Kent holds a B.Sc. in Political Science and Pre-Medicine and a M.A. in Political Science from Ball State University (Muncie, ID). “I also did my coursework on my Ph.D. in Political Science at Howard University on American Government and Black Politics," added Kent.

While feeling a call to seminary, family came first for Kent, and returning to school now is something he is doing as a couple. “I'd wrestled with 'the call' for a while and instead chose to focus on my growing family. One day, shortly after receiving the approval from my AME pastors to begin the ordination process (which requires a M.Div. prior to ordination), I saw a commercial of a couple returning to college at the same time. I then realized it was time for me to start seminary as my wife begins her Counseling Psychology program!" said Kent.

With family responsibilities, a passion for knowledge and a desire to attain it affordably in an inclusive community, Kent saw Wesley as the perfect place for his theological studies.

“As an individual who has had lots of schooling, cost was important to me, and Wesley provided a scholarship to minority students who were non-United Methodists that sought a degree." He was also impressed by his WTS graduate friends' "wonderful experiences on immersions and having their faith challenged. I sought a program that responded to my needs of a diverse seminary community that would hold me accountable to complete my degree; Wesley does that for me,” said Kent .

Regarding future plans, Kent would like to integrate his passion for both ministry and politics. “I would like to pursue a ministry that combines the work of the church and the public and political space. I believe our ministries miss out on opportunities because we do not leverage our relationships for the benefit of the church or community.”

Something we don’t know about Kent? “I was a member of Maryland’s Electoral College in 2020, the only Black man and the youngest. I also currently serve as a local party elected official in Prince George's County,” said Kent.

The Scripture that sustains Kent? "Greater works than these shall you do" (John 14:12) is a scripture that urged me to pursue seminary before I even knew I would attend. I truly want to follow a community-engaged ministry that parallels Jesus’ idea of ministry intended in Matthew 10, bringing healing to God's community," said Kent.

#family #AME #ordination #politics #community #facesofWesley

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