2014-2015 ACADEMIC CATALOG WELCOME TO WESTERN SEMINARY Greetings from all of us at Western Seminary. Thank you for taking the time to get to know us better by reviewing the information in this catalog. Catalog text, however, by its very nature rarely captures the heart and dynamic of an institution. So let me try to help you understand up front what Western is about. Our mission is to train men and women to be faithful and fruitful agents of spiritual transformation in the lives of others. Confident in the uniquely transforming power of the biblical gospel, and knowing how to communicate God’s truth and love in both word and deed, our graduates are well- equipped to play key roles in the outworking of the Church’s mission. Their role may focus on a pulpit, a mission field, a counseling center, a classroom, the marketplace, or some other venue; regardless of the setting, Western grads know how to be salt and light in it. That redemptive impact depends on empowerment from the Holy Spirit. Such empowerment is most likely to be experienced when followers of Christ model personal godliness as they submit their lives to the truths revealed in Scripture and join the Lord in the outworking of His salvific mission. Biblically-grounded, Christ-focused and gift-based ministry emerges, as does an atmosphere marked by both grace and gratitude. These values represent the heart of “Gospel-centered transformation.” If you too aspire to be that kind of catalyst and resource for spiritual renewal, then investigating what God is doing at Western is well worth your time. Please look over the information contained in our catalog, and then let us connect with you personally about how Western can help equip you for life-changing ministry. Dr. Randal Roberts President 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome to Western Seminary ........................................................................................................................ 1 Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................................... 2 Western Seminary's Educational Environment .......................................................................................... 5 Our Purpose, Mission and Vision ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Seminary Core Themes ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Mission Fulfillment ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 6 Our History ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 6 Our Characteristics ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Our Accreditation and Approvals ................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Educational Support .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11 What We Believe................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Seminary Faculty and Staff ...................................................................................................................................................... 18 Our Leadership ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Our Faculty and Staff .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Our Adjunct and Visiting Faculty ................................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Centers and Community Ministries .............................................................................................................. 29 A New Day Counseling Center ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 29 Center for Leadership Development .......................................................................................................................................................................... 29 Institute of Diaspora Studies........................................................................................................................................................................................... 30 Lands of the Bible Study Tours ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 30 Spurgeon Fellowship........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31 Women's Center for Ministry ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 31 Policies & Financial Information ..................................................................................................................... 33 Admission ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 33 Admission Standards......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33 Admission Requirements ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 33 Academic Standards .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33 2 Admission Categories ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34 Application Process ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 35 Unaccredited Degree Admission .................................................................................................................................................................................. 35 Background Checks ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36 English Language Proficiency ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 36 International Students ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36 Measles Immunization Documentation (Portland Campus Only) .................................................................................................................. 39 2014-2015 Tuition and Fees .................................................................................................................................................. 40 Academic Policies ...................................................................................................................................................................... 42 Statute of Limitations .........................................................................................................................................................................................................42 Currency of Coursework ...................................................................................................................................................................................................42