Dr. J.L. Miller shares his experience of the denomination supporting those in ministerial training
One of the most crucial investments a church can make is in its people and its future.
The Wesleyan Church has a long-standing commitment to forming and educating the next generation of leaders, shaping both character and competence. Amid a looming pastoral succession crisis across America, the denomination is looking ahead with intentionality: offering innovative pathways, supportive communities, and formative resources that help ministers start and stay healthy, fit, and effective.
Rev. Dr. J.L. Miller, Chair of Religion at Houghton University, did not grow up in the Wesleyan Church. But today, as he works with students preparing for ministry, he has come to deeply appreciate the denomination’s ongoing investment in future leaders.
Over the years, Miller has served in numerous leadership roles within the Wesleyan denomination. His interactions with Education and Clergy Development (ECD) have consistently impressed him—particularly the department’s sincere commitment to the spiritual and personal well-being of ministerial students. ECD provides clearly defined standards and systems that help students understand what’s required for ministry preparation, while also nurturing their spiritual growth.
Each quarter, ECD convenes online gatherings with chairs and deans from all Wesleyan colleges—drawing together educational leaders from across the denomination. These meetings foster collaboration and reinforce a shared sense of mission.
As Matthew 6:21 reminds us, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The Wesleyan Church’s investment in ministerial students makes its priorities clear. Through ECD, students can access grants, training, conferences, and resources aimed at helping ministers be healthy, fit, and effective as they serve the church.
The support is also relational. Ministerial students are invited into intentional communities where they share meals, lodge together at events, and build meaningful friendships. These experiences echo Jesus’ own ministry with his disciples: around tables, in conversation, and in community.
One standout example is College Day, a semi-annual event hosted by ECD at Wesleyan Headquarters. Students from a variety of backgrounds are invited to spend a day with executive leaders of the denomination. All expenses are covered, making the event accessible to anyone in ministerial training—not just those already committed to the Wesleyan Church. The day includes leadership training, spiritual formation, and ample time for connection.
Beyond official events, denominational leaders consistently make space to connect with students. Miller recalls one Sunday when senior leaders happened to be near a group of students he was mentoring. On a whim, he invited them to lunch—and they gladly accepted, carving out time to encourage and invest in the students face-to-face.
Again and again, Miller has witnessed how students—many from non-denominational or independent church backgrounds—are drawn to the Wesleyan Church through these kinds of encounters. One student, originally from a non-denominational church, is now fully embedded in a Wesleyan university community and preparing for ministry within the denomination.
“The goal is never to convert people to the denomination,” Miller says. “We simply want to invest in them, care for their spiritual health, and support them as people. When students experience that kind of investment, they often want to stay.”
It’s clear: through the collaborative work of ECD, Wesleyan universities, and denominational leadership, The Wesleyan Church is investing intentionally in the next generation of pastors. And that investment—grounded in care, connection, and character—continues to shape leaders who are ready to serve faithfully in whatever context God calls them.
