May 18, 2026 (Highlands, Calif.) -- Gateway Seminary President Adam Groza challenged graduates to remain faithful to God’s Word during commencement exercises held May 15, 2026, at Immanuel Baptist Church.

Drawing from II Chronicles, Groza presented the prophet Micaiah as a model of steadfast faithfulness for ministry leaders.

“Brothers and sisters, we must prioritize character and biblical conviction over cultural conformity,” Groza said.

He urged graduates to proclaim Scripture boldly regardless of opposition.

“Our charge to you is that you take the word that you have been taught, and like Micaiah, resolve to speak only what God has said,” Groza said.

Referencing the persecution Micaiah endured for speaking God’s truth, Groza encouraged graduates to remain unwavering in their commitment to biblical teaching.

“Even when we, like Micaiah, are alone, outnumbered, opposed, even imprisoned, may we be resolved to proclaim the Word of the Lord,” he said.

“In doing this, we learn from Micaiah, but we are following our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Groza continued to develop the gospel implications of Micaiah’s obedience for the present church. He addressed those in the audience who did not know Christ with a presentation of the gospel.

“Jesus has borne our sins on a cross, He died for us, He rose again on the third day, and anyone who turns from sin and trusts in Jesus can have the free gift of eternal life,” Groza said.

“You can leave with something better than a robe or a diploma or even a fancy, presidential medallion. You can leave with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Groza concluded his charge by exhorting graduates to commit themselves fully to the truth of the gospel in the ministries to which they are going.

“Dear graduates, that's the charge,” he said. “May you commit yourself to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help you God.”

Lastly, he reminded graduates that Jesus’ commission to expand the church has three elements: evangelism, discipleship, and a commitment to the transmission of the full counsel of God.

“Our ministry task remains unchanged: proclaim God's word,” Groza said.

“Go and make disciples, yes, and baptize, yes, but don't forget Jesus says, ‘Teach them to obey all that I have commanded.’”

During the ceremony, Gateway Seminary conferred 161 degrees across its master’s and doctoral programs, as well as its ADVANCE program. Bryce Bussert received the William O. Crews Leadership Award, the seminary’s highest honor for graduates.

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