In 2008, IWU administrators and the board of trustees endorsed the concept of the seminary and set aside funding for the potential program.

On April 3, 2009 the board of trustees unanimously approved the proposal after the seminary was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The first cohort began in June, when students traveled to Atlanta to learn about the foundations of urban, rural, and suburban leadership from nationally acclaimed pastors and Christian leaders.

[citation needed] In June 2016, Wesley Seminary Vice President Wayne Schmidt accepted the position of General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Church.

[6] Wesley Seminary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.