Gabriela Garver
Formation of clergy: SWU higher education purposes to serve the church
The approach to formation of clergy is changing for the Religion Division of Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) as they study and innovate ministerial programs. Dr. Michael Tapper, chair of the Religion Division, shared how SWU is working toward preparing pastors for...
Thriving in ministry: Rev. John Fowler
About two years ago, Southside Fellowship Church in Owensboro, Kentucky, started to explore the idea of doing church differently. The call to examine the structure of the church came from their pastor, Rev. John Fowler, who had experienced a personal
FLAME advancing through Kingswood University
FLAME–a program that provides brings ministry training to lay and clergy–will become a program of Kingswood Extended. Kingswood Extended provides local churches and districts new ways to provide discipleship and ministry preparation, extending the ministry...
Strategically Non-Linear
Strategically Non-Linear: 3 Lessons from Zach Aument’s Roundabout Journey to Ministry If you met Zach Aument on the street, you would guess he’s an artist, philosopher or political advisor. And while you’d be correct, Zach’s current job title is strategist. A ministry...
The Courage of Conviction
The Courage of Conviction: Gabrielle Crofford Shares 3 Insights about Family Life in Ministry Gabrielle Crofford grew up in Suffix County, Delaware, running across the tops of chair rows at Laurel Wesleyan Church. The privilege came with being a pastor’s kid, and as...
Flowers Between the Cracks
Flowers Between the Cracks: 3 M’s of Church Multiplication in Mexico City When Alejandro Sicilia came to lead Senda De Vida church 20 years ago, the building served as a bunker. Located in the heart of Mexico City in a neighborhood riddled with crime, drugs and...
Finding Footing on a Firm Foundation
Finding Footing on a Firm Foundation: Silas Vermilya Made His Faith His Own as a Pastor’s Kid Silas Vermilya is 18 years old, starting his first year at Indiana Wesleyan University. For the past 10 years, he’s been a pastor’s kid, as his mom served as a worship pastor...
Learning to Look Outside: Beau Hamner Shares How Southern Wesleyan Impacted His Ministry Journey
Beau Hamner’s 4 years at Southern Wesleyan University were a mix of studies and shenanigans, setting him on a path of pastoral leadership. He had no idea how God would continue to build on the initial foundation, leading him to look outside the traditional boundaries...
Sanctifying Context
Higher education is facing significant challenges but these challenges have prompted reflection on the purpose of Christian higher education in particular.
Polarized: 3 Ways to Preach Unity in a Divided Political Climate
By Ethan Linder | May 18, 2017 What does the church do after a divisive election year? Though we’ve faced this question before, its implications seem particularly important in the wake of this political season. Churches are grappling with how to reconcile...
Sabbaticals: Learning to Thrive
By Jessica White | Oct 14, 2016 The word “sabbaticals” is sometimes accompanied by a negative connotation. When ministers consider a sabbatical they think: “There is never a good time to get away. If I leave now, the church will fall apart.”...
How the WMDL Institute Affects You: 4 Things You Need to Know
Great churches require great clergy; great clergy require excellent education.
Thrive in 5 – Relational – Cultivating Friendships
Reflecting God’s own triune nature, we are created to live in loving community with others as well as with God. Too much isolation can lead to loneliness, depression, and sense of abandonment. Our perceptions can become distorted. A healthy pastor will seek to...
Thrive in 5 – Financial – Personal Insurance Needs
Stewardship includes taking healthy care of ourselves so we can be there for others. It also involves thinking ahead to care for those we love in the event of a tragedy. Some believe that purchasing life insurance indicates a lack of faith in God’s provision....
Wesleyan chaplain receives award from National Bible Association
Thirty-one Wesleyan military chaplains serve currently on active or reserve duty in every branch of the armed forces. One of those chaplains, Captain Mark Hunsinger, received an award for distinguished ministry. Captain Hunsinger serves with the Air Force 1st Special...
More Than Head Knowledge: 3 Things Every Wesleyan Should Know about Higher Education
It’s that time of year to take accounts, assess progress and cast vision for the future. At ECD we asked, “What is the state of Wesleyan Higher Education?” ECD Executive Director Russ Gunsalus shared with us three things every Wesleyan should know...
I would have never imagined I would be a pastor today
“I would have never imagined I would be a pastor today.” Pastor Marcelle Hamel never considered she would be called to the ministry. In fact, for a majority of her life she was just trying to survive. Losing her mom at a young age and her father absent;...
Missions with a Twist— Kingswood University’s Ecclesia Program
At Kingswood University, discipleship is not confined to the college “bubble.” Every summer, Kingswood student leaders give back what they have received during the school year, discipling high schoolers to serve and share the good news of Jesus Christ at...
A Fight Against Modern Day Slavery: OKWU Orange Movement
The goal of Oklahoma Wesleyan University’s Orange Movement is to end modern day slavery manifested in the form of human trafficking. Directed by OKWU’s First Lady Marci Piper and Assistant Director Heather Utzman, the movement raises awareness about human...
Women in Ministry Spotlight: Lindsay Miller
Saying “yes” to God may take you places you couldn’t imagine. For Kingwood University student Lindsay Miller, the journey of obedience has led her to the streets of New York City, the villages of Haiti and, most recently, the refugee camps of Europe....
Breakaway 2016
“I soooooo needed this!” “Please do it every year.” These are just two of the many positive comments submitted by pastor’s spouses who attended Breakaway on April 15th-16th. Over 120 spouses traveled from as far away as North Carolina,...
Chaplain’s Corner- Belonging to something bigger than yourself
On 27 April, our nation will recognize Administrative Professionals Day. This day has come a long way since its inception during World War II, when there was an increased demand for skilled administrative personnel. Dictionary.com gives a few definitions for an...
Women in Ministry Spotlight: Amber Livermore
Embracing God’s Call from New Zealand to the United States “During my time in New Zealand, I came to embrace my own pastoral call on a deeper level in a cultural context that generally places a higher emphasis and value on ordained ministry.” -Rev....