When Campus Is Quiet, Formation Continues

When Western Theological Seminary’s campus is quiet between semesters, the work of formation is still very much alive. One example is Awakening, a Hope College program that partners with WTS to help students identify, develop, and use their artistic gifts in response to God’s self-revelation. The partnership brings meaningful life to campus, and WTS supports that work through facility use, staff engagement, and faculty presence.

Keith Reynolds, Associate Director of Admissions at WTS, has served as the Awakening camp pastor and chaplain for the past four years, offering the morning message in chapel and remaining available throughout the week for pastoral care and conversation. “What I appreciate most is seeing how the week creates space for students to be introduced to new ways of opening their hearts to God, both in community and individually.”

Each year, Awakening continues to grow through new experiences and practices that deepen formation. By the end of the week, students often leave with a renewed sense of purpose and an openness to what God is doing in their lives. “My hope is that this work continues, and that even more minoritized students hear and respond to the invitation to come.”