George W. Braswell, Jr. was Professor of Missions and World Religions. The service begins with a word of prayer (00:00-01:15). George W. Braswell, Jr. is introduced as the faculty lecturer (01:16-02:55). The choir sings a song of worship (02:56-07:02). Braswell begins his lecture by giving a summary of his topic about Islam in Iran (07:03-10:05). Braswell spends the majority of the first half of his lecture speaking about the checkered history of Christian-Muslim interactions, and he gives a list of perceptions Iranian Muslims have of American Christians (10:06-28:44). Braswell speaks about the future of Christian-Muslim relations in the second part of his lecture, and he discusses the political and religious changes taking place in the Middle East and the growing Muslim community in the United States (28:45-44:00). Braswell ends the service with a word of prayer (44:01-44:33).
Donald Hustad was the V.V. Cook Professor of Organ at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. The service begins with organ music (00:00-06:34). The speaker gives a word of prayer (06:35-07:50). Donald Hustad is introduced as the Page Lecturer (07:51-10:20). The choir sings the anthem (10:21-12:08). The title of Hustad’s lecture is “Sing Unto the Lord an Old Song.” Hustad speaks about hymns and worship in the evangelical tradition, and he walks through the problematic history of abandonment of historic worship for newer songs and styles as a reaction against traditionalism and liberalism (10:21-48:20). Hustad leads the audience in the reading of a hymn, and he gives the scriptural and historical background of the hymn (48:21-51:09). Hustad ends the service with a recommendation for reading hymnals (51:09-53:01).
Robert T. Handy was Professor of Church History at Union Theological Seminary in New York. The service begins with organ music (00:00-04:34). The speaker gives a word of prayer (04:35-05:32). Robert T. Handy is introduced as the Carver-Barnes Lecturer (05:33-06:52). The title of Handy’s lecture is “Faith in Higher Education: Partners or Enemies.” Handy begins his lecture by narrowing his focus to Christian faith (06:53-07:51). Handy examines the tension of both the negative and positive relationship in history between faith and education, the sting of religion breaking into secular education, and the uncomfortable tension between faith and education in the individual (07:52-50:35). The service ends with a benediction (50:36-51:10).
Suzanne M. Davis was Associate Director of Student/Field Ministries. The speaker and audience read from John 1:1-14, and the speaker gives a word of prayer (00:00-02:24). The choir leads in a song of worship (02:25-06:57). Davis reads from Song of Songs 8:6-7 and John 13:34-35 (06:58-08:25). She warns against the use of mind games, and she explains that Jesus is calling us to a deeper love of neighbor and family (08:26-18:58). Davis ends the service with a benediction (18:59-19:40).
Thomas Downing was a pastor, including pastor of University Baptist Church in Chapel Hill. The service opens in prayer (0:00-3:10). Scripture is read aloud from Genesis 4:1-12 (3:10-6:10). A prayer is led (6:10-8:10). Dr. Lolley introduces the commencement sermon (8:10-10:28). A student presents a check to go toward the construction of a prayer garden from the graduating class (10:28-11:00). Dr. Lolley reflects on the graduates’ gift and announces that the presentation of awards will begin (11:00-13:22). Dr. Ashcraft presents academic awards and Dr. Lolley congratulates the recipients (13:22-20:05). Dr. Lolley introduces the commencement sermon speaker, Dr. Thomas Downing (20:05-22:08). Dr. Downing begins his address with prayer (22:08-22:44). His message focuses on grace and how one can still know that grace even when experiencing the challenges of life (22:44-44:10). He concludes by stating that the hope in the land of Nod, instead of Eden, is the gospel (42:00-44:10). Dr. Downing closes his message in prayer (44:10-44:45). The service is then closed in prayer (44:45-46:27).
Janice Siler was Pastoral Counselor at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, N.C. The service begins with a word of praise given to Esther Adams and an announcement about the establishment of the Esther Adams Endowment Fund for Seminary Women (00:00-01:31). Janice Siler is introduced as the chapel speaker as a part of the Esther Adam Series (01:32-02:26). Siler opens with an overview of her education and ministerial experience for the purpose of giving herself validity to speak on the topic of personal development in ministry (02:27-07:11). Her first major point is to not be afraid to ask for what you want (07:12-12:02). Her second major point is to not be afraid to receive (12:03-19:42). Her third major point is give affirmation and love to one another (19:43-26:07). Her final major point is nurture and care for yourself (26:08-29:19). She concludes her sermon by asking the audience to spend a moment in silence to think about one of the points mentioned to try today (29:20-30:24). Siler ends the service with a prayer (30:25-31:20).