Western Theological Seminary

Build a Trauma-Informed Ministry

Build on your existing knowledge to refresh and enhance your pastoral presence and care.

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Pastors and church leaders are invited to participate in a two-course bundle Western Theological Seminary offers. These courses will help leaders build a trauma-informed ministry by equipping them with new skills and challenging them to examine their hearts.

Both courses are designed to be impactful and accessible, offered fully online and at a discount.

BUILD 2023 Course Details

When you apply, you will register for the following two courses. Courses will be available online only.

Trauma-Informed Care in Ministry

Instructor: Dr. Elizabeth Pennock

Course offered online asynchronously

This course will equip Christian leaders to approach ministry from a trauma-informed perspective. Students will explore theological topics related to trauma and suffering, understand the broad-reaching impact of psychological trauma on individuals and communities, and examine models for trauma-informed ministry. The impact of vicarious trauma on Christian leaders will also be addressed.

Meet Dr. Pennock

Christian Interior Life

Instructor: Dr. Chuck DeGroat

Course offered online asynchronously

In this course, students are invited to understand themselves and their stories at the intersection of scripture, psychology, and Christian spirituality.

The course offers a relationally-oriented and trauma-informed perspective on the interior life anchored in the Christian soul care tradition. Students are also invited to explore their own spiritual, and emotional development.

Meet Dr. DeGroat

Cost

Tuition: $1,998* for the two-course bundle

Application fee: $50

Waived with Code WTS50 if you apply by July 31

Deposit: $250 (non - refundable, will be applied to tuition)

*Courses are open to current students for registration at their current year scholarship rate.

Contact the Registrar for more information.

Important Dates

August 1

Applications must be complete and submitted by August 1 to participate

August 8

Online orientation begins

August 28

Trauma-informed Care in Ministry with Dr. Elizabeth Pennock begins

January 15

Christian Interior Life with Dr. Chuck DeGroat begins

Looking for other degree program applications?

Click here to go to our main application page to apply for our degree programs.

Degree Applications

The Application Process

What you can expect when you start your application

Step 1: Create an account

When you click on "Start Application," you will be prompted to create an account. This is the information you will use to log back in to complete your application and check your application status.

Note: If you have ever filled out an application or started an application at WTS, the system will prompt you to log in instead of creating an account.

Step 2: Fill out the application

Although you are not applying for a specific degree program, the Association of Theological Schools, with whom we are accredited, requires us to collect specific information from all students regardless of their academic plans.

Step 3: Provide additional materials

As part of your application for this 2-course bundle you will only be asked for three things outside of the application:

1. Transcripts to previous institutions you have attended.

2. A one-page essay explaining why you want to participate in these courses.

3. A photo of you

Step 4: Pay your application fee

An application fee of $50 is due upon submission.

Step 5: Watch your email

Additional information about orientation and accounts to participate in the courses will be sent to your email.

Not receiving emails from us? After you check your spam, please reach out to admissions@westernsem.edu.

Need Assistance?

Having any difficulty with the online application or profile?

Please let us know by contacting us at admissions@westernsem.edu.

Need Assistance? Click here to fill out a form or email us directly at admissions@westernsem.edu.

Western Theological Semiary

101 E 13th Street, Holland MI 49423 616.392.9973

admissons@westernsem.edu