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The Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary (LBTS), under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Momolu A. Massaquoi has achieved a historic milestone by graduating its first-ever cohort of Master of Arts (M.A.) degree holders. This landmark event took place during the seminary’s 42nd Commencement Convocation on Sunday, December 8, 2024.
Held at the LBTS campus in Paynesville City, the 42nd convocation celebrated the achievements of 53 graduates who earned degrees and certificates in various disciplines. The graduating class comprised 21 students who received certificates in theology, 23 students who earned Bachelor of Arts degrees, and 9 students who were conferred with master’s degrees.
The momentous occasion was graced by several distinguished guests, including Rev. Dr. Prof. Momolu A. Massaquoi, President of LBTS; His Excellency Deacon Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., Chairman of the Board of Trustees of LBTS, political leader and standard-bearer of the Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE), and former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet of the Republic of Liberia.
Other notable attendees included Rev. Samuel B. Reeves, President of the Liberia Council of Churches and President of the Liberia Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention (LBMEC); Dr. Edward Lama Wonkoryor, Executive Director of the National Commission on Higher Education; and Rev. Dr. Patrick Fallah Taylor, Sr., President of the LBTS Alumni Association in the USA, among others.
This historic graduation ceremony reflects LBTS’s growing commitment to academic excellence and theological education, as it continues to shape the next generation of faith leaders and scholars in Liberia and beyond.
In his convocation address, Dr. Patrick Fallah Taylor, Sr., President of the LBTS Alumni Association in the USA inspired the graduates with a powerful message centered on the theme “Facing Your Future.” Drawing from his personal experience during a 2018 visit to Israel, Dr. Taylor encouraged graduates to recognize, value, and utilize their unique gifts, talents, and resources.
Recounting his trip to Israel, Dr. Taylor described his anticipation of seeing a land “flowing with milk and honey,” only to be surprised by the arid landscape of mountains, valleys, and deserts. However, despite its harsh terrain, Israel had mastered self-sufficiency in agriculture and food production. He used this experience as a metaphor to challenge Liberians to recognize the untapped potential of their own country.
“Most of the time, we don’t know what we have, “Dr. Taylor said. “We see other people’s stuff and want it. But if other countries had what we have, you would never catch it.”
He highlighted Liberia’s fertile land and abundant natural resources, contrasting it with other countries that depend on imports to sustain agriculture. Dr. Taylor emphasized the importance of self-reliance and resourcefulness.
“Do you know what you have? Do you value what you have? Do you utilize what you have?” he asked the graduates.
Dr. Taylor outlined three key principles that he believes are essential for success:
Know What You Have
He urged graduates to identify and recognize the value of the skills, talents, and knowledge they possess. He referenced biblical stories like that of Moses, who was told by God to use the rod in his hand to part the Red Sea, and the story of the five loaves and two fish, which Jesus used to feed a multitude.
Value What You Have
Dr. Taylor stressed the importance of appreciating one’s abilities, degrees, and opportunities. He explained that Liberia is blessed with fertile land and rich natural resources, yet many fail to recognize or appreciate their value. He challenged the graduates to see their education as an invaluable resource.
Utilize What You Have
Merely recognizing and valuing one’s potential is not enough, Dr. Taylor noted. He urged graduates to actively use their education, degrees, and theological training to bring positive change to their communities and beyond. He warned against burying one’s talents, referencing the parable of the servant who buried his master’s talent instead of investing it.
“If you don’t use what you have, you will lose it, “Dr. Taylor said emphatically.” God has already blessed you. Use what you have in your hand before you start going to your neighbor to ask for help.”
Dr. Taylor also challenged graduates to maintain theological integrity and avoid preaching “heresies” or “junk” in the pulpit. He criticized the proliferation of self-proclaimed “Reverend Doctors” in Liberia, some of whom acquired their degrees under dubious circumstances.
“Don’t be intimidated by them,” he said, referring to the flood of “honorary” degree holders. “You got more education than they have. This is the best seminary in Liberia. This is the number one seminary.”
He emphasized that the degrees from LBTS are highly valued internationally, citing his own experience of being admitted into prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, and Columbia University with a degree from LBTS.
Dr. Taylor underscored the significance of the bachelor’s degree, calling it the “most important degree” of all.
“You cannot get a master’s until you get a bachelor’s. You cannot get a doctorate until you get a bachelor’s, “he noted. “The bachelor’s degree you receive today is the most important degree you will ever receive.”
He recalled his own educational journey, stating that his bachelor’s degree from LBTS had allowed him to skip several semesters when he enrolled in other institutions abroad. He assured graduates that their LBTS degrees hold global credibility, offering them opportunities to pursue higher education in renowned universities around the world.
As he concluded his address, Dr. Taylor left the graduates with a profound challenge:
“Do not go and bury your degree. Use it. Preach sound biblical theology. Don’t join foolish arguments in the streets. Instead, lay the foundation and make a clear, logical argument.”
He warned against wasting their education on “popularity contests” or “junk theology,” urging them to stand firm in their theological convictions.
“You have something in your hand. You have already been blessed. Use what you have before you start going to your neighbor for help. God will bless you if you use what you have,” he said.
The 42nd Commencement Convocation of LBTS will be remembered as a moment of profound transformation and inspiration. It marked the first time in the institution’s history that students received Master of Arts degrees, a testament to LBTS’s growing capacity to provide higher theological education in Liberia.
With LBTS alumni now pursuing advanced degrees and roles in theological education, ministry, and social service, the seminary’s influence extends far beyond Liberia’s borders. The historic graduation of its first M.A. cohort signals LBTS’s readiness to meet the evolving demands of theological education in Africa and beyond.
The Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary’s 42nd Commencement Convocation was more than just a graduation it was a call to action. With 53 graduates stepping out as certificate holders, bachelor’s degree recipients, and master’s degree holders, the seminary reaffirmed its mission to shape the next generation of theologians and faith leaders.
The words of Dr. Patrick Fallah Taylor, Sr., will likely resonate with graduates for years to come:
“You are receiving the most important degree in your life today. Do not bury it. Use it to change your life, your community, and your nation.”
As LBTS continues to empower faith leaders and scholars, it stands as a beacon of academic excellence and spiritual growth in Liberia and beyond.
Sanjee Abioseh Doe-Stepter, Valedictorian for the Graduate School, also gave a heartfelt address, encouraging her fellow graduates to remain steadfast in their faith and service to society. She urged them to see themselves as vessels of change and to never forget the foundation laid at LBTS.
