MISSION & PURPOSE
The Mission of Western Theological Seminary
By God’s grace, Western Theological Seminary forms women and men for faithful Christian ministry and participation in the Triune God’s ongoing redemptive work in the world.
Average Class Size
Student to Faculty Ratio
Degree Programs
Denominations Served
“Regardless of where God has called you, you will be ready to go”
The Commons Online
News, stories, and resources from the WTS community to the Church.
From the Commons
DO WE STILL NEED SEMINARY?
In the age of Google, where seemingly endless content is at our fingertips, why is formal theological education still important?
WHY SEMINARY?
The Commons Online
WHO WE ARE
MEET THE FACULTY
WTS faculty are always available to guide and support students as they pursue their education. As importantly, our professors are deeply involved in congregational ministry and several offer the unique perspectives of having served as pastors.
The Church of Refugia Doctor of Ministry cohort recently spent ten days in Oahu, HI, participating in their final intensive as a cohort, which launched in 2022. Led by Drs. Ron and Deb Rienstra, this cohort invites faith leaders to engage in deep theological reflection and practice, exploring how to identify and cultivate refugia—sanctuaries of renewal and hope.
Throughout their ten-day experience in Hawaii, the cohort engaged with key partners, including First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu at Ko‘olau, A Rocha USA, and BioLogos. The D.Min. students presented their doctoral projects at First Presbyterian Church, delved into the rich history and land of the region, and shared meaningful time in community.
Congratulations to Dr. Wesley Hill (@wesleyhill1), Associate Professor of New Testament, on the release of his new book, “Easter: The Season of the Resurrection of Jesus.” In this book, Dr. Hill explores the history and significance of Easter for the church and for our own spiritual formation.
Registration is open for the fourth annual Doxology gathering hosted by the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination (@eugenepetersoncenter).
Doxology is a gathering where we humbly fix our attention and hope on God. It continues to be a gathering for participants to renew a shared vision and practice caring for their congregations, living lives of prayer, and embodying an unhurried and unbusy life.
➡️ To learn more or register today, visit the link in our bio!
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” Colossians 3:15
Sara Billups, D.Min. ’24, reflects on her experience in the Sacred Art of Writing cohort in today’s blog post.
“My time at Western marked a season of moving closer to Jesus than I had before and to find refuge under his wing.”
➡️ Read the full story by visiting the link in our bio.
Are you interested in learning more about our Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program?
Join us for an online Q&A about the program on February 6, April 3, or June 3 from 7:30-8:30 PM EST. Dr. Chuck DeGroat and Dr. Elizabeth Pennock will be available to answer any questions about the program or application process.
➡️ Register today by visiting the link in our bio.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve enjoyed having two Doctor of Ministry cohorts on campus! The Holy Presence and Spiritual Formation and Relational Neuroscience cohorts both participated in seminars and large group sessions and enjoyed time in community.
A second Spiritual Formation and Relational Neuroscience Doctor of Ministry cohort is accepting applications through March 1, 2025. Learn more about the program by visiting sfrn.westernsem.edu (link in bio).
Western Theological Seminary will continue to remain closed through Wednesday, January 22nd, due to inclement weather. Students should consult Canvas for any course-specific updates.
“Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Today, we honor the life and impact of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Western Theological Seminary is closed today, January 20th, as we recognize and commemorate MLK Day.
In “The Miracle of Leftovers,” Kelly Key, D.Min. ‘24, tells an artful story about the beauty of simple wonders, offering a glimpse into the writing journey of a Sacred Art of Writing Doctor of Ministry student.
➡️ Read the story by visiting the link in our bio.
Dr. Travis West, Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament, offers a chapel meditation on how to walk with God from Micah 6:6-8. Join us every Friday at 11:20 AM EST for our Friday chapel services, either in person or online at wtsem.info/live.
For Doug Basler, D.Min. ’24, reading literature serves as an invitation to explore and learn about the art of pastoring, particularly through the example of Eugene Peterson’s vision for the pastoral life.
“If being a pastor is learning how to be a human amongst other humans with Jesus, reading literature has helped me remember what it is to be human.”
Read the full story by visiting the link in our bio.