Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan

Have you heard about Emmanuel's Certificates of Graduate Studies?

These certificates are of phenomenal value to current church leaders, small group and youth leaders, Sunday school teachers, and many more investing in the life of the church body!

If you are curious about Seminary, want to increase in theological understanding, but not ready to commit to a whole program, earning a certificate is a great place to start.

Learn more, contact admissions, or apply at https://milligan.edu/academics/programs/emmanuel-certificates/

Meet Dr. Wayne Emery ('66, MDiv '73)! 👋

Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Wayne Emery (’66, MDiv ’73) first journeyed to Milligan in the fall of 1962 after encouragement from his parents, pastors, and friends to pursue a liberal arts education rooted in faith.

Although he had never visited campus before arriving, the 2,000-mile trip would ultimately lead him to the place he would call home for more than 16 years. Wayne came to Milligan to study Bible, beginning a lifelong calling to ministry in the churches of East Tennessee and beyond.

Wayne graduated from Milligan in 1966 with a degree in Bible. He later earned a Master of Divinity degree from Emmanuel in 1973 and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Vanderbilt University in 1986. 🎓📚

Over the course of a 60-year ministry career, Wayne served congregations across Tennessee and Texas. This past March, he retired following 27 years as pastor of East Unaka Christian Church in Johnson City, Tennessee. Previous ministries included 16 years at Central Holston Christian Church in Bristol, Tennessee, and 10 years at University Christian Church in Plano, Texas. In addition to his years in pastoral ministry, Wayne also served Milligan for eight years as Director of Alumni Relations.

Wayne was married to Marla (Malotte ’69) Emery for 22 years, and together they share two daughters, Tanya and Annika, along with five grandchildren. In 2014, he married Vickie Estep, who passed away in April 2025.

Today, Wayne resides in Unicoi, Tennessee, where he continues to stay connected to family, friends, and the Milligan community. He also travels to Texas regularly for medical treatment and to spend time with his daughters and grandchildren.

Reflecting on his journey, Wayne’s story is one of faithful service, deep roots in the Milligan community, and a lifelong commitment to ministry. ✝️

Register today for the 2026 MRC Fall Retreat!

This wonderful event is made possible by the generosity of the Lilly Endowment and the dedication of the Ministry Resource Center at Milligan University! Open to ministers in all seasons of life, this retreat has a special emphasis on encouraging those in their first five years of ministry.

Come join a community of ministers at beautiful Lake Junaluska for a time of fellowship, rest, and worship!

Register today at https://milligan.edu/life/faith-service/ministry-resource-center/mrc-events/fall-retreat-registration/

Registration for the 2026 MRC Fall Retreat is NOW OPEN!

The deadline to register is August 1, 2026, but sign up soon to secure your spot before we fill up! From the Lake Junaluska map to details about this year's theme, our brand-new event page houses everything Fall Retreat related.

Visit us online to learn more and register today at: https://milligan.edu/life/faith-service/ministry-resource-center/mrc-events/fall-retreat-registration/?gf_protect_submission=1

It is good to gather together again with our Appalachian Ministry Partners (AMPs)!

Central Christian Church in Jonesborough hosted the Center for Appalachian Ministry's (CAM) latest meeting on Monday, providing a warm welcome to all! Already, our second AMP group is becoming familiar with each other, and it is wonderful to see the shared smiles and hear the meaningful conversations that come out of these quarterly meetings!

We look forward to our continuing work with each of these small Christian churches, and anticipate more meetings as we partner for the good of Appalachian communities!

A special thank you to Central Christian for your excellent hospitality!

It is our pleasure to announce the Ministry Resource Center Fall Retreat dates are September 24 -26, 2026!

Once again, the MRC community will be gathering at beautiful Lake Junaluska for a time of fellowship, rest, and renewal. This retreat is for pastors and ministry leaders in all stages of life to join community together, as well as support ministers in their first five years of ministry.

We are excited to continue this special tradition with our minister network, and will be sharing more updates about the theme, webpage, speaker, and more soon! Start spreading the word and follow us for the latest updates!

Meet ministry fellow Priviledge Yesaya!

Priviledge's kindness can be felt from across the room! An international student at Emmanuel Christian Seminary, Priviledge's unique ministry fellowship splits his fellowship hours between First Christian Church, Erwin and the Unicoi County Care and Share.

When Priviledge witnessed Unicoi County Care and Share ministering to Unicoi's needs, expressing God's love to all people, he immediately felt lead to help! Based on the generosity of churches and individuals, Unicoi County Care and Share meets the needs of low-income individuals by giving away clothing, books, food, and more. Priviledge's warm smile often welcomes guests in and makes them feel at home as he helps meet their needs!

Thank you, FCC Erwin and Unicoi County Care and Share, for your faithful ministry in Unicoi and for investing in Priviledge!

In 2023, Daniel Gerlach left his home in the Pacific Northwest with his wife Tessa to begin studying at Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan. Over the next three years, Daniel earned a robust Biblical education and underwent formation that will last a lifetime:

Between classes and studying, you could frequently find Daniel engaged in hallway conversations, because he is the type of person who never misses an opportunity to encourage a friend. He also regularly played piano for the Emmanuel worship services, and last semester he preached for us in chapel!

In his second year at Emmanuel, Daniel began a paid Ministry Fellowship with Crossroads Christian Church, leading the Re:Generation recovery ministry and developing his ministry leadership. Crossroads welcomed Daniel and Tessa into their congregation, not just as workers, but as friends, where they were prayed over, cared for, and surrounded by this loving church family!

Just before graduation, the preachers and elders at Crossroads gathered around Daniel and ordained him with support from the congregation! Today, Daniel and Tessa are embarking on a new adventure at West Seattle Christian Church in Seattle, WA, where Daniel will be working as the Worship and Youth Associate Pastor!

At Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan, we offer more than theological education: come discover a life full of friendship, meaning, faith, and love, and embrace what God is calling you into next with confidence and support!

Reminder: Nominations for Milligan Alumni Awards close May 31!

Do you know a Milligan or Emmanuel graduate whose life and work reflect the mission and values of Milligan? We would love to celebrate them.

This year, we will also recognize Leaders in Christian Service from our community during the Celebrate Milligan Dinner at Homecoming 2026 on Friday, October 23.

Submit a nomination and learn more at milligan.edu/alumni/.

Congratulations, Tim!

Tim Bond successfully presented his Doctor of Ministry (DMin) project just before graduation. On Saturday, he joined the rest of the Emmanuel Christian Seminary graduates in the Seeger Chapel, and we wanted to take a special moment to recognize him now!

Way to go! We are so proud of your accomplishment, Tim!

Progress continues at the Center for Appalachian Ministry (CAM)!

Our first group of Appalachian Ministry Partners gathered at Unicoi Christian Church this week for a reflection on the practice and tradition of communion in the Christian Church. Lance Hanbey, lead pastor of Unicoi CC, shared exciting updates about the ongoing construction project funded by the CAM mini-grant!

Every quarter, our Appalachian Ministry Partners invest a few hours towards meeting together, sharing ideas and stories, and collaborating to spread the Gospel across the Appalachian Highlands!