Prepare for Ministry in the Wesleyan Tradition
The Certificate of Wesleyan Studies program at Beeson Divinity School prepares a student for life and ministry in churches within the Wesleyan theological tradition.
Attention is given to Wesleyan history and doctrine, worship, polity, spirituality, ministry and mission. Master of Divinity students who intend to pursue ordination in a Wesleyan denomination are strongly encouraged to complete the requirements for the certificate of Wesleyan studies, as these will satisfy educational requirements stipulated by several denominations. Beeson is approved as one of the Global Methodist Church's recommended educational institutions for the completion of educational requirements by candidates for ordination. The certificate is awarded with successful completion of the Master of Divinity.
Program Overview
MDiv Courses
- Wesleyan History & Doctrine (3 hours)
- Wesleyan Polity, Ministry & Mission (3 hours)
- Total credit hours: 6
Practicum
- Supervised Ministry Practicum (SMP) 1 and 2 (two 3-hour courses including a 35-week ministry practicum in a Wesleyan parish)
- Credit hours: 6
Wesley Fellowship
Students in the Wesleyan Studies program are expected to meet monthly for prayer, Scripture meditation, mutual encouragement and accountability, learning and service. The fellowship also will sponsor occasional events featuring conversations with Wesleyan pastors, denominational leaders, scholars, missionaries and lay persons.
A Strong Wesleyan Faculty
Ronald Sterling
Lecturer in Pastoral Studies, Director of Student Services, Pastor of Saint John AME Church, Birmingham
“Rooted in the heart of the evangelical tradition, Beeson Divinity students have the opportunity to develop spiritually and intellectually in a vibrant interdenominational learning context.”
“The Wesleyan Certificate program opens doors of opportunity for persons preparing to serve through established and emerging evangelical Wesleyan expressions around the world today.”
—Rev. Paul Lawler, Senior Pastor, Christ Church Memphis
“Beeson’s community is unique in the Wesleyan tradition. A Wesleyan seeking to prepare for ministry could choose a denominationally-aligned school or choose Beeson, where they will be prepared in a Christ-centered, rigorous and interdenominational context.”
“As a Global Methodist pastor, I can confidently say there is no better option than Beeson Divinity School for a Wesleyan to prepare for ministry.”
—Bradley Edwards, MDiv '23, Lead Pastor, Christ Fellowship Church, Magee, Mississippi
“Beeson's Wesleyan Certificate has shaped me into the strong Wesleyan I am today.”
“I was raised in a Wesleyan environment and surrounded by Wesleyans. However, I did not fully understand what it meant to be a Methodist or Wesleyan. At Beeson, I studied John Wesley and other Methodists critically and academically in a setting that challenged my theology. I also studied with great scholars like Frank Thielman, Gerald Bray, Jonathan Linebaugh, Mark Gignilliat and others. I am forever grateful to Beeson and the Wesleyan Certificate and encourage all Wesleyans to come study and learn in an environment like Beeson.
—Rev. Cody Prewitt, MDiv '23, senior pastor of Eupora Methodist Church, Eupora, Mississippi
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