Thrive

Voices

Andrew McFarland

December 6, 2023

Grafted in Wilmore Andy McFarland, his wife, and their three small children came to Asbury Seminary in 2005 for one reason – he needed an M.Div. to complete his ordination requirements. “I had no plans […]


David Neel

December 5, 2023

Is an M.Div. Worth it? David Neel was born in Wilmore, KY, when his dad was studying at Asbury Seminary. As a young child, he sang, “Jesus loves you” to his babysitters and considered this […]


JR Marasigan

November 20, 2023

The Wind of the Holy Spirit JR Marasigan and his mother ran a business in their home. His father would tell them, “Let’s have a Bible study with anybody who knows the Lord.” Busy with […]


Zach Meerkreebs

November 16, 2023

Uber-Religious Aspirations Zach Meerkreebs, whose sermon began the unexpected Asbury University Outpouring, did not grow up in a Christian home. In fact, he grew up in a Jewish home in Colorado and was Bar Mitzvahed […]


Dr. Wilmer Estrada Carrasquillo

November 6, 2023

A Child of Pentecostal Pastors Dr. Wilmer Estrada Carrasquillo, a child of Pentecostal pastors, was raised on the island of Puerto Rico. At youth camp at age 14, he heard the words, “God is calling […]


Jenifer Jones

October 4, 2023

11 Countries in 11 Months “I can’t remember a time not knowing Jesus,” says Jenifer Jones, who grew up in a Christian home. When she was 10 years old, missionaries visited her church. “They said […]


David Khual

October 3, 2023

Called to Study Theology David Khual grew up in Myanmar as a third generation Christian, going to church and Sunday school weekly. Yet being in ministry never crossed his mind, as no one in his […]


Ellen Miller

September 22, 2023

Ministering at The Salvation Army Ellen Miller’s father was a United Methodist pastor, and her mother was a school teacher. Ellen always wanted to teach and went to school to be a music educator. Yet […]


Bishop Mark Webb

August 31, 2023

From 7th grade onward, Bishop Mark Webb grew up in a United Methodist Church that he describes as “an amazing place for young people,” especially those aspiring to ministry. A Pennsylvania native, Bishop Webb attended […]


Rev. Dr. Shane Stanford

August 28, 2023

Pastoral Hardships “Discipleship is critical to the future of the church,” says Rev. Dr. Shane Stanford. Having served as a pastor and church planter for over thirty years, he knows this deeply. Shane’s life and […]