President: Dr. Colleen Derr

Ministerial and Professional Background

Dr. Colleen Derr serves as President of Wesley Seminary and Associate Professor of Christian Ministry and Congregational Formation.  Dr. Derr teaches courses in congregational formation, transformational teaching, spiritual formation, as well as children, youth, and family ministry.

President Derr is an ordained minister in The Wesleyan Church and served previously at The Wesleyan Church's denominational headquarters as Director of Children’s Ministry. Dr. Derr been involved in local church Christian education for over 30 years and has taught in public and private schools. 

Dr. Derr's most recent publication, Renewing Communication: Spirit-Shaped Approaches for Children, Youth, and Families was published by IVP Academic in 2020. Other publications include her dissertation, “John Wesley and the Faith Formation of Children: Insights for the Church”, published by Emmett Press; a children’s catechism program, Building Faith Kids, and a preteen discipleship tool, Explore.  In addition, she developed a host of training materials for local church ministry leaders and has provided training and consultation for local churches across the country.

President Derr earned a BS in Christian Education from United Wesleyan College, a Master in Ministry from Indiana Wesleyan University, and her doctorate in Christian Education from Regent University, Spring 2013. Colleen is married to Wayne and together they have four children and at present count four grandchildren.

Testimony

“I was privileged to be raised in a Christian home, immersed in the love of God and worship of Him from birth.  Mine is a testimony of protection and providence.  I can see the hand of God on my life through the lives of people who cared for me, invested in my spiritual development, and lived examples of holiness before me.  My passion for ministry to children is a result of godly women who understood the spiritual potential of a little girl and shared with me incredible stories of God’s grace. Because of their investment in my life, I had the opportunity to ask Jesus into my heart at the age of five and through their tutelage “grew in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and man”.  When I look back at these many years of fully committed service to Him, I am amazed at the work the Lord has done in my life and the opportunities He has provided.  My life has been an incredible journey of growth in Christ; I can’t wait to see what else He has in store!” 

Ordination

The Wesleyan Church, 2005, Indiana Central

Education

B.S., Christian Education, United Wesleyan College
State teaching Licensure, Coursework, M.Ed., Ashland University
M.A., Ministry, Indiana Wesleyan University.
Ed.D in Christian Education Leadership, Regent University, “John Wesley and the Faith Formation of Children: Insights for The Church”