Earlier this month, the Pastors College held its 22nd annual graduation exercises. It was a great joy to celebrate with these students and their families, who had left the routine and familiar to invest their lives in a rigorous course of study, training, and personal growth—all in order to glorify Christ and serve his church. This year’s class comprised 10 students from six different churches in three states, including one international student. These couples brought with them 14 children—two of which were born just prior to arriving in Louisville. One student—Josh Varnedoe (who arrived with his new bride Melanie three days after their wedding!)—was a 2nd generation PC student; his father Howard, an elder in our Franklin, TN church, graduated from the Pastors College in 2000.
Once again, we marveled in observing the grace of God in the lives of these students and their families. And once again, it was sad to say goodbye to yet another group of folks who had become dearly loved friends. But we do so with great faith, eager to observe all the ways the Lord will use them to proclaim the gospel, to strengthen local churches, and to care for countless others in this nation and beyond.
Congratulations to the 2021 Pastors College graduates!
Please pray for them as they relocate and serve in local Sovereign Grace churches:
Kevin and Beth Busch: serving at Living Hope Church, Middletown, PA
Jake and Ellen Cronin: serving at Cornerstone Church of Knoxville, TN
Edgar and Abby Flores: serving at Iglesia Gracia Soberana in Juarez, MX
Taylor and Elisabeth Hollingsworth: serving at Trinity Grace Church in Athens, TN
Austin and Bekah Jones: serving at Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville, KY
Nick and Happy Kidwell: serving at Covenant Fellowship Church, Glen Mills, PA
Andrew and Lauren Maples: serving in a Sovereign Grace Church – location TBA
Ethan and Meagan Montesinos: serving at Redeeming Grace Church, Franklin, TN
Josh and Melanie Varnedoe: serving at Cornerstone Church of Knoxville, TN
Reid Williamson: serving at Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville, KY
Jeff Purswell is the Director of Theology and Training for Sovereign Grace Churches and the dean of the Sovereign Grace Pastor's College. He also serves as an elder at Sovereign Grace Church in Louisville, KY.