This article was submitted by Rev. Aimee Baxter. and Molly Borneman
Circuit Riders have been an integral part of the Methodist movement from the very beginning. When the UMC first formed in the United States, there were not enough ministers to cover all the churches and communities of faith forming within the movement. The denomination’s solution was to put ministers on a circuit of multiple churches that they traveled to on horseback to bring a pastoral presence to the people and administer the sacrament of communion. This practice of circuit riding mobilized pastors to shepherd the people entrusted to their care as often as possible and is one of the reasons why we celebrate communion once a month in the UMC.
Fast forward to the summer of 2025 and we lived into the spirit of circuit riding at Vandy Wesley! The summer months are always a tricky time in campus ministry because our amazing and talented students spread across the country and overseas for internships and other opportunities. Since they are unable to be in Nashville, we thought why not go to them?
And with that desire, Circuit Rider Summer – a modern take on visiting the people entrusted to your care – was born! We set off on multiple trips to visit with current students, alumni, board members and parents. Through our travels, we witnessed the commissioning of a student as an elder in the UMC. We met and spent the night in the home of parents of a current student. We explored the cities of D.C., Philly, and Dallas with students, their families, and a board member. We saw firsthand an alum’s first steps into their professional life and another in their seminary education. We shared hugs, conversation, and support with each other.
This summer was such a gift to Vandy Wesley as we were able to creatively shepherd our people. We’re also grateful that feeling was mutual with those we visited. As one of them said, “It’s so nice to know that just because you leave Nashville, Nashville doesn’t leave you. You being here helps us know we are important and not forgotten.”
Vandy Wesley is a Methodist-based campus ministry at Vanderbilt University focused on inclusion, service, and belonging. They welcome all people from all backgrounds, encourage open dialogue and critical thinking about their personal faith journeys, gather weekly for dinner and faith discussions, and participate in service opportunities throughout the year. Their hope for this year of ministry is for the students to feel a sense of belonging here and in the local church. Belonging can be the vital difference between a college student feeling lost and alone or truly at home. They strive to create a spiritual community where every student feels seen, valued, and celebrated. If you are interested in following our year or supporting the ministry, please go to vandywesley.org or email at vandywesleyfellowship@gmail.com.
Molly M. Borneman is the Ministry Associate at Vandy Wesley. Rev. Aimee Baxter is the Campus Pastor and also serves as the Pastor of Young Adults at West End United Methodist Church, Vanderbilt Wesley’s partner church assigned by the TWK conference.
English 
Spanish 
Korean