Our Mission and Ministry
The mission of Wesley Theological Seminary is to prepare persons for Christian ministry, to foster theological scholarship, and to provide leadership on issues facing the church and the world. Our aim is to nourish a critical understanding of Christian faith, cultivate disciplined spiritual lives, and promote a just and compassionate engagement in the mission of the church to the world.
Wesley is a graduate theological school of The United Methodist Church and a member of the Washington Theological Consortium, and theological education at Wesley reflects our joint commitments to our Methodist heritage and to the ecumenical movement. At the beginning of the 21st century, Wesley Seminary embraces a renewed global vision of ministry, as we learn from the experiences of Christians in other lands. We are open to dialogue with all the world's varied communities, and welcome cooperation with all who work for peace and justice.
At Wesley Seminary, we seek to ground learning in the scripture and traditions that provide the church's identity in the gospel, and to prepare students for the practice of ministry. Therefore, every part of the curriculum is theological in character, and practically related to the church's life. The educational process is designed to bring classroom and field learning into complementary relationship. To accomplish this, the Seminary actively collaborates with local churches, hospitals and agencies to provide contexts for the practice of ministry. Church officials, pastors, and laity help in the training, supervision, and evaluation of Wesley students.
Since the whole church is called to be in ministry that engages the gifts and talents of lay and clergy alike, our degree programs are tailored to fit varying vocational goals. All reflect an emphasis on preparing those called to leadership in the church. The range of educational programs at Wesley displays our understanding that all ministers-elder and deacon, lay and ordained, professional and nonprofessional-are called to proclaim the reconciling and liberating gospel of Jesus Christ to a broken world. Beyond our degree programs, the Seminary's work of preparing persons for ministry is carried out in programs of continuing education for pastors, in lay certification programs, and through educational programs offered to the community at large. Wesley's commitment is to equip the whole people of God for the work of ministry.
Accreditation
Wesley Theological Seminary is accredited by:
The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada
10 Summit Park Ave.
Pittsburgh PA 15275
phone 1-412-788-6505
www.ats.edu
Commission on Higher Education of The Middle States
Association of Colleges and Schools
3624 Market St.
Philadelphia PA 19104
phone 1-215-662-5606
The University Senate of The United Methodist Church
(Board of Higher Education and Ministry)
P.O. Box 871
Nashville TN
phone 1-615-340-7400
www.umc.org
No person who meets our admission requirements shall be denied admission or be subjected to discrimination in recruitment or educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, or other Seminary administered programs on the basis of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or physical disability.
We are working toward the realization of a barrier-free environment with adequate facilities and assistance for persons with disabilities.
Wesley Theological Seminary is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. We are in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. Details are available in the Office of the Registrar.
