About Us

The Wesley Foundation is a campus ministry of the United Methodist Church

We serve the students and campus of Jacksonville State University

  • Location
    Jacksonville, Alabama

Challenge

Our student ministry seems always to be in flux as the world of young adults continues to change at a rapid pace. Every year we embrace change and try new approaches and strategies. We see ourselves in a missional context of ministry, trying to understand and speak to the “native” culture of millennials.

The core of our ministry at Wesley is the development and mentoring of student leadership. We are constantly seeking to find new ways to move from an “attraction” based model of ministry, where the primary goal is to get students to “come” and “participate,” to a “relational-missional” model of ministry based on student led small groups that are learning to lead, grow, and serve together.

Solution

Student led, relational ministry

In this missional context, we focus our ministry around an intentional relational model of ministry. While the typical student might tend to be apathetic towards organized religious events and organizations, they still have a strong desire to be in relationship. For us, the most effective way to engage students and to share Christ is through intentional relationships. The intentional part of relational ministry is the key. Otherwise it’s too easy for students to just hang out with the the half dozen friends they currently have.
    Goals

    Multiplying our ministry through L3 Teams

    An L3 Team is a relationally orientated small group that is practicing Loving, Learning, and Leading together. They are focused on both learning and fellowship and thus engage in more of a longer process over time. An L3 Tearm is an adaptive team creatively engaging other students. At every point we are engaging students in leadership and allowing opportunities for practical experience in ministry and deeper understanding of a student’s potential vocation and call.