In 2009 Wesley Seminary was approved by the board of trustees to be instated as the first seminary of the Wesleyan Church. 10 years later, Wesley Seminary has over 500 students, course offerings for both online and onsite students and a state-of-the-art facility.
“It’s a true joy to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Wesley Seminary,” David Wright, president of Indiana Wesleyan University, said. “It has been rewarding to see the many ways the seminary has impacted the lives of students and their ministries.”
Wesley Seminary’s story is a testament to divine providence, expansion and transformation. To celebrate this story, on Aug. 8, Wesley Seminary is hosting an all-day event that is open to the public.
“The growth and global reach of Wesley Seminary in just 10 short years is nothing short of amazing. We thank God for His abundant blessings,” Wright said. “I am excited to see what God has in store in the decades ahead for our students and for our future.
Wesley Seminary is the only and official seminary of the Wesleyan Church and has served over 1000 students over the 10 years of its’ existence. Compared to other denominations, this may seem late to start a seminary, however, it has given Wesley Seminary a distinct advantage.
The current model for Wesley Seminary students allows ministers to stay in their current ministries while attending seminary. Classes are offered primarily online, creating flexibility for students to determine how and where they want to pursue their ministerial education.
The way that Wesley Seminary’s facility obtained was also unconventional. In 2012, the Green family, owners of the Hobby Lobby Corporation, made a sizable donation that allowed for the $7 million Wesley Seminary building to be completed in 2013.
“’Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things’ (Psalm 98:1) has been our anthem at Wesley Seminary, and we look forward to gathering to celebrate 10 years of marvelous things,” Colleen Derr, president of Wesley Seminary, said. “The Lord has been at work through us impacting nearly 1000 alumni from 25 different countries and 40 denominations; and the Lord is still at work helping us to forge new partnerships, pursue bigger dreams and embrace a new vision.”
The 10th anniversary event will be a time of reflecting on these providential occurrences while also looking to the future.
The day’s events will consist of:
- Service of Celebration at College Wesleyan Church at 10 a.m.
- Open House Reception at Wesley Seminary at 11:45 a.m.
- SEMtalks Event for Alumni and friends of the Seminary at Wesley Seminary at 4:15 p.m.
- Evening with Dr. John Perkins at College Wesleyan Church at 7:00 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to attend any or all events that interest them. To learn more about the event, visit the Wesley Seminary Facebook event at https://bit.ly/32PLRev. RSVPS are encouraged but not required.