Dr. Sobande gets Loraine Chafer Award at Dallas Theological Seminary

In celebration of faith, scholarship, and leadership, Dr. Emmanuel Toye Sobande, a theologian and visionary leader, has been awarded the esteemed Loraine Chafer Award at Dallas Theological Seminary’s (DTS) 2025 commencement ceremony. The award, one of the seminary’s highest honours, recognises international students who exemplify exceptional Christian character, academic excellence, and a transformative commitment to embodying DTS’s mission.

Dr. Sobande’s selection was met with resounding acclaim from faculty and dignitaries. Seminary President Dr. Mark Yarbrough hailed him as “a beacon of Christ-centered leadership,” while Vice President of Education Dr. George Hillman praised his “unwavering dedication to biblical truth and global ministry.” Professor of Systematic Theology, Dr. Timothy Yoder, remarked, “Dr. Sobande’s work transcends academia, it is a ministry of reconciliation, hope, and empowerment.”

The Commencement Chair, Mrs. Jennifer Piña, shared her joy over the unanimous faculty vote, calling Dr. Sobande “a living testament to DTS’s ideals.” Chair of the Board of Regents, Brian Fisher, also lauded his transformational journey and steadfast integrity, emphasising how Dr. Sobande’s life “reflects the heart of servant leadership.”

During his acceptance speech, Dr. Sobande outlined an ambitious vision to empower ethical leadership across Africa. His key initiatives include establishing a Leadership University in Nigeria to cultivate strategic thinkers rooted in biblical principles; expanding The Fathers’ Summit, a mentorship programme addressing fatherlessness in African American communities; and launching schools that blend discipleship with socio-political advocacy to “heal broken narratives and inspire holistic stewardship.”

For Dr. Sobande, “Leadership is not about power, but stewardship. True transformation begins when we serve others with humility and truth.” He credited his theological formation at DTS and the support of his wife, Ediri (Didi), as pivotal to his journey. “DTS equipped us to weave biblical truth into every facet of life and leadership.”

His heartfelt thanks extended to First Baptist Dallas and colleagues who stood by him during life-threatening challenges, underscoring how the seminary’s foundation propelled his mission to fulfill the Great Commission.

The Loraine Chafer Award carries profound historical significance, rooted in DTS’s 1924 founding by Lewis Sperry Chafer to counter theological liberalism and uphold scriptural authority. Like Chafer, Dr. Sobande embodies the seminary’s mission to train leaders who teach truth and love well—a legacy now extending to Africa’s spiritual and socio-political landscapes.

Prior to the award ceremony, the International Development Office hosted a dinner celebrating Dr. Sobande’s contributions as a worthy ambassador of Nigerian excellence. Attendees honoured his dual impact as a scholar and advocate for global ethical governance. The Loraine Chafer Award includes a cash gift to support Dr. Sobande’s post-graduation endeavours, ensuring his vision for ethical leadership continues to flourish.

As Dr. Sobande steps into his role as a professor and chaplaincy leader, his work stands as a clarion call for a generation to lead with integrity, faith, and courage. Dallas Theological Seminary’s recognition not only celebrates his past achievements but ignites hope for a future where biblical truth transforms nations.