A Unique Opportunity
"What would it look like if you set aside a season of your life to study God's Word and be challenged to apply it to your life?" That is the question behind The WEST Institute.
The WEST Institute offers a one-year, church-based training experience designed to ground believers in Scripture and press that truth into everyday life. This is not only about gaining knowledge, but about growing in conviction, clarity, and maturity.
Men and women from a wide range of callings come to give a focused year to the Lord. Some are preparing for vocational ministry. Others are seeking to be more faithful where God has already placed them. All come with the same aim. To know the Word of God and to live it.
Students are immersed in careful, expositional teaching, and are formed through intentional discipleship within the life of the local church. They walk in close community, are known and shepherded, and are given real opportunities to serve.
The year also includes a study trip to Jordan and Israel, along with shared experiences that deepen both understanding and fellowship. These are not add-ons, but part of a larger aim. To see the Word of God take root in the heart and bear lasting fruit.
We are convinced that when the Word of God is rightly understood and faithfully lived, it shapes not only a year, but a lifetime.
What Our Students Are Saying…
"It’s made me more aware of my heart, looking to evaluate my motivations and what they’re saying about God in the moment rather than realizing them later when it’s too late."
"For the first time in my 15 years as a Christian I finally feel like I am walking with Christ on a daily basis."
"For me, this experience has dramatically opened my eyes to a huge hole that I didn't know existed. My walk with Christ has been deepened beyond all expectations."
"Classes changed the way I view the Bible. Israel changed the way I read the Bible. The Bible Institute gave me a broad overview to better understand the Bible. The Heart Study changed my relationship with Christ as I saw my sin for what it really was."
Program Overview
The mission of The WEST Institute is to see the lives of men and women changed through the study and personal application of God's Word.
We are committed to helping students grow in their knowledge of Scripture and challenging them to live their lives as a reflection of God's Word. The Bible forms the basis of our education and students are challenged to always keep the Word of God as the lens through which they view the world.
Our unique format makes seminary an option for all Christians, not just those pursuing vocational ministry. The program is completed in just twelve months. Most Christians never consider seminary because of the 2-5 years of study required. Our one-year format not only accelerates the schooling process for future full-time ministers, it also makes seminary an accessible option for men and women headed into every walk of life.
WEST Highlights
A Full experience
The opportunity to be trained in God's Word at a reduced cost without sacrificing the quality of education.
The West Mission
Our mission is to see lives changed through the study and personal application of God's Word.
Degree Details
This degree is designed for students looking for an entry level masters degree that provides both a strong foundation in the Bible and theology, but also prepares them to serve more effectively where ever God has called them.
The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) is a 42-hour program designed to provide both depth in Scripture and formation for faithful service. It combines rigorous academic study with intentional discipleship within the life of the local church.
The MTS serves two primary aims. First, it equips men and women to handle the Word of God with clarity and conviction, so they may serve more effectively in their local church and everyday callings. Second, it provides a strong foundation for those who may pursue further theological training in the future.
Students are not only taught, but known. They are guided closely, encouraged in community, and challenged to apply what they are learning in real time. The goal is not simply the accumulation of knowledge, but a life shaped by the truth of Scripture.
For those considering next steps beyond this program, the MTS offers a meaningful academic and theological foundation upon which further study can be built.
Authentic Community and Discipleship
We are committed to not only helping students grow in their knowledge of Scripture, but also to challenging them to live their lives as a reflection of the Word of God.
Our goal is to provide a comprehensive program that is focused on the mind and heart of each student and spouse. Our program is uniquely able to accomplish this because it exists as a ministry partnership of Laramie Valley Chapel and Shepherds Theological Seminary. We exist to train men and women with sound biblical teaching in the context of intentional life-on-life community.
Our program is built on the principle of discipleship. Students experience authentic community and are challenged to apply Scripture to their lives. This community exists among students, WEST staff, and Pastors and members of Laramie Valley Chapel. To learn more about our discipleship efforts please see the pages on the Heart Study and Life-on-Life.