Educating Students the Wesleyan Way By Dr. Jonathon S. Raymond Senior Vice President for Academic Afairs

What do we mean when we say Greenville College educates students "the Wesleyan way"? The Free Methodist founders in 1892 were intentionally committed to a college which would be an expression of Wesleyan thought and practice, and this commitment remains strong 106 years later. It is reflected in our mission, theological assumptions, philosophy of education, and educational outcomes recently recrafted by the faculty, administration, and board of trustees. It is one of the distinctives that make Greenville College a special place. Theologically Wesleyan The theological underpinnings at Greenville emphasize the breadth of God's grace. They underscore a "full" salvation in which God's love reaches out to us in our utmost state of sin and restores us toward Christian maturity in the likeness of Christ. God's grace is inclusive, available to all people. It is therapeutic, going beyond redemption to restoration of wholeness and holiness. Our theology stresses a dynamic faith in God and an orientation to servanthood. Philosophically Wesleyan Truth in the Wesleyan way is based on four realities: Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. The authority of Scripture is primary. It is the reality of God's Word given to the whole world. Scripture is complemented by the history and writings of the church over the past 2000 years (tradition), our God-given capacity to reason, and our personal experiences in Christ. These four realities together provide an integrated understanding of God and the foundation for a Christian liberal arts education. At the core of every student's experience are biblical and theological studies based on Scripture. Every student studies history and civilization to appreciate long-standing traditions. They explore the natural and social/behavioral sciences, and study logic, to refine their capacity for reason. Education in the Wesleyan way integrates faith and learning across the curriculum. Pedagogically Wesleyan Methods of teaching at Greenville are shaped by the Wesleyan perspective. The intentional use of small groups creates intense opportunities for learning within the context of high standards for performance and accountability. These small groups take many forms--classes, Bible study groups, covenant groups, ministry teams, student government committees, athletic teams, and academic study groups. This emphasis on small-group learning is reminiscent of early Wesleyan "class meetings," in which Christian maturity, character, and service were so effectively promoted. In these small groups we talk to and learn from each other more effectively than in the conventional lecturing mode. Scripturally and Prayerfully Wesleyan There is today at Greenville a renewed commitment to Scripture and prayer. Both were viewed by John Wesley as powerful means of grace. Through Scripture and prayer the college community strives to stay in close relationship to Christ and to be guided by the Holy Spirit in working out daily the noble enterprise of Christian higher education. Our college promotes faith by providing an abundance of opportunities to come into God's presence together in worship, in personal devotions, and especially in corporate and individual prayer. We highlight Christ's identity by providing various means of grace through chapel, Bible studies, and the witness of every believer. Finally, we hold out the hope of progress toward Christ's likeness by promoting high standards of holiness. Through all of these means we encourage our students to live, learn, and serve in ways that are like Christ and therefore pleasing to God. This is the Wesleyan way.