You are likely familiar with the expression “on the road again.” Spirit and Life Seminary (SLS) graduates “were on the road” as they journeyed from the British Virgin Islands, New York, Kansas, Michigan, Florida, and Kentucky all the way to Tennessee to begin their weekend of festivities. After meeting fellow students in person for the first time early Friday morning, May 15, 2026, they rehearsed walking across the stage to receive their diplomas. During this time, the students received exciting news that now that they have finished the SLS program, they can pursue a master’s degree at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary (PTS), one of the Church of God of Prophecy’s academic partners, with the assistance of a COGOP scholarship.
After rehearsal, the students boarded vans driven by SLS Academic Dean Albert Murza and SLS Director of Business and Finance Jacob Coleman. We were off to Fields of the Wood in Murphy, North Carolina. The trip included a stop by the Schearer School and Holy Ghost markers, where revival broke out in the 1880s. Bishop Todd Bagley, director of Heritage Ministries, and Bishop Daniel Felipe, executive director of Business and Finance, met us at the nearby First Assembly House, a short distance from the Fields of the Wood (FOW) park. Bishop Bagley shared the history of the Church of God of Prophecy, reminding us of the sacrifices that were made by the predecessors of this movement.
Just before lunch time, we headed to Fields of the Wood, admiring the beautiful new gate at the entrance as we headed up the back side of Prayer Mountain. Students enjoyed reading markers imprinted with Scripture and church teachings as they descended the hill back to the main level of the park, where the Leadership Development and Discipleship (LDD) department provided a scrumptious picnic lunch. Pastor Azael Perez Hernandez (Olathe, Kansas) remarked that he had read about our church history and seen pictures, but there was nothing like being there and seeing it in person!
Our graduates and their families did a bit of souvenir shopping in the FOW gift shop before again boarding our trusty vans for the drive up and behind Ten Commandment Mountain to the All-Nations Cross. Siretsie Braithwaite (Clearwater, Florida) was excited to find the flag of his homeland Jamaica. The weather was picture perfect!
After reading the back of the Bible atop Ten Commandment Mountain and taking in an aerial view of the park, we descended over 300 steps to the lower level for our departure back to Cleveland. The van I was in was filled with chatter—graduates were no longer nervous about who would “break the ice” by speaking first. Rumor has it that some on the other van were taking a siesta. In either case, we had become comfortable in our new family.
Back in Cleveland, a tour of the COGOP International Offices was next on the agenda. Receptionist LeeAnna Lutz greeted us on the first floor. Graduates were excited to walk into the office of Presiding Bishop Tim Coalter and then claim a gift bag from Bishop Shaun McKinley, executive director of Global Communications, on the third floor. After touring the Spirit and Life Seminary offices in the Majestic Building, graduates were dismissed to shop at the White Wing Bookstore before leaving to get a good night’s rest.
Early Saturday morning, May 16, graduates donned their regalia and prepared for photographs. At 10:00 a.m., they proceeded to the Ministry Training Center (MTC) at the International Offices. Dana Estep (Stanton, Kentucky) and Azael Perez (Olathe, Kansas) gave speeches to represent the graduates who earned their Certificate in Ministry and Theological Studies. Pastor Scotty Anderson (Gallatin, Tennessee) spoke to represent the graduates who earned their Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and Theological Studies.
Guest speaker Dr. Cathy Payne, director of Global Missions Ministries, reminded students that God knows them by name, and He wants to use them to lead people to Him. Bishop Coalter admonished students to pray consistently as they use the knowledge they have gained through study. Indeed, God’s Spirit gives life to the words we read and the message we speak so all can see that He, the one and only living God, has all authority.
