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HUNTINGTON UNIV MAGAZINE

Worship leadership program graduates first students

FOR RELEASE May 17, 2008

(left to right) David Franks, Dr. Bob Myers and Kyle Brenneman

Huntington, Ind.—The first two students graduated from Huntington University’s worship leadership program today.

Kyle Brenneman of Spencerville, Ohio, and David Franks of Fort Wayne, Ind., received Bachelor of Science degrees in worship leadership.

Kyle Brenneman receives his degree from Dr. G. Blair Dowden, president.

Brenneman served as a senator-at-large on the university’s Student Senate his sophomore year, and he was the student body vice president during his junior year. As a senior, he completed a seven-month internship at Appleton Alliance Church in Appleton, Wis. The Robert E. Webber Institute of Worship Studies gave its first Award of Distinction in Christian Worship to Brenneman, and he also won the Outstanding Senior Award for the Department of Ministry and Missions. Brenneman will attend Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Ind.

“Kyle Brenneman has been an exceptional leader, scholar and servant,” said Dr. Bob Myers, assistant professor of worship leadership. “Kyle has been a big help to me as we have launched the worship leadership major. I have often looked to him for trustworthy input and feedback concerning the program. I am confident that he will be greatly used for God’s Kingdom.”

David Franks receives his degree from Dr. G. Blair Dowden, president. Dr. Norris Friesen, vice president and dean of the university, reads graduates' names at the podium.

Franks served a seven-month internship at Glen Oaks Alliance Church in Troy, Mich., and was offered a permanent position in worship leadership and young adult ministry upon completion of his assignment. Through his internship experience, Franks worked with youth and young adults, and he also preached three sermons along with his responsibilities as worship leader.   

“Dave always gets along well with people, which was evident in his relationships with other students as well as an apparent strength of his ministry while on his internship,” Myers said. “His ministry interests and gifts are multiple and broad. Glen Oaks Alliance has since merged with a sister church, and Dave’s influence and ministry has grown with the larger scope of the combined ministry. His ability to effectively function in multiple roles highlights the strength of ministry preparation that Huntington’s new worship leadership program offers to the next generation of church leaders.”

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S.News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

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