Florida Campus

The Florida campus of Asbury Theological Seminary is committed to the faithful expression of "the Asbury experience," which includes a community of worship, prayer, spiritual formation, chapel, small groups, student services, international students, tutorial assistance, publications, counseling resources, the Philippian fund, and student government.

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY LIFE: STUDENT SERVICES

As a symbol of our commitment to the importance of life together, Community Life is housed in the office of the Vice President. A full-time Director of Community Life provides ongoing ministry to all aspects of community formation, with special attention to the Christian Formation Program, Chapel, Missions, and the Student Conference. The Associate Provost and Enrollment Manager also provide assistance with academic and financial dimensions to community life. The Executive Director of Operations oversees the Office of Student Services, which is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and on selected evenings and Saturdays, offering assistance with business matters, health insurance, and the Philippian Fund. Beyond these particulars, every staff and faculty person is involved in the development of a formative environment where community life can flourish.

THE STUDENT CONFERENCE

Living out the vision of Christian Conferencing as a means of grace, the Student Conference functions as the student leadership team. Team members provide a special service called the "New Student Welcome Team." Additionally, they represent various aspects of community life, and also serve on designated trustee, faculty, and staff committees to keep the seminary apprised of student views and needs.

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

On a Saturday in August, determined from year to year, new students and spouses gather for orientation-a day which includes getting acquainted, worship, and guidance into the Christian Formation Program. From that experience a variety of options emerge for becoming involved in the community.

THE CHAPEL

Harold Best, in his book Unceasing Worship, suggests that the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ is one that is steeped in worship and praise. Corporate worship then, is simply a continuation of this ongoing activity in the company of our brothers and sisters, where the power of community and mutual expressions of worship combine into a transformational experience. In Orlando, chapel services held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 1 pm provide the opportunity for the larger community to gather for creative and inspiring worship. Students, faculty and staff, along with guest speakers from the larger faith community provide substance and shape to worship, which engages and honors a variety of traditions and styles. Other worship services are held on selected Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings and on Saturday mornings. In addition, an Episcopalian service of Morning Prayer and Eucharist is held weekly. All students, faculty, staff and guests are encouraged and invited to participate in the Asbury worship experience in Orlando.

MISSIONS

Theological education as a missiological environment has been part of the vision for the Florida campus from the beginning. Expressions of this commitment include the annual Kingdom Conference, a connection between worship and missions, and short-term mission trips. The campus also emphasizes missiology through the Christian Formation Program, as well as through mission-related components found in a number of courses.

ECUMENICAL & MULTI-CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT

Orlando is a major gateway city to the world and an exploding growth place for people from many countries outside the United States. It is also one of the fastest growing areas of the nation for the Hispanic and African-American communities. Connected to that growth is an amazing array of denominational and parachurch organizations. The faculty, staff, and student body reflects the diversity that is all around us, making the Florida campus "a microcosm of the Kingdom of God." At the present time, the Latino-Latina Studies Program is the primary, formal expression of this environment outside the regular degree programs offered on campus.

STUDENT ASSISTANCE

In addition to financial aid, students receive additional help. Counseling and Care resources are available. The Philippian Fund assists students who face unforeseen financial emergencies. And the faculty provides mentoring and spiritual direction to those who connect with them in the Christian Formation Program.

CAMPUS COMMUNICATION

The First Class network provides the core communication medium. Additional information is shared through the weekly Campus Calendar, chapel bulletins, and information placed in student post office boxes. Bulletin boards are also used to post other kinds of information. The Office of Student Services oversees the communication process.

Asbury Theological Seminary

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