Western Theological Seminary

So exciting to kick off Year 2 of our clinical mental health counseling program at @westernsem!

This week, we were delighted to welcome the second Spiritual Formation & Relational Neuroscience Doctor of Ministry cohort to campus for their very first seminar!

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. Read the full story by visiting the link below. westernsem.edu/ncd-initiative…

The fall semester begins in just four weeks! We’re looking forward to welcoming new and returning students, both on campus and online.

At the 2025 Symposium on Disability and Ministry, we explored “Missing Voices in Theology” through insightful discussions, workshops, and shared experiences. Watch a recording of the symposium in English or Spanish by visiting wtsem.info/symposiumrecor…

Congratulations to the inaugural graduates of The Hope-Western Prison Education Program! Each of the nine graduates has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Faith, Leadership, and Service—a course of study that integrates religion, ministry, leadership, and the social sciences.

Happy Fourth of July! Western Theological Seminary will be closed today, July 4th, in honor of Independence Day. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, July 7th, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Dr. Todd Billings, Professor of Reformed Theology, is celebrating 20 years of service at Western Theological Seminary! Join us in congratulating Dr. Billings on this important milestone.

Chapel is at the heart of our community life at WTS. Each week during the academic year, we gather to pray, sing, lament, celebrate the Lord’s Supper, and embody the good news of the Gospel. Explore past chapel services by visiting our YouTube channel: wtsem.info/watchchapel

Celebrating the #firstdayofsummer with a view we never get tired of ☀️

Western Theological Seminary is closed today, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. We will resume regular business hours tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Meet the speakers and presenters of the 2025 Symposium on Disability and Ministry! From inclusive housing advocacy to empowering spiritual formation for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, our presenters are reshaping the conversation around “Missing Voices in Theology.” Register today for the symposium by visiting wtsem.info/symposium2025.

Last week, Western Theological Seminary proudly hosted the Summer Institute Retreat—a multicultural and bilingual gathering co-sponsored by Churches in Mission, the Hispanic Ministries Program, and the Association for Hispanic Theological Education (AETH). Through thoughtful reflections, speakers, and worship, participants engaged in meaningful conversations about the church's mission in today’s world.

Faculty from @westernsem @dordtuniversity @pghseminary discuss preaching & church history on the Worship/Theology Podcast open.spotify.com/episode/75SCiW…

Dr. David Komline, Professor of Church History, was featured on the Worship Theology podcast to discuss how the long story of God’s people can help today’s churches and preachers recognize and proclaim God’s work in our contemporary world. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how…

Congratulations to Dr. Travis West, Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament, on the publication of his new book, “The Sabbath Way: Making Room in Your Life for Rest, Connection, and Delight.” “The Sabbath Way” takes readers on a spiritual journey to discovering that radical rest is more than a weekly practice of taking a day off—it’s also a posture, a way of living every day.

We are proud to recognize Rev. Dr. Carol M. Bechtel ’84 as the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award. For over three decades, Dr. Bechtel has enriched the community of Western Theological Seminary as Professor of Old Testament, shaping students through her wisdom and deep love of Scripture. Her influence has extended far beyond the classroom—as a preacher, mentor, scholar, and leader in the Reformed Church in America. As she steps into retirement, we celebrate Dr. Bechtel’s remarkable legacy and express our gratitude for her lifetime of faithful service to the church of Jesus Christ.

Congratulations to WTS students Jack Booker and Michael St. Marie, and alumna Su-Yuan Yang, for presenting at the North American Patristics Society annual meeting in Chicago, IL.