Western Theological Seminary

10/02/2026

The Hispanic Ministry Programs at WTS recently completed its first “Resiliencia en el Llamado” initiative—a space designed to equip and encourage Latina women serving in ministry leadership.

Co-directed by Yajaira E. Ruiz and Dr. Gretchen Torres, the initiative brought participants together in small groups throughout the summer, creating space for connection, reflection, and mutual encouragement. The small groups culminated in a gala celebrating the women and their shared journey.

“Throughout these months, I had the privilege of listening to stories. Stories of calling, service, sacrifice, perseverance, weariness, challenges, faith, and hope,” shared Yajaira Ruiz, MBA, MA.

Read her full reflection, “As I Walked Alongside Them, I Was Formed Too,” by visiting https://www.westernsem.edu/as-i-walked-alongside-them-i-was-formed-too-mientras-las-acompanaba-yo-tambien-fui-formada/.

10/01/2026

Applications are now open for the next Holy Presence Doctor of Ministry cohort. This is a 3-year learning opportunity through the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary.

The Holy Presence cohort welcomes women and men who are committed to pursuing and strengthening their calling as contemplative pastors in the company of like-minded pilgrims. This cohort is a space for intentional friendships, tending to our aching souls, sitting before our living God, pondering deep questions, and renewing our conviction and courage for faithful, contemplative, courageous pastoral ministry.

Visit holypresence.westernsem.edu for more information or to apply today!

09/30/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us in person or online for the 2026 Osterhaven Lectures!

If you missed the lectures—or want to revisit them—replays are now available at wtsem.info/osterhaven2026. Watch Dr. David Clough’s lectures, “Creatures among Creatures: Theology for Monotheists” and “Theological Encounters with Farmed Animals: Towards a New Consensus about Christian Food Ethics.”

09/29/2026

🌿 What is the Season of Creation?

Each year, many churches and Christian communities observe the Season of Creation from September 1 through October 4—a time set apart to celebrate God as Creator, reflect on our relationship with creation, and consider what it means to care for our common home.

At WTS, we believe that faithful Christian ministry extends into every part of God’s world. Creation care invites us to consider how our faith shapes the way we live, work, worship, and participate in the flourishing of our communities and the places we call home.

A Rocha USA is a global family of Christian conservation organizations that seeks to “live out God’s call to care for creation and equip others to do likewise.” Western Theological Seminary is grateful for the leadership and involvement of Dr. Ron Rienstra and Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst, whose work with A Rocha provides opportunities for WTS students, faculty, and staff to learn from, pray for, and participate in on-the-ground creation care efforts.

Read the full blog post to learn more about the Season of Creation, its history and purpose, and how Christians around the world are observing this season.

By Worship Life at Western Seminary From September 1 through October 4, many churches and Christian communities observe a new season in the […]

09/25/2026

Western Theological Seminary celebrates the recent work of alumni whose writing, teaching, and creative scholarship are serving the church and inviting people into deeper faithfulness.

Sara Billups ’24 has expanded her cohort writing project into “Nervous Systems: Spiritual Practices to Calm Anxiety in Your Body, the Church, and Politics.” In this book, hope is presented not as fragile optimism, but as a steady, Christ-centered anchor that equips readers to meet fear with clarity, courage, and calm.

Brad Gray ‘09 and Brad Nelson ‘13, along with their team at Walking The Text, recently released “The Sacred Thread,” a seven-part documentary series streaming on Angel Studios. “The Sacred Thread” considers the seven central movements of the Lord’s Prayer and invites viewers to see how Jesus’ words can shape everyday life and the world. The project is part of a larger initiative that includes a feature film and companion book, Bringing Heaven Here: How the Lord’s Prayer Can Change Your Life and Our World.

➡️ Read more by visiting westernsem.edu/recent-work-from-wts-alumni.

09/22/2026

The Great Lakes Theology & Preaching Conference is now accepting papers and sermons for the 2026 conference, happening November 5–6!

Western Theological Seminary, in partnership with the Bast Center for Christian Proclamation, invites current undergraduates and others considering seminary to submit presentation proposals for this year’s conference.

This conference features the work of undergraduates and others without graduate education in theology who are aspiring pastors, theologians, and Christian thinkers in other spheres. The conference creates space for meaningful conversation between the Church and the academy.

The theme for the 2026 conference is The Evangel and Evangelicalism. In addition to the conference theme, we welcome proposals that explore any aspect of Christian theology, biblical studies, preaching, or ministry.

Submit your paper or sermon by October 23. Learn more by visiting westernsem.edu/gltpc.

09/17/2026

The life of a leader is full of demands. In the midst of constant activity, meaningful spaces for quiet and reflection can feel impossible. And when life is full, a sense of purpose can sometimes feel elusive.

A new Doctor of Ministry cohort is now accepting applications, titled “The Active Contemplative: Formation for Leaders Living Between Silence and Service.”

Together, we’ll explore the challenges of contemporary leadership and invite leaders into deeper action and contemplation. Through slow meals and unhurried conversation, we’ll attend to the challenges of holding together what the ancients call the contemplative and active life.

Learn more and start your application by visiting activecontemplative.westernsem.edu.

09/15/2026

Snapshots from our annual seminary picnic 📸

09/10/2026

This past week, the Western Theological Seminary community gathered to bear witness to the installation of Rev. Dr. Keith Starkenburg as Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

In his sermonic address on Ephesians 1:3–14, Dr. Starkenburg reflected on the work of Christ: “Jesus undoes what human beings do in a whole new way, and thereby reunites heaven and earth in a whole new way.”

Watch Dean Starkenburg’s full installation address by visiting https://wtsem.info/installationservice.