Forming women and men for ministry

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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”

Man smiling at camera in suit.

Dr. Felix Theonugraha

President of Western Theological Seminary

The Commons Online

News, stories, and resources from the WTS community to the Church. 

Sabbath and Hospitality

Sabbath and Hospitality

Is Sabbath Selfish? Have you ever caught yourself wondering, “Is Sabbath selfish?” It probably...

Sabbath and Surrender

Sabbath and Surrender

Scripture: Exodus 16 “What’s Your Excuse?” The manna story in Exodus 16 is a story about God’s...

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.

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Dr. Kristen Deede Johnson

Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs
G.W. and Edna Haworth Professor of Educational Ministries and Leadership

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Dr. Alberto La Rosa Rojas

Interim Director of the Hispanic Ministry Program, Assistant Professor of Theology and Ethics

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Dr. Benjamin T. Conner

Professor of Practical Theology, Director of the Center for Disability and Ministry

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Dr. Chuck DeGroat

Professor of Pastoral Care and Christian Spirituality, Interim Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, Executive Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

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Dr. David Komline

Professor of Church History, Coordinator for Strategic International Initiatives, Director of the Masters of Theology (ThM) Program

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Dr. David L. Stubbs

Professor of Ethics and Theology, Co-Director of the Hope-Western Prison Education Program

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Dr. Elizabeth Pennock

Director of the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, Associate Professor of Counseling

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Dr. Han-Luen Kantzer Komline

Marvin and Jerene DeWitt Professor of Theology and Church History

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Dr. J. Todd Billings

Gordon H. Girod Research Professor of Reformed Theology

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Dr. John Brogan

Associate Academic Dean, Professor of New Testament, Director of the MDiv and MA Programs

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Dr. Keith Starkenburg

Director of the Vita Scholars Program
Interim Associate Dean

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Dr. L.S. Carlos A. Thompson

Assistant Professor of Christian Ministry and Disability Theology and Director of the Friendship House, and Student Accessibility Coordinator

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Dr. Madison N. Pierce

Associate Professor of New Testament

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Dr. Ron Rienstra

Professor of Preaching and Worship Arts, Director of Worship Life

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Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst

Richard C. Oudersluys Associate Professor of World Christianity

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Dr. Sue A. Rozeboom

Professor of Liturgical Theology

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Dr. Suzanne McDonald

Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology

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Dr. Tim Basselin

Director of Field Education and Student Life

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Dr. Travis West

Associate Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament

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Dr. Wesley Hill

Associate Professor of New Testament

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Dr. Winn Collier

Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Christian Imagination, Director of the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination

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Rev. Dr. Carol Bechtel

Professor of the Old Testament

@WesternTheologicalSeminary

Thank you for your outpouring of generosity on #WTSDayofGiving! Your contributions make a significant impact and enable us to continue equipping students for faithful Christian ministry. ...

There’s still time to give to Western Theological Seminary on #WTSDayofGiving! Make a one-time gift, a first-time gift, or become a sustaining giver to support student tuition aid.

Visit our bio link to make a gift and help us end our Day of Giving strong!
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Your support makes a difference in the lives of our students. Pastor Andy Kadzban ‘12 shares that through his experience with the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, he feels ”more engaged in the lives of the members of my congregation than I was in the past.”

Visit wtsem.info/dayofgiving to join us in #WTSDayofGiving.
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Are you a WTS alum? When you give to Western Theological Seminary today, your gift counts twice! Help us unlock an additional $10,000 by becoming one of 30 alumni who make a gift today.

Make a gift by visiting wtsem.info/dayofgiving (link in bio).
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The Hispanic Ministry Program is one of the fastest-growing programs at Western Theological Seminary. In this video, Rosa Quispe ‘23 shares her experience in the program.

Make a gift to support the Hispanic Ministry Program by visiting wtsem.info/dayofgiving. (link in bio)

#WTSDayofGiving
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Today is #WTSDayofGiving! Join us in our mission as we continue forming women and men for ministry, together.

Our Day of Giving partners, George ’66 and Sibilla Boerigter have offered a matching gift to support the impact our students and graduates are making in ministry. We unlock $15,000 when 100 donors participate in #WTSDayofGiving by giving any amount.

Become one of the 100 donors by making a gift at wtsem.info/dayofgiving. (Link in bio)
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The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination is hosting the band Lowland Hum for a beautiful evening of music on Thursday, April 18, at 8 PM in Dimnent Chapel on the Hope College campus.

Lowland Hum (Daniel and Lauren) are known for their song craft, live performances, and folk melodies. In the fall of 2023, Lowland Hum released From Self With Love, their eighth and most expansive album to date. In addition to writing and recording, the band has spent the past seven years touring the nation.

This event has a limited capacity, so purchase your $10 ticket now by visiting the link in our bio.
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Day of Giving is just two days away! Your contribution directly impacts students seeking access to a formative and comprehensive theological education.

In this video, Pastor Brady Nemmers ’17 shares how he has seen the impact of generous donors play a role in supporting students seeking theological education at WTS.

Ready to make a gift today? Visit the link in our bio to join us in #WTSDayofGiving.
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One week from today, Western Theological Seminary will host its annual Stoutemire Lecture in Multicultural Ministry on Monday, March 25, from 3:00–4:30 PM. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Micah McCreary, President of New Brunswick Theological Seminary (@nbts1784), as this year’s lecture speaker.

Dr. McCreary will present a lecture titled “The Impact of Spirituality on Stress, Trauma, and Socio-Race.” The lecture will be available on livestream and in person at Western Theological Seminary. Visit the link in our bio for more event details.
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Day of Giving is one week away! Your support and generosity on Day of Giving will directly impact the lives of students who are being formed and equipped for ministry at Western Theological Seminary.

To make a gift today, visit wtsem.info/dayofgiving or head to the link in our bio.
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