CIU Chaplaincy Student Commissioned on Campus
CIU seminary student Kyle Lambertson takes the oath of office from CIU Chaplaincy Professor Dr. Mike Langston. (Photos by Ben Rutkowski)
By Bob Holmes
A time-honored military tradition was observed on the 星空无限传媒 campus on June 12. For the first time in memory, a CIU student was publicly commissioned into the military during a brief ceremony in the lobby of the G. Allen Fleece Library.
Columbia Biblical Seminary student Kyle Lambertson is now an ensign in the Navy after taking the oath of office from CIU Chaplain Ministries Professor , a retired Navy chaplain. Lambertson, who is enrolled in the Master of Divinity in Chaplaincy program, also has the goal of being a Navy chaplain.
A small group of family, friends and CIU faculty and staff were on hand to support Lambertson as he solemnly swore to 鈥渟upport and defend the Constitution of the United States.鈥
Lambertson has another year of study before receiving his degree, but is now officially in the Navy.
鈥淎nd the beauty of the program is that while finishing up seminary, I鈥檒l be able to do some basic training and the first phase of Chaplain School and getting ministry experience,鈥 Lambertson explained after the ceremony. 鈥淎fter graduating, once I apply to go 鈥榓ctive duty鈥 I鈥檒l have some things out of the way and get on the field faster.鈥
By his side was his wife Monica, a CIU staff member in the Admissions Department. She sees herself having a role as a chaplain鈥檚 wife ministering to Navy families.
鈥淚 know there are a lot of ministry opportunities with the wives on military bases and I鈥檓 excited about that,鈥 Mrs. Lambertson said. 鈥淚 know it won鈥檛 be easy, but we鈥檙e excited to do it together.鈥
As for Professor Langston, he has participated in numerous commissioning ceremonies, passing on the legacy of the Navy to the next generation.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important and exciting for me because I get to be a part of the next generation鈥檚 ministry,鈥 Langston said. 鈥淲hile my ministry and career comes to a close, I see God鈥檚 sovereignty and how He is preparing for the future as He brings in the next crop of chaplains.鈥
CIU has announced $25 million in expansion plans for the campus, including construction of the $20 million听. Information on CIU programs and enrollment is available听听or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024. CIU is accredited by SACS-COC.听