Begin Preparing Now

The WEST Institute is not simply an academic program. It is an immersive year of theological formation, discipleship, and preparation for faithful service in the local church.

To prepare well, we ask each incoming student to begin reading in advance.

These readings are not busywork.
They are foundational.

They will:

• Strengthen your theological framework
• Prepare you for classroom discussion
• Shape your expectations for discipleship
• Begin cultivating the spiritual posture required for the year

Reading List Disclaimer (2026–2027 Academic Year)
Current Academic Year Designation
The books listed below are intended for the 2026–2027 academic year. This list reflects our best understanding of what will be assigned in the coming year based on confirmed syllabi and the most consistent historical teaching patterns of our professors.

Because faculty occasionally refine syllabi or adjust course texts prior to the start of the semester, there is a possibility that a required book may change. We publish this list in good faith to help you prepare early, recognizing that minor adjustments may occur.

The reading list below contains two types of books:

• Confirmed Texts – These books have been officially confirmed for the 2026–2027 academic year.
• Historical Texts (marked with an *) – These books have been consistently taught in prior years but are not yet formally confirmed for 2026–2027.

We indicate historical texts with an asterisk (*). All other books are confirmed.

Students are welcome to begin reading from either list. However, if a historical title is replaced before the academic year begins, you may need to substitute another book in its place. While we strive to minimize changes, flexibility is appreciated.

Our goal is to provide you with as much clarity as possible while maintaining academic accuracy and integrity.

This page will be updated as new confirmations are finalized.

2026–2027 Required Reading List

(additional courses will be added in the coming weeks)

 

PT583: Foundations for Ministry I

Paul David Tripp, War of Words: Getting to the Heart of Your Communication Struggles. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2000.

Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership. Chicago: Moody Press, 1967.

BE504: Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics

Vlach, Michael. Dispensational Hermeneutics. Theological Studies Press, 2023.

Zuck, Roy B. Basic Bible Interpretation: A Practical Guide to Discovering Biblical Truth. Colorado Springs, CO: Victor, 1991.

BE 501: Old Testament Studies I

Merrill, Eugene H., Mark F. Rooker, Michael A. Grisanti,
The World and the Word: An Introduction to the Old Testament. Nashville: B&H Publishing, 2011.

*DeRouchie, Jason S. What the Old Testament Authors Really
Cared About: A Survey of Jesus’ Bible. Grand Rapids: Kregel
Academic, 2013.

Note: You will have to read pages 1–93, 163–329 in (The World and the Word) OR pages 26–237, 326–335 in (What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About). Also, in OT II you are required to read part of The World and the Word.

BE502: Old Testament Studies II

Merrill, Eugene H., Mark F. Rooker, Michael A. Grisanti,
The World and the Word: An Introduction to the Old Testament. Nashville: B&H Publishing, 2011.

Note: *Sandy, D. B., & Giese, R. L. (Eds.). Cracking Old Testament codes: A guide to interpreting the literary genres of the Old Testament. Broadman & Holman, 1995. This book is sometimes required for both OT I and II.

BE511: New Testament Studies I

The Cradle, The Cross and The Crown, Charles Quarles, Andreas Kostenberger, & L. Scott Kellum (B&H, 2016)

*Craig A. Evans, Fabricating Jesus: How Modern Scholars Distort the Gospels (IVP, 2006)

*David Alan Black, Why Four Gospels? The Historical Origins of the Gosples, (Kregel 2001)

BE512: New Testament Studies II

The Cradle, The Cross and The Crown, Charles Quarles, Andreas Kostenberger, & L. Scott Kellum (B&H, 2016)