With deep roots in the Lone Star State, Rev. Colvin traveled across country specifically to attend Wesley’s Community Engagement Fellows program. “The reason I chose Wesley was its Urban Fellows program, which was the precursor to the Community Engagement Institute (CEI). I knew I wanted to lead creative ministry — that utilized the arts or other non-traditional practices — to help people grow in relationship with God and neighbor.  CEI offers out-of-box training that helps build innovative and effective ministries,” said Rev. Colvin.

She loved her time at Wesley for what she calls its “intersectionality.”

“This intersectionalty sets Wesley apart from other seminaries. Most schools offer a few electives that speak to peoples’ passions and calling, but Wesley offers entire curricula that put faith in conversation with the arts, health, politics and more. It’s an excellent space to reflect theologically and practice ministry in ways that honor your unique calling.”

Rev. Colvin feels she graduated from the Community Engagement Program prepared for her future ministry. “The Urban Fellows program equipped me to promote the city’s welfare by teaching me asset-based leadership, community mapping and more. Of particular value were the ministry projects Fellows were required to conceptualize, plan, implement and evaluate. I continue to use these practices regularly in my ministry.”

You may not know Rev. Colvin is a fourth-generation Methodist and a playwrite and poet. She has also worked in children’s theatre for educational and outreach programs and was Director of Communications for the Texas Annual Conference for 6 years prior to coming to Wesley.

Rev. Colvin always returns to one key scripture that was at the center of the Urban Fellows program and continues to be central for CEI. “Jeremiah 29:7 — ‘seek the welfare of the city...for in its welfare you will find your welfare’  - has always been important for me.  This scripture was and is the desire of my heart — to seek the welfare of the city.”