Apply HereApply to Providence for the Fall 2018 semester!
Use the application code “SARAH2018” to apply for free!

COMMENCEMENT SPOTLIGHT: “LIVING OUT MY THEOLOGY”

by Mark Pomerville
Photos by Sam Mahtani

On May 5, 2018, Sarah Bergquist ’18 and her classmates proudly walked across the stage at Commencement and concluded their studies at Providence Christian College. This year’s senior class featured 27 students—the largest assembly of degree candidates in Providence’s history.

Dr. David Corbin, vice president for academic affairs, delivered this year’s commencement address, This is Living Water, which was a call to action for every senior to remember that their faith in Christ is like water, which will replenish them daily as they begin a new chapter of their lives.

“My hope and prayer for you is that you will draw from His well daily,” Corbin told the graduates. “May His water flow within you so that His good news will pour out onto others for His glory.”

For Bergquist, Corbin’s speech was particularly poignant, as she embarks on an exciting new career that will undoubtedly involve putting Corbin’s charge for biblical stewardship into action.

Originally from San Marcos, California, Bergquist received her Liberal Arts degree with an emphasis in Humanities and Biblical and Theological Studies, and she hopes to pursue a career in youth ministry, a field for which she has a passion and God-given calling.

Before attending Providence, Bergquist served at several middle school winter camps, and discovered that she had a natural gift for encouraging young people. However, one of her pastors advised her that, if she wanted to truly make an impact on the lives of adolescents, she should consider studying scripture and theology as a foundation for working with youth.

In August 2014, Bergquist enrolled and actively absorbed herself in various college activities, serving as a Resident Assistant and Vice President of the Food Club, an on-campus ministry that cooked culinary meals for students and held fellowship events to serve the study body.

As her involvement in student life solidified her passion for fellowship with the body of  Christ, her study of scripture deepened her love for the Lord even more.

“Dr. Swanson and Dr. Gamble, my Bible professors, conveyed the gospel to me in a cogent, clear, and personally transforming way,” says Bergquist. “They gave me the tools to understand scripture and how to let God’s word construct and guide every aspect of my life so that I can become a more well-rounded, holistic person.”

While Bergquist is thankful for the biblically rich education she has received, she is most grateful for her instructors’ encouragement to practically apply her learning to serve her community for the glory of God, and hopes to administer her knowledge in her prospective field.

“My professors have taught me that theological orthodoxy is meaningless without loving obedience,” says Bergquist. “There are a lot of Christians who want to stay isolated in the church and don’t serve the world around them. But I can’t divorce doctrine from practice. Providence has trained me to live out my theology.”

In May 2018, Bergquist began her first job in teen ministry, working in childcare services at Refuge LA. This fall, she hopes to become a Program Assistant at an after-school program and, eventually, a Christian mentor in Los Angeles’ urban neighborhoods.

Bergquist isn’t alone in pursuing God’s calling in life. Many of her fellow graduates will serve the Lord in a variety of vocations—some in politics and public service, while others will further their education through graduate school. For every personal endeavor, Providence has prepared its students to live out their faith as they embark on God’s purpose in their lives.

 

Apply HereApply to Providence for the Fall 2018 semester!
Use the application code “SARAH2018” to apply for free!