August 25, 2025
WBS sees evidence of a growing movement of Scriptural holiness in record enrollment numbers
Wesley Biblical Seminary is celebrating another semester of record enrollment. This Fall, 634 students are enrolled in degree or pastoral ministry programs. An additional 48 auditors bring the total to 682 participants. Leaders see the hand of God at work in a much larger movement that is fueling this numeric growth.
“We praise God for the opportunity to serve these students,” said President Andy Miller III. “They are answering a calling to become trusted leaders. They will preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and spread Scriptural holiness. Moreover, each of them represents a faithful church. Not only are we teaching hundreds of students, we are impacting thousands of church members. Ultimately, untold lives will be touched by the communities that these churches will transform.”
The new enrollments continue a five-year streak of growth for the seminary at a time when many schools are shrinking.
- Headcount is up 12% from this time last year and up 26% from Spring of 2024
- Credit hours of 2,796 have increased 7% since last year and 45% from two years ago
- FTEs (full-time equivalents) are now 319, a gain of 86% since the Fall of 2023.
The seminary has seen growth across most of its programs:
- The largest portion of enrollment comes from our GMC Course of Study, an alternative educational pathway that prepares candidates for ordination in the Global Methodist Church. COS has 444 students, up from a previous high of 374 last fall.
- Masters-level programs are next with 158 students. These include an increasing number of Master of Divinity Students, our most comprehensive program. 82 students are enrolled in the MDiv, up from a previous high of 66.
- Our Doctoral and Bachelor of Ministry programs round out the numbers with 12 and 20 students, respectively
- Not included are scores of students in our Wesley Institute program for lay people, which is still enrolling for this semester
“Most seminaries are seeing fewer MDiv enrollments as graduate-level students gravitate toward shorter degree programs,” noted President Miller, “but WBS is reversing that trend. Much of this growth is due to students who initially enroll in Course of Study and like what they are learning so much that they transfer their credits into the MDiv. That’s a great testament to the quality of learning our faculty provides.”
As enrollment grows, WBS is making additional investments in the success of our students. “We’ve added several academic coaches and teaching assistants to our team,” says Academic Dean Chris Lohrstorfer. “We are ensuring that even as classes grow, every student continues to get the attention and support they need to thrive.”
This year’s class continues to include a broad array of students.
- 15 nations and 36 U.S. states are represented
- Ages range from 18 to 81with an average age of 39
- Women make up 29% and men 71%
- Of students choosing to identify their race/ethnicity, 3% are Asian, 10% Black or African American, 4% Hispanic, and 83% white
“We believe the diversity and size of our student body reflect our moment in history,” says Miller. “Across the U.S. and around the world, people are seeking a seminary that is committed to the inerrancy of Scripture. Whether they are part of the Methodist tradition or brand new to Wesleyan theology, they are excited by the optimistic, grace-fueled, life-transforming message they discover at WBS. The old message of Spirit-filled Scriptural holiness is making a comeback. It’s a perfect storm for us—we are Wesley Biblical, and we’re living in a time when biblical Wesleyanism is surging forward.”
“We especially want to thank our generous donors,” President Miller adds. “The support they provide through scholarships and support for our annual budget ensures that our classes remain affordable, which fuels enrollment.”
Learn more about the programs available at WBS, how to apply, and opportunities to donate by visiting http://wbs.edu.