KOTTAYAM, India — As part of its fifth graduation exercises on Feb. 8, the India Baptist Theological Seminary awarded the doctor of divinity degree to Jerry Jones, team leader of the Virginia Baptists Mission Board's glocal missions and evangelism team.
Asking Jones to stand, B.V.R. Rao, general secretary of the India Baptist Convention, presented him to the assembled guests.
Seminary officials place a doctoral hood around Jones's shoulders during graduation exercises.
“The board of trustees of India Baptist Theological Seminary has resolved to bestow on Rev. Jerry Jones, Virginia, U.S.A., the degree, honoris causa doctor of divinity, considering his scholarship, long experience in Christian ministry in India, China and Austria, and his valuable services to Christ in India through frequent visits to teach Indian Christians and their leaders and to extend spiritual and material support to the needy areas of India in the mission field. His credentials are outstanding.
“The awarding of this honor in recognition of his achievements and services has been due for a long time now. He has made a mark through his contributions as an administrator, musician, orator, linguist, educationist and as an evangelist.”
Jones was then awarded the doctoral hood.
Twenty-six graduates were presented diplomas during the three-hour ceremony. Eight students received the bachelor of theology degree; 12 received the master of divinity degree; and six received the master of theology degree.
The seminary was founded in 2000 by Kunjumon Chacko and two Virginia Baptist pastors, Ray Allen and Bill Ross. Enrollment has reached its current height of 83 students from nine of India's 28 states.
Six full-time faculty members and eight adjunct lecturers provide instruction while 10 non-teaching staff members provide other needed support services.