Nazarene Theological Seminary

On Tuesday, October 28, 2008, Nazarene Theological Seminary was honored to host the 4th annual “Wesleyan Church Day.” Regarding the significance of this annual event, NTS President Ron Benefiel shared, “Wesleyan Church Days at NTS have been very helpful in several respects. They have provided opportunities for conversation that further strengthen the relationship between our two denominations. They have introduced prospective Wesleyan students to NTS. They have created an opportunity for substantive dialogue around common issues of theology and mission. And they have opened the door for NTS and some of the Wesleyan schools to develop collaboration agreements that create the opportunity for us to work more closely together in fulfilling our respective missions.”

This year’s Wesleyan Church Day was enhanced by the attendance of Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, who is one of three General Superintendents in the Wesleyan denomination. In addition to adding her voice to all of the day’s activities, Dr. Lyon delivered a message in NTS’ Tuesday morning chapel service. Earlier this year, Dr. Lyon was elected by the Wesleyan denomination as its first-ever woman general superintendent. Dr. Lyon is also the founder and CEO of World Hope International (WHI). WHI is the compassionate ministries partner of The Wesleyan Church and has been affiliated with the Church since WHI’s founding 12 years ago.

Others in attendance at the 2008 Wesleyan Church Day included pastors and laity from local Wesleyan Churches, Wesleyan Church District Superintendents, faculty from Indiana Wesleyan University, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and Southern Wesleyan University, and nine students from Oklahoma Wesleyan University (Bartlesville, OK). In addition to being a part of the Wesleyan Day activities, OWU students were invited to participate in student life at NTS, including visiting classes, attending chapel, and spending time with members of the NTS community.

Several Wesleyan and Nazarene participants, who have participated in all previous Wesleyan Church Days, agreed during a final session of the day that this year’s event was the best of those held to date.  The inclusion of students was a key factor. Additionally, the two main dialogue sessions fostered discussion and reflection around topics of holiness and missional theology. This struck a chord of unity and shared identity that resonated with all present. “I am very pleased with the way the Wesleyan Church days at NTS are developing,” shared Benefiel. “Even as this one has just ended, I am already looking forward to continuing this important conversation and partnership in the years ahead.”