Posted by Chinta Strausberg ~ After 22 year Hiatus, Pastor/Activist Earns Master Degree Education Advocate Hopes to Inspire Chicago Youth Friday, December 13th will be a memorable night for the family and friends of Greater St. John Bible Church in Chicago. When the doors open at 7:30 PM tonight at North Park University’s Carlson Gymnasium, the church’s Senior Pastor, Ira J. Acree, will be among the graduates walking across the stage to receive his diploma. After a 22 year absence from college having earned an undergrad degree in 1988, Acree, now 48, will receive a Masters of Arts in Christian Ministries during tonight’s Commencement Ceremony. Pastor Acree is the first to admit that the road to tonight’s Commencement took a lot of dedication, focus, and hard work. Aside from his responsibility as a husband and father of two, a son and daughter who are both enrolled in college (the son scheduled to graduate on Sunday, December 15, 2013), Acree is also a very involved full-time pastor and progressive community activist. Since beginning his educational pursuit in 2010, Acree was appointed by Governor Patrick Quinn as a member of the Illinois Department of Corrections Advisory Board and in 2013 he became a radio talk show co-host. With this kind of schedule his graduation is a blessing and a miracle. Acree has long been known for his support and respect for higher education by way of the $500 scholarships he awards to college students from his church each year. To date, these scholarships amount to an excess of 180K. Besides preaching the virtues of higher education to his church and community members, Acree decided to use his own pursuit to show that education can be achieved at any age. For individuals wishing to participate virtually, a live-streaming video will be available at 7:30 PM CST www.northpark.edu/live. “Rev. Acree's potential for leadership is huge, and I support him all the way,” said Rev. Jesse Jackson, the head of the Rainbow Push Coalition and a longtime mentor of Acree’s. “His connections are far beyond the streets of Austin. I congratulate him on this great accomplishment." "Acree is one of the premiere preachers of our times. He is a master role model," stated Rev. Al Sharpton, the President of the National Action Network and friend “Congratulations to Pastor Ira Acree on his graduation from North Park. As an urban pastor, his example of continuing education will inspire young people in his parish and all over our community. Bravo!” commented Dr. Marshall Hatch, pastor of New Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church and co-chairman of the Leaders Network. State Representative LaShawn Ford stated “President Nelson Mandela once said "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." I commend Pastor Ira Acree for living out President's Mandela legacy, as he sharpens his ability to lead the fight for justice and equality.” Dr Paul Deneui professor of Missional and intercultural studies of North Park University also said of Acree: The value of students like Pastor Ira to the seminary community cannot be over-emphasized. He brings a lifetime of pastoral experience into the classroom, sometimes challenging, sometimes enlightening but always present. He is an encouragement to students of all ages and a joy to have in our community. May God bring more Ira Acree’s to North Park Theological Seminary! For More Info: 773.339.8590
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