Asbury Theological Seminary Welcomes New Trustees
Asbury Theological Seminary welcomes alumnae Bishop Linda Adams and Rev. Stephanie M. Raglin to the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees ensures that all Seminary policies and procedures align with the Seminary’s mission to “prepare theologically educated, sanctified, Spirit-filled men and women to evangelize and to spread scriptural holiness throughout the world.”
“We are delighted to welcome these new members to the Board of Trustees,” Dr. Timothy C. Tennent, President of Asbury Seminary, said. “These new members will help to guide the direction of the Seminary as we continue to meet the goals in our 2023 strategic plan. We pray God’s wisdom and blessing on them as they assume this new role and responsibility.”
Bishop Linda Adams is the first woman to serve as the bishop of the Free Methodist Church USA, overseeing nine annual conferences in the northern U.S. In addition, she oversees two provisional general conferences, three annual conferences and eight mission districts in Latin America, collaborating with national leaders and Free Methodist World Missions personnel. She previously served as director of International Child Care Ministries and has pastored churches in Michigan, Illinois and New York. Bishop Adams received both an M.Div. and Doctor of Ministry degree from Asbury Seminary in 1991 and 2000.
“We are so happy to welcome these two alumnae to the Board of Trustees,” Tammy Cessna, Director of Alumni and Church Relations, said. “Linda and Stephanie have been serving the Lord in many contexts for decades and our community will be enriched through their leadership.”
Rev. Stephanie M. Raglin pastors Embry Chapel A.M.E. Church in Elizabethtown, Ky., and has served there since 2015. Prior to that she served as pastor of Craig Chapel A.M.E. Church in Salvisa, Ky., and Shorter Chapel A.M.E. Church in Paris, Ky. She was ordained as itinerant deacon in the 141st session of the Kentucky Annual Conference in 2008, and in 2010 she was ordained an itinerant elder. She has served as the Director of Programs for the Hope Center for Women in the community, the Intensive Outpatient Program for men and women, and the program for men and women in the Fayette County Detention Center. She also currently serves as President of the 13th District Women in Ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and currently serves on the Board of Examiners of the A.M.E. Church, namely the Kentucky Annual Conference and K.A.A.P., as well as the Kentucky Alcohol and Drug Board. She has previously served on the Kentucky Council of Churches and as a board member for the Kentucky Commission on Proprietary Education, Jubilee Jobs, Women Leading Kentucky Organization, Women’s Coalition on Substance Abuse, and the Kentucky Association of Addiction Professionals. She holds a M.A. in Christian Leadership (2010) and M.Div. (2017) from Asbury Seminary and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry from the Seminary.
“After casting a wide net for potential candidates and seeking the Lord’s direction, the search team rejoices in the appointment of these capable and competent pastors to the Board of Trustees,” Karen Thomas, search team chair and Board of Trustee Secretary, said. “Stephanie and Linda bring unique talents and experiences which will aid in securing the global, missional future of Asbury Theological Seminary.”