REV. TALBOT DAVIS RELEASES HIS 17TH PUBLICATION
Rev. Davis (M.Div. ’90) has published the newest installment of his Come Alive series, inspired by ATS Inductive Bible Study giants Traina, Thompson, and Bauer. Talbot’s website describes the series this way:
Come Alive: Conversations with Scripture is a guide through the books of the Bible, providing cultural context and insights that bridge the gap between the world of the Bible and our world today. Each book includes a daily reading, a daily insight and a daily reading prompt that will help you reflect on the text and build the skills to read the Bible for yourself with more confidence and understanding. Discover a new and unexpected way to engage with Scripture and experience the Bible not as a distant, confusing document, but as a living, breathing conversation between God and humanity that continues to speak into our ever-changing world.
Check out Come Alive: Galatians and Ephesians, Workbook Edition HERE today!
Student Life and Formation Announces New Office of Wesleyan Discipleship
Asbury Theological Seminary’s Student Life and Formation department is pleased to announce the creation of the Office of Wesleyan Discipleship, a new initiative designed to deepen the Seminary’s commitment to its Wesleyan identity and engage students in practices at the heart of the early Methodist renewal.
The new office will provide focused leadership for Wesleyan discipleship across the Seminary, with particular attention to the class meeting. In these small communities, believers gathered to attend to the work of God in their lives, encourage one another, and “watch over one another in love.”
As part of the launch of the new office, Rev. Dr. D. Gregory McElyea has been named Director of Wesleyan Discipleship, and Flordeliza Ramos will serve as Coordinator for Wesleyan Discipleship. Together, they will help develop and implement opportunities for students to participate in Wesleyan practices of Christian community, accountability, and spiritual formation.
“The class meeting was one of the great gifts of the Methodist movement, helping Christians grow together in holiness of heart and life,” said President David F. Watson. “This new initiative will help our students not only study the Wesleyan tradition but experience its wisdom through Christian community and shared discipleship, and Greg is exceptionally well suited to lead this work.”
Greg’s experience and passion for discipleship position him to bring this vision to life. “He brings an extraordinary combination of expertise, creativity, and pastoral wisdom to this work,” said Rev. Dr. J. Matthew Barnes, Vice President of Student Life and Formation. “His deep knowledge of discipleship, love for students, and genuine enthusiasm for bringing the class meeting to a new generation will serve this initiative well. I look forward to seeing the thoughtful ways Greg and Flordeliza will help our students draw upon the richness of our Wesleyan heritage as students help one another grow in grace and holy love.”
The creation of the Office of Wesleyan Discipleship also reflects a broader evolution in how Student Life and Formation supports students. As part of this transition, the Seminary is moving toward an integrated model in which offices within Student Life and Formation serve students across locations and modalities.
Through this new office, Asbury Seminary seeks to strengthen the connection between its Wesleyan theological heritage and the formative practices that prepare students for lives of faithful ministry and service.
Please join us in celebrating the launch of the Office of Wesleyan Discipleship, congratulating Greg and Liz on their new roles, and praying for them as they begin this important work.
EASY ALUM UPDATE FORM!
If you’ve recently moved or gotten a new email address, you might be wondering how to make sure the Alumni Office knows about the change. As always, you are welcome to email any changes to alumni@asburyseminary.edu. However, if you find emails boring and enjoy having a nicely organized form to fill out, you can furnish your updates via the new Constitutuent Update Form, instead! Feel free to fill that form out HERE whenever you have the need.
YOUR MONTHLY PRESIDENT’S OFFICE UPDATE
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I hope everyone had a restful summer. As we kick off this fall semester, manifold blessings, opportunities, and challenges lie before us. I look forward to seeing what God is going to do through this seminary in the days ahead.
GMC General Conference
By the time you receive this, I will be in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the General Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Several members of our Asbury Seminary community will be present. One of our faculty members, Dr. Luther Oconer, is a candidate for bishop. Please hold Dr. Oconer in your prayers.
One of my hopes for this conference is that we will tighten up educational standards. I don’t know which pieces of legislation will rise to the top, but please pray that we will underscore the need for a well-prepared clergy in the GMC.
Asbury Preaching Summit
On October 13-14, we will host the Asbury Preaching Summit. Designed to encourage and equip pastors and ministry leaders in the art and calling of biblical preaching, the summit will feature inspiring worship, practical workshops, and outstanding speakers from across the Wesleyan tradition. One of the featured preachers, Bishop Bob Hayes, will be welcomed as the inaugural speaker in the Maxie Dunnam Preaching Series honoring our former president. Thank you for helping us spread the word and welcome guests to campus for this exciting new offering in the Beeson Center’s ministry at Asbury. More information can be found here.
New Office of Wesleyan Discipleship
This fall, Student Life and Formation is excited to launch the new Office of Wesleyan Discipleship, led by Rev. Dr. D. Gregory McElyea. The Office will help deepen our Wesleyan identity by helping students not only study our Wesleyan heritage, but experience its formative wisdom through Christian community and spiritual formation. A central part of this work will be the launch of a Class Meeting Pilot, where students will attend to the work of God in one another’s lives and “watch over one another in love.” Please pray for the new Office, for Greg as he leads, and for the students and leaders participating in the Class Meeting Pilot—that God would deepen his work of grace among them.
Chapel Office Update
We are kicking off another year of chapel this week beginning September 1 with Dr. Matt Barnes as our inaugural preacher for the Fall 2026 semester. The Asbury community is invited every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to worship in Estes Chapel (or online) at 11:00 a.m. with Children’s Chapel offered on Wednesdays. This year Asbury Seminary’s formation theme is Sent, reminding us that God calls, transforms, and empowers us to embody Christ’s love and bear faithful witness wherever he sends us. The campus community is also invited to Fall Kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 5:00 p.m. on the campus green. We will have food, worship, and fellowship for the whole family. Let’s continue to gather together as one community to give glory, honor, and praise to the Triune God.
Yours in Christ,
David F. Watson
President
Asbury Theological Seminary