Together in Mission

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we move further into the fall semester, I continue to be grateful for the ways God is at work through Asbury Theological Seminary. In my travels, I regularly meet alumni who speak with gratitude about the theological education and spiritual formation they received here. Their stories remind me that Asbury’s mission continues far beyond our campuses as our graduates serve Christ and his Church around the world.

I want to share a few updates from our community.

Global Methodist Church General Conference

I recently returned from the Global Methodist Church General Conference, where Asbury was strongly represented. Five newly elected bishops are Asbury alumni—Carolyn Moore, Lyndol Loyd, Jerry Kulah, Mark Webb, and Paul Lawler—and another, Dr. Luther Oconer, is a member of our faculty.

This is a remarkable reminder of the influence Asbury graduates continue to have throughout the global Church. We congratulate these leaders and pray for them as they undertake the significant responsibility of episcopal leadership.

The General Conference also reaffirmed the importance of theological education for those pursuing ordained ministry. Asbury remains deeply committed to providing rigorous theological education and spiritual formation that equip women and men for faithful, fruitful ministry.

John Wesley Institute

We are also pleased to announce that the John Wesley Institute (JWI) is now officially a project of Asbury Theological Seminary.

Led by Dr. Ryan Danker, JWI has developed important programming and resources that strengthen and articulate the Wesleyan theological tradition. Its work complements the Runnels Center for Political and Public Theology, giving Asbury additional opportunities to serve the Church, showcase the scholarship of our faculty, and contribute thoughtfully to conversations about Wesleyan theology and public witness.

Renewing Wesleyan Discipleship

One of the most encouraging developments this semester is a new class meeting pilot led by our Office of Wesleyan Discipleship. Nearly 100 students are participating in small groups modeled on the historic Wesleyan class meeting and led by Asbury faculty and staff.

This initiative reflects something central to Asbury’s identity: theological education is about more than acquiring knowledge. We seek the formation of the whole person in community—growing together in holiness, accountability, love of God, and love of neighbor.

Worship, Formation, and the Beeson Center

October brings a rich season of worship and formation at Asbury, including the Maxie Dunnam Preaching Series, Kingdom Conference, and Holy and Whole: Mental Health and Christian Life.

The Beeson Center will also host the Proclaim! Asbury Preaching Summit, while continuing development of its new digital platform designed to extend resources, relationships, and opportunities for formation beyond our campuses. A pilot of the platform begins this fall, with a broader launch anticipated in late 2026 or early 2027.

Together in Mission

Asbury, like every institution serving the Church in this changing season, faces both challenges and opportunities. We intend to meet them faithfully, prayerfully, and with confidence in the mission God has entrusted to us.

Again and again, I see evidence of God at work—in our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the churches and ministries they serve. For more than a century, Asbury has prepared women and men to proclaim the gospel and spread scriptural holiness throughout the world. That calling remains as vital today as ever.

Thank you for your prayers, partnership, encouragement, and continued investment in this mission. We are grateful to be together in mission with you.

Yours in Christ,

David F. Watson
President
Asbury Theological Seminary