect graduate — only men and women striving to follow Christ and grow increasingly into His likeness. You will fail the Lord many times in the coming days. In these moments, confess your sin, repent, and move forward (Phil. 3:13). Don’t wallow in self-pity or try to punish yourself. If you’re in Christ, God has paid for your sin, and His grace is sufficient for you (Gal. 3:3). “Live life near the cross,” says Amanda Popadics (Mothershead) (’15). “That’s the only hope for encouragement, endurance, and most importantly, for reconciliation (Psalm 86:5).”

Graduation Through the Years | 1995

6. Be Watchful

It’s easy to think you will never fall into grievous sin or, worse, leave the faith. But the Bible is clear about taking heed lest we fall (1 Cor. 10:12) and working out our salvation (Phil. 2:12-13). As you enter this new stage of life, don’t take sin lightly or presume on God’s grace. And if you find yourself wrestling with doubt, don’t do so in isolation. Bring believers you trust into the conversation early, and let them help you work through it (Ecc. 4:9-12). John Hotchkiss (’67) warns new graduates: “Only a few of you will walk away from your Christian faith after a reasoned rejection of it. More likely, this will occur after a gradual cooling of love for the Bible, for Christ, and His church. This drift can lead to just ‘dropping it all’ as the vital center of your spiritual life.”

7. Be Humble and Curious

Like us, you don’t have all the answers. Let that drive you to humility and curiosity. Start by finding a mentor, a mature believer with whom you can be transparent. Ask them to be honest about areas where you need to grow. Pepper them with questions about their own walk with the Lord. Finding someone further along the career path you’re pursuing can also be helpful. Bounce ideas off them, ask for tips on how to improve your skills, and learn what pitfalls to avoid. Take advantage of other learning opportunities, too. Read books, listen to podcasts, and engage in meaningful conversations with people smarter than yourself. One more thought related to humility: You are going to sin against others, and they are going to sin against you. You’ll help safeguard your relationships and honor the Lord if you learn to say, “I’m sorry,” and quickly forgive others.

Graduation Through the Years | 2011

8. Focus on Faithfulness, Not Perfection

All of us are called to do our work with excellence, as unto the Lord and not to men. But that doesn’t mean you should expect to master your craft right away. As you progress in your career, you likely won’t feel prepared when you start a new job. Give yourself time. Don’t grow frustrated, and don’t try to prove yourself. Focus on learning from every experience, and start with the little things: Keep a calendar with upcoming meetings and deadlines and a list of tasks you’re responsible for. Reread emails before clicking send, checking for grammar, formatting, and tone. Embrace being uncomfortable, and whatever task you’re assigned to do, do it with all your might (Ecc. 9:10). God isn’t looking for perfection; He’s looking for faithfulness.

9. Hold onto Friendships — Even As They Change

You’ve probably developed amazing friendships at 91̽��. After graduation, those relationships will change. You can’t drop by their dorm room for a midnight chat anymore, and they won’t be accompanying you on daily errands. But don’t let these friendships go. Start a texting group chat, plan trips, put reminders in your phone for significant life events, and faithfully pray for them, providing accountability and encouragement. Some of us have used FaceTime or Zoom to keep friendships going from across the world. Also, understand that the relationships you form after college may take longer to develop. You may only see these people once a week as you go about your busy schedules. Don’t be discouraged. “Focus on loving people and living out the one another’s, and pray for and seek out godly friendships,” says Josiah Neely (’14).

Graduation Through the Years | 2023

10. Remember That We’re Here for You

We know what it’s like to just be starting out. A promising future lies ahead of you, but the first steps aren’t always obvious. Know that you aren’t alone. We would love to provide mentorship, help open the door to a job opportunity, or simply pray for you. Know, too, that God is directing your path. He hasn’t brought you this far to leave you now, and He never will.

Sincerely,

Alumni of LABC, TMC, and 91̽��