Asbury Seminary co-hosted the Asbury Project with Asbury University, Nov. 10-11. With keynote guest speakers, panel discussions and a student business plan competition, the Asbury Project drew a record attendance, with more than 250 registered guests. 

Keynote speakers included Dwight Gibson, The Exploration Group; Chris Horst, Hope International; Lonnie Riley, Meridzo Center Ministries; and John Withers, Life Coach.

“The Asbury Project encourages seminary students to consider how entrepreneurial solutions can address social needs in our society,” Dr. Moon, Director of the Office of Faith, Work and Economics, said. “Our hope is that pastors will understand how Christians can offer their work in the marketplace as a gift to God for the flourishing of society. As a result, we envision pastors that affirm and encourage their congregations to live out their missional calling in their daily jobs so that Christianity is not simply a ‘leisure time activity,’ but a transformed lifestyle that reveals God’s kingdom in their workplaces.” 

Seventeen attendees submitted business plans as part of the Student Business Plan Competition. Each business plan needed to solve a social problem, make a profit, and inspire innovative transformation in the world.

The competition awarded a total of $10,000 in prizes–$3,000 for one grand prize winner, $2,000 for two first-place winners and $1,500 for two second-place winners. The students use their winnings to launch their businesses. They also have several opportunities to be mentored by Asbury Seminary/Asbury University faculty and local business people.

The following students placed in this year’s Student Business Plan Competition:

  • Grand Prize, Asbury University: DigiBooks–Josh Moon ’17 
  • First Prize, Asbury University: First Step Recycling—Austing Blevins ‘19
  • Second Place, Asbury University: My ID—Emmaly Gillis ‘18, Ted Amstutz, Stephanie Beltran, Amber Lewis ‘17 and Jonathan Wilson ‘16
  • First Place, Asbury Theological Seminary: Sow Green, Sow Good—Milton and Synolve Craft
  • Second Place, Asbury Theological Seminary: Gracie’s Place, Deb Adams
  • Audience Choice, Asbury University: First Step Recycling, Austin Blevins ‘19

 Read Asbury University’s press release about the event and be sure to check out the photo gallery below.

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