By Beth Ludlum on
 At Wesley, learning continues during the summer, in and out of the classroom…
DC summers are no stranger to me. When I was in college, I spent a couple of summers living in the district as – like most other college students you’d meet in DC over the summer – an intern. This summer is a little different: I am taking courses toward my MTS degree and am also taking advantage of the variety of resources the city has to offer “emerging” church
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By Beth Ludlum on
 I grew up in the Congregational tradition, so I didn't know much of the Wesley Bros. apart from a few hymns. It wasn't until seminary that I began to learn of their prominent place in American religious history. And I remember appreciating John Wesley's energy to ride around the frontier on horseback and preach the gospel. I have a little sense of how he feels this summer, as I'm in the midst of a 32-city book tour.
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By Beth Ludlum on
 This spring I took a class – “Becoming Church” – at the Church of the Saviour’s Servant Leadership School. We talked about some radical basics of authentic church. The class reminded me of the Covenant Discipleship model from my first year (2000-01) as an MTS student at Wesley. I was not terribly enthused about this requirement. Although it was a nice way to learn about others’ approaches to prayer and devotion, I didn’t think much about how such groups – with their openness, intentionality, and accountability – could deeply shape spirituality and community.
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By Beth Ludlum on
Buenos Dios! My trip to teach in the Yucatan was an amazing experience! The Theological Seminary of the Yucatan is a mission project of the South Korean Methodist Church and supported by Wesley Theological Seminary.
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By Beth Ludlum on
I have officially survived my first year at seminary. It is almost unreal now, nearly ten months removed from the start of my fall courses, when I remember the fears and anxieties I had during my first week. Reading through my written journal dated the evening before Orientation Day 2007, I was struck by my peaceful countenance in these words: “Starting tomorrow, things will never be the same. But I know this is where God has called me, and I rest on that promise.”
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By Beth Ludlum on
I still vividly remember my first day at Wesley. I was so excited by the professors’ and students’ warm greetings, full of heart-felt concern and eager to begin deep friendships with other students.
Now, I am preparing my next step – a PhD. After studying here, I have decided I want to teach in a seminary because I think theological education is the key to transforming the church.
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By Beth Ludlum on
 One thing I am really enjoying about Wesley is how I get a new outlook on things during nearly every class.
Last semester, in my Old Testament class, we were talking about Job. Our professor brought up the phrase "There, but for the grace of God, go I."
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