Ministries of the Wesleyan Seminary Foundation at Asbury Theological Seminary
Ministries of The Wesleyan Seminary Foundation at Asbury Theological Seminary
The Wesleyan Church greatly values its relationship with Asbury Theological Seminary as an institution to prepare its leaders for ministry, blending very practical training with a highly recognized academic theological education. Since the early 1960’s The Wesleyan Seminary Foundation, funded and supported by The Department of Education and the Ministry of The Wesleyan Church, has ministered to our students. Its role is to be a liaison between The Wesleyan Church, Asbury Theological Seminary, and the students.
The Campus Director of The Wesleyan Seminary Foundation carries the responsibilities for the following:
- working with prospective and incoming students
- campus pastor to Wesleyan students
- administering the Wesleyan loan/grant and other scholarships
- overseeing the operation of the student run Asbury Wesleyan Community Leadership Team
- advising students in educational, church, vocational, financial and spiritual matters
- providing connections to The Wesleyan Church for our Asbury Wesleyans
- hosting Wesleyan leaders and representatives on campus
- care and oversight of the building and property
- assisting those leaving the Asbury community in finding positions of ministry through connections with local churches, district superintendents and general church leaders
In a nutshell what does this mean? At a more practical level you have a Wesleyan ally, a place to hang out, a group Wesleyans with which to make friends, and an opportunity to meet a lot of neat denominational leaders.
Asbury Wesleyan Community
As the student operated sector, the Asbury Wesleyan Community (AWC) fosters fellowship and service among the Wesleyans at Asbury Theological Seminary. The five key ministry teams are:
Social Ministry Team
Spiritual Life Ministry Team
Hospitality Ministry Team (including helping new students in moving in)
Special Events Ministry Team (Thanksgiving Banquet, etc.)
Missions Ministry Team (hosting missions reps and promoting missions among our students)
Each team, under the direction of its coordinator, plans events that involve our Wesleyan students and faculty and their families, and further their respective objectives. Our budget from the Department of Education and the Ministry provides funding for most of these activities.
Community and connection are built through the fellowship of these events that lasts well beyond seminary years. Alumni frequently reminisce about the dinners and gatherings they enjoyed and the lifelong friendships cemented through these ministries.
Building
Our building at 215 East College St., is often referred to as The Asbury Wesleyan Community Center, as it is a center for the activity of our Wesleyans on the Wilmore campus. Our phone number is 859.858.4085. You may reach us by email at
WesSemFoun@aol.com or wesleyan.seminary-foundation@asburyseminary.edu
The Living Room:
The major area dubbed ‘The Living Room’ is furnished with couches and other ‘soft’ seating, also with coffee shop style tables and chairs. There is an adjoining, well furnished kitchen. A large screen TV and a conventional TV are for the use of our students. Want to practice a piano—we have one here for you. Wireless internet is available throughout. Folding tables and stacking chairs are available for larger groups.
This is available for study, holding meetings and group sessions, parties and celebrations by students. We also hold many of our AWC events here. Outside groups may rent this hall upon availability for a reasonable fee.
The Office:
At the front of the facility, where the work and ministry of the Foundation is carried out.
The Guest Room:
With two twin size beds, its own TV and telephone, and a private bathroom and tub/shower, this is available to rent for a very reasonable fee for those who need overnight accommodation. Parents of students who visit, Extended Learning or Orlando students studying short term at this campus or friends and those visiting town are welcome to reserve the room by calling the office at 859.858.4085.
Like a church building, it is not our intention that the facility sit here empty all week. We encourage use of our entire building by our Wesleyan students, as individuals or for group events.
Loan/grant & Scholarships
The Campus Director of The Wesleyan Seminary Foundation administers the church financial aid for our Wesleyan students.
Loan/Grant:
A loan/grant is available for students who are members of a local church within the North American General Conference and are preparing for ordained ministry within The Wesleyan Church. Assistance is given according to the guidelines based on the number hours a student is taking. Upon completion or termination of studies the loan/grant may be forgiven through ministerial work in The Wesleyan Church at the rate of 20% per year for 5 years. For others it is repayable on a payment plan of 20% per year for 5 years.
Scholarships:
The Wesleyan Church provides its students with a number of scholarships, some of them quite generous. Criteria include: academic excellence, leadership potential, financial need, etc. Contact the Campus Director for more information and to apply for the appropriate awards.
