What Others Are Saying About WATS
West Africa Theological Seminary is in a strategic position to train leadership for the African continent. My personal time on the WATS campus in 2002 convinced me that they are poised to produce needed leaders for this crucial part of the world. We are pleased that Southern Evangelical Seminary is able to be partners in supporting this important endeavor.
Norman L. Geisler, PhD
President
Southern Evangelical Seminary
It has been a great joy to see the rapid development of West Africa Theological Seminary . . . to a place of leadership in theological education in that part of the world. I know that your vision originally was to provide Biblical and theological education for leaders in the independent church movement in Africa, but the school has now become a center for advanced theological study for a broad spectrum of the church in Africa. Its potential to influence the future planting of churches and the maturing of congregations already in existence can hardly be overstated.
You have achieved a remarkable balance between African faculty and visiting scholar-saints from the West. My own experience of teaching there has been fulfilling in seeing the eager reception of trust on the part of students and at the same time has been an important part of my keeping perspective on the church in the world.
I am especially impressed with the inclusion of spiritual formation as an integral part of the curriculum. Schools modeled after Western institutions easily fall into the trap of educating minds but not hearts. I found the students to be eager learners in the way of the heart, and personal counseling with students confirmed that the need for such an emphasis is critical.
It is my judgment that one of the most strategic investments the American church can make in Africa is in schools like WATS. The ministry of one teacher investing in the spiritual and intellectual development of leaders in the African church will see that ministry multiplied many times.
I commend you for your vision and faith in leading this venture, and I plead with God’s people to make sure the financial support is provided to ensure its continued ministry.
Timothy M. Warner, PhD
Ambassador at Large
Freedom in Christ Ministries
While some urge that something be done about the "leadership crisis" in developing nations, I am heartened by the deliberate and steady response to this urgent need evident at West Africa Theological Seminary. The seminary helps its participants develop "well furnished hearts" through rigorous academics, serious character formation and practical field ministerial integration. An African-led institution, WATS hosts an international faculty team of pan-African professors and practitioners, as well a complementing team of seminary professors from across the world. I know that when I invest weeks-at-a-time to this institution, Africa reaps multiplied years of laborers for its harvest fields."
Russell W. West, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Leadership Education
Asbury Seminary, Co-Author of "A Well Furnished Heart"
I am writing on behalf of West Africa Theological Seminary in Lagos, Nigeria. As the current Chairman of Friends of WATS, which is incorporated in the USA as an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organization that exists to promote leadership, I have seen first hand the development in Africa through the ministry of WATS.
I have been associated with Dr. Maxey for many years and also with the work at the seminary. I have personally made two trips to WATS in the past two years to teach at the seminary. I am scheduled for another trip in August of this year. I have gained much knowledge of how the seminary operates through these trips and have made many acquaintances with the professors and the students.
WATS is doing a remarkable job of educating hundreds of students each year in a setting that is designed for success in both spiritual and academic pursuits. WATS promotes a sense of community between the staff and students, especially through their mentoring relationships. The seminary concentrates a great deal of energy upon building Christian character and spiritual maturity in their students. The mentoring relationships provide each student a place for spiritual accountability and development. The staff and students also attend many chapel services each week.
Academic excellence is a strong priority within the studies offered at WATS. Resident Professors and invited Adjunct Professors are expected to be highly educated and competent in their respective fields of study. Their qualifications provide many advantages in educating the students more deeply in their Evangelical Christian ministries.
The student’s growth is geared towards a wholistic approach offered at the seminary to build them up spiritually, socially, academically, and in their ministry responsibilities. The practical application of their studies in the various ministries offered at the seminary allows for extended outreaches. Several of the students are from neighboring countries in Africa. Their education enables them to reach back into their own native lands and produces many opportunities to reach Africa at large. WATS is a premier seminary that is producing and preparing well educated students to evangelize Africa and the utmost parts of the world.
William Sillings, DMin
Chairman
Friends of WATS
With over 23,000 men, women, and children receiving Christ as their savior every day, the biggest need in Africa right
now is for the training of leaders. International Christian Ministries has been busy serving the Church by equipping
leaders since 1977. Our desire has been to find creative solutions to the overwhelming task of leadership training
throughout the continent. One of our challenges has been to find traditional theological institutions willing to partner
and develop non-traditional models to meet the growing need. There are many training institutions that offer theological
education, but few who do so in a dynamic, innovative way. West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS) represents a new breed
of theological institution born out of adversity, in the midst of need, but with a keen eye on the victory that is in Jesus!
West Africa Theological Seminary is committed to innovation without sacrifice of quality. The goal for WATS is not
graduates, but transformed leaders, equipped to transform a continent. They are uniquely positioned in Lagos, Nigeria
to impact the continent of Africa. Lagos is a magnet for leaders who want to make a difference. WATS is at the center
of the magnet, using their creative programs and committed faculty to transform the good leaders into excellent leaders.
I know of few institutions that have been able to move from the traditional role of theological education to theological innovation
as has WATS. They are without a doubt a leader in bringing quality, innovative, and relevant theological education to a continent
destined to lead the world in fulfilling the Great Commission. It is our joy and honor to partner with them in the great adventure.
Phillip R. Walker, PhD
President
International Christian Ministries
It is my distinct pleasure to provide this unqualified letter of support for the West Africa Theological Seminary. I am writing as the Senior Pastor of Hollywood Presbyterian church and base this letter on first-hand observations I have seen in while on the seminary campus and from my personal relationship with Dr. Gary Maxey, the seminary’s Provost.
First, WATS fulfills an incredible need for strong theological education in Africa. It significantly accomplishes this in a populous center of the world, where the church is experiencing incredible growth and revival. The kind of sound theological education WATS provides is essential to the emerging church in Africa.
During the two weeks I was privileged to visit WATS, I was deeply impressed by the ministry and effectiveness of the seminary. Significant was the overwhelming commitment to raise up well-trained and theologically aware leadership within the African context, the dedication of the faculty, and the eagerness of the student body.
In summary, I strongly recommend the West Africa Theological Seminary to you, without reservation. I believe that there is no greater need in the world today than to equip leaders in the burgeoning church of Africa.
Alan J. Meenan, PhD
Senior Pastor
West Africa Theological Seminary is strategically located in what will soon be the third largest city on earth. WATS has the potential, the programs, and the Wesleyan orientation necessary to make a profound impact on the ministry and on the Church in many nations on the African continent. I was impressed by the quality of students I saw there. They are serious, they work on a truly graduate level, and they are spiritual. Thank God for the vision and the organization which are making this powerful instrument in God’s hands possible.
Frank H. Thompson, PhD
Professor Emeritus, Philosophy and Religion
Greenville College
The West Africa Theological Seminary is exercising a strategic ministry in a strategic place at a strategic time. There is a critical need for solid Biblical training and personal leadership development not only in West Africa, but throughout the world. I praise God for what He is doing through WATS to equip and encourage people for the ministry and in the ministry.
Dr. David L. Olford
President
Olford Ministries International