Class of 2026-2027

Class of 2026-2027

Preparing for The WEST Institute

2026–2027 Cohort Onboarding Hub

Welcome!

We are excited for your launch with The West Institute. We are in the process of designing a new course that will serve as your formal onboarding portal. While that course is being finalized, this temporary page will function as your preparation hub.

Please do not be concerned. This adjustment does not slow our timeline or delay your preparation. And it does not change the direction of the coming year.

In fact, this season provides an opportunity to begin preparing your heart, mind, and life well before you arrive in Laramie.

This page will guide you through three key areas:

  • Required Reading
  • Housing Assistance
  • Employment Assistance

Additional materials will be added as needed.

We anticipate the full onboarding course to be live in the coming months. When it launches, you will be notified immediately.

Until then — begin here.

Required Reading
 

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 core books will be assigned in the coming year based on confirmed syllabi and the most consistent historical teaching patterns of our professors. Additional books may be added to any class as determined by the professor.

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)

Research and Writing

Collins, Billie Jean, Bob Buller, John F. Kutsko, eds. The SBL Handbook of Style: For Biblical Studies and Related Disciplines. 2nd ed. SBL Press, 2014. 9781589839649

Kibbe, Michael. From Topic to Thesis: A Guide to Theological Research. IVP, 2016. 9780830851317

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.

Bible Survey I (Bible Institute Fall Semester)

Merrill, Eugene. Kingdom of Priests: A History of Old Testament Israel. Baker Academic, Second Edition 2008.

  • Note: You will have to read pages 1-430 over the course of this fall class.

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.

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.

  • Note: You will have to read pages 1–93, 163–329 for this course. Portions of this book will also be required in Old Testament II.

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: You will have to read pages 330-555.

Foundations for Ministry II

Corrie Ten Boom, Elizabeth Sherrill, and John Sherrill, The Hiding Place. Chosen Books, 2006.

  • Note: This book will be read in small groups with your classmates after the Heart Study ends in May.

Bible Survey II (Bible Institute Spring Semester)

Merrill, Eugene. Kingdom of Priests: A History of Old Testament Israel. Baker Academic, Second Edition 2008.

  • Note: You will have to read pages 431-515 over the course of this spring class.

New Testament Studies I

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

  • Note: You will read the introductory items and Matthew - Acts chapters for this course. This will also be the textbook for New Testament II.

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

New Testament Studies II

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

  • Note: You will read the majority of the chapters not covered in New Testament I for this course.

Michael Vlach, How Does the New Testament Use the Old Testament? A Survey of the Major Views.

Systematic Theology I

MacArthur, John and Richard Mayhue, General editors. Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth. Crossway, 2017.

  • Note: Read pages 33-142. This book will serve as your main textbook for all Systematic Theology courses.

Additional books to come.

Historical Theology

González, Justo L. The Story of Christianity, volume 1: The Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation. Second edition, revised and updated. New York: HarperOne (HarperCollins), 2010. ISBN: 978-0061855887. 528 pp.

  • Note: Make sure to purchase the second edition (2010)—the “revised and updated” edition (of volume 1).

González, Justo L. The Story of Christianity, volume 2: The Reformation to the Present Day. Second edition, revised and updated. New York: HarperOne (HarperCollins), 2010. ISBN: 978-0061855894. 560 pp.

  • Note: Make sure to purchase the second edition (2010)—the “revised and updated” edition (of volume 2).

Sweeney, Douglas A. The American Evangelical Story: A History of the Movement. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005. ISBN: 978-0801026584. 208 pp.

Systematic Theology II

MacArthur, John and Richard Mayhue. Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Biblical Truth. Crossway, 2017.* (This is our primary textbook for the course.)

  • Note: Read pages 235-398, and 665-732.

Additional books to come.

Systematic Theology III

Macarthur, John and Mayhue, Richard. Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth. Crossway.

  • Note: Pages 399–450

Additional books to come.

Systematic Theology IV

Additional books to come.

Hermeneutics to Exposition

Richards, Lawrence O. and Bredfeldt, Gary J. Creative Bible Teaching, Moody Publishers, 2020

Hendricks, Howard, Teaching to Change Lives, Multnomah, 2003

 

Housing Assistance– 2026–2027

Relocating to Laramie requires thoughtful planning, and we want to assist you as much as possible.

While students are responsible for securing their own housing, we will:

  • Provide guidance on recommended areas

  • Connect you with other incoming students

  • Share available rental opportunities as we become aware of them

  • Offer insight into budgeting and living expectations

Action Steps

Please complete the Housing Interest Form below so we can:

  • Determine whether you are seeking roommates

  • Identify preferred housing type (apartment, shared home, etc.)

  • Begin coordinating introductions

[Click Here for Form]

Early communication is critical. Housing in Laramie can fill quickly.

Employment Assistance – 2026–2027

Most students work part-time during the year.

We maintain relationships with local employers and members of Laramie Valley Chapel who are supportive of WEST students and understand the rhythm of the program.

While we cannot guarantee placement, we will:

  • Assist with resume review

  • Connect you with potential employers

  • Advise on reasonable work-hour expectations

  • Help align work commitments with academic and church responsibilities

Action Steps

If you would like assistance securing employment, please complete the Employment Request Form below.

[Employment Request Form Link]

The earlier we know your needs, the better we can assist you.