So... What is Wesley?
Wesley is a campus ministry at the University of Georgia who's mission is to enable students to encounter God and become disciples of Jesus Christ.
The main way that we pursue this mission is through our two weekly services, Wesley and Freshley, and our one-on-one discipleship program. Beyond these two things, we seek to serve our students and our Athens community in many different ways including mission trips, retreats, small groups, leadership opportunities and outreach initiatives. Wesley also hosts a 10 month internship program for recent college graduates and upperclassmen students. These full time ministry interns spend an entire year deepening their faith in God and helping to facilitate the many facets of our ministry.
The main way that we pursue this mission is through our two weekly services, Wesley and Freshley, and our one-on-one discipleship program. Beyond these two things, we seek to serve our students and our Athens community in many different ways including mission trips, retreats, small groups, leadership opportunities and outreach initiatives. Wesley also hosts a 10 month internship program for recent college graduates and upperclassmen students. These full time ministry interns spend an entire year deepening their faith in God and helping to facilitate the many facets of our ministry.
Who can come to Wesley?
Our services are open to everyone, but our first priority as a ministry is to serve the college students that live in the Athens area. This includes students from The University of Georgia as well as UNG Oconee, Athens Tech, and more! If you are between the ages of 18-22 and live in the Athens area, then Wesley is for you and we would love to be your community during your college years.
What is the difference between Wesley and Freshley?
WESLEY - The Wednesday night Wesley service is our largest service since it is open to all students. This environment primarily includes worship and teaching followed by an optional small group time. Despite the size, you will see our staff making every effort to personally interact with each visitor. Our goal is to give every student the opportunity to connect with God and for them to feel welcomed and known.
FRESHLEY - The first year of college can be overwhelming, so we have a service specifically for Freshman called Freshley. Freshley meets on Monday nights and consists of worship and a short teaching. We emphasize building community specifically through small groups which are led by two older students. We have found that Freshley not only produces lasting friendships but also provides an easy transition into the greater Wesley body.
What Can I Expect at a Typical Service?
ANNOUNCEMENTS - Each of our services begin with announcements. These are meant to inform everyone of the key happenings in and around Wesley. Also during this time, we have an opportunity for our students to give. As our guest, please know there is no expectation for you to participate in the offering.
WORSHIP SET - During a typical night, we will sing about three songs . Some will be fast-paced, high energy songs while others will be much slower, reflective songs. In everything, our desire is to create an atmosphere where God enjoys what we are doing, and we get to enjoy who He is and what He is doing for us.
MESSAGE - Our normal teaching time at a Wesley service is about thirty minutes, and our primary teacher is the director of Wesley, Bob Beckwith. At Freshley, the normal teaching time is about fifteen minutes, and the primary teacher is Daniel Simmons. We usually teach by using a series of messages centered around a specific topic, and you can find all of our previous messages on this website under the Media tab. Our goal is to share a relevant message that both centers on and reflects the character of Jesus.
MINISTRY TIME - After the teaching at a Wesley service, we have an extended time for more worship & an opportunity for prayer. We do this because we believe that God loves us so much He is willing to help us respond to what we have heard & learned. At this point, you are welcome to stay & sing, receive prayer from a staff person, or exit the room. At a Freshley service, ministry time ends after one song and students are dismissed to their small groups.
SMALL GROUPS - After the first song of Ministry Time those who are involved in small groups will be dismissed to join their groups. To learn more about small groups, stop by the Welcome Center at any of our services.
WORSHIP SET - During a typical night, we will sing about three songs . Some will be fast-paced, high energy songs while others will be much slower, reflective songs. In everything, our desire is to create an atmosphere where God enjoys what we are doing, and we get to enjoy who He is and what He is doing for us.
MESSAGE - Our normal teaching time at a Wesley service is about thirty minutes, and our primary teacher is the director of Wesley, Bob Beckwith. At Freshley, the normal teaching time is about fifteen minutes, and the primary teacher is Daniel Simmons. We usually teach by using a series of messages centered around a specific topic, and you can find all of our previous messages on this website under the Media tab. Our goal is to share a relevant message that both centers on and reflects the character of Jesus.
MINISTRY TIME - After the teaching at a Wesley service, we have an extended time for more worship & an opportunity for prayer. We do this because we believe that God loves us so much He is willing to help us respond to what we have heard & learned. At this point, you are welcome to stay & sing, receive prayer from a staff person, or exit the room. At a Freshley service, ministry time ends after one song and students are dismissed to their small groups.
SMALL GROUPS - After the first song of Ministry Time those who are involved in small groups will be dismissed to join their groups. To learn more about small groups, stop by the Welcome Center at any of our services.
Where can I park?
Great question! You are welcome to park at the Wesley building for a service, but it often fills up quickly. Lucky for us, there are some great parking lots near our building that you can park at as well. This map shows some of our students favorite places to park!
Auxiliary Services Building - Parking is free after 6:00 PM
South Deck - Pay per hour until 11:00 PM
Fanning Building - Parking is free after 6:00 PM
Hoke Smith Building - Parking is free after 5:00 PM
Auxiliary Services Building - Parking is free after 6:00 PM
South Deck - Pay per hour until 11:00 PM
Fanning Building - Parking is free after 6:00 PM
Hoke Smith Building - Parking is free after 5:00 PM
