Wesley’s mission extends beyond traditional graduate education. Our vision is to play a key role in the continual renewal of the church. Our innovative spirit has fostered deep relationships with local congregations, most recently through the Wesley Innovation Hub, while our centers in leadership, arts, and community engagement adapt and connect our resources to the church and public spheres. The Source Collaborative initiative is a collective effort among churches, clergy leadership coaches, and the seminary to connect more deeply with God, our own stories, and our neighbors that we might drink more deeply of and become conduits for God’s love, justice, and mercy.

The Source Collaborative project helps local churches thrive in their changing cultural and social contexts during and beyond denominational anxiety and decline.

Wesley surveyed hundreds of clergy and lay leaders in July, 2019 and found several key characteristics of congregations that are thriving.   Congregations that engage deeply with their communities, align vision with context, and engage younger and more diverse people in spiritual growth and leadership are more likely to grow and thrive.  The survey also revealed that many leaders are exhausted, stressed by cultural changes, and pulled in too many directions. We believe that, in partnership with pastors and laity, we can help congregations discern an authentic and viable future deeply rooted in their context and in spiritual practices.