InDepth – Reimagining Theological Education

In the coming weeks InDepth will be providing some updates on our efforts to continue to be creative in how we approach theological education and discipleship. As an organization dedicated to following Jesus in a thoughtful manner, we remain open to various ways to engage in our mission. Stay tuned as we move forward together!...Read More

I was recently invited to write an article for the Global Advocate, a publication of the Churches of God, General Conference. In that article I explore various aspects of Winebrenner’s organizational culture: You can access the full issue of the Global Advocate by clicking here.Read More

You previously met Adam in August, as our new Coordinator of Development. He is currently moving into a new role as the Coordinator of New Student Engagement. In addition to his work at Winebrenner, Adam brings with him a diverse background in non-profit, ministry, education, and mental health experience. He is from Findlay and attended...Read More

In previous eras, organizations would spend significant time developing a “strategic plan” that would establish the main areas of focus for the next five to ten years. That approach seemed to work much better when there was a bit more predictability in terms of organization life. While it’s worth considering if life was ever as...Read More

Like many organizations, Winebrenner Seminary is constantly organizing and re-organizing around mission and strategy. I was speaking with a colleague recently when she used the phrase “form follows function” as another way to illustrate this concept – the form of our organizations should be decided upon after we determine its function. Winebrenner Seminary exists to...Read More

A very simple way to define discipleship is to become more like Jesus in every aspect of our lives (Dallas Willard’s work provides a great resource for working through a definition like this). Over the past few weeks on InDepth we’ve explored how discipleship benefits most from: a rhythm of invitation and challenge a deeper...Read More

As noted previously, discipleship is a cornerstone of Kingdom culture. Last week we explored the rhythm of invitation and challenge found in healthy organizations focused on discipleship. This week we are exploring another aspect of discipleship – activation of the gifts given to us by Jesus. Paul writes in Ephesians 4:11-13 “So Christ himself gave the...Read More

Healthy organizational practices emerge from healthy organizational cultures. This idea was introduced on InDepth in a previous post titled Shifting Focus: From Operational to Cultural Priorities. The first cornerstone of kingdom culture that was explored was Winebrenner’s deep commitment to stewardship (you can read the first post in that series by clicking here). As we...Read More

One of the ways in which we think about our work at Winebrenner Seminary is to consider those for whom we are creating value. Previously on InDepth I’ve identified the three main groups we engage most frequently – students, collaborative partners, and givers (you can read that full post by clicking here). The number of...Read More

Winebrenner Seminary continues to grow in awareness and understanding of the implications of shifting to a $300/month tuition. As we make preparations for our 2023-2028 strategic planning cycle, we are comprehensively revising our financial policies. Effective with the Fall 2023 trimester we are: Requiring that a student submit automatic payment/withdraw approval; Establishing $300/month as the...Read More

Have you ever stopped to wonder why Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November? (this is for those in the United States; our Canadian neighbors to the north celebrate on the second Monday of October). The obvious reason is that we follow our calendars! Others may know the history and refer to actions...Read More

Winebrenner Seminary is privileged to work alongside multiple organizations focused on serving within God’s kingdom. Currently, Dr. Kathryn Helleman, Director of Winebrenner’s Doctor of Ministry program and Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, is in Sagana, Kenya, and is teaching Theology I to just under a dozen students. Pastor Nancy Boyer is accompanying Dr. Helleman. I...Read More

As Maria sings in “The Sound of Music,” let’s start at the very beginning: All things belong to God. Our task is to steward – or manage – what we have in a way that gives honor to God. These dual beliefs (all things belong to God and our task is to steward them well)...Read More

I received a phone call last week from a pastor that I’ve known for over 35 years.  We first met when he arrived to serve as the pastor of the church I attended when I was 10 years old.  For five of my most formative years he was present in our church and community.  And,...Read More

One way to think about the role Winebrenner Seminary plays is to ask What problem exists in the life of a student that Winebrenner solves? (you can read more about answering this question by clicking here). In many cases, Winebrenner adds value by contributing to ministry knowledge. As we wrap up this series on InDepth, it’s...Read More

The Book of Proverbs yields a wealth of wisdom. One verse, in particular, guides much of my belief surrounding Winebrenner Theological Seminary’s efforts to affordably offer an accessible and quality graduate education – Proverbs 22:7 (NIV) states, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Winebrenner’s offering of a...Read More

The fall trimester is under way at Winebrenner! In the coming weeks we’ll have updates about fall enrollment (spoiler alert…this is another fall of record enrollment!), our continued commitment to low fixed costs and financial stewardship, and the various ways in which we continue to serve a diversity of students. Check back next week to...Read More

This week we are continuing with an update about a recent graduate. Winebrenner Theological Seminary exists to equip leaders for service in God’s kingdom. For the first 70 years of Winebrenner’s existence that meant that most students were either looking for education to further their development as a local church pastor or pursuing a degree...Read More

On Saturday, July 30, 2022, Winebrenner Theological Seminary held its annual Commencement. This year, twenty students graduated, including six from the MA in Clinical Counseling, two with a Master of Divinity, and twelve with the MA in Practical Theology. One attender called the ceremony “warm and friendly.” Since it marked the first major group to...Read More

The Old Testament character of Abraham is key to three major world religions – Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Within Christianity, we see many places that Abraham is noted for his faith – specifically, Hebrews 11 shares many actions which Abraham completed “by faith.” Going further, Paul writes that he is a wonderful example of faithfulness...Read More