May
30
Written by:
Beth Ludlum
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 me and the other new students. I cannot believe that I now have graduated. Wesley has been such a meaningful place, where I have learned and felt many things in the midst of my preparation for ministry.
The Wesley Community is my greatest supporter in ministry and life. I remember my first day working in the Wesley Admissions Office as a student worker. When I had to answer the phone for the first time, I said, “Hello” and then I could not say anything else because I was so nervous to speak English to strangers! After overhearing me, the director asked other students to help me practice answering the phone. I practiced all day until I had regained my confidence.
The community's greatest blessing to me has been everyone’s understanding and patience. Wesley tries to always offer opportunities to develop a student’s abilities and potential and encourages students to realize their leadership abilities and understand their spirituality.
Now, I am preparing for 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. The seminary is a great place to break a person’s prejudices and to challenge their thoughts of their churches, communities, and the world.
When I was painfully struggling with my calling and my future, my mentor, who is a professor at Wesley, sent me an email with a prayer. As you continue to discern your next steps, I want to share that prayer with you.
“Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me,
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me,
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.”
Friends, whenever we feel exhausted, let us consider God’s will rather than our own desires. As I leave this place, I know that I will never forget my time at Wesley, where I shared deep love in a beloved community! As you look ahead toward the future, I hope that you also find the community to which God is calling you!
The Wesley community of students, faculty, and staff support one another as we journey in spiritual and intellectual growth. Each graduating class will touch the lives of more than a half-million people as preachers, teachers, and leaders across America and around the world. If you are interested in learning more about Wesley's community, degree programs, and spiritual growth opportunities, contact Beth in the Admissions Office at (202) 885-8653 or bludlum@wesleyseminary.edu.
AHyun Lee is from South Korea and just completed her third and final year at Wesley in the MDiv program. She is an ordained elder in the Korean United Methodist Church. She and her husband will soon be moving to Evanston, IL where she will begin a PhD program in Pastoral Care and Counseling.
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