GWINN TO BECOME NEW ASBURY SEMINARY BOARD CHAIR

The Asbury Theological Seminary Board of Trustees has elected Bishop Alfred W. Gwinn, Jr., as its new Board Chair. His three-year term will begin January 1.

Bishop Gwinn is a retired bishop of the United Methodist Church, having served most recently as the bishop of the North Carolina Conference. He is one of eight Asbury Seminary graduates who have been elected to the episcopacy of the global Methodist Church and are either serving actively or have retired.

Bishop Gwinn received his undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky and has been granted several honorary degrees from Kentucky institutions, including Asbury Seminary. During his time as an active bishop he served on the General Board of Publications, the Executive Committee of the Council of Bishops, the Commission on the Study of Ministry, and the Southeastern Jurisdictional Agency on Native American Ministries.

Elected to the Asbury Seminary Board of Trustees in 2004, Gwinn has served on several committees of the Board. His wise counsel and knowledge of the Church of Jesus Christ make him well-suited for the position of Board Chair.

President Timothy Tennent said, “Bishop Al Gwinn brings decades of experience as a seasoned leader in the church.  His earnest love for Christ and the gospel, his understanding of the global Church, and his years helping to raise up and mentor future leaders of the church are the perfect combination to serve as the Chair of the Board of Asbury Theological Seminary.  I could not be more supportive or enthusiastic about an appointment and I look forward to working closely with him in the years ahead.”
Bishop Gwinn responded, “Asbury Theological Seminary is positioned to truly be a world leader in advancing our Lord’s Kingdom through equipping both clergy and laity for effective, empowered, and Spirit-led ministries (by rhonda ). Our Board of Trustees is committed to excellence as we partner with our administration, faculty, staff, and students in living out God’s vision for this called community. And I am honored and humbled by the confidence placed in me by my competent and dedicated colleagues.”