Fifteen years ago, Wesley Seminary began with a vision. The concept was to create a seminary for The Wesleyan Church and newly inaugurated Indiana Wesleyan University President Henry Smith was determined to make this vision a reality. Over the next two years, Keith Drury, Ken Schenck, Russ Gunsalus, Norm Wilson, Wayne Schmidt and many more contributed to turning the seminary into a reality. It wasn’t just about building another theological institution but creating a space where academic rigor met the realities of ministry — where leaders would be equipped with knowledge, heart and practice.
By the time Wesley Seminary launched its first classes in 2009, it was already well on its way to success, having established a firm foundation to build upon. Early development began crafting and contextualizing Spanish language programs not long after that launch to help expand the scope of Wesley Seminary’s equipping and mentorship.
In the years following its founding, Wesley Seminary initiated numerous partnerships with churches and ministry organizations, building connections that ranged from immediate impact to ongoing, exponential growth. By Wesley Seminary’s fifth anniversary in 2014, foundational faculty and staff members joined the team, contributing to its steady success and establishing a solid reputation in its early years.
Over the following five years, one of the main focuses was solidifying an infrastructure that could sustain the promise of accessibility. This meant reaching out to Christian leaders across the world within their ministry context. This helped in the continuous and intentional improvement of Wesley Seminary’s online programs. As a result, by the time 2020 arrived, Wesley Seminary had established a broad enough base online and in the marketplace that when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the seminary was not drastically impacted. This, in turn, allowed the seminary to focus its efforts on caring for the pastors and Christian leaders it served, as well as its staff and faculty.
In 2022, Wesley Seminary was approved as the official seminary of The Wesleyan Church by the General Board. Wesley Seminary is thankful to be positioned as a place for Christian leaders and continues its unwavering commitment to walk with the church and participate in God’s mission. Proof of this is the innovative and creative expansion of its thriving online programs, available in both English and Spanish, from associate and undergraduate degrees to the Doctor of Ministry program, with hybrid and blended modalities, and both residential and intensive options. Partnering with all five denominational colleges, boasting 1,600 alumni in over 35 countries across six continents, over 600 current students, a growing partnership network with ministerial organizations, and more, Wesley Seminary is thriving.
“While we celebrate the past and present, we know the best is yet to come,” noted Executive Vice President and CEO Yamil Acevedo. “Wesley Seminary is stepping into a future filled with opportunity and innovation. We’re committed to continuing to build new ministries and partnerships around the globe to meet the world’s needs with creative, practical and biblical solutions.”
The 21st Century Church initiative exemplifies Wesley Seminary’s commitment to a forward-thinking, Christ-centered identity. This initiative includes Lantern, new partnership pathways and more — each designed to enhance the church’s capacity for innovation through problem-solving and collaboration-focused strategies. By convening Christ-followers, it seeks to cultivate a church that is both deeply rooted and agile; addressing real-world challenges with creativity, pedagogical flexibility, and strategic mission-planning that opens avenues for student partnerships and ministry, all anchored in the rich Wesleyan tradition.
The recent Unmute Conference showcased the spirit of innovation within the 21st Century Church. Christian leaders from diverse backgrounds, contexts and denominations gathered to explore the church’s response to current issues and form new partnerships. Out of this event emerged actionable plans that participants now implement in churches and organizations worldwide. Discussions spanned topics like creation stewardship, the experiences of diaspora communities and the pursuit of justice — each aimed at strengthening the church’s present effectiveness and paving the way for a vibrant future.
Lantern, another initiative within the 21st Century Church, continues to grow as a Wesleyan Holiness ecosystem of scholars and practitioners. Created to connect, equip, empower and inspire church leaders, Lantern offers a rich collection of curated resources, including a video series on foundational Christian principles and ministry topics. Through these materials, Lantern weaves theology and creativity to nurture a thriving community, invite deeper love for God, and foster a profound commitment to his work.
Wesley Seminary’s mission is as alive today as it was when the founders planted the seed, even possessing a renewed vitality. “We celebrate not just the passing of time but God’s faithfulness in every season,” Dr. Acevedo said. “Today, Wesley Seminary thrives because of the faithful faculty and staff who pour their hearts into equipping students for kingdom work and because of our passionate, diverse and deeply committed students, who are the heartbeat of our community. Wesley Seminary’s story is one of God’s faithfulness.
“As we celebrate 15 years, we honor the past with thankfulness, embrace the present with humility, and look to the future with hope,” added Dr. Acevedo. “We pray like Habakkuk, ‘do it again, Lord, for our time, do it again.’ He has been good and will continue to lead us. We are excited for what lies ahead because it has never been about us, but always about him — Jesus.”
Wesley Seminary Communications Team
