I. THE EVANGELICAL WESLEYAN SEMINARY

A BRIEF HISTORY
From its birth in 1967, on Fortaleza Street, as the Pilgrim Bible Institute, until today as the Evangelical Wesleyan Seminary; from its first graduate in 1970, Raimundo Messias Meira, until its most recent in 2001, Elson Sousa, - the Lord has been using the Wesleyan seminary in Manaus, Brazil to train His people to serve in His church.

The seminary is the result of the vision of its founders Paul and Sally Phillippe, and Paul and Lois Downey. The faithful perseverance of these servants as well as those that followed has been blessed by the Lord to make the Evangelical Wesleyan Seminary what it is today and has laid the foundation for its future.

In 1984 the seminary sold its property on Fortaleza Street. While a new location was being sought classes met at our Japim church. An ideal piece of land was finally secured and construction began in 1989. The seminary moved to the new location and met first in what is now the office building of the Amazon District of the Wesleyan Church, before occupying its present facility in 1994.

Since then, the Lord has enabled the seminary to grow with respect to its facilities and its enrollment.

FACILITIES
Present structures include:
1) The Main Building, which has the shape of a cross, is divided into three sections;
   a) an Auditorium which seats 500,
   b) an Educational wing with four large classrooms, and
   c) an Administrative wing, with two offices, library, study hall and
      storage rooms.

2) Dormitory – Completed in October 2001, its eight apartments will permit up to 64 residents

3) District Office

4) Residence – One where the Seminary Administrator and his family lives, the other is occupied by a student and his family

Future expansion includes: a dinning commons and a staff residence

ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Courses of Study Offered
The seminary offers two courses for both resident and non-resident students:

1) Bachelor in Theology: requiring a minimum of four years to complete
2) Associate in Religious Education: requiring a minimum of two years to complete

We offer the total program in two years. In the odd numbered years, we offer all the First Year and Third Year classes. During the even numbered years, we offer all the Second Year and Fourth Year classes. In this way students can begin study at the seminary at the beginning of any semester.

Seminary Curriculum

First Year – First Semester
Theology 1 – Study of the Bible
Introduction of the Old Testament
Principles of Teaching
Personal Evangelism
Introduction to Music

First Year – Second Semester
Theology 2 – The Study of God
Introduction of the New Testament
Pentateuch
History and Discipline of The Wesleyan Church
Principles of Public Speaking

Second Year – First Semester
Theology 3 – The Study of Christ and Salvation
Pauline Epistles
The Christian Home – Sociology
Discipleship
Church History

Second Year – Second Semester
Theology 4 – The Study of Sanctification
Acts
Historical Books of the Bible
Pastoral Counseling
Cults

Third Year – First Semester
Theology 5 – The Study of Christian Ethics and the Church
Minor Prophets
Philosophy (apologetics)
Homiletics
Pastoral Ministry

Third Year – Second Semester
Theology 6 – The Study of the End Times (prophecy)
The Gospels
Christian Education
Worship and Special Programs
Church Growth

Fourth Year – First Semester
Theology 7 – The Study of Contemporary Theologies
Hebrews and the General Epistles
Hermeneutics
Missions
Church Administration

Fourth Year – Second Semester
Theology 8 – The life, ministry and theology of John Wesley
Poetic Literature of the Bible
Expository Preaching
Christian Leadership
Church Planting

Optional Classes: Each semester the Seminary offers optional classes that are intended to meet the needs of local churches. Examples of some of the classes that we have offered are: Leading small groups, Guitar lessons, English, and Helps for the local church worker (bookkeeping, making reports, etc.).

STUDENT BODY
The student body is comprised of Christians from diverse denominations and walks of life. For the most part, students work as well as attend seminary and are active in their local churches. They range in age from the late teens into the 40something and beyond. They are pastors, soldier, maids, nurses, and much more. People called and serving the Lord in many ways and places. People being transformed and better prepared to serve the Lord in this and the next generation. The average enrollment for the past few semesters is 55. In December 2002 we anticipate that we will have four graduates.

COSTS
Non-Resident Student
2002 - 1 class        25.00 reais per month. or 100.00 reais per semester
          4-5 classes 100.00 reais per month or 400.00 reais per semester

2003 - cost per class is anticipated to raise to 35.00 reais.

Resident Student
This program is anticipated to begin in February 2003. As such the cost are still being discussed. Since only full time students will be able to live on campus, tuition will be 140.00 reais, per month, and room and board may be 100.00 per month.

Considering the average wage of our people – it is a real stretch, a real sacrifice, and a real act of faith to study. But they do and God is blessing. We are grateful for the faithful dedication of students and for the generosity of individuals and churches who give financially to the seminary enabling her to offer helpful grants to Wesleyan students.

II. THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION BY EXTENSION

As the Wesleyan church continues to reach into regions further away from Manaus, the vision of the Seminary has expanded so as to care for the theological training of our church people who, because of distance, are hindered from studying at the Seminary.

To meet this growing need a Theological Education by Extension has been developed. This two-year program offers the necessary training for church workers. Although a variety of classes have been taken to some of these distant churches, the program will officially commence in November 2002.

As part of the ministry of the Seminary, certificates will be awarded those who conclude the program. Each course is a combination of independent study and intensive class time with an instructor especially trained for the T.E.E. program. Those enrolled in the T.E.E. program have the opportunity in the future to enroll at the Seminary and receive credit for the course that they have completed.

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