This change is, in many ways, the culmination of a multi-year process of Seedbed’s growth and development. Supported and nurtured first as a department of ATS, then as a “wholly-owned subsidiary,” this spin-off is an acknowledgement by both Seedbed and ATS that while fully aligned in mission and vision, the two organizations serve unique roles in the Kingdom of God and each will flourish better with its own operational freedom. 

Yes. Seedbed remains missionally connected to Asbury Theological Seminary’s pan-Wesleyan vision and to our mission to “gather, connect, and resource the people of God to sow for a great awakening.” We believe this is the Lord’s vision, and we continue to work diligently in the power of the Holy Spirit to see God’s purposes for Seedbed fulfilled.

Everything from Wake-Up Call, to books and studies, to New Room events, to courses will continue with the same fidelity and integrity it always has.

Seedbed has been and will continue to be governed by its Board of Directors, who have entrusted day-to-day leadership of the organization to President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Ivan Filby. J. D. Walt serves as Founder and Sower-in-Chief.

When Seedbed transitioned to a wholly-owned subsidiary of ATS in July of 2021, it also became an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry and established its own Board of Directors, with a percentage of those board members having a direct connection to ATS (serving as past or present ATS board members themselves). At this time, no restructuring of the board or leadership is planned or required as a result of Seedbed’s spin-off.

The IRS has recognized Seedbed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry since 2021. Seedbed’s spin-off does not change this IRS designation. As such, future gifts and recurring donations will not be impacted. The Sower Nation can give to Seedbed in precisely the same ways they give now, and Seedbed will continue to provide tax receipts for donations. You can join our Seed Team by giving here.

This spin-off is a governance and legal change, not a missional one. Seedbed’s mission remains unchanged and is bolstered by the generous gifts you’ve given in the past, all of which have been planted deep in awakening soil.

Seedbed and ATS remain missionally aligned. Seedbed’s New Room Conference will remain a vital gathering point for ATS alumni, and ATS faculty will still author content for Seedbed. The Seminary’s new president, Dr. David Watson, has submitted a manuscript co-authored by ATS faculty member Dr. Kevin Watson, and Seedbed will publish this in the coming year.

Not at all. Both Seedbed and Asbury Theological Seminary remain committed to working primarily with the pan-Wesleyan denominations and movements, and the networks surrounding both organizations continue to grow.

Not at all. There has been no conflict or legal reason for the spin-off. Instead, both Asbury Theological Seminary and the Seedbed Boards and leadership have sensed that this move will help both organizations flourish in their respective God-given missions.

No. The accounts of Seedbed and Asbury Theological Seminary are both externally audited and show a clean bill of health.