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.
WHO WE ARE
A COMMUNITY OF FAITH
Western Theological Seminary is an evangelical and ecumenical community of faith and learning in the Reformed tradition that serves the church of Jesus Christ. WTS equips women and men for Christ-centered, biblically-based, theologically integrated, culturally competent, and mission-oriented Christian leadership.
Who WE ARE
COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING THE CALL OF WOMEN
Throughout Scripture, we see God calling and appointing women to teach, preach, and lead God’s people. We uphold the biblical witness as we prepare women and men to lead the church in mission.
WHO WE ARE
RACIAL AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY AT WTS
At Western Theological Seminary we long to embody more fully that to which the gospel calls us, and of which our standards remind us, with regard to racial and ethnic diversity.
WHO WE ARE
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR FACULTY, STAFF & TEACHING MENTORS
It is the purpose of this Code to call forth our best practices and to assure that our community of faith reflects the Spirit of Christ.
GET TO KNOW WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
CHRIST CENTERED
BIBLICALLY GROUNDED
THEOLOGICALLY SHAPED
CULTURALLY ENGAGED
CONTEXTUALLY ALERT
FULLY EGALITARIAN
SEMINARY INITIATIVES
The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination
Through nurturing circles of friendship, contemplative retreats, theological reflection, art-filled spaces, and public conversations—and as caretakers of Eugene’s letters, journals, and manuscripts—the Peterson Center hopes to bear witness to the God Eugene loved and pointed toward his entire life.
We do not aim to mimic Eugene (a foolish effort that would betray the spirit of his work), but rather to continue the conversation he encouraged, pondering the questions that shaped Eugene’s Christian imagination over a lifetime.
Seminary Initiatives
Center for Disability and Ministry
The Center for Disability and Ministry at Western Theological Seminary exists to support ministry leaders of all abilities in nurturing and receiving the gifts and contributions of persons with disabilities through formational opportunities, including theological education, consultation, forums, and publications.
MEET OUR
PARTNERS
Western Theological Seminary partners with many institutions and organizations. Click the images to learn more about these partnerships or visit our Beyond the Classroom page to see a full list of our partnerships and initatives.
Hope college
Vita Scholars Accelerated Degree Program
Words of Hope
The Persian Ministry Program
Hope College
Hope Western Prison Education Program
The Bridge
Fair trade store in Holland, MI
Meet Western Theological Seminary
FACULTY
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees provides oversight and governance for Western Theological Seminary. Members also share about WTS in their respective spheres of influence.
Steve Spoelhof
Chairperson, Holland, MI
Dr. Tite Tiénou
Vice-Chairperson, Gurnee, IL
Becky Renner Anderson
Treasurer, Grand Rapids, MI
Richard G. Lyons, Jr
Secretary, Holland, MI
Kate Bolt
Holland, MI
Vicki Dykstra
Tulare, CA
Dr. Percy V. Gilbert
Driftwood, TX
Matthew Haworth
Holland, MI
Alden Highstreet
Tulare, CA
Timothy Hillegonds
Ada, MI
Jonathan Hoff
Denair, CA
Rev. Dave Izenbart
Glenwood, IL
Dr. Fred L. Johnson, III
Holland, MI
Rev. Marcia Pratt
Grandville, MI
Rev. Rudy Rubio
Lynwood, CA
Beth Snyder
Holland, MI
Carol Van Andel
Ada, MI
Lisa VanderWal
Niskayuna, NY
Evan Vermeer
Sioux Center, IA
Rev. Emilie Prince Wierda
Holland, MI
Board of Reference
The Board of Reference provides wisdom and counsel to various projects and initiatives that are under consideration by the seminary. They also share about WTS in their respective spheres of influence.
Rev. Watson Jones III
Chairperson, Holland, MI
Phil Miller
Holland, MI
Jessica Min Chang
Chicago, Illinois
Adam Paarlberg
Alto, MI
Rev. Eric Peterson
Colbert, WA
Dennae Pierre
Phoenix, AZ
