Nora Cameron is a lay leader at Christ Episcopal Church, Washington, D.C. She earned a Master of Theological Studies in 2002.
As former members of the board of governors, Nora Cameron and Steve Hopkins have shared generously their time, talents and treasure with Wesley Theological Seminary for decades.
Cameron says: I feel called to do what I can to help others and to get involved in things that will make the world better. I seek to live out the adage, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel, and, if necessary, use words.'
When I was a board member and a student, the spiritual formation that happened on campus shaped me. At Wesley, you grow in community. It's the perfect example of how we want to live our lives in the larger community.
Hopkins says: I believe in the seminary's mission both for what it does for others and what it's done for me.
Wesley helped me see the world through different eyes. It gave me perspectives I never would have had otherwise – and not only the perspectives of the administrators and fellow board members. When I audited courses, particularly, I could begin see the world through the eyes of soon-to-be-pastors. They were about to be launched into ministry – to help and guide people from birth to death. They have such awesome challenges and responsibilities.
One of the most commendable aspects of Wesley is its ability to evolve with the changing needs of the world without sacrificing educational excellence.
Pastors today face different challenges than a generation or two ago-- more demands on their time, new knowledge and skills needed to equip their congregations to go out into the world.
Wesley has kept the excellence of its education while modernizing its delivery methods –including establishing the Lewis Center for Church Leadership and the Institute for Community Engagement.
Wesley Theological Seminary website, Washington, DC
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Ministerial Education Fund is at the heart of preparing people for making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The 13 United Methodist seminaries help students to discover their calling through the challenging curriculum. The fund enables the church to increase financial support for recruiting and educating ordained and diaconal ministers and to equip annual conferences to meet increased demands. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Ministerial Education Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
