32 • JANUARY 2024 advertiser spotlight
Wesley Biblical Seminary Developing trusted leaders for faithful churches Melanie McMillan For nearly 50 years, Wesley Biblical Seminary has been training spiritual leaders from all over the world, right here in our community. Located in Ridgeland, the seminary’s most important mission is to raise up trusted pastors. “There is a deep need for biblically sound pastors in Mississippi as well as across the country and beyond,” says Wesley’s Director of Development Kaitlin Godfrey. Offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs, Wesley is dedicated to preparing students for ministry through on-campus and online study. As a global institution, WBS follows a polysynchronous model, meaning students can attend in person or online. “Wesley had implemented online learning long before COVID, so during the pandemic, other local colleges and universities reached out for guidance on remote learning for their students,” says Godfrey. “We are proud to be able to serve 370 students, with approximately 60 of those from outside the United States.” Wesley has seen a significant increase in enrollment since becoming the first school to offer an approved Global Methodist Church course of study, which consists of educational requirements for students desiring to be ordained. The GMC list of recommended educational institutions for ordination candidates is short, so the fact that Wesley was the first to be approved speaks to the caliber of the faculty and curriculum. It’s fair to say that other schools are looking to Wesley as the benchmark for successful implementation of a GMC course of study. In addition to programs for ministerial students, WBS offers the Wesley Institute, a 9-month course designed for lay people. Participants can choose between the Bible or theology tracks, both of which provide seminary-level instruction to those desiring a deeper understanding of the Bible and growing in their faith. These classes are taught by Wesley faculty members. While the name Wesley certainly brings to mind the Methodist denomination, and Wesley Biblical Seminary is on the approved GMC list, the school itself is not affiliated with a particular denomination, nor do they receive any funds from a denomination. “Because our first priority is to fulfill the mission we are called to, Wesley never turns a potential student away due to his or her ability to pay,” says Godfrey. “Last year we provided students with $505,000 in unfunded scholarships, so the support of lay people is extremely important in continuing the work of the seminary.” A little over a year ago, Wesley launched the “Steadfast” campaign, with a goal of raising $4.17 million to drive long-term funding needs. In just a year, $3.1 million has been raised, 76% of the total goal, and this is before the public launch of the campaign in January 2024. Wesley Biblical Seminary is not just physically located in the community, but faculty and staff members are actively involved in the community as well. Teaching and preaching all over the metro area, faculty members are committed to serving in local churches, leading students by example and not just through instruction. A current WBS student says, “In my previous course of study at another seminary, the instructor came into the very first class and announced, ‘the Bible is not inerrant, and it is not the Word of God.’ I was stunned. In contrast, Dr. Ayars joined my first class at Wesley Biblical Seminary to affirm that the inerrancy of Scripture is a core value that WBS will never depart from. I thought to myself, ‘I’m home.’” Wesley Biblical Seminary invites the community to a reception on Thursday, January 11th, from 10am-12pm to launch the Steadfast giving campaign. For more information on Wesley Biblical Seminary, visit wbs.edu or find them on Facebook and Instagram. Hometown RANKIN • 33