An integral part of academic life at Messiah University, the E. Morris and D. Leone Sider Institute for Anabaptist, Pietist and Wesleyan Studies promotes the exploration and interpretation of Anabaptism, Pietism, and Wesleyanism. These theological traditions shape the “personality” of the Brethren in Christ Church, the founding denomination of Messiah University, and inform the University's educational mission.

The Sider Institute is named in honor of Messiah University history professor emeritus, E. Morris Sider, and his wife, Leone. It is located in Boyer Hall on Messiah's campus.

Sider Institute staff regularly teach undergraduate classes for the university and conduct research on the history, theology, and culture of the Anabaptist, Pietist, Wesleyan traditions and the Brethren in Christ Church. The Institute interprets and presents these traditions to the campus community and general public via conferences, lectures, exhibits, and other events.

The Sider Institute's yearly activities include a study conference for Brethren in Christ pastors and laypeople, the Schrag Lectures on Anabaptism, and the Wittlinger Chapel Series. The Institute also supports a student scholars program and two grant programs for established scholars. The Institute collaborates with the Brethren in Christ Historical Library and Archives and Archives of Messiah University, and with the Peace and Conflict Studies program.