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clergy%20care
National Study of Wesleyan Clergy and Spouses
As we all know by now, studies show that being a pastor (of any sort) is one of the most gratifying, fulfilling vocations around AND AT THE SAME TIME one of the most challenging and stressful. What we don’t know is just how pastors in The Wesleyan Church fit into that...
Flourishing Conference Explores Clergy Well-Being
“This conference offers a unique and much-needed platform for public sharing of important, cutting-edge research and best practices so we can help clergy and their families to flourish for a lifetime of ministry,” said Rev. Russ Gunsalus.
Education & Clergy Development
en Español ECD Home Ordination & Credentialing Thriving Clergy Wesleyan Education Our Team Who is ECD? At the Education and Clergy Development Division of The Wesleyan Church, we are committed to empowering students, clergy, and churches to be effective...
The pastors’ pastors
Clergy care coordinators reach out to pastors and their families with prayers and calls and facilitate pastors’ access to resources like counseling or educational funding.
80+ Attend Inaugural Clergy Care Conference at IWU
Education and Clergy Development in the new quadrennium was to start a conference for clergy care givers—the counselors and others who offer front line assistance to pastors dealing with personal issues. The published focus of the conference is to “investigate best...
The most significant relationship
Research shows that the most significant relationship for pastors’ well-being is with their congregations.
ECD Clergy Care Partners
en Español ECD Home Ordination & Credentialing Thriving Clergy Wesleyan Education Our Team ECD is committed to partnering with high quality organizations in order to develop the most healthy, fit and effective pastors possible. We are committed to the health and...
“Flourishing in Pastoral Ministry” Conference a success
The Flourishing in Pastoral Ministry Conference, held on October 11, 2013, in Marion, Ind., explored “best theories and practices for fostering clergy wellness.”
Thriving Clergy: Pastorwell
“Sometimes pastors don’t avail themselves of things until there is a crisis; we’re trying to encourage pastors to be thinking ahead about what kinds of habits of mind and heart they can begin to make part of their life before there’s a crisis,”
Shocking News about Wesleyan Pastor Washout: Wesleyan Clergy Retention Study
Please forgive me for the sensational title but the news about Wesleyan pastoral retention is indeed shocking. If I asked you, “How many pastors washout of ministry in their first five years?”, what would you say, 30…40…50…even 60...
Thriving Clergy
en Español ECD Home Clergy Care Thrive Financial Women in Ministry Donate to the Clergy Care Fund All donations are processed through our Global Partners donor services page. Thriving ClergyVision We want ministry to be a joy, not a drag! Ministry has the...
Thrive Financial Spotlight: Florida District
This role is important, because—according to Styers—the problem with executing clergy care is not a lack of concern, but a lack of time on the part of district leaders. “We try our very best to not let people fall through the cracks…
Serving the shepherd
ECD continues the pursuit of the mission in 2022 through equipping and caring for the shepherds.
Wesleyan women empowered during clergy conference
Every two years, a conference for women clergy and ministerial students is held to carry out the Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy’s vision.
For the sake of the kingdom
Education and Clergy Development review their Acts 1:8 mission in serving Wesleyan clergy and laity in 2023.
Thrive In 5-Vacations and Your Health
…now is a good time to be intentional and plan for strategic days off leading up to the holidays and then for an extended time away from ministry-work sometime in the new year.
Rugh transitions to full-time role with ECD
Rugh has already made a significant impact in her role as director of Spanish Ministry Education and Clergy Care.
You are not alone
Newly ordained pastors of The Wesleyan Church were celebrated, encouraged and resourced at the event specifically crafted for them.
Healthy, Fit, Effective: New Pastors Orientation 2015
On November 18-19, 2015, Education and Clergy Development hosted its annual New Pastor Orientation at Wesleyan Headquarters in Fishers, IN. The conference reached out to pastors newly ordained or serving in their first appointment in The Wesleyan Church. This year, 23...
More Than Head Knowledge: 3 Things Every Wesleyan Should Know about Higher Education
It’s that time of year to take accounts, assess progress and cast vision for the future. At ECD we asked, “What is the state of Wesleyan Higher Education?” ECD Executive Director Russ Gunsalus shared with us three things every Wesleyan should know...
Shocking News about Wesleyan Pastor Washout: Wesleyan Clergy Retention Study
Please forgive me for the sensational title but the news about Wesleyan pastoral retention is indeed shocking. If I asked you, “How many pastors washout of ministry in their first five years?”, what would you say, 30…40…50…even 60...
Clergy housing allowance remains intact
The clergy housing allowance remains safe for the “foreseeable future.”
Retreat guide provides tips to Reclaim Sabbath
The guide serves as a method to assist pastors and clergy leaders in taking steps to truly reclaim the Sabbath.
Pacific Southwest Women Clergy Gathering strengthens ministers
The Pacific Southwest District event for women in ministry is designed to encourage and support the pastors through sharing experiences and deepening relationships.
“Thanks for listening”
Celebrating Pastor Appreciation Month and the ministry of listening this October.
Empowered to lead
Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy Conference focuses on supportive pathways for women called by God to lead the church.
Leaders Meet to Implement Ordination Outcomes
Over 130 District Superintendents, District Board of Ministerial Development members (DBMD), Religion Faculty, and non-traditional program instructors (FLAME) gathered at five regional meetings aimed at implementing best practices for developing healthy, fit, and...
Women in Ministry
en Español ECD Home Clergy Care Thrive Financial Women in Ministry Women in MinistryVision The Wesleyan Church affirms its long-standing commitment to full opportunity for women to be ordained to the ministry and to serve in any and all ministerial and...
Your daughters will prophesy
E2024 encouraged and enabled women clergy to boldly follow God’s prophetic call.
Need more evidence pastoring is not a doomsday profession? Look at The Wesleyan Church
In a blog post for Christianity Today, Ed Stetzer examines the retention rate from 2005-2008 for clergy within The Wesleyan Church.
Lilly Endowment Makes Grants to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders Nationwide
The Wesleyan Church has received a grant of $1,000,000 as part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders.
Lilly Endowment Makes Grants to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders Nationwide
The Wesleyan Church has received a grant of $1,000,000 as part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders.
ECD Hosts Three Summer Interns
IWU public relations, writing, and business major intern at the Division of Education and Clergy Development Rev. Russ Gunsalus and The Division of Education and Clergy Development partnered with Indiana Wesleyan University to bring three interns to gain real-world...
Lilly Endowment Makes Grants to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders Nationwide
The Wesleyan Church has received a grant of $1,000,000 as part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders. The initiative supports a variety of religious organizations across the nation as they address...
How the WMDL Institute Affects You: 4 Things You Need to Know
Great churches require great clergy; great clergy require excellent education.
Inaugural Breakaway retreat for pastors’ spouses a success
The inaugural Breakaway retreat for pastors’ spouses was deemed a success, both by leaders and attendees. Because of the positive feedback, future retreats will likely be held in the future.
The Gathering: one year out
With The Gathering one year out, start planning your trip now to Orlando, Florida, to this encouraging and inspiring event.
Thrive Financial Spotlight: Jason Parker
Now, nearing the end of the TFI process, the Parker family have worked toward the Thrive team’s collective goals, paying down all $20,000 in debt, and are completely debt-free as they now work on the next step (building their savings fund).
Women in ministry convene a Congress
Key leaders from five denominations gathered to discuss challenges and opportunities for women in ministry, diversity and women in ministry, and more.
Education and Clergy Development 2021 update
ECD reports spiritual, emotional, relational and financial renewal amid rapid and unrelenting change.
General Conference elects Rev. Johanna Rugh to general office
Rev. Johanna Rugh elected by the General Conference to the office of executive director of Education and Clergy Development.
Formation of clergy: SWU higher education purposes to serve the church
The approach to formation of clergy is changing for the Religion Division of Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) as they study and innovate ministerial programs. Dr. Michael Tapper, chair of the Religion Division, shared how SWU is working toward preparing pastors for...
CMC Investors
Church Multiplication Collective CMC Home Pathway to Planting Pathway to Multiplying Assessment Center Coaching Training Funding Resources What we do Thriving clergy are healthy, fit and effective for a lifetime of sustainable ministry. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,...
Wesleyan Ministerial Education Grant
Enroll Enroll ECD Home Ordination & Credentialing Learn Pursue Finance DBMD Education and Clergy Development exists to develop healthy, fit and effective ministers who transform lives, churches, and communities through the hope and holiness of Jesus Christ. The...
Carr elected to National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces
Dr. Gary Carr will represent The Wesleyan Church as an elected member-at-large to the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces NCMAF.
New pastors and seminarians introduced to The Wesleyan Church
New Pastors Orientation and Seminary Days celebrated 65 newly ordained or first appointment pastors at an annual event.
Thrive Financial Spotlight: Luella Belliveau
“We’re a church who believes in fully supporting our pastor, so when I realized the benefit he could achieve through Thrive, I was on board in helping him achieve that in his own personal life,” reflected Belliveau.
What’s your story?
Women clergy gather at WHWC conference to encourage, deepen their calling.
Residency Spotlight: Christine Kaye
“I’m still in training, but I get real-life experience. Messy people walking alongside messy people: you can’t get that in a classroom. Until you’re in it, you have no idea.” –Christine Kaye Residency exists to train pastors for lifelong...
Thriving clergy seminar points to solutions
Through the Thrive Financial Initiative pastors who experience financial stresses can find help spiritually, intellectually, relationally, and financially.
Thrive In 5: Physical – When Being Too Sweet Is Bad
The demand on clergy is taxing. Ministry often demands more than pastors feel they can give. Add in bi-vocational, family needs, and a pandemic, it is easy to understand why a pastor’s personal health suffers.
Thriving Together-March 2024
Being a woman in ministry sometimes feels like using a pair of right-handed scissors when you are left-handed.
TFI – Thrive Financial Initiative
ECD Home TFI Home Why TFI? Learning Journeys FAQs What is TFI? The Thrive Financial Initiative (TFI) is a program designed to help pastors overcome economic challenges that affect ministry effectiveness. Working together, the pastor and key lay leaders in a local...
Global Partners and Education & Clergy Development leaders re-elected to general office
Dr. Dennis Jackson of Global Partners and Rev. Russ Gunsalus of Education and Clergy Development are re-elected to office after being nominated by General Superintendent-elect, Dr. Wayne Schmidt.
Gonlag named president of women’s clergy organization
SWU professor, Mari Gonlag, has been named president of Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy.
Financial Resources for Financial Wellbeing
Here are five financial resources utilized by many clergy and other Christians.
Longevity in service
Embracing the benefits of sabbaticals for Wesleyan clergy and congregations.
Wesleyan pastoral education blessed by Kern Family Foundation
Wesleyan schools receive $550K grant for innovative ministry education.
2013 theological symposium addresses clergy development
In June, 2013, over one hundred leaders from across the North American Wesleyan Church gathered in Indianapolis for a symposium addressing the challenges facing clergy development and education.
Leaders from more than 60 denominations gather to address economic challenges facing clergy
Project leaders and representatives from grant recipients of Lilly Endowment’s Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leader’s (ECFPL) initiative gathered from Nov. 27 through Nov. 29. While there, attendees addressed financial issues clergy often encounter and networked...
Celebrating Kingdom Force: Lay and Clergy
In order for The Wesleyan Church to make a Kingdom-Force impact, lay and clergy ministry carry equal importance.
Dr. Gary Carr joins Education and Clergy Development
Dr. Gary Carr is a new director in the Education and Clergy Development Division. First among a range of responsibilities, he is the new associate chaplain endorser for The Wesleyan Church.
Called to family Sabbath
“God began to teach us more of what Sabbath looks like, especially inside a pastor’s home.”
Reflections on reclaiming the Sabbath
Sabbath slows us down so that we can listen to our soul. It is then that we can bring our own heart before the Lord in prayerful reflection.
Sermon Starters
Jesus was a famously good storyteller. On hillsides and shorelines, Jesus held audiences spellbound with his way of sharing in images and narratives that expressed core human needs.
A Culture of Cooperation: Ways Your Church Can Engage in Pastor Appreciation Month
Pastor Appreciation Month is a time to honor and celebrate the sacrifices, commitments, and hard work that pastors have made in serving their congregations and communities.
Chaplaincy Spotlight: Jim Miller’s Ministry of Presence
Having recently returned from deployment, Military Chaplain Jim Miller describes his ministry in three themes: nurturing the living, caring for the wounded, and honoring the dead. Chaplain Miller describes his ministry in three themes: nurturing the living, caring for...
Chaplain Spotlight: Bryan Purvis — The Ministry of Presence
From ministering as Chaplain to Navy’s football team to serving the Midshipmen, Sailors & Marines at the Naval Academy, active-duty Navy Chaplain Bryan Purvis is a man of honor, service & sacrifice.
Chaplain Spotlight: Bryan Purvis — The Ministry of Presence
Chaplain Purvis recently was promoted to Lieutenant Commander – a professional success he attributes to the men he serves. “Promotions have little to do with me and everything to do with those I serve with; they, the enlisted and other officers, make...
Privileged to serve
ECD empowers individuals for kingdom service through strategic partnerships and development opportunities.
More than words, part 3
The Wesleyan Pension Fund supports the church’s mission by providing for the retirement of ministry clergy or laity employees.
How Our Work Gets God’s Work Done: Revitalizing Wesleyan Higher Education
On May 28, The Division of Education and Clergy Development hosted a meeting of Wesleyan Higher Education faculty at Indiana Wesleyan University for the 2015 Doctrinal Symposium. This year’s symposium was a working meeting that followed up on last year’s...
Residency Spotlight: Luke and Kyla
Because we’re pretty young, seeing behind-the-scenes ministry has been tremendously important. Knowing everyday church ministry has been huge, and we’ll be able to apply what we’re learning here at All Shores to our ministry overseas. –Luke &...
Residency Spotlight: Shawn Oswalt High Risk, High Reward in Urban Ministry
Shawn Oswalt was always eager for real-life experience with urban ministry. A pastoral residency program at Awakening Church of Colorado Springs, Colorado offered him the chance to engage in real ministry—but he never imagined the risks they’d joyfully take for...
Residency Spotlight: Ashley Brooks: Finding a Win-Win Ministry Residency Program
Church fitness begins with healthy leadership.
Ashley Brooks shares 4 indicators of an effective residency program.
Residency Spotlight: Ashley Brooks: Finding a Win-Win Ministry Residency Program
Ashley Brooks now knows a thing or two about leadership. But fresh out of undergraduate and seminary programs at Indiana Wesleyan University, she wasn’t quite so equipped. When mentors suggested she pursue residency, Ashley contacted Cypress Wesleyan Church near...
Residency Spotlight: Lindsay Hafner: from Painting to Planting
From Painting to Planting: Three ways Lindsay Hafner’s residency equipped her for church multiplication.
Wesleyan Higher Education Spotlight: Southern Wesleyan University
“Our mission is to impact the world for Christ by raising up the next generation of leaders, pastors, and congregants, to grow the church and turn society toward Christ.” – Todd Voss, President of Southern Wesleyan University Many high school graduates no...
Wesleyan Higher Education Spotlight: Houghton College
“The goal of Wesleyan higher education is to cultivate in students the desire and capability to bring the light and hope of the gospel to the 21st century world.” -President Shirley Mullen, Houghton College As the oldest Wesleyan institution of higher...
Being Salt: 3 Things You Should Know about Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Oklahoma Wesleyan University maintains a growing cultural influence, developing a generation of Christians ready to engage their world. To hear OKWU’s vision for 2016, we talked to Dr. Everett Piper, President of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, who offered three...
Women in Ministry Spotlight: Julie Collins Penta
Much like hiking, church planting requires extensive preparation, the right tools, and an abiding sense of purpose. Fortunately, Julie Collins Penta is both church planter and mountain hiker. Much like hiking, church planting requires extensive preparation, the right...
Women in Ministry Spotlight: Amber Livermore
Embracing God’s Call from New Zealand to the United States “During my time in New Zealand, I came to embrace my own pastoral call on a deeper level in a cultural context that generally places a higher emphasis and value on ordained ministry.” -Rev....
Residency Spotlight: Lindsay Hafner: from Painting to Planting
An artist with a passion for people, Lindsay Hafner knew her call to ministry early on. But it was not until years later, through a residency position at Awakening Church, that Lindsay realized God’s vision for church planting. Lindsay’s ministry began...
Financial Resources for Financial Wellbeing
There are many available avenues for financial strategies for those desiring faith-based resources.
The Gathering 2023
A Wesleyan Thriving Clergy Conference for pastors and spouses – The Gathering
Symposium News
In June, 2013, over one hundred leaders from across the North American Wesleyan Church gathered in Indianapolis for a symposium addressing a key mutual concern: the challenges facing clergy development and education. Unlike theological symposia of past years, this one...
Lead Practitioners Explore Pastoral Residencies
Early Ministry Initiative hosts a meeting to develop resident pastor positions. Rev. Russ Gunsalus, Executive Director of The Division of Education & Clergy Development, convened more than 50 Wesleyan ministers from across the denomination the last week of...
Wesleyans lead the way at Residency Summit in Chicago
Pictured: Luke and Kyla, residents at All Shores Church in Spring Lake, Michigan. “We should have just had you Wesleyans send us all your materials and not even met” a co-host half-joked to me after the Wesleyans gave a strong presentation of our residency...
Biennial WHWC conference draws more than 300 attendees
Participants sensed the Holy Spirit’s presence throughout the twelfth biennial conference of the Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy.
Wesleyan Higher Ed offers resources
Following are new degrees, programs and special resources to help adults in Wesleyan churches as they minister in their communities and fulfill God’s calling on their lives.
Tables of leadership
PreacHer Sunday 2023 reminds TWC of the power of equipping women and men to lead together in the church.
Relocating the ministry
Three takeaways from the Marketplace Multipliers gathering.
Assessment program seeing increase in number of TWC multipliers
Lay and clergy alike can be assessed to determine individual roles in multiplication — no matter one’s vocation.
DBMD
Enroll en Español Enroll ECD Home Ordination & Credentialing Learn Pursue Finance DBMD Guide to exploring the Call How do I become a minister in The Wesleyan Church? The Guide to Exploring the Call will make the path to ministry more understandable. ...
Denominational officers transition
The Wesleyan Church (TWC) extends thank you at the 14th General Conference to two general officers who are transitioning to new ministry roles.
Memorials 125 & 126: Governance Simplification
The Wesleyan Church (TWC) strives to simplify governing language, bringing greater clarity and usability to our practices.
Sustainable innovation
Church planting residencies show how both clergy and congregation can flourish.
Being present in the “stuff” of people’s lives
Even in moments when words aren’t enough, chaplains share the importance of the ministry of presence in “those holy moments when sometimes we don’t have answers but are able to sit with those in need.”
Soul care retreats address pastors’ spiritual lives
Education & Clergy Development and Wesleyan Publishing House partnered to host Made New Retreats in three cities. The soul care retreats were for pastors and focused on their spiritual lives.
Perfect Time for Hispanic Leadership Development
Our greatest challenge as a society is the lack of leaders; the lack of people being ready and desiring to help others. How do we find new leaders? Leaders are not found: they are encountered, equipped, and empowered.
Sharing Inspiration
If there’s one overarching aim Crisp has developed in 19 years as a pastor’s spouse, it’s authenticity – for her family life and her own spiritual development.
Simplifying Church
“The church of the future is going to have to simplify. We’re not going to be able to rely on giving as much to support a staff of 15 pastors. We’re going to have to know what we are about – preaching and teaching the word of God, inviting everyone..
Neighborhood Faith: Urban Ministry in Portland
“In the church planting world, a lot of the language we use is colonialist. We say, ‘We have God and we will bring him to these people.’ But one of my discoveries has been that God was always in Portland and at work in Portland,” Doiron said.
Houghton College Alumni Spotlight: Taylor Wilding
“Everything you do or don’t do; everything you say or don’t say sends a message–so make sure all you do or say reorients people toward Christ and not toward the world.”
Trusted Worldwide
Chaplain Amber Kunkel becomes first female chaplain in Hurlburt’s 79-year history.
Chaplain Spotlight: Judy Adams
Adams reminds people outside the world of prison to avoid allowing fear to prevent them from ministering alongside people in prison.
Finding the middle way
“It was a rich experience for me to understand that God is bigger than any one denominational box… All of the different perspectives find alignment and agreement in God,” Jones reflected.
Houghton College Alumni Spotlight: John Rhett
“This is one of the greatest challenges for a teacher at a Christian college – for a teacher that is a believer – how to educate, expose and equip young minds to make their way through a visual culture…”
Clergy, the church and mobilizing during COVID-19
As our communities scramble to respond to the novel coronavirus, churches have an opportunity to lead the way in faithful, compassionate service to the sick, needy and those at-risk. This really is a make-or-break time for churches to be load-bearing institutions in...
Pastors’ Spotlight- Jorge Escalante
The hyphen: integrating the immigrant into ministry
He Sapa New Life Ministry
He Sapa New Life has established a large community-based youth outreach program this past year to reach these youth by providing alternative positive activities and mentoring
Gordon Ritchie: A Physician of the Soul
Gordon Ritchie recently retired from a fulfilling career as a United States Marine Corps Chaplain. After twenty-four years of service, Ritchie has had an influence on many young people in the US Navy
Gordon Ritchie: A Physician of the Soul
Gordon Ritchie recently retired from a fulfilling career as a United States Marine Corps Chaplain. After twenty-four years of service, Ritchie has had an influence on many young people in the United States Navy. His career–shaped by honor, hope, presence, and...
Ministerial students encouraged at College Day 2017
Ministerial students from five Wesleyan colleges and universities learned more about the denomination at the annual College Day held at The Wesleyan Church Headquarters.
Five Surprising Ways IWU is Changing Ministry Education
In 2012, the Kern Family Foundation partnered with the Indiana Wesleyan University School of Theology and Ministry to create a program to help students be ” More hirable, better trained, and less indebted.” Admission to the Kern program is contingent on...
Women in Ministry Spotlight: Kelli Ward
Kelli Ward is a busy mom who loves to laugh; she is also the Connections Pastor at Forest Hills Wesleyan Church, Evansville, IN. She and her husband, Wayne, also an ordained pastor at Forest Hills, have four children, Karis – 8, Josiah – 7, Maria – 5, and Anna – 3....
Doctrinal Symposium on ordination and ministerial credentialing
Key leaders in The Wesleyan Church examined the current ordination process in regards to effectively preparing leaders for ministry.
Lilly Endowment awards a million-dollar grant for TWC pastors
The grant will help pastors overcome economic challenges that limit ministry effectiveness.
Doctrinal Symposium focuses on discipleship
This year’s topic for the event focused on discipleship: Kingdom Force: Disciples Making Disciples in the New Testament and Early Church.
Layperson Appreciation Month
October was Pastor Appreciation Month. Jim Dunn poses the question: If there was a Layperson Appreciation Month, when would it be? Do we intentionally show appreciation to laypersons in our churches?
Thrive in 5: Financial- Five Simple Financial Principles
Financial simple principles for financial health and responsibility.
Pathways to cALLing
The Wesleyan Church’s approach to credentialing laity and clergy.
Presidents and Board Chairs Strategize to Lead Together
On Monday, November 16th, the presidents and chairs of the boards of trustees of each Wesleyan College and University met at The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters to strategize about leading to advance Wesleyan Higher Education. The colleges and universities of The...
Presidents and board chairs of Wesleyan colleges and universities strategize to lead together
Presidents and chairs of the boards of trustees of each Wesleyan college and university met to strategize leading together from unified front in their effort to advance higher education.
Rugh named associate director of Spanish Ministry Education and Formation
Rugh’s leadership experience, passion and gifts make her a perfect fit for the new role.
Advancing Wesleyan Education through WE5
WE5 celebrates the combined strength and ongoing impact of the five colleges and universities of The Wesleyan Church.
The Gathering general sessions now available for download
Check out these FREE resources from The Gathering.
Thrive Financial Spotlight: Amon Chidongwe
As Pastor Amon works through TFI’s first year, he will receive (from the grant) a match of up to $1,000 of what Horizons church has invested in him. In addition, TFI will match another $1,000 from another source that elected to invest in…
Targeted Growth: The Wesleyan Church Shifts to a Competency-Based Credentialing Model
The ministry competencies focus on developing ministers who are fit for sustainable ministry–both academically and holistically.
Co-shepherding the church
A Chinese Mandarin church in Victoria, British Columbia, builds lay-clergy partnership as a touchstone for health.
Learn
Enroll Enroll ECD Home Ordination & Credentialing Learn Pursue Finance DBMD The Pathways to Wesleyan Credentialing Guide to exploring the Call How do I become a minister in The Wesleyan Church? The Guide to Exploring the Call will make the path to ministry...
10th international “Come to the Water” conference experiences Holy Spirit’s visitation
For 20 years the Wesleyan/Holiness Women Clergy organization has convened the “Come to the Water” Conference. This year’s conference was held in the Colorado Rockies.
FLAME program celebrating historical milestone
The Education and Clergy Development Division of The Wesleyan Church is preparing to celebrate a historic marker: its 100th FLAME event, which will take place in Frankfort, Ind., August 5-9. It
Higher education administrators meet for a better ministerial future
Collective collegiate collaboration brought the five presidents and board chairs of the Wesleyan college and universities together on Monday, November 13 at The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters, Fishers, Indiana, for this year’s convening of the Wesleyan Education...
Delegates play imperative role at General Conference
Every four years, General Conference provides another opportunity for lay delegates to partner with clergy in guiding TWC through important decisions that help districts, churches and communities line up with God’s call.
Wesley Seminary formally recognized
The 14th General Conference approves seminary’s inclusion in “The Discipline” and welcomes her leaders to Wesleyan Education Council and General Board.
Navigating Holiday Feasting
The holidays tend to be a time of excess, but how can clergy enjoy the socialization aspect without overindulging?
Thriving Together–October
Thriving Together is a newsletter for women serving in or preparing for ministerial leadership in The Wesleyan Church. Each month, we want to embody 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you...
Thriving Together–November
A call to full-time ministry is a beautiful thing.
Thriving Together-December 2023
Unexpected Expectancy Nineteen, unmarried, recently separated from her live-in boyfriend, sick to her stomach, and a pain in her abdomen that she had never experienced before. Could it be? What if it is? What will she do? She needed to be sure. A quick stop at the...
General Board gathers for 151st session
The May 2024 General Board leans into being fully available to God’s movement in the world.
Thriving Together- June 2024
Shrewd as Snakes, Innocent as Doves (Matthew 10:16) “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Ephesians 5:16) making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Joel 2:28) “And afterward,...
Wesleyan Pension Fund
The 403(b) Plan offers tax savings and is an investment vehicle for growing retirement funds
10 ways to keep the pastor you love
“Being a pastor was SO much easier than what I’m doing now,” said NO former pastor ever. Note: October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Here are ten tips on how to keep your beloved pastor from leaving.
Wesleyan pastors participate in webinar on Affordable Care Act
The Wesleyan Church is being proactive in informing churches and clergy on how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affects them.
Thrive in 5: Spiritual – Protecting the Spiritual Life of the Pastor
Sustaining Pastoral Excellence The most fundamental level of self-care is the pastor’s personal relationship with God in Christ through the Spirit. Everything in the pastor’s life flows from and is dependent upon the spiritual condition of the heart:...
STOP, REST, PRAY, PLAY, THRIVE
The goal of The Gathering was for each attendee to be “encouraged, inspired and engaged at a deeper level with each other, their spouse and with God.”
Thrive Financial Spotlight: Daniel Mottayaw
When asked what he’d say to those considering TFI, Daniel says, “The TFI money is pretty much dependable; but what I’ve really learned in this process beyond that is how God can provide in so many ways you can’t even count on or be sure of… so there
WE5 discipleship at a distance
Wesleyan colleges and universities respond to COVID-19, as leaders and students find ways to encourage and serve.
Thrive In 5: Spiritual – Have You Experienced the Love of God?
The one thing that is everything is friendship with God in Christ..
Are You Experiencing Compassion Fatigue?
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal. 6:9). Compassion fatigue is “weariness in doing good.”
South Coastal District poised for change
District Superintendent Tim Fox is passionate about helping healthy pastors create healthy churches
Residency Spotlight: Tim Witte
“A lot of people have a hard time believing their pastor loves them; so I learned to knit so I could get closer to my congregation.”-Tim Witte (pictured below) If there’s a resident pastor who knows about loving a congregation, it’s Tim Witte....
Military chaplains at The Cove
Wesleyan military chaplains came together for debriefing, inspiration, and fellowship at the biannual retreat at the Cove.
Partnership making “exponential” impact
The Wesleyan Church had over 500 lay and clergy multipliers in participation who worked together to freshly imagine ways to care for their communities.
The Wesleyan Distinctives series
A series elevating conversations about God and celebrating our shared values toward effective ministry in The Wesleyan Church.
Humility: A Foundational Pastoral Virtue
In today’s leadership culture, pastors are often coached about principles for helping them to be more efficient and effective in their ministry work.
Kingdom-style leadership
Three district leaders explain being called by God, not as women, but as servants.
How to Flourish: Faith, Work, and Economics
“It’s rare to have an opportunity to be able to help members of your congregation to inhabit their vocation as part of a Kingdom calling”
How to Flourish: Faith, Work, and Economics
“It’s rare to have an opportunity to be able to help members of your congregation to inhabit their vocation as part of a Kingdom calling, much less work with other church leaders to strategize how to transform your church and community. Psalm 104 gave us...
Saturday Seminars overflow at General Conference 2016
On the first afternoon of General Conference in Buffalo, N.Y., full-to-overflowing crowds were rewarded with high quality seminars.
Meeting Christ in a Coffee Shop: FLAME student Willie Vaughan brings the good news to his neighborhood cafe.
“Sussex is in need of hearing the gospel in a way that is accessible and tangible, and that’s what I hope to do.” Willie Vaughan has an out-of-the-box vision for his community church: In place of pews, coffee tables and in place of a tie, a barista...
A Different Kind of Networking—FLAME student Bonni Eastlack and her counter-cultural call to discipleship
“I have a strong passion for the 21st century church and its place in the community. Every community has its institutions, schools, municipalities. I believe in the church becoming a strong establishment in our community.” Tweet This Bonni Eastlack spent...
Overcoming obstacles: Wesleyan graduate testimonies
Some graduates overcome great obstacles to obtain a degree from a Wesleyan college or university. Here are just six of those stories.
#myPASTORis: celebrate your pastor this October
As Pastor Appreciation Month approaches, Wesleyans are encouraged to tell stories of what makes their pastor(s) unique.
We all learn differently
How are we taking inventory of our people’s gifts and talents? Are we assuming we all learn the same way?
Into all the earth: Rev. Claudia Ruiz
Compassionate acceptance is a central part of Rev. Ruiz’s approach to ministry.
Women in ministry: A historical view
Over 170 years of women in ministry in The Wesleyan Church.
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...
Formation and collaboration
A closer look at the 2024 GSTS.
Kern grant to support clergy/lay engagement
The Kern Family Foundation has awarded a grant to The Wesleyan Church to support a pilot Faith, Work and Economics Conference in the fall 2015.
Highlights from the May 2014 General Board
The semi-annual General Board meeting of The Wesleyan Church was held on May 6-7. One recurring theme running through the meeting was “generosity.” Members remarked about the spirit of teamwork and progress that prevailed. After returning home, District Superintendent...
Sabbaticals: Learning to Thrive
By Jessica White | Oct 14, 2016 The word “sabbaticals” is sometimes accompanied by a negative connotation. When ministers consider a sabbatical they think: “There is never a good time to get away. If I leave now, the church will fall apart.”...
FLAME advancing through Kingswood University
FLAME–a program that provides brings ministry training to lay and clergy–will become a program of Kingswood Extended. Kingswood Extended provides local churches and districts new ways to provide discipleship and ministry preparation, extending the ministry...
Kingswood University launches Kingswood Extended
Kingswood Extended is an initiative that allows for the delivery of ministry education at any level through any available means of delivery, to any person, church or group of churches anywhere.
Thoughts about God’s economy
If we want to invest in what matters most to God, we must mobilize a multiethnic, multigenerational and multieconomic Kingdom Force of disciples making disciples.
Thrive in 5: Financial- Thrive Financial Initiative
The Wesleyan Church was blessed with a second million-dollar grant from the Lilly Endowment.
Multiethnic Huddle focused on getting more in the game
The Church Multiplication and Discipleship’s multiethnic team hosts online Multiethnic Huddles to equip lay and clergy leaders in multiethnic ministries.
Why General Conference matters
Every four years, The Wesleyan Church gathers for General Conference to worship together, to consider pressing issues in the Church, to handle Church business, to elect leaders and to articulate a trajectory for the years ahead.
California church partners with restaurant to feed others
Providing food and clothing to area residents has impacted FLC lay and clergy as they continue to learn how to best engage with and minister to people.
Equipping the church
WE5 schools resource Marketplace Multipliers.
General Board gathers for 144th session
Final preparations for 14th General Conference were the focus of the March 2022 General Board meeting.
Dr. Wayne Schmidt re-elected General Superintendent
Rev. Dr. Wayne Schmidt re-elected to general superintendency of The Wesleyan Church (TWC).
Getting Active
Long hours in the office planning for events or sermons, meetings with parishioners for coffee or meals, and balancing responsibilities at church, second jobs, or at home can be exhausting.
Education for transformation
ECD’s College Day connects Wesleyan universities around formation.
Mujeres en el Ministerio y Liderazgo
Una prespectiva Wesleyana de Mujeres en el Ministerio La Iglesia Wesleyana afirma su compromiso desde hace mucho tiempo con plena oportunidad de que las mujeres sean ordenadas al ministerio y sirvan en todas y cada una de las capacidades ministeriales y de liderazgo....
Ordination and Credentialing
Enroll Enroll ECD Home Ordination & Credentialing Learn Pursue Finance DBMD What is Ordination & Credentialing? When a person holds a credential in The Wesleyan Church, it symbolizes that God has called her or him to serve in vocational ministry,...
Thrive in Five – Spiritual – Bodily Spirituality: Five Reasons to Care
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. Apostle Paul, 1 Cor. 6:19-20 Bodily Spirituality: Five Reasons to...
Thrive Financial Spotlight: Frankie Rodriguez
For Pastor Frankie Rodriguez–senior Pastor of Iglesia Wesleyana El Camino in Greenville, South Carolina, the Thrive Financial Initiative (TFI) offered a chance for vulnerability that enriched his relationship to his congregation.
Important update: employer health insurance premium reimbursement/payment plans
On February 18, 2015, the IRS issued Notice 2015-17 providing transitional relief from ACA penalties and resetting the taxability of premiums to pre-2014 practices until June 30, 2015.
God is Bigger Than This
Friends, if you’re in a season of hurting- let me join you in praying that you’ll let Him lead you through. That you’ll choose to fight, and that you’ll keep your eyes on Him. He’s shaping you along the way.
Rev. Mike Cline on Pastor Appreciation
“More than any one time gift or note, the most encouraging thing to do for your pastor is to just show up on a regular basis and help create an overall healthy culture in your church,” says Rev. Mike Cline, senior pastor at Mountain View Church.
Wonderfully Made
Imagine an ultrasound picture of a precious baby. Or better yet, imagine holding that child in your hand while reading this Psalm (139): 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and...
Wesleyans in the news
Lives are “made new” at a Kingswood youth event, a New York church takes a closer look at the opioid crisis, an insurance company provides wellness assistance for pastors and more.
She said, he said: handing the mic to pastors’ spouses
While pastors’ spouses are as much in the spotlight as their partners, they’re less often handed a live microphone and an empty stage. We wanted to find out what pastor’s spouses – both pastors’ husbands and pastors’ wives – had to say about life in
The Gathering: Keith Carroll’s story
Rev. Keith Carroll tells why he makes it a priority to attend The Gathering.
The Gathering: Phil Lewis’ story
Phil Lewis encourages all pastors to attend The Gathering.
The Gathering: a turning point
Eleven years later, Steve Dunmire points to The Gathering as a turning point in his life, both personally and professionally.