mou-signing_for-webAsbury Theological Seminary renewed its global partnership with Seoul Theological University (STU) on December 8, 2016. The partnership seeks to equip pastors, church planters and leaders through theological education and program collaboration.

 “Christians are a covenant people who believe in the power of relationships,” Dr. Tom Tumblin, Associate Provost for Global Initiatives & Academic Affairs, said. “Therefore, we know that healthy global partnerships must arise out of relationships, not merely signed documents and Memoranda of Understanding. They must be built around a shared vision, and must be a two-way bridge of mutual commitment and sharing. We are honored to continue our strong friendship with President Se-Young Roh and the Seoul Theological University for the sake of the Gospel.”

STU was founded in 1911 as Kyung-sung Bible Institute under the influence of One Mission Society. STU conforms to the tradition and precepts of the Korea Evangelical Holiness Church, as well as the theological and biblical interpretations of the Wesleyan tradition. STU’s robust theological curriculum, along with its Cowman Lecture Series and Wesley Studies Center, reflect their commitment to their spiritual legacy and the mission of God’s grace in the world.

 Collaborations between the two schools will involve the sharing of faculty for courses and scholarly presentations. Plans include a joint course that will allow professors and students from both Asbury Seminary and STU to learn together in a cross-cultural environment. The institutions will seek to provide access to each other’s library archives and anticipate hosting a joint conference. A significant number of Asbury’s Korean Ph.D. students are graduates of STU and numerous Seminary faculty have visited the Bucheon campus.