Who is in charge? A Board of Trustees is in place and meets monthly.
Who are the Faculty? The faculty is comprised of dynamic pastors, church leaders, and theologians who combine academic excellence with practical experience and have a passion for teaching in innovative ways. NTSWest seeks to overcome the historic divide in seminary education with a faculty that is doing ministry on a daily basis as practitioners: serving as pastors and in other daily vocations of hands on ministry.
Is the Seminary incorporated? Yes, by and in the State of California.
Does NTS WEST have non-profit 501 (c) (3) status? Yes; Tax ID # 46-2929994.
Is the Seminary accredited? The seminary is working closely with local denominational governing bodies and the Association of Theological Schools in the process of accreditation.
What programs will be offered? A Doctor of Ministry program, Master of Divinity degree, targeted shorter term Master of Arts programs, certificate in Spirituality and Aging education, lay leader training courses, customized special programs, and individualized instruction.
When will classes begin? NTS West operates on a semester system. The curriculum is geared for part time students who will take, on average, five years to complete the M. Div. program and two years to complete the M.A. programs.
How is NTS West funded? Led by the giving of our fifteen trustees, NTS West is funded by gifts from individuals and congregations. A Funds Development Committee is soliciting major gifts. Information about how to donate can be found here.
Are there paid staff? NTS West is a largely volunteer movement in its start-up phase, but does presently employ three part-time staff members: a Director of Admissions, a Director of Church and Community Relations, and an Administrative Assistant to the Coordinator.
Who are NTS West’s partners? Local partners include a growing number of individual congregations and the denominational offices to whom they relate, both Presbyterian and those of sister denominations. The New York Theological Seminary and The International Theological Seminary have entered into a partnership with NTS West to provide a base of online courses in tandem with the courses that NTS West will offer in the classroom setting.