When we talk to our graduates from our eighty years of history to the present gathering of students on our campuses today, one commonality usually emerges. We begin to talk about the “Asbury Experience.” What is the “Asbury Experience?” It is transformational learning in community.
Asbury may be one of the most unique places on the face of the earth. Consider what God is putting together here. We have students from over 80 different Christian denominations. We have students coming from over 40 countries around the world. Men and women are studying together for ministry. Entire families are coming. And we recognize when a person is married or with children we have got to equip and prepare the whole family because they are all called together to ministry. From the recent fired-up college graduate group to the seasoned and wise half-time crowd, there is an immense diversity gathered here. And they all have one thing in common – they have made immense sacrifices, many of them giving up literally everything, in order to follow Jesus.
We are working to call this community to study, to worship, to prayer, to fellowship and to mission. And when we do it is bar the doors and buckle your seatbelts because something amazing is about to happen!
In the Office of Community Life we see our mission as helping maximize the short season of life called seminary; helping translate it into transformation to the end that we all together would grow and be conformed into the image of Christ. To that end we are working to shape beautiful patterns of corporate prayer and worship on our campuses. To that end we are helping students mold life patterns of health, wellness and wholeness that are sustainable for the long haul. Seminary is a season, literally, where the head descends into the heart and combusts into flame to the glory of God.
I invite you to come and be a part of this transformational community that God is using around the world. Come and be a part of the Asbury Experience!
Prayer and Faith,
John David (J.D.) Walt, Jr.
Vice President for Community Life
Dean of the Chapel