PASTORS TRAINING PASTORS In Action at WSC
The primary impact of having pastors prepare the next generation of pastors occurs in the classroom. WSC’s rigorous curriculum is designed thoughtfully to form a solid foundation of biblical languages, church history, preaching and other practical theology courses, and courses in Old Testament, New Testament, and systematic theology that utilize the biblical languages. But a myriad of cocurricular and extra-curricular activities provide ample opportunities for further academic and spiritual formation.
MORNING DEVOTIONS The spiritual life of Westminster Seminary California is nurtured in part by morning devotions in the WSC chapel Tuesdays and Thursdays. Morning devotions speakers include faculty, local pastors, missionaries, and Christian lay people. These chapels provide an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to join together in singing praises to the Lord and enjoying devotional messages. All devotional exercises are governed by the Word of God, which remains the true guide in Christian worship and prayer, as well as in all other activities of the Christian life and life on campus. WSC recognizes the indispensable role of the church in the growth of every believer and does not assume to itself the church’s primary responsibility for the nurture of the spiritual life of the students. Therefore, students are urged to commit to the life and work of a local congregation of their choice.
14
FACULTYSTUDENT PRAYER GROUPS Every Wednesday during the academic year, campus activities pause for a time of prayer. Professors and students divide into small groups around campus to share their praises, life developments, struggles, and other prayer requests. Then they turn together to the Lord in prayers of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. These weekly prayer sessions serve a critical role in the life of the seminary, providing an opportunity for faculty-student mentorship, fellowship, and support.
LECTURES AND SEMINARS A number of regular lectures and seminars complement the WSC curriculum throughout the academic calendar. Each fall, the Dennis and Jane Johnson Lectures on Missions honor the life and work of Dennis and Jane Johnson. Remembering
their decades of ministry to WSC and in recognition of the Johnsons’ heart and commitment to missions, this annual lecture series was established in partnership with New Life Presbyterian Church (Escondido) in order to invite distinguished and experienced missionaries on campus to teach, challenge, and encourage the seminary and local church communities on the church’s witness to the world. The Robert G. and Nellie B. den Dulk Lectures on Pastoral Ministry were endowed by friends of WSC in appreciation of the den Dulks’ decades of service to the seminary. Each spring, WSC brings an experienced pastor to campus to address students preparing for the ministry of the Word, as well as pastors engaged in ministry. Finally, the Warfield Seminar is an opportunity for students to engage in informal conversation with professors on their current research. Multiple times each semester, a professor makes available a paper from a current research project, presents his argument, and engages in discussion with students and professors over lunch.
UPDATE | SPRING2022
