Western Theological Seminary

Counting down the days until we are worshipping together in chapel. 3 more weeks until a brand new semester begins!

You never know who you’ll run into while exploring Michigan! 🌊

President Felix Theonugraha snapped a photo with Josh & Jase during their Michigan adventure.

Enjoy your time exploring the Mitten State, Josh and Jase!

Interested in experiencing a class at Western Theological Seminary? This fall, WTS is offering a range of individual courses such as Prophetic Narratives, Old Testament Foundations, Introduction to Disability and the Church, and The Faithful Witness of Home.

Apply to take a course for credit and receive a 25% discount. Visit courses.westernsem.edu to learn more and apply today!

Western Theological Seminary gives thanks for the life and ministry of Rev. Dr. Donald Bruggink, the James A.H. Cornell Professor Emeritus of Historical Theology, who passed away on July 27, 2026, at the age of 97.

Rev. Dr. Bruggink was a professor, theologian, historian, and faithful servant whose scholarship and mentorship shaped generations of students and church leaders. Known for his engaging classroom presence and deep intellectual curiosity, he approached theology as both lived and relational—emphasizing grace, history, and the active life of faith. His work extended far beyond the classroom, contributing significantly to church history, worship practices and the preservation of Reformed heritage.

Read more about his remarkable legacy: https://www.westernsem.edu/western-theological-seminary-vri-and-hope-college-pay-respect-to-devoted-theologian-and-rca-leader-don-bruggink/

Since launching in 2022, the Vita Scholars Program has significantly expanded, creating accelerated pathways to ministry through partnerships with Hope College, Dordt University, and Northwestern College. Through these partnerships, students can earn their Master of Divinity at Western Theological Seminary in as little as two years, reducing the overall cost and time required to complete a traditional MDiv program.

Rev. Dr. Katlyn DeVries, Associate Director of the Vita Scholars Program, is eager to support these students as they pursue vocations in pastoral ministry. “Young people have such gifts to offer our churches. I look forward to guiding students in our accelerated programs on their journey to pastoral ministry, helping them build the skills and gain the experiences they will need to flourish.”

New Partnerships for Accelerated Pathways to Ministry - Western Theological Seminary The previous issue of The Commons highlighted our accelerated pastoral degree program with Hope College. As Vita Scholars, students combine some elements of […]

Scenes from summer on campus. ☀️

Just five weeks until we welcome our students back—we can’t wait!

This past May, Western Theological Seminary celebrated the inaugural graduates of the Friendship House Fellows Program, who earned their Certificate in Formation for Ministry.

Throughout seminary, Megan Kidulas ‘26 and Kurtis Cunningham ‘26 discovered and cultivated their unique callings while contributing their gifts to the life of the church and local community.

➡️ Visit https://wtsem.info/fellows to read more about their seminary journey.

Thank you to all who joined us in person or online for the 2026 Symposium on Disability and Ministry!

Together, participants engaged in thoughtful workshops, meaningful conversations, and shared experiences centered on fostering inclusion, accessibility, and belonging within faith communities.

This year’s keynote speaker, Erik Carter, guided participants through a presentation exploring the faithful best practices that build communities where people with and without disabilities can worship, learn, serve, and grow together as one body.

➡️ Watch a replay of the Symposium in English or Spanish by visiting disabilityandministry.com.

Five Western Theological Seminary students and three staff members joined more than 900 participants from 80 countries at Acton University 2026.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Haworth Family Foundation, these students and staff had the opportunity to explore the intersection of faith, economics, and human flourishing through lectures, shared meals, and conversations with people from around the world. The annual three-day gathering offered an opportunity to learn more about the social and economic principles that shape our communities and the role of Judeo-Christian thought in those conversations.