The Shield of Faith: A Welcome from the Dean

Photo by Kelly Drury

Although we are now more than a few weeks into the fall semester, it is never too late to say welcome to the 2018-19 school year! This welcome is also to myself as I begin this journey as academic dean with you at Wesley Seminary. I moved from Austin, Texas on July 1st where I served on the faculty of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and taught in the areas of mission, evangelism, and Methodist studies. Previously I have served on the faculty at Perkins School of Theology, Pfeiffer University, and the Methodist Seminary in Mexico City where I served as a missionary. Since my arrival here I have enjoyed the warm words of welcome from faculty, staff, and students. My wife and I are also enjoying the natural beauty, history and culture of the DC area. Wesley is a wonderful seminary community, and I really appreciate its diversity, commitment to excellence, and the service of the church and world.

The Wesley faculty, staff, and students come from different walks of life and create a diverse community together, inviting us into a foretaste for the Reign of God. This diversity also shapes us as a learning community as we wrestle with biblical interpretation, theology, social justice and the practice of ministry in our various contexts. As we grow together, we also learn what it is to be the church and support one another in our distinctive callings and vocations. I invite you to journey, befriend and support each other as much as possible amidst our busy schedules, as we grow into a learning community.

I also want to commend everyone for the commitment to excellence in our studies. As God calls us into ministry and we respond, we do so in the midst of ongoing family, work, and ministerial commitments. Yet we are also called to seek truth as we deepen our faith and understanding of God and God’s work in the world. It is an honor for me to join alongside an outstanding faculty that strives for excellence in their research, writing, and teaching to be a resource for the church and the world. As such, they model what it means to seek excellence and follow their passion for their various academic disciplines and research topics. I invite you to sense the faculty’s passion for their research and allow it to be contagious as you continue your studies and ministry. Even in the midst of heavy homework loads, may you find creative energy that ignites your passions.

Lastly, all that we do is for the service of the church and world. God calls us as instruments to participate in God’s intention for the world. Certainly there are no shortages of injustices and people who have been wronged. God invites us to avail ourselves to the transformative power of grace and participate as agents of reconciliation in a hurting world. As we ourselves are on journeys of restoration we become contagious with the Good News and can witness to those around us.

This will look differently for each one of us as we are in different places, at different stages, and called to serve in a variety of settings, yet the common story of God’s intent for the world unites and empowers us as we prepare to be more effective leaders. I look forward to being a pilgrim with you on this journey and to participate in the wonderful diversity, committed to excellence and service to the church and world through Wesley Seminary.



Dr. Philip Wingeier-Rayo is Dean of Wesley.

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