A few days ago, I returned from a remarkable two-week trip to West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS) in Lagos, Nigeria. I went at the invitation of Dr. Gary Maxey, the seminary’s founder and longtime faculty member. It was one of the most meaningful ministry experiences I’ve ever had—an opportunity to teach, consult, and learn alongside passionate Christian leaders serving on the frontlines of gospel ministry in one of the most dynamic and challenging regions in the world.
A Seminary with a Global Vision
WATS was founded in 1989 by Dr. Maxey, an American missionary who saw the urgent need for formal theological education in a rapidly growing African church. Today, WATS is one of the largest and most influential evangelical seminaries on the continent. Its theological orientation is Wesleyan-Arminian, emphasizing scriptural holiness, discipleship, and mission.
WATS now serves as a central hub for theological education for the Global Methodist Church (GMC) in West Africa. As GMC Bishop Scott Jones has said, “WATS is the jewel of African Wesleyan theological education.”
The seminary attracts students from across denominational lines—Methodist, Anglican, Pentecostal, Salvation Army, and more—making it a vibrant, Spirit-filled community of believers united by their passion to know God deeply and serve Him faithfully.
Teaching Systematic Theology
My primary assignment during the trip was to teach Systematic Theology I to graduate students working toward ordination in the Global Methodist Church and other denominations. The course met for forty hours over eight days—five hours of class each day—and covered major theological topics such as:
- Religious epistemology and theological method
- The doctrine of God and the Trinity
- The doctrine of sin (hamartiology)
- The person of Christ (Christology)
- The nature of humanity (anthropology)
The students came from all over Nigeria and represented a range of Christian traditions—Global Methodist, Pentecostal, Anglican, and Salvation Army. Their enthusiasm for theological learning was contagious. Many shared that the class helped them clarify key doctrines and correct common misunderstandings prevalent in the Nigerian church.
One memorable moment came when we discussed the aseity of God—the truth that God exists entirely independently and self-sufficiently. This teaching challenged some of the assumptions of the “Word of Faith” movement, which claims that human words or faith acts can compel God to act. As we walked through Scripture together, students expressed how liberating it was to rediscover that God’s freedom, love, and power are not contingent on human performance. It was theology that led to worship. (click here to see their research paper assignment to get a taste!)
Consulting with WATS Leadership
In addition to teaching, I had the privilege of consulting with Dr. Maxey and the seminary’s administration on several important institutional matters. We discussed issues such as curriculum review, admissions processes, student evaluation and assessment, institutional effectiveness, and social media marketing.
The seminary leadership was eager to strengthen its academic and operational systems in ways that remain faithful to its Wesleyan identity and mission. Out of those discussions came an invitation for me to continue consulting with WATS on strategies for reinforcing its Wesleyan-Arminian ethos—through faculty development, curriculum design, and theological mentorship.
This was an unexpected but deeply meaningful development. It represents an ongoing opportunity for Wellspring Church to help strengthen one of the most important centers of Wesleyan theological education in the world.
Life on Campus and Beyond
The atmosphere on campus was electric. During the second week of my stay, WATS hosted an Expository Preaching Conference that drew more than a thousand pastors and church leaders from across Nigeria. Worship spilled out of the chapel into the courtyard, and you could sense the joy and hunger for God everywhere.
On Sunday, I had the honor of preaching at the Global Methodist Church congregation that meets right on the WATS campus. The service was full of vibrant worship—drums, dancing, and heartfelt praise. It was one of those rare moments where heaven felt very near.
I also met other visiting professors, including Dr. Mark Smith, former president of Indiana Wesleyan University, Ohio Christian University, and Columbia International University. Our conversations were rich, and it was encouraging to see the level of excellence and collaboration that WATS cultivates.
Sofia’s Experience
Sofia came with me on this trip, and it was a joy to share the experience with her. She attended several of my classes, spent time with students, and made friends with local families. The Nigerian hospitality was overwhelming—in the best possible way.
On our one free Saturday, we visited Queen Victoria Island and the Lekki Conservation Centre, home to one of Africa’s longest canopy bridges. It was a fun and beautiful way to experience a different side of Lagos.
Why WATS Matters
Nigeria is one of the most persecuted nations in the world today. In many northern regions, Christians face daily threats, violence, and social marginalization for their faith. And yet, the church continues to grow—boldly, joyfully, and resiliently.
WATS is right at the center of this story. It’s training pastors, evangelists, and church planters who are leading gospel movements under difficult conditions. Supporting WATS means strengthening the theological and spiritual foundation of the church in one of the most strategic and contested regions for the gospel today.
Rethinking Mission Strategy
This trip also challenged me to think about Wellspring Church’s approach to international missions. Historically, we’ve been deeply involved in meeting human needs—feeding the hungry, caring for children, building schools, and supporting medical and humanitarian initiatives. That work is vital and reflects the compassion of Christ.
But during my time at WATS, I was reminded that the Great Commission calls us to do more than meet physical needs—it calls us to make disciples. That means investing in leadership training, church planting, and evangelism among unreached people groups.
In the coming months, I hope Wellspring can explore ways to bring greater balance to our global mission strategy—continuing our compassionate outreach while also supporting ministries like WATS that train indigenous leaders to advance the gospel in their own contexts.
Writing and Renewal
While in Lagos, I also used my evenings to continue work on my forthcoming book with Seedbed Publishing, The End of All Things: The Essentials of Christian Eschatology. I was able to conduct additional research, complete the full draft of the chapter on the return of Christ, and begin the draft on bodily resurrection and final judgment.
Being surrounded by believers whose hope in Christ’s return is so real and vibrant gave my writing fresh energy. It was a deeply meaningful time of scholarly focus and spiritual renewal.
A Word of Thanks
I want to thank our Wellspring Board and congregation for your support and encouragement in allowing me to take this trip. It was not only a time of fruitful ministry but also one of personal renewal and fresh vision for what God is calling our church to.
Most importantly, thanks to Stacey and Aunt Sharon for always doing whatever it takes to advance the Kingdom!
I came home with a broader sense of what God is doing around the world—and a deeper conviction that Wellspring’s calling is bigger than what happens within our walls. God is using His people everywhere to build His kingdom, and I’m excited for how we can continue to join Him in that work.
