Forming women and men for ministry
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”
Dr. Felix Theonugraha
President of Western Theological Seminary
UPCOMING EVENTS
AROUND WTS
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.
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Founders` Day Lecture on Tuesday, April 1, at 11:20 AM EST. Rev. Dr. Carol Bechtel will present her final lecture as Professor of Old Testament at Western Theological Seminary before her retirement.
Join us in person or watch via livestream. For more information, visit the link in our bio!
The Nurturing Children with Disabilities initiative is a two-year journey focused on reimagining worship, liturgical practices, and faith expressions with and for children with disabilities.
Hosted by the Center for Disability and Ministry, the program brings together eight congregational teams to explore, learn, and discover new ways to integrate worship with therapeutic horsemanship and outdoor nature school. This initiative is funded by Lilly Endowment’s Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative.
➡️ To learn how you can get involved, visit the link in our bio.
Last week, both in-residence and distance learning students gathered for the Spring Abbey Retreat! Students spent time exploring how to end well and the role that hope plays in endings. Drs. Suzanne McDonald and Winn Collier guided us in reflections on Scripture, and students spent time learning from various workshop leaders.
Wrapping up a wonderful week of Distance Learning Intensives, Spring Abbey Retreat, and the Spring Banquet by worshipping together as a seminary community!
#worship #seminary #community
Western Theological Seminary offers scholarships to help keep seminary education affordable to all.
Submit a scholarship application by Saturday, February 15, to be considered for our premier scholarships. For more information or to apply, visit https://wtsem.info/affordingseminary (link in bio).
In today’s blog post, Nathan Hoff ’24 highlights how the Holy Presence Doctor of Ministry cohort shaped his understanding of caring for the body of Christ. He offers insight into the question, “What is a Doctor of Ministry Degree?”
➡️ Read the story by visiting the link in our bio.
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.