Our Story
Since our organization in September of 1944, the NOLA Wesley Foundation has served the communities of Tulane University, Newcomb College, Loyola University and Uptown New Orleans. We exist to develop and call forth a new generation of Christian leaders. Through weekly worship, Bible study, small groups, service projects, and fellowship activities in and around the New Orleans area, we hope to create a generation of leaders who are challenged by the Gospel of Christ to love and serve both God and neighbor.
Our Beliefs
As a ministry of the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, the NOLA Wesley Foundation shares the basic historical, doctrinal, and biblical beliefs of our denomination, though we have many members who aren’t Methodist and becoming Methodist is not an expectation.
Our Vision
Rooted in God’s unconditional love, we…
Welcome all to the open table where Christ is the host,
Create safe spaces where all can discover their beauty as children of God,
Allow the Spirit to change our lives as we grow together into the body of Christ,
Go out to transform the world into the vision of peace set by the example of Jesus.
Our Commitment to Reconciliation
As a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network, the NOLA Wesley Foundation advocates for the inclusion and affirmation of all LGBTQ+ persons in every aspect of our ministry.We embrace all God’s children as persons of sacred worth regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, culture, tradition, sexual orientation or gender identity.
As an inclusive community of faith, passionate about following Jesus’ example of serving and loving God and others, we will live out our calling by:
- Inviting all persons to join us as we seek, love, grow, and serve together.
- Strengthening our relationship to the community by showing our desire for reconciliation to the people of New Orleans, especially to students on the campuses of Tulane and Loyola universities.
- Advocating for full participation of persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities within the life and leadership of the United Methodist Church.
Our Values
Open Table: We believe in grounding our lives in community, so we start our week centered around the open table that we share at our dinner and worship every Sunday night from 5-6:30 pm.
Safe Space: We believe in creating safe spaces for students with a diversity of spiritual journeys and where no questions are taboo. For this purpose, we have a variety of small group offerings each week which may include book studies, scripture, prayer services, and yoga.
Changed Lives: We accept everyone the way they are, and we also expect that our lives will be changed by Jesus so we challenge each other to grow spiritually.
Transformed World: We believe that God wants to transform the world through us. To this end, we seek ways to be of service and fight for justice in the New Orleans community.