WILMORE, Ky., June 26, 2025—Asbury Theological Seminary announces the full and independent launch of Seedbed, Inc., marking a significant milestone in the maturation of a visionary initiative that was birthed within the Seminary more than a decade ago. This moment celebrates a commissioning, a graduation of sorts, for Seedbed to thrive as a fully independent 501(c)(3) ministry that remains missionally connected and theologically aligned with Asbury Seminary.

Seedbed was established on January 6, 2012, as a strategic initiative of Asbury Theological Seminary to ‘sow for a great awakening.’ From the beginning, Seedbed has worked to gather, connect, and resource the people of God with Wesleyan-rooted resources for spiritual renewal. In 2021, Seedbed became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asbury Seminary. Now, after a period of discernment, planning, and shared affirmation by the Boards of both institutions, Seedbed has been launched to pursue its mission with full legal and operational independence.

Dr. David Watson, President-elect of Asbury Theological Seminary, remarked, “Asbury Seminary is incredibly grateful for the profound success of Seedbed in resourcing scriptural holiness and awakening across the global church. I am confident this spin-off will promote the well-being of both organizations as we continue to co-labor for the cause of the gospel in our day.”

Seedbed Founder and Sower-in-Chief, J.D. Walt, added, “We will be forever grateful to our forever parent, Asbury Theological Seminary, for their steadfast care of our mission—which will forever be bonded to their mission—and their generous faith to send us forth.”

The launch of Seedbed follows a unanimous vote by the Seminary’s Board of Trustees in May 2025, affirming that Seedbed is now equipped to flourish independently while maintaining a deeply held missional alignment. A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines the enduring relationship between the two organizations, including shared theological commitments, mutual collaboration on events and publishing, and regular engagement between leadership.

Just as Asbury College once launched Asbury Seminary in 1923 to pursue its distinct mission, so now Asbury Seminary launches Seedbed into a new season of Kingdom impact. Together, both ministries look forward to continuing their call to spread scriptural holiness throughout the world—faithfully, creatively, and in unity.

For more information, please contact:
Asbury Seminary Communications Office
communications.office@asburyseminary.edu
Phone: (859) 858-3581