Updates, Events, and Publications

DOUBLE ATS GRAD PUBLISHES TWELFTH BOOK

Rev. Dr. Peter Bellini, III (M.Div. ’00, Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies ’08) recently published his 12th book. The title itself preaches a sermon – Losing Your Mind (And Gaining the Mind of Christ): How to Overhaul Your Brain for Faith, Focus, and Flourishing. Part of the blurb on Amazon is as follows:

In Losing Your Mind (And Gaining the Mind of Christ), Dr. Peter Bellini brings together science and Scripture to explore how discipleship impacts your brain. Through practical steps, biblical wisdom, and relatable insights, you’ll discover how to renew your thinking, overcome mental struggles, and deepen your spiritual walk.

For more information on this book and to order it, see HERE. Check out his author profile to see more of his work.

ATS GRAD PUBLISHES FROM THE PRECIPICE TO GRAND OPERA

Marshall Stanton (ATS ’60) recently published a book describing his 18.5 years of service as the president of Kansas Wesleyan University. The description from Amazon is:

From the Precipice to Grand Opera is a compelling memoir of faith, leadership, and transformation in the world of higher education. When Reverend Marshall Stanton was asked to step into the crumbling presidency of Kansas Wesleyan University in 1983, the institution was on the verge of collapse burdened by debt, dwindling enrollment, and deteriorating morale.

In this deeply personal and spiritually reflective account, Stanton shares how a pastor with no formal experience in academia took on one of the most formidable challenges of his life and succeeded. With vision, tenacity, and an unshakable belief in the power of purpose, he rallied faculty, trustees, alumni, and donors to bring about a 20-year renaissance of growth, integrity, and renewal.

This inspiring story is more than an administrative history it’s a testament to the strength of hope, the courage of calling, and the quiet miracles that happen when one leader decides to “believe into” something greater than himself.

Perfect for readers interested in:

• • Inspirational leadership journeys
  • Small college administration
  • Christian faith in action
  • Midwest educational history
  • Memoirs of nonprofit or academic executives

For more information, or to purchase the book, see HERE.

BEESON CENTER RESTRUCTURING AND STRATEGIC REALIGNMENT

From the Office of the President at ATS

As part of Asbury Seminary’s ongoing Optimizing Mission Effectiveness initiative, the Executive Leadership Team is announcing a strategic realignment of the Beeson International Center for Preaching and Leading. We believe this realignment will expand the Beeson Center’s service to the church in the United States and around the world, strengthen its capacity to equip leaders in its traditional two foci of preaching and leading, support new ministry innovation, and extend Asbury Seminary’s missional impact across diverse contexts.

As part of this realignment, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jessica LaGrone as Executive Director of the Beeson Center. Dr. LaGrone has served faithfully and capably as Dean of the Chapel for eleven years. She is a recognized leader in the global Wesleyan movement, serving currently as the Chair of the Connectional Council of the Global Methodist Church. She is one of the finest preachers in our Wesleyan tradition, and her reputation as such means she is widely sought after as a preacher and speaker. As noted above, the primary emphases of the Beeson Center are preaching and leadership, and Dr. LaGrone excels in both areas.

Dr. LaGrone shared, “I’m honored and energized to step into this new role as Executive Director of the Beeson Center. Preaching and leadership have always been deep passions of mine, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead to create and share resources that will equip leaders for ministry. I believe this realignment opens the door for fresh innovation and Spirit-led impact, and I look forward to what we will build together.”

Dr. Ragsdale added this thought: “The Church needs effective leadership. And, a necessary part of how the Church’s leadership is communicated is through preaching. Educating, resourcing, and inspiring effective preachers must be at the forefront of what Asbury Theological Seminary does in the classroom and through the Beeson Center. Dr. LaGrone’s passion for incubating leaders who can preach is contagious, and I am thrilled to be able to work together with her to make Beeson initiatives successful and sustainable.”

In light of Dr. LaGrone’s new position, we have also been working diligently on the position of Dean of the Chapel. More information will be available soon.

Another change we are making to the Beeson Center is the adoption of a hybrid organizational model to better align the center with its founding purpose and expand its reach across academic and ministry-training dimensions. There will be two areas of oversight:

Academic Programs: All degree-related academic activities will continue under the oversight of the Provost’s Office, maintaining continuity in curriculum and academic vision.

Non-Academic Programs: Responsibility for non-degree initiatives, including certificates, micro-credentialing, and other current and future ministry-focused training, will shift to the newly appointed Executive Director, Dr. Jessica LaGrone.

Recognizing that the Beeson Center’s initiatives touch virtually every area of Asbury’s mission, the Executive Director will report directly to the President. This reporting structure is designed to ensure cross-systems collaboration and leverage Asbury’s institutional resources more effectively.

This restructuring marks a significant step toward optimizing our mission effectiveness, expanding our service to the Church, and renewing our commitment to Spirit-empowered leadership development for the next generation.

Thank you for your continued partnership in this important work.

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