Community & Belonging

MISSION-DRIVEN | FORWARD-THINKING | GLOBALLY ENGAGED

From Compliance to Community

“We learn from differences. We can be mutually transformed as we listen attentively to our very different understandings of the God that we may encounter in and through the biblical text.”

— Curtis Paul DeYoung et al., The Peoples’ Companion to the Bible (Fortress Press, 2010)

At Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, our commitment to community and belonging is central to who we are. We believe that learning is deepened when individuals with different experiences, perspectives, and traditions come together in shared pursuit of theological understanding and faithful leadership.

Wesley DC is a place where thoughtful dialogue, mutual respect, and meaningful engagement shape both the classroom and the broader community. Through intentional programs, conversations, and formation opportunities, we cultivate an environment where students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to contribute fully, grow intellectually and spiritually, and prepare for service in a complex and interconnected world.

Our commitment is lived out in practice—through how we teach, how we learn, and how we engage one another—so that all members of our community are equipped to lead with wisdom, compassion, and integrity.

Our Community in Practice

  • Graduates serve in ministry across all 50 states and in more than 20 countries, leading churches and nonprofit organizations.
  • Racial and ethnic composition reflects the Mid-Atlantic region: 41% White; 37% Black/African American; 5% International; 4% Latinx; 4% Asian; 1% Pacific Islander; 8% Unknown.
  • 60% of students are women.
  • 38 religious denominations are represented within the student body.
  • Discussion-based classes average 6–10 students; introductory lectures average 25–50 students.
  • 80% of 2021 MDiv graduates secured vocational placement; 100% of MA and MTS graduates were employed in vocational roles.

Our Global Classroom

Students from more than 20 countries bring the richness of their cultures, traditions, and experiences of church and society to Wesley’s campus. In turn, Wesley’s reach extends far beyond Washington, DC, as our faculty collaborate with seminaries and ministry partners around the world, teaching and engaging on nearly every continent.

Rooted in the spirit of John Wesley’s words, “the world is my parish,” we embrace a vision of theological education that is both local and global. At Wesley DC, the world is not only where our graduates serve—it is also where we learn.

Concerns and Support

Wesley DC takes concerns related to community, belonging, and fair treatment seriously. All inquiries are handled with care and confidentiality. Please reach out to the appropriate contact below.

Faculty & Staff — Employment & HR Concerns

Candice Robinson

HR Director & Title IX Coordinator

crobinson@wesleyseminary.edu

202.885.8600

Students — Student Community Concerns

Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield, Ph.D.

Dean of Community Life

wsinkfield@wesleyseminary.edu

202.885.8614

Policies & Commitments

Wesley Theological Seminary is committed to maintaining a workplace and learning environment grounded in fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity. Our policies reflect both our legal obligations and our institutional values. For more information, please see our policies related to:

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
  • Title IX and non-discrimination on the basis of sex
  • Accessibility and disability accommodations (ADA / Section 504)