Speaking of BOLD

Bethany BOLD, the Seminary’s service-based program for residential students, is grounded in a Brethren testimony and witness. BOLD (which stands for Build, Organize, Love, and Dare), challenges students to participate in service at local nonprofits, serving vulnerable individuals in the local community, while also encouraging simple living, and challenging students to put their faith and their theological education into action — serving as the hands and feet of Jesus in the neighbors surrounding the Seminary. 

During an event held known as BOLD Voices at the Bethany Center on April 14, 2025, students and faculty reflected on their experiences in the program during the last year. Participants had an opportunity to speak to an audience of faculty, staff, and peers and share how the program had fostered spiritual and intellectual growth.

Conner Ladd, a 2025 MDiv graduate, worked with numerous local organizations during his time at Bethany. At Hope House, he worked with men recovering from substance addiction and abuse, and he served meals at a weekly sit-down meal sponsored by Bridges for Life. He led Bible study and preached at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. 

During the BOLD Voices, Ladd reflected on the importance of simply spending time with, and listening to, individuals at the Bridges for Life meals, which are served every Friday night at the First Presbyterian Church in Richmond.

“Being present with someone is an important part of ministry. A lesson I never fully grasped until I sat down at the table,” recalls Ladd. “The best way, and arguably the only way, to learn what help someone needs is to talk to them. To listen to them. To simply be present. This world is a better place because all of the people I interact with through my volunteer work simply show up. And if I am going to be the servant Christ has called me to be, I need to show up and be present as well.”

Aubrey DeVeny Incorvaia is pursuing a Master of Arts in Social and Spiritual Transformation. She arrived in January 2025, stepping away from a successful career (and spending time at a distance from her family) in order to participate in BOLD. She noted that the processes of reflection, including journaling and discussions with other BOLD students, have been particularly meaningful for her.

“Coming here, was an outpouring of myself at the feet of Jesus. Although other onlookers may emphasize the opportunity cost of this program – I see it as the necessary next step in transformation by the Power of the Holy Spirit,” says Incorvaia.

Joe Buohl, an MDiv student, reflected on the service days that are part of the BOLD program, in addition to their ongoing volunteer placements. This year, they spent a day helping with renovations to a Habitat for Humanity house project in Richmond.

“I remember feeling a “good tired” at the end of the day. It was the tired that one feels after a great workout. You know that you didn’t overdo it but you didn’t fake it ‘til you made it.”

Camille Dubler, who is a Master of Arts in Theopoetics and Writing student, volunteers at an afterschool program at the Townsend Community Center. Dubler reflected what she provides to the elementary school students where she works — beyond the homework help she offers.

“I ask myself, if I were one of these children, what sort of adult would I want to have with me. I try to be that person.”

Omar Gadzhiev, who is pursuing both Master of Arts and Master of Arts in Theopoetics and Writing, has volunteered in many different capacities as a BOLD student. He has prepared meals, helped children with their homework, taught English to recent immigrants, and helped people applying for jobs to write resumes. At the BOLD voices event, he highlighted how service work can be transformative for the person doing the work.

“It is never only about what needs to be done, it is also about the one doing it. I thought that the only thing that existed was a task that needed to be done. But, as I see the incredible leadership around me, I do not see people who are only doing things no one else would, but the people who are doing them in the way that only they could,” says Gadzhiev.

Dr. Maggie Elwell, assistant professor of peace studies and director of the BOLD program, reflected on ways in which the program encourages the sort of transformational education that Bethany seeks to provide.

“These students want to grow, and they are growing, and the joy and pain of that path sometimes is significant. Very few people want real joy or pain, and it is hard to believe that a few of them are here in the room, speaking with vulnerability about that process, showing it to us,” Elwell observes. “There aren’t many circumstances or people that allow for this, but look! here it is, again, as if it becomes less miraculous because it is becoming recognizable. Bethany is a place for student transformation, and our BOLD students are examples of that commitment.”

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