John R. Allen, co-owner and Funeral Director at Allen Funeral Home in Morristown, has successfully achieved certification in Advanced Christian Studies. This certification comes through a collaborative program offered by both Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., and the Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas.
The program, which spans one year, is open to both clergy and laity, aiming to deepen theological understanding within the Methodist tradition. The curriculum covers six core areas, including Methodist identity, history, and doctrine; the divinity of Christ; Christian ethics; eschatology; the Psalms; and the role of women in the historic Christian church. Each area of concentration lasts between eight to twelve weeks and features lectures from esteemed Christian scholars across the United States.
Allen, a Certified Lay Minister in the Methodist Church, has committed over a decade to formal theological education alongside his professional career. He embarked on his advanced Christian studies in 2012 and obtained a Master’s Degree in Ministerial Studies in 2018 from Southwestern College.
Commitment to Ministry and Community
In addition to his studies, Allen has been actively involved in teaching within the Certified Lay Minister program since 2014. He has also held the position of District Director of Lay Servant Ministries in the Holston Annual Conference for several years.
His dedication extends beyond education; Allen continues to serve the Morristown community through his work at Allen Funeral Home. He views funeral service as a calling, emphasizing compassion, presence, and pastoral care in his approach.
Allen’s pursuit of ongoing theological education underscores a long-standing commitment to lifelong learning. His efforts reflect not only a personal journey but also a dedication to faithful service within both the church and the wider community.
