Community Engagement Institute
Located on Wesley Theological Seminary’s main campus in the heart of Washington, DC, the Community Engagement Institute leverages its unique position at the crossroads of power and marginalized voices to prepare leaders for transformative ministry in both church and society.
We equip seminary students to address urgent social justice issues, build meaningful partnerships, and design innovative ministries that engage secular and faith leaders alike. By fostering collaboration with churches, nonprofits, and community stakeholders, our students learn to implement impactful initiatives that embody God’s call to justice and healing.
At the Community Engagement Institute, the church “turns itself inside-out,” becoming a prophetic force in the public square where faith meets policy and public life. Our programs include Community Engagement Specialists, Heal the Sick Certificate Program, travel seminars and other experiential learning opportunities.
Our Vision
A transformed church and world where all people are cherished and flourish.
Our Mission
To equip leaders who are theologically grounded, contextually nimble, and prophetically engaged in church and society.
Our Sphere of Influence
We stand at a unique junction:
- At the foot of Capitol Hill, connecting with Washington’s power brokers shaping policy.
- In communities where the church actively lives out God’s reign through social ministry entrepreneurship.
- Within a dynamic space where teaching, learning, and transformative action come together to renew both church and society.
Join us to become a leader who bridges faith, social entrepreneurship, and justice, transforming communities and advancing God’s beloved community.
Community Engagement Specialization
Wesley Theological Seminary’s Community Engagement Institute (CEI) Specialist program prepares master’s students to become visionary leaders who engage both church and society with theological insight and practical action. Situated in Washington, DC, the program leverages the Seminary’s unique location to provide hands-on opportunities addressing urgent social and ecclesial challenges.
CEI Specialists are shaped to be theologically grounded, contextually nimble, prophetically engaged, and equipped to foster robust public witness and make the church a vital force for justice and renewal. Students combine rigorous academic study with transformative fieldwork, developing skills to innovate, integrate, and lead ministries that effectively respond to complex issues, promote an empowered citizenry, and foster communal flourishing.
Through a self-designed community engagement project, students gain real-world experience supported by the Institute’s extensive network of churches and nonprofits. Alongside their coursework, Specialists participate in weekly seminars for theological reflection and peer learning, strengthening their identity as bridge builders and agents of God’s reign.
Typically designed for full-time MDiv students, the program also welcomes MA and MTS candidates committed to social ministry leadership and transformative community engagement.
Degree candidates in the CEI Specialist program:
- engage in innovative learning in the classroom while participating in transforming communities on the ground by innovating, integrating and initiating effective ministries.
- are developed to be theologically grounded, contextually nimble, and prophetically engaged in the church and world
- learn and practice how to best engage in urban ministry, robust public witness, and missional work in ways that make the church a force to contend with in the public square.
- live what they have learned in their communities as they develop vital ministries and engage in theological reflection
Foundational Courses
Community Engagement Specialists choose one of three specializations: Urban Ministry, Missional Church, or Public Theology. Each offers focused coursework and practical training:
CEI Urban Ministry Specialization (17 credits):
- CEI Specialists seminar (3 credits)
- Foundations of Urban Ministry I (3 credits)
- Foundations of Urban Ministry II (2 credits)
- Pastoral Care in Context (3 credits)
- Approved electives (3 credits)
- Capstone course (2 credits)
CEI Missional Church Specialization (16 credits):
- CEI Specialists seminar (3 credits)
- Leadership or Mission of the Church course (2 credits)
- Pastoral Care in Context (3 credits)
- Approved electives (6 credits)
- Capstone course (2 credits)
Heal the Sick Program
Advancing Whole Person Health and Well-Being
The Heal the Sick program empowers faith communities and their leaders to develop vibrant health ministries that connect congregations with hospitals, community organizations, public health agencies, and healthcare providers.
Our mission is to equip leaders to promote holistic health and well-being for individuals, communities, and congregations—especially those who are underserved. The program focuses on fostering health ministries within faith communities, offering educational resources, building and supporting networks, and encouraging collaboration with local partners.
Operating at the intersection of faith and health, Heal the Sick supports faith communities by fostering health ministries, offering educational programs, building networks, and collaborating with community partners. Key offerings include a 22-hour online Health Minister Certificate, graduate courses, and resources to address health concerns and advocate for better care. The program also partners with faith-based groups, public health organizations, and hospitals to conduct research on health ministry impacts.
Key Program Outcomes:
- Equip leaders as collaborators and critical thinkers
- Support congregational health ministries
- Catalyze and sustain networks among churches and community partners
- Facilitate collaboration to serve the common good
