While our mission remains "To Prepare Professionals for Ministry," Wesley College is also a great place to take the basics, presented in an environment that puts Jesus Christ first. Classes begin with prayer, and students attend two chapel services each week. Throughout each semester, opportunities are presented for students to participate in outside ministry, and even mission trips. Students who elect to participate in summer travel and missions opportunities do everything from working as camp counselors at church camps around the southeast, to teaching English to elementary students in Japan.

Wesley College offers four year degree programs in Pastoral Ministry, Christian Education, Missions, Christian Counseling, and a two year general education program. While not all colleges and universities accept Bible College credits, Pastoral Ministry graduates from the 2007 class have already been accepted into graduate level programs at Memphis Theological, Asbury Theological, and Wesley Biblical Seminary, and recent graduates of the Christian Counseling program have been accepted into Belhaven College, and Mississippi College graduate schools. Wesley College graduates have even gone on to graduate school at institutions as prestigious as Yale. Students with two year general education degrees generally experience widespread acceptance. Feel free to contact our academic affairs department with any questions or concerns.

We think that you will find out that Wesley College is Right for you!

History of Wesley College
1944-1972 • Texas
In 1944 the Congregational Methodist Church founded "Dallas Bible School" with Otho Jennings named the first Superintendent. In August of the same year, W.E. Bruce was tabbed to replace Jennings, and would hold the position until 1953.

In 1953 the Congregational Methodist Church acquired Westminster College in Tehuacana, Texas, from the Methodist Protestant Church, and relocated the school there, adopting the name.

In 1972, property was acquired in Florence Mississippi and the college was relocated to newly constructed facilities. In 1976 the name was changed from Westminster College to Wesley College, which it maintains today.

1972-Present • Florence, Mississippi
With the election of a Wesley College graduate as President of general conference of the Congregational Methodist Church in 2002, there has been renewed interest in moving the college forward. In 2004, Lance Sherer was hired as president of the college and began to rapidly move Wesley toward an institution-wide shared vision of providing services to men and women within the framework of a Christ-centered educational program. This vision sees Wesley as a growing institution offering a Christian education that is relevant in all areas of life.

Wesley specializes in preparing students for ministerial work, seminary studies, graduate studies, and core courses in a Christian environment that are widely accepted at other institutions for transfer. Students often take their core courses to other colleges and universities where they complete their degrees in fields not offered at Wesley, and Wesley students have gone on to receive graduate educations at Universities as prestigious as Yale.

Accreditation
Wesley College is accredited by:
The Association for Biblical Higher Education
5575 S. Semoran Blvd., Suite 26
Orlando, Florida 32822-1781
(407) 207-0808

The Association for Biblical Higher Education is recognized as a national accrediting agency by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), the successor of the Council on Postsecondary Education (COPA), and subsequently the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation (CORPA).

ABHE is also listed by the United States Department of Education as a recognized agency for biblical higher education. This recognition extends as well to ABHE's candidate institutions. The Association's member institutions are recognized by the Department of Justice, the Veteran's Administration, and other relevant federal agencies in the United States. There is no federal department for education in Canada.

Finally, ABHE is recognized by the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education, the theological education affiliate of the World Evangelical Alliance. The Council is a global community sponsored by eight continental/regional associations of theological schools.

Our Beliefs
We believe and teach the basic, fundamental doctrines of the historic Christian Faith within the framework of traditional Methodism, in an ecumenical environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Bible College Education--Is it really worth the time and money?
Because of the condition of the world in which we live, the need for a Biblical world-view is greater than ever.

For those wishing to enter a lifetime of ministry, the need for a Bible college education is extremely urgent. Graduates leave Wesley College with a solid understanding of the Bible, theology, and career principles that will equip them for the ministry that God has for them.

For those wishing to enter the secular work-place as a Christian, Wesley College offers a two year General Education Certificate. This is designed to equip the student to be a strong layperson in society. Biblical and theological knowledge will equip the student for a lifetime of lay ministry.

What is the mission of the college?
The mission of Wesley College is to prepare students to fulfill the Great Commission by providing a Christ-centered, biblically based, Wesleyan-oriented education in an intimate Bible college setting.

What kind of lifestyle standards does the college require?
Every student is expected to use conduct appropriate for a respected member of a Christian society while carefully maintaining their spiritual life, church attendance, and Christian service.

Where do students live?
Wesley College has two dormitories for students' housing. Two rooms share one bathroom. The women's and men's dormitories each have a in-house dormitory resident assistant to assist the Vice President for Student Affairs in management and devotional activities.

Married student housing is available 0.5 mile from the college.

What career resources are available to students?
For students who are eligible for financial aid, there is a variety of work-study opportunities available on campus. Since the college is located in the metro-Jackson area, endless job opportunities are available in the area as well.

Where do students attend church?
In the metro-Jackson area, a full variety of churches are available to Wesley College students. The student body comes from over 15 denominational backgrounds including the Congregational Methodist Church, United Methodist Church, Association of Independent Methodists, Methodist Protestant Church, the Church of the Nazarene, Southern Baptist Church, Missionary Baptist Church, and a variety of independent churches.

What discipleship opportunities are available?
Various discipleship groups on campus meet throughout the week as well as bi-weekly devotion times in the dormitories.

Who can students talk to in times of distress?
The Vice President for Student Affairs, Campus Pastor, and the Campus Counselor are available for emotional and spiritual support. In addition, many people find that the Bible college atmosphere fosters close friendships for personal support.

Is the college accredited?
Wesley College is accredited by the Association of Biblical Higher Education (Member of the council for Higher Education Accreditation) and by the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation. See our accreditation page for additional information.