Education & Clergy Development
Wherever he leads: Caleb MacCullum
“I like to say God brought me to Kingswood ‘kicking and screaming,’” MacCullum said. It was never Caleb MacCullum’s intent to attend Kingswood University, but when God opened the opportunity for his attendance, MacCullum decided to enroll. He had marked Kingswood off...
Houghton College Spotlight: Proud to be a Wesleyan
Dr. Michael Jordan was not raised in The Wesleyan Church, but now considers himself a “proud Wesleyan convert.” As Dean of the Chapel and Chair of the Religion Department at Houghton College, his desire is to be a positive representative of the Church for his...
Assured purpose: Katie Betts
Most of us would love nothing more than for life to move in a straight line on the map — no speed bumps, sharp turns or second-guessing. But Katie Betts could tell you that our journeys don’t always traverse the path so straightforwardly. A talented musician,...
Kingswood University student ministry spotlight: Luciano Latouche
Luciano Latouche grew up in Leogane, Haiti. From the age of three, he was in the Compassion International Program, a child advocacy ministry partnered with The Wesleyan Church in Haiti. Latouche grew up in the Church and became a believer at a young age. When his...
Pastor’s twins: Cori and Leah Glendenning share the lifelong impact of growing up in a Christ-centered family
Twins Cori and Leah Glendenning grew up at Orchard Park Wesleyan Church in Western New York, where their dad served as senior pastor. Through life lessons at home and shenanigans in youth group, Leah and Cori developed a deep appreciation for their upbringing’s way of...
When tank fish meets ocean: Tatyana Russell-Chipp
In her third year at Kingswood University, Tatyana Russell-Chipp has learned social holiness, and the call to become a servant first. “Like taking a fish out of the tank and putting it in the ocean” After being adopted from Birobidzhan, Russia as an infant, Tatyana...
A new story for a new year
Vacation was still a couple weeks away, and my anxiety was high. One day, I sensed God say to me, “I want to give Andrew a new story, but you must let me.”
The value of seminary education: Dr. Clarence “Bud” Bence
Dr. Clarence “Bud” Bence has served within the Wesleyan denomination for most of his life. He first pastored a church in Rochester, New York where many of his congregants would comment on his ability to “teach” the Word rather than “preach” it. From there he was led...
Ten pastors, five questions
We wanted to hear and honor the wisdom of Wesleyans serving across the country. So, we asked 10 pastors from 10 different states the same five questions. Here are some of their answers: What’s the biggest challenge and/or opportunity for growth the church is facing...
Kami Mauldin shares her passion for ministry in 3 points
Seeing Kami Mauldin’s passion for ministry, you might assume she’s a pastor. But instead, she’s a lay leader in her church congregation, with a vision that each member of the body has a unique and serious calling to ministry. “Sometimes I really feel like a weird...
Braving uncharted waters
As the first woman to be ordained in Russia in The Wesleyan Church and the first in her family to accept the good news of the gospel, Rev. Larisa Levicheva-Joseph is no stranger to braving uncharted waters. “Everything happens in God’s timing. Going through a time of...
Joining others on the journey: Karen Bates
A 2008 alumnus of Asbury Theological Seminary, Karen Bates is a minister-of-all-trades. After a career as a newspaper editor, Karen pursued a call to full-time ministry, serving the church as an assistant pastor, ministry coach and communications facilitator. How did...
Professor Spotlight: Rev. Dave Ward, MDiv, PhD, Indiana Wesleyan University
Rev. Dave Ward’s first experience with Indiana Wesleyan University occurred when Dave was a student of Christian Ministries. “IWU was a very spiritually transforming place for me. It took my Christianity from a relatively external state to a deeply internal one,” Dave...
Disciples Making Disciples Ministry Spotlight: Ryan Genereaux
“I am excited about mobilizing with the team we have at Maple Ridge Wesleyan. It is neat to see kids who come into youth group and know nothing of God come into a relationship with Him and seek to follow His plan for their life. I love to see ‘disciples making...
Professor Spotlight: Dr. Betty Weatherby, Kingswood University
“Worship reveals who we are and where we are as a church, but it also forms us into what we are becoming.” Dr. Betty Weatherby—a professor at Kingswood University—has a passion to develop students whose understanding of worship extends beyond the surface layer of...
A warrior for the cause of Christ: Dr. Gerald Yellowhawk
Known for his quiet ways and love for the Lakota people, Dr. Gerald Yellowhawk (Jerry) continues to work towards his life passion of bringing the good news of Jesus to his people. At 82 years of age, he has finally given up traditional dancing because it is “hard on...
A Warm Welcome at New Pastor Orientation
This year’s Education and Clergy Development’s New Pastor Orientation welcomed 15 new pastors and their spouses to the Wesleyan community, with times of sharing, networking and advice. On October 11-12, new pastors, their spouses and seasoned Wesleyans met at...
A Dedicated Servant Scholar: Dr. Gary Cockeril
“Dr. Gary Cockerill is a passionate and dedicated servant scholar who has given his life to international ministry and to the training and mentoring of pastors, missionaries, and scholars.” ~Kerry Kind Godly. Dedicated. Passionate. Servant. These are common...
Professor Spotlight: Dr. Cathy Freytag Shares Her Ministry as Pastor-Teacher at Houghton College
For Dr. Cathy Freytag, teaching is more than instruction—it’s pastoral work. Her day-to-day ministry to her students is fueled by the time she spends each week with her church family. Pastor-teacher at Houghton College Cathy teaches in Houghton College’s Education...
Good Stewards of God’s Creation
Have you ever had the Holy Spirit confirm a calling? If so, you know these moments tend to be catalytic for your life trajectory. Brian Webb—the current Sustainability Director at Houghton College—recalls a moment when he was called to lead other believers in the...
Transformational Worship: Emily Vermilya Shares How Worship Prepared Her for Holistic Ministry
Emily Vermilya’s forte is church worship. She’s studied it, led it, and mentored others in it. A move to an Executive Pastor position sounded like a key change, but Emily found worship has far more to do with holistic ministry than just Sunday morning hymns. When...
‘Once In A Lifetime’ Happens Every Day: 4 Reasons Every Wesleyan Should Be Excited About Immigrant Connection
When it comes to immigration reform, The Wesleyan Church isn’t waiting for a political solution. We’ve taken action, empowering local churches to serve immigrants and refugees in our own communities. And, as Zach Szmara shares, you don’t want to miss the harvest....
Equipped and Encouraged: Justin Leininger Shares 3 Ways Houghton College Shaped His Ministry
Justin Leininger always knew he wanted to go to Houghton. After receiving the Lee Scholarship his freshman year, the door of his dream swung open. The lessons he learned at Houghton continue to influence his ministry today, reminding him to bring his whole self to his...