Table of Contents
- Letter from the President
- Learning from the Ancient Church
- Resources
- Wesley Happenings
- Support Wesley
- Grad News and Notes
- Upcoming Events
- About eCalling for Graduates
From the President
Dear friend,
In the church I attend, we sing hymns from the 16th, 19th, and 20th centuries. We read scripture written no later than the third century. We say the Lord's Prayer, which has been repeated since the beginning of the church, and we often repeat the words of the Apostle's Creed and other ancient texts.
Why? It's not for historical curiosity; church is not supposed to be a live version of Antiques Road Show. And it's not because we've always done it that way. Partly, it is because everything else is changing in seemingly random and meaningless ways and church can be the safe house, a place of certainty. As many people have said to me: "It's the one thing in my life I don't want to see changed."
But what's most important is that church is where we get our story straight. Actors know that once they memorize their lines they can really become part of the drama. Too often, worship is like a first read-through as the congregation mumbles and stumbles through an order of worship they are not used to and congregational readings they are getting for the first and maybe last time. This week - the week the Da Vinci Code movie will be released around the world - reminds us that the church's history matters and that getting it right matters. The main job of a seminary is to get the story right. So, we teach the text and the tradition of the church.
At the same time, the church must always be the turning point in history. The Christian way is the road less-traveled, the path not taken until now. In the book of Revelation, the prophet hears the voice of God say: "Behold, I make all things new." In that way, the Good News is always new and the church must always be something new and redemptive in the lives of people.
So what is essential? We believe it is mission. What is mission? As our professor of Evangelism, Scott Kisker, puts it: "God sends the Son, God and Son send the Holy Spirit, and the Triune God sends the church to witness to the love of God in the world." This is why tradition matters, because it reminds us of who we are and where we are going.
In this month's issue of eCalling for Graduates, a few of Wesley's faculty members offer their insights on what we can learn from the ancient church as we refocus the modern church to be centered on God's mission. My hope is that these insights are helpful to you and your ministry.
Sincerely,
David McAllister-Wilson
Learning from the Ancient Church
Question: What can the church of today learn from the ancient church as we re-center on mission?
Answers: (provided by a few of Wesley's faculty members)
What the contemporary church might learn from the early church about mission is quite simply that it is the only thing that matters. It is not just an aspect of the church, but the church's whole reason for existing. Ultimately churches fail and die because in their concern for their own survival they allow themselves to become useless. What if the first disciples, instead of proclaiming that God in Christ had reclaimed the world and therefore all things were possible, had entered upon a feasibility study? Since mission is so central, it is worth a little holy recklessness.
- Dr. Sondra Ely Wheeler, Martha Ashby Carr professor of Christian Ethics
What can the ancient church tell us about our contemporary mission? It may tell us yesterday's heresy is God's revelation for today! Then again it might tell us such an insight is still heresy simply wrapped in new garb. But we won't know until we study the idea in its original setting.
- Dr. D. William Faupel, Professor of Theological Research and Director of the Library
By learning more about how the Church has responded to religious and cultural plurality over the centuries, we can discern helpful (and unhelpful) responses from the past in order to devise more constructive strategies in the future. The Christian church can learn to accept plurality as a reality, not only outside the Christian community, but inside as well. Given this plurality, the Christian church of today might do well to focus its efforts on bearing witness to the in-breaking of God's reign through Jesus Christ. We can do this most effectively by a more consistent practice of humility, forbearance and love not only within our communities of faith but also in relation to our diverse neighbors near and far. It is by being doers of the Word and not just hearers only that we will truly honor God.
- Dr. Beverly Eileen Mitchell, Associate Professor of Historical Theology
The ancient Christians gathered in houses. The maximum size of the congregation was roughly how many persons you could squeeze into the open spaces of a Roman house in places like Corinth, Rome, and Philippi, about 35 to 50. That means that the ancient church was typically a small church. All the grand and deep things that the New Testament and the ancient fathers and mothers say about "church" is said with small churches in mind. That's something for the 162,500 churches in this country that average 75 or less in worship to ponder.
- Dr. Lewis A. Parks, Associate Professor of Theology, Ministry and Congregational Development and Director of Doctor of Ministry Program
The ancient church (the 2nd - 5th centuries) developed a very powerful and effective methodology for the evangelization, education, baptism, and further catechizing of new members. This institution was called "the catechumenate." The process of becoming a church member was not easy - in some places taking up to three years. We can learn from the ancient church that our minimalist way of easy access to membership and sacraments may not be the best route for the formation of committed, knowledgeable, and steadfast disciples.
- Dr. Diedra Kriewald, Professor of Christian Education
The church of today can learn mission-focused leadership from the ancient church. Paul's example of leadership is an excellent model for us to follow. As a leader, Paul empowered the people of the church to go into the world and do the personal ministry they were all called by God to do. In this example of Christian leadership, clergy and laity share an understanding that everyone is a minister and everyone can be a part of God's mission.
- Dr. Joe Tortorici, Associate Director of Practice in Ministry and Mission
Resources
Books:
And You Welcomed Me, A Sourcebook on Hospitality in Early Christianity, by Dr. Amy Oden
Contact the Cokesbury Bookstore on Wesley's campus at (202) 885-8681 or cokesbury@wesleysem.edu for additional titles in church history.
Websites:
www.catechumenate.org
www.cokesbury.com
This is only a brief list of resources on the ancient church.
Wesley Happenings
129 New Wesley Graduates Enter the Mission Field
On May 8, 129 of Wesley's students celebrated their graduation from seminary. These Master of Arts, Master of Theological Students, Master of Divinity and Doctor of Divinity students are from dozens of different denominations. They will lead diverse ministries across the country and around the world.
Patricia Jelinek Receives the Society of John Wesley Award
During Wesley's graduation ceremony, the Rev. Patricia Jelinek '73, '80 received the Society of John Wesley Award in recognition for her outstanding service to God, the church and Wesley Theological Seminary. Rev. Jelinek was the first female district superintendent in the North Central New York Conference of The United Methodist Church. She also served many urban and rural churches before and after retiring.
Each year, Wesley Theological Seminary presents the Society of John Wesley Award of Merit to one or more individuals during the commencement ceremony. Through sacrificial leadership, these persons exemplify a high standard of commitment and devotion to God, the Church and Wesley Theological Seminary. Recipients are Wesley Theological Seminary graduates nominated and selected by fellow graduates.
Three Wesley Alumnae Named to Lead Major Baptist-Related Congregations
Three Wesley graduates -- all African-American women -- recently have been or are being installed as senior pastors at major Baptist-related congregations in the Metro D.C. area. Kasey Jones '04 will be the senior pastor of the National Baptist Memorial Church in Washington, D.C. Jean Robinson-Casey '99 will pastor Martin Luther King, Jr. Christian Church in Reston, Va. Cynthia Bennett '03 became the senior pastor at Dayspring Community Church in Lanham, Md.
Support Wesley
Please consider donating to Wesley
Donations to Wesley Theological Seminary are a major factor in our ability to prepare exemplary preachers, teachers and leaders for the church. Your gift to Wesley provides the resources needed to equip men and women for a life of Christian ministry. Please support your seminary this year with a contribution to Wesley and its students. Gifts to the seminary keep tuition for students as low as possible and keep Wesley’s educational program exceptional.
Please take a moment to make a secure online donation at http://www.wesleysem.edu/give or send a check to Wesley Theological Seminary, attention Ann Keeler, 4500 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016.
Thank you for your support.
Grad News and Notes
For and About Wesley Alums
Please send information you'd like to share with other Wesley alumni to Ann Keeler, director of alumni relations, at Graduates@wesleysem.edu.
Recent DeathsRev. Barbara Bunker Vercelli, M.Div. '01 probationary member of the Baltimore-Washington Conference and pastor of Woodfield: Wesley Grove UMC, died April 25 after a long struggle with cancer. Condolences may be sent to Wendy Giuliano (daughter), 311 Sloping Woods Ct., Annapolis, MD 21409.CelebrationsDebra J. Hanson, D.Min. '04 was married to David Atkinson on February 18, 2006 at the Hampden Highlands UMC in Hampden, Maine where she serves as the pastor.
Dave Hunter, M.Div. '03 and Kerry Mueller, M.Div. '94 have been called by the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fayetteville, Arkansas. They will serve as their co-ministers, sharing one full-time position. The position begins in August.
Tim Seidel M.T.S. '03 and Chris Seidel joyfully announce the birth of their son, Kai Emanuel Hoover Siedel, on May 12. Weighing in at 8.59 pounds, Kai was born in Bethlehem. Tim and Chris are peace development workers with the Mennonite Central Committee in Palestine.Olivia Wesley, M.Div. '01 was inducted as the first female principal of the Sierra Leone Theological College and Church Training Centre on May 7. She started teaching/lecturing there when she returned home to Freetown, Sierra Leone in 2003. The college is an ecumenical one founded in 1975 by three heads of churches-ANGLICAN, Methodist and United Methodist. However, all other churches send their students there. Presently the student population is 87, a big drop from 200 plus, due to the war and the economic situation in Sierra Leone.
Rev. John Shellenberger, M.Div. '80 is serving at First UMC in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. This summer, he will be participating in the World Methodist Council Ministerial Exchange in England.
Wesley Alums Share Words of Wisdom with the Class of 2006"Be true to your call and yourself. Trust the Holy Spirit in leading your ministry." - Rev. Carletta Allen, M.Div. '96
"Love the people you are sent to serve and remember that God loves you." - Bishop Warner Brown, M.Div. '74
"Remember that God has called you, which means we need to be responsible to God more than a particular denomination." - Rev. Miguel Balderas, M.Div. '02
"Have fun and enjoy being in ministry to the fullest. Look at events and meetings not as chores, but as times for fellowship. Your attitude is infectious." - Rev. David Balcom, M.Div. '59
"Don't worry when things are tough. Things will work out. God assures us that we will get where we're supposed to be. Also, treasure and support the seminary." - Rev. Tom Starnes, M.Div. '65
"Trust that the God who named you also called you. Believe that the God who called you also gifted you. Know that the God who gifted you also named the ones you will serve. Love them with the love of God." - Rev. Laura B. Easto '85
Send Your Words of Wisdom or Encouragement to the Class of 2006
If you would like to send Wesley's new graduates words of wisdom or encouragement, please email your comments by June 1, c/o Ann Keeler, director of alumni relations, at Graduates@wesleysem.edu. We will be compiling comments and congratulations from the Wesley community to send to the recent graduates.
Rev. Harold A. Milstead, D.Min. '76, age 92, died March 23 at his home in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He served 10 churches in the Baltimore-Washington conference of the United Methodist Church, in addition to serving as conference statistician for many years.
Celebrations
Ann Farris, M.A. '02 was recently spotted at the Noel Paul Stookey concert at Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church and reports the following: Because of my husband's work, we're now in Centreville, Va. I'm currently working for Wesley Housing Dev. Corp. (www.wesleyhousing.org) and was recently commissioned a deaconess in the United Methodist Church. I am developing an arts empowerment ministry (www.anartsawakening.com) and currently attending Centreville UMC.
Shenandoah Gale, M.T.S. '05 was named to serve as the Coordinator for Anti-racism Education and Training for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Located within the Office of the Presiding Bishop, this position is a strategy for the 98 percent white denomination to more fully become community. She began work at the Chicago church-wide office on April 3rd.
Dr. Richard Gentzler, M.Div. '76, Director of the Center on Aging & Older Adult Ministries for the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn., recently produced the video, New Beginnings: The Gifts of Aging. The 20-minute video shows creative ministries involving older adults who in their later years are actively engaged in Christian discipleship and in service to others. The video received the Crystal Award of Excellence in the Religious Inspiration Category. Dr. Gentzler is an adjunct faculty member at Wesley Theological Seminary teaching courses on Planning Comprehensive Ministries with Older Adults and A Theological Perspective of Aging. Feel free to contact him at rgentzler@gbod.org or visit www.aging-umc.org.
Kali Kucera, M.Div. '98 has been named Director of Worship Arts at Urban Grace, an intentionally ecumenical church in the city center of Tacoma, Wash. Urban Grace's primary affiliations are The Presbyterian Church (USA), The Episcopal Church (USA), and The American Baptist Church.
Dr. Wayne Leaver, M.Div. '73 and D.Min. '74 served as co-chair of the 26th Annual National Conference of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, held in Tampa, Fla., March 28-April 1, 2006. For more information, visit http://adec.org. Additionally, Dr. Leaver will present at the 26th International Congress on Applied Psychology July 16-21, 2006 in Athens, Greece on the topic "The Controlling and the Competitive Individuals: Coping with Grief and Loss.
Lee Porter, M.T.S. '97 had quilts about Nicaragua featured in the March issue of Sojourners.
Rev. Henry C. Thompson, III, M.Div. '72 will retire from the Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church after 37 years of service.
M.T.S. Networking Event Successful!Wesley's current and past M.T.S. students gathered together for dinner and fellowship to celebrate and connect around their shared degree on April 26. This year's dinner marked the fourth event specifically for M.T.S. students and alumni since 1999. A special thanks to the alumni who came and offered practical advice for current students. And thank you to the *many* graduates who answered the question, “How are you currently using your MTS degree?” For more information about what other M.T.S. alums are doing around the world, contact Ann Keeler at Graduates@wesleysem.edu.ATLASerials for Wesley Graduates
Wesley Seminary's library is pleased to announce that we are now able to provide our Alums with online access to full-text versions of online theological journals. For information on how to access these, free of charge to Wesley graduates, please contact Howertine Farrell Duncan at (202) 885-8696 or hduncan@wesleysem.edu.
Job Announcements
Wesley Seminary does not actively seek job announcements, but when they are sent to us, we forward information applicable to our graduates.
Rockville United Church, located in Rockville, Maryland, has an immediate opening for a part-time (25 hours a week) Director of Christian Education.
As a member of a team ministry, the Director of Christian Education leads enthusiastic and experienced volunteers in the envisioning, planning, and organizing of Christian Education programs for children, youth and adults. The Director of Christian Education staffs the Christian Education Committee and subcommittees, and with them develops the CE programs and activities for the congregation.
The successful candidate will possess:
- Excitement and commitment for the creation of challenging and engaging Christian Education programs for people of all ages and all levels of spiritual maturity
- Experience in leading volunteers in a church setting
- Certification as a Christian Educator or interest in obtaining certification
Contact information:
DCE Search Committee
Rockville United Church
355 Linthicum St.
Rockville, MD 20851
dellak1@rockvilleunitedchurch.org
Upcoming Events
Wesley Ministry Network Releases New Course - May
Wesley Ministry Network's new video series, "Serious Answers to Hard Questions" hosted by Bishop Kenneth Carder is now available. In this series, leading theologians address ten issues that are obstacles to faith for many both in and outside of the church. Among other things, the lessons address how Christians should relate to people of other faiths and answer questions about The Da Vinci Code. For more information, visit www.WesleyMinistryNetwork.com.
Wesley at United Methodist Annual Conferences
We warmly welcome all alumni and friends of Wesley regardless of your denomination to visit with seminary representatives attending regional annual conferences of The United Methodist Church. For more information or to make reservations to attend a Wesley speech, please contact Ann Keeler, director of alumni relations at Graduates@wesleysem.edu.
Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference
May 26 at 5 p.m. in Baltimore, Maryland
President David McAllister-Wilson speaking
Wyoming Annual Conference
June 1 - 3, (date and time TBD) in Scranton, Pennsylvania
West Virginia Annual Conference
June 8 at 5:30 pm in Buckhannon, West Virginia
Central- Pennsylvania Annual Conference
June 9 at 12 p.m. in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference
June 9 at 12 p.m. in Oriole, Maryland
Doug Strong, Professor of History of Christianity and Dean for Church Relations, speaking
Virginia Annual Conference
June 13 at 12:30 p.m. in Hampton, Virginia
Dean Bruce Birch Speaking
About eCalling for Graduates
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