First Theological Leadership Cohort Marks Graduation

Westmont’s inaugural cohort of theological leadership students celebrated their graduation during a special dinner Dec. 4 in Hieronymus Lounge. This was the final event for the eight students who each shared a personal story about the impact of the program before they received their certificate in theological leadership.

President Gayle D. Beebe, who taught several of the theological leadership courses, spoke about the importance of theological education and summarized the concepts the students had learned, including human nature, the human condition, ultimate reality and sin. He referencing thinkers like Pascal and Augustine to emphasize the Christian view that humans are both great and wretched, with Jesus Christ as the remedy.

“I think all of us that give our lives to theological education and to the purposes of God are always interested in how we transmit knowledge and understanding from one generation to the next,” he said. “(We’re) committed to an understanding of human flourishing that honors God and furthers His purposes, through the work of the college and through our own ministry as individuals. This is just one example of the ways in which the college has tried to create programs that honor God, furthered His purposes, and really benefited your flourishing as students.”

Telford Work, professor of theology, offered a charge to students by reflecting on the learning experiences of a group. “You learned the treasury of Christian biblical knowledge: history, theology, formation, ethics, leadership, world engagement and spirituality,” he said.  “Therefore, use the old and new treasures that are hidden in that storehouse, and bring them out, especially as you find them fruitful.”

Westmont launched the new program, which offers a post-baccalaureate certificate, in January 2025 to cultivate wisdom in Christian leaders. It’s designed for ministry professionals, laypeople eager to grow spiritually, and recent college graduates considering seminary. Beebe, Work, Holly Beers, associate professor of religious studies, Gary W. Moon, director of Conversatio Divina: A Center for Spiritual Formation, Sandra Richter, Gundry professor of biblical studies; teach the eight classes which are in person and others online.

Registration is open for the next cohort to begin fall 2026. For more information, please visit westmont.edu/theo-leadership.