Seminary of the Future

Now the lead pastor of Valley Creek Church, a thriving multi-site church in North Texas, John looks back at his seminary years as a pivotal season of growth. He entered Denver Seminary as a young man, full of passion but uncertain of his next steps. What he found was a community that equipped him with the biblical foundation, leadership principles, and spiritual depth he needed to step boldly into his calling.

“The professors, the administration, the students—they all played a role in shaping me,” he says. “Denver Seminary didn’t just give me a theological education; it taught me what healthy, kingdom-minded ministry looks like.”

Today, John leads a church that is deeply committed to raising up disciples and advancing God’s kingdom. Through Valley Creek Church, he has dedicated his life to developing Jesus-focused, Spirit-filled, life-giving leaders—something he believes the world needs now more than ever.

“Leaders change the world,” John says. “And that’s what Denver Seminary is all about—raising up the next generation of hope carriers who have a deep understanding of the Bible, a strong relationship with God, and a passion for seeing His kingdom come.”

John’s journey is a testament to the lasting impact of Denver Seminary. But he knows that none of it would have been possible without those who support its mission.

“To those who give, thank you,” he says. “You could invest your resources anywhere, but you’ve chosen to pour into the kingdom of God. Because of your generosity, leaders are being trained, ministries are being launched, and lives are being changed.”

“When I am feeling empty and worn out,” says Lydia, “I have to get on my knees, and I say, Lord, fill me up again; I need your renewal.”

The Church must be regenerated and live out the faith so we may grow in witness and have a story to tell, affirms Rev. Neshangwe. This perspective of a deep personal faith, rooted in Scripture, along with a view of charitable orthodoxy affirmed at Denver Seminary, is a stance Lydia embraces as a global Church leader.

After graduating from Denver Seminary, Lydia returned to Zimbabwe, where she serves her local church and denomination. Rev. Neshangwe and her husband Paul minister to a culturally diverse congregation. They are also co-country coordinators of Hope’s Promise, a Christian organization offering support to children and families through orphan care, foster care, and adoption. Still, God had even more expansive plans for Lydia.

In 2023, Rev. Neshangwe was elected as the Moderator for the UPCSA, a transnational denomination in South Africa, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zimbabwe. Lydia also serves as the Moderator of the Council for World Mission, representing thirty-two denominations worldwide. In addition, she is the first female president of the All Africa Conference of Churches, which represents over 200 million Christians in Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, and Indigenous churches across Africa.

“Denver Seminary was the perfect place for me to train. It gave me a welcoming community for my family and me. It developed my perspectives and skills, which I now use for my various leadership roles.”

After earning his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Denver Seminary, Dr. Chesnut’s time in pastoral ministry revealed a profound truth: Scripture changes lives— but only if people can understand it. When his congregation adopted an unreached people group in East Asia, he discovered that many ministries struggled to plant churches because there was no Scripture in the local language. This challenge ignited his passion for Bible translation.

As the Bible is translated into more and more languages around the globe, Dr. Chesnut remains hopeful: “We’re witnessing something unprecedented: the global Church ensuring every language will have Scripture.”

Dr. Chesnut’s leadership at Wycliffe Bible Translators is deeply rooted in the education and formation he received at Denver Seminary. His time there not only prepared him for the practical aspects of ministry but also shaped his approach to listening and responding to the needs of the global Church. As he reflects on his calling, he shares:

“Denver Seminary helped me approach ministry holistically, blending Scripture with real-world needs. My time there opened my eyes to the intersection between evangelism, discipleship, and Bible translation, which has been central to my calling at Wycliffe.”

“The theological education I received at Denver Seminary didn’t just prepare me to lead; it equipped me to listen—to the needs of the global Church, to the stories of unreached communities, and to the call of God to make His Word available to all people. This work is not just about translating words; it’s about transforming lives and shaping the future of the Church worldwide. Denver Seminary truly shaped the way I approach ministry and leadership.”