In 2007, the Ralph and Cheryl Schregardus Friendship House at Western Theological Seminary became the first seminary housing of its kind.
Friendship House is a pod-style apartment complex where WTS students live alongside the Friendship House Fellows, a group of young adults with cognitive disabilities.
In 2019, Western established the Center for Disability and Ministry led by Dr. Ben Conner. Learn all about the Center here.
The first certificate program of its kind, the Graduate Certificate in Disability & Ministry allows students to think theologically about ministry to and with those with disabilities.
Western Theological Seminary offers:
- Strength in the art and practice of ministering to and with those with disabilities
- Deeper biblical and theological knowledge
- Increased ability to share the gospel of Jesus Christ
- Insights for developing cultural competency
- Community of peers to challenge and provide support
- Momentum toward a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree
Eleven disability-focused elective classes are available, including:
- Disability, Bible and the Pastoral Imagination
- Ministry, Aging and Dementia
- We All Worship: Disability and Worship
- Deaf Theology and Ministry
- Strategies for an Inclusive Church
- Practicing the Presence of People: Jean Vanier and the Ministry of Nurture,
- …and more!
How we teach Hebrew
Learning Hebrew doesn’t have to give you an ulcer. It can be fun and formative, and at WTS it is both!
Our Hebrew classes are designed so students learn the same way they did as a child–through games, songs, visuals, enactments, and more.
Hispanic Ministry Programs
Visit our Spanish website to find out all about the Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Ministry and Doctor of Ministry cohorts offered in Spanish!
The Community Kitchen
Each weekday at lunchtime, the Commons is open to anyone in need of a meal. Volunteers from local churches and the seminary feed 75-200 people a day, year-round.
The Bridge
The seminary operates a store in downtown Holland selling goods from artisans around the world who depend upon their work for economic survival, ensuring a fair return to the artists for their work.
Like what you see?
Come visit us and learn more.
