Maralene and Miles Wesner commit to ongoing support for Belmont's Rev. Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership
With an initial gift exceeding $25,000, Maralene and Miles Wesner of Idabel, Oklahoma, are initiating their ongoing support for the Jesus Worldview Initiative of Belmont University’s Rev. Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership.
Their commitment to equal or larger gifts annually will enable the creation and expansion of the web-based Maralene and Miles Wesner Resource Library. The library will offer diverse resources for preaching, teaching, and learning about the defining Christian priority of following Jesus.
The Wesners are prolific authors of 15 books and have consistently emphasized Jesus' life and teachings in the Christian faith. "This passion isn't new to us," said Maralene Wesner, reflecting on the couple's decades-long commitment to countering cultural efforts that downplay Jesus' teachings.
Maralene, a former Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, and Miles, with over 50 years of pastoral experience, have significantly contributed to education, including developing the popular "Hooked on Phonics" methodology. "The church is not charged with making clones, but disciples," said Miles. "That means students," Maralene added.
They view supporting Belmont's Jesus Worldview Initiative as the ideal way to extend their message and ministry into the future. John Pierce, director of Belmont's Jesus Worldview Initiative, praised the Wesners' work: "It is simply amazing to look at the impressive body of work this one collaborative couple has produced over the past half-century. Their contributions are varied but consistent. They call all of us to take Jesus' life and teachings more seriously."
This gift will also support publishing the Wesners' final two books, ensuring their influence continues. Dr. Jon Roebuck, executive director of the Rev. Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership, emphasized, "We are grateful for the ongoing work of the Jesus Worldview Initiative and the Wesner family's generous support. Their gift will provide vital funding as this Initiative continues to build and gain momentum. Proclaiming an authentic Christ-centered worldview is both exciting and challenging. We are grateful for the Wesner’s partnership in this task."
The Jesus Worldview Initiative, which joined Belmont in January 2024, grew from John Pierce's editorial work and a series of retreats, workshops, and published resources. Current writings, information and the upcoming resource library can be accessed at belmont.edu/faith-leadership.