For every generation of Christ-followers, the way of Jesus

continues to open up before us--it is the JOURNEY of a lifetime!

Journey is an important part of Western Theological Seminary, providing churches and ministry professionals with theological, practical, and educational resources through:

      * Learning Communities
      * Conferences and workshops
      * Resources                                         *Journey Overseas
      * Lectures
      * Partnerships for collaborative learning

At Journey, we believe transformational learning occurs when people learn together with a group of peers, over a period of time, within the context of ministry.

In the summer of 2002, Western set in motion the development of a “center for the continuing education of the church,” as it has been called until now.  The vision was to expand the seminary’s continuing education efforts to include not only ministry professionals, but the whole people of God.

In 2002, Dr. George Hunsberger was named Dean of the new center, and Judy Bos joined George to provide the necessary office support to enable the work of the center to go smoothly.  In addition to developing new forms of continuing education, he established a program of peer group learning for focused pastoral learning, funded through the Lilly Endowment, today called Sustaining Pastoral Excellence “Journey Groups”.

The financial grant from the Lilly Endowment, together with funds contributed to the Campaign for Western fund drive, and creative partnering with RCA denominational agencies, have enabled the Center to lead and facilitate a range of learning opportunities for the church.

To make tangible the partnership between the seminary and the General Synod of the RCA, Vicky Menning was added to the staff in the summer of 2003.  That same year, Cynthia Holder-Rich was called by the seminary to the position of Associate Professor of Continuing Theological Education, and Carol Ann Bailey filled a second associate position in order to oversee the administration of the SPE Journey Groups.  Pablo Canche was added to plan continual learning events for Hispanic pastors.  Upon accepting more responsibilities with the RCA, Vicky Menning’s transition led to Keith Derrick joining the staff in 2007, and the retirement of Judy Bos led to the hiring of Lee Ann Sotok in 2008.  During this time, the energy and imagination of the team led to the unveiling of the center’s new name, Journey!  This name now reflects the image of the journey to which God beckons and calls us as God’s people, traveling and learning together as people on the Way.

The 2009 program year at WTS resulted once again in several staff changes at Journey.  George Hunsberger, Pablo Canche, and Cynthia Holder-Rich made transitions out of Journey.  Currently the staff includes Keith Derrick as Director, Carol Ann Bailey as Continuing Education Associate, and Lee Ann Sotok as Administrative Assistant.

Journey, as a center for the continuing education of the church, through Western Theological Seminary, continues to plan creative ways to cultivate a culture of learning within the church.  Endowments, grants, partnership events, and other continuing education efforts all attempt to develop learning communities to deepen the church’s growth in discipleship and mission.  Join the Journey!

Rev. Keith Derrick
Director of Journey
616-392-8555 x169
keith.derrick@westernsem.edu

Ms. Carol Ann Bailey
Continuing Education Associate - Journey and Journey Groups
616-392-8555 x167
carolann.bailey@westernsem.edu