News

Visit to Lydia Patterson Institute spurs memories and hope for Bishop Scholar

A group of people from the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church recently traveled to the Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Texas.  Among them were Southwestern student and LPI graduate Raquel Resendiz, as well as Insitute for Discipleship executive director Steve Wilke. The Lydia Patterson Institute serves many students from across the border in Mexico, often from poor families. "LPI is truly transformation in action," said Wilke. "Individual students who have the desire and determination to move themselves and their families out of poverty and into the middle class are given the opportunity.…continue reading →

Bishop Wilke leads Bible studies at SPARK Conference

January 8-13, 2016, the annual SPARK Youth Ministry Conference in Dallas was held at Kessler Park United Methodist Church. Youth workers attended seminars, received training, applied to Southwestern College's Master of Arts in Specialized Ministries' youth ministry emphasis, and more. Bishop Richard Wilke was in attendance doing what he does best: leading the daily Bible study. Bishop Wilke led studies on Sabbath, Food & Foreigners, and Outsiders -- three topics that are all relevant to those who come in contact with youth on a daily basis. He also participated in a "Real World Conversations" where he discussed "How…continue reading →

Institute for Discipleship awarded $500K Lilly Endowment grant

Grant helps fund new Wesleyan summer leadership summit Winfield, Kan., Jan. 11, 2016 — The Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship at Southwestern College has received a grant of more than a half million dollars to establish an annual youth leadership summit. The $506,403 grant is part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s High School Youth Theology Institutes initiative, which seeks to encourage young people to explore theological traditions, ask questions about the moral dimensions of contemporary issues, and examine how their faith calls them to lives of service. The grant will fund a full-time…continue reading →