For more than sixty years, the Graduate Student Theological Seminar (GSTS) has helped identify, encourage, and network emerging scholars. A joint venture between The Wesleyan Church and the Free Methodist Church (USA), GSTS seeks to build bridges between doctoral students and established scholars, supporting them not only in thinking deeply about their faith but in finding places to serve in various contexts—particularly in the academy.
Dr. Aaron Perry, speaking from his perspective as both a participant and an organizer, highlights the opportunities GSTS presents to students and faculty alike.
GSTS is not just for students, but also for those well-established in their fields. Senior scholars not only offer encouragement but also embody a shared reminder that scholarship exists to serve the church. “Our doctoral students and prospective doctoral students can be challenged by senior scholars—both affirmed and stretched in their good questions—setting them up for success in continued study, significant scholarship, and educational ministries,” says Perry.
He recalls the impact of having his work gently yet professionally critiqued by Dr. Chris Bounds. “It is a meaningful experience to stand across from someone whose work you’ve read and learned from, and then have them read your work … it pushes you not just to prove yourself, but to serve others with the same dedication being shown to you.”
Jeff Bakos, another presenter from this past year who is currently pursuing his PhD, emphasized the beauty of being surrounded by peers who share not only a passion for study but also deep convictions of faith. “A lot of PhD programs are not necessarily from a Wesleyan perspective, or even a Christian environment, so this gives an opportunity to gather with like-minded individuals from the same theological tradition—which is refreshing,” says Bakos. While the scholarly presentations are central to the program, Bakos especially values the lunch roundtable discussions with people eager to hear about each other’s research. “Everybody wants to be that encourager to you … [Not many] care about variant readings in the book of Luke? Well, if you come to GSTS, you’ll hear, ‘That’s fascinating!’”
Ultimately, GSTS seeks to bring people around Scripture and into serious theological study while serving others. “I love [GSTS] because, from our Wesleyan perspective, we still serve the church. We don’t do scholarship just for scholarship’s sake. We do scholarship to serve the church and advance the kingdom … It’s about holiness,” reiterates Bakos. Perry agrees, saying the organizers strive to “create that atmosphere where you want to give back”—and it shows. Participants regularly return to keep growing, learning, sharing, and encouraging one another.
If you are part of the pan-Wesleyan tradition and pursuing graduate studies, GSTS is a space to share and grow through your education and potential vocation of scholarship and service to the church.
If you’re interested in attending, contact Dan VanDuyne (vanduyned@wesleyan.org) for more information. Funds are provided for travel, lodging, and program costs. GSTS is an excellent space for those discerning a call to academic ministry, seeking encouragement during their doctoral education, or exploring next steps after completing their doctorate.
This is not something to miss—and those around you will be excited to have you join them in seeking Jesus and his kingdom in both the church and their studies.
Registration for the 2026 GSTS held on March 18-19 at Seattle Pacific University begins on December 2025
