Chapel Speaker Information

Preparing To Lead Worship at Asbury Theological Seminary:

A Few Words of Guidance

The nature of the diversity at the seminary

Asbury Theological Seminary was founded in 1923 “to prepare and send forth a well-trained, sanctified, Spirit-filled, evangelistic ministry” to spread scriptural holiness throughout the world.  The contemporary form of this mission commits the Seminary to maintain a multidenominational, multicultural community which nurtures men and women called of God for parish ministry and other forms of servant leadership.  Asbury affirms the role of women in ministry, including the ordained ministry.  Thus, the Seminary aims to create a climate in which women are encouraged in their progress toward professional ministry goals and enabled in their spiritual development toward effective ministry.

The Seminary included several important dimensions in its curriculum, program and ministry to students:

• Top 10 Denominations:a commitment to provide spiritual education
• a commitment to provide balanced preparation for ministry
• a dedication to professional preparation for Christian service
• an emphasis on ecumenical theological education
• a commitment to personal theological education.

On its Kentucky campus, Asbury offers a variety of degrees, including ten Master of Arts, Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, Doctor of Missiology, Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies or Intercultural Studies.

The total current enrollment exceeds 1,500 students, representing over 90 denominations and 29 countries.  Alumni of the seminary serve around the world in 66 foreign countries, more than 137 denominations all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and in almost every time zone.

Quick Facts

Top 10 Denominations: (total represented – 93)

Biblical Preaching

Asbury Theological Seminary understands preaching as a witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ revealed in the Christian Scriptures.  It is both a gift of the Holy Spirit and a human vocation which serves the creation of a community called to worship the Triune God as revealed through the narrative of the whole biblical canon.  Asbury approaches preaching from the Wesleyan tradition; it is informed by a conscious integration of doctrinal and biblical exegesis and the practice of theological hermeneutics. Emphasis is placed on the lifelong task of acquiring practical habits appropriate for cultivating judgment required for faithful communication of the biblical witness in service of the Word of God, as an act of Christian worship and within the context of personal, social, and cultural challenge and change.

Public Reading of Scripture

The public reading of Scripture, as an act of worship in and of itself, is essential for Christian worship. We authorize the following translations to be utilized for the public reading of Scripture in our Chapel worship services: New Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, King James Version, New King James Version, and the New International Version. We welcome the use of alternate translations or paraphrastic versions as part of the proclamation of Scripture. If you have a request for one of the authorized translations listed above to be read in Chapel, please let us know. In the absence of a request, we will default to the New Revised Standard Version which is the translation found in our pew racks.

Use of Media

We welcome the use of a variety of media resources in Chapel.  Please be advised that children of students and seminary guests regularly attend and participate in our worship services. Therefore, we ask that you be judicious in your use of media resources (i.e. film clips, etc.) and refrain from using pieces which would be inappropriate for all audiences.  We recognize the nature of media may vary depending on whether you are speaking in a lecture format or preaching a sermon.  While we do not want to engage in the business of censoring media nor chill the exercise of creativity and communication, we will gladly provide guidance regarding particular resources upon your request. If you would like to use media from a film rated PG-13 or higher, please provide us notice in advance of the occasion.  As with other media to be used in our worship gathers, please work to get those to our office no later than one week prior to the date you will be speaking to insure proper formatting for our equipment and excellence in presentation.