| JOHN PIPER TO SPEAK AT RTS/ORLANDO INAUGURAL SPURGEON LECTURE  Dr. John Piper, founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary, will speak on "The Life and Times of Charles Spurgeon" to kick off the inaugural Spurgeon Lecture at RTS/Orlando on Wednesday evening, April 10. Contact Sarah Vacca for ticket info. RTS/Orlando recently implemented the Nicole Institute of Baptist Studies this semester and it will include an annual lecture. Next year's speaker will be Al Mohler. For more information, click here. | April 2, 2013 | Issue #136 DATES TO REMEMBER April 8-9 - RTS Faculty Discussion Panel at the Gospel Coalition in Orlando, Fla. April 10 - Dr. John Piper to speak at the Inaugural Spurgeon Lecture at RTS/Orlando April 20 - Inauguration of Dr. John Scott Redd, Jr., President, RTS/Washington, D.C. April 22-26 RTS course to be taught in Central Iowa May 20-22 OnePassion Conference at RTS/Atlanta | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| SUMMER REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 1 Sign up now or even audit one of our Summer Term classes. Here is a taste of the classes being offered:
ALUMNI & FRIENDS MEAL EVENTS You are cordially invited to the RTS Alumni & Friends meal events at the General Assemblies! BREAKFAST AT ARP SYNOD: NEW! LUNCH AT PCA GA BREAKFAST AT EPC GA: | Alumni in Uganda for Spiritual Emphasis Week Pictured (L to R) is Fred Greco, Henry Morris, Bentry Mhango and Bob Penny. Spiritual Emphasis Week was held at African Bible College Uganda March 18-22. Rev. Fred Greco (M.Div. '06), senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Katy, Texas, and Rev. Henry Morris (M.Div. '91), associate pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Dothan, Ala., were featured speakers. Also present were ABC professor Bentry Mhango (M.Div.M. '07) and ABCU visiting professor Dr. Robert Penny (M.Div. '70), recently retired VP for development, RTS Jackson. ABCU visiting professor Rev. Tim Kay (M.Div. '94), formerly associate pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, Ga., was also there. Laura Armstrong (MABS '09)  Laura, currently serving as library services assistant at RTS/Orlando, will become the senior library assistant on June 1. She has worked for RTS/Orlando for three years. She is also quite the artist and has painted a picture of the Orlando campus seen hanging near the administrative offices. Michael Farrell (MATS '99)  Michael, the associate librarian at RTS/Orlando, will now become the library director beginning June 1, assuming the responsibilities that have been held by John Muether. Farrell has worked at RTS/Orlando for nine years and is ordained as a deacon at Reformation Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Oviedo and is the author of the forthcoming book Modern Just War Theory: A Guide to Research (June 2013, Scarecrow Press). Chad Grindstaff (M.Div. '05) Chad serves as church planter of Living Hope, currently meeting at Fairfield East Elementary School in northwest Cincinnati. He shares some of his sermons from a recent series titled "Words of the Cross: Reflections and Christ's Seven Sayings from the Cross." Listen here. He and his wife Erin have three children: Reed, Meredith and Anna, and they are in the process of adopting a foster child. Please keep them in your prayers. Jake Hunt (M.Div. '07)  Jake is the assistant pastor of Faith Community Church in Prague, Czech Republic. He reports that his sending church, Uptown Church in Charlotte, NC, sent them a great team to encourage and help the staff, working in music, children's ministry, long-range planning and problem solving. They ask for prayer for a situation with the building contract where they are holding services. Jake and his wife Melissa have three children: Sam, Foard and Eliza. Danny Iverson (RTS Student) Danny, who plans to graduate this spring, is excited about being called as a church planter-in-residence at Perimeter Presbyterian Church in North Atlanta. He plans to plant a church in a low-income community. Danny is married to Kimberly and they have five children. Brett Rayl (M.Div. '12) Brett was recently named director/team leader for Christ Bible Institute in Japan, replacing Michael Oh who is now director of Lausanne. Lance Wallace ( MATS '07) Lance was featured in the Tampa Bay Times recently. He is the new priest of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Spring Hill, Fla. Read the article here. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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RTS E-Newsletter iss.#136 April 9, 2013
Steve Lawson (D.Min. '90), president of OnePassion Ministries and the senior pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Ala., will speak on "Preaching with Precision and Power" on May 20-22 at RTS/Atlanta in partnership with Ligonier Ministries. See the schedule 
Reformed Theological Seminary is pleased to announce that John Muether, who established the library at RTS Orlando and has served as chief librarian for the past 24 years, will be assuming new responsibilities for the institution as of June 1. He will become the Dean of Libraries, which includes greater oversight of the development and resource-sharing of the RTS libraries among the six campuses. He will serve as the editor of the new online theological journal that RTS plans to launch with a tentative start date in Spring 2014. Read more 
We would like to make you aware of a special course being offered in Central Iowa this spring. From April 22-26, Reformed Theological Seminary will offer "History of Philosophy and Christian Thought" at Westkirk Presbyterian Church near Des Moines. This course will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will explain the main ideas that shape worldviews and will consider how to defend Christian truth from a Reformed perspective. The church is located at 2700 Colby Woods Drive, Urbandale, Iowa. Read more ↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss.#137 April 30, 2013
| NEW PRESIDENT IN WASHINGTON DC DR. JOHN SCOTT REDD INAUGURATED ON APRIL 20  On Saturday night, April 20, there was a great celebration going on in Washington, D.C. Dr. John Scott Redd (pictured front center) was inaugurated as the first president of the RTS/Washington D.C. campus. The inauguration was held at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, Md. Dr. Robert M. Norris, senior pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church (back row, second from left) gave the inaugural address. RTS Acting CEO Steve Wallace (bottom row, second from right) along with RTS Board Chairman Richard Ridgway gave the presentation and investiture. RTS/Orlando President Dr. Don Sweeting (bottom right) gave the charge to the president. Academic Dean Dr. Howard Griffith (left of Dr. Redd) gave the charge to the seminary. Congratulations to Dr. Redd! | April 30, 2013 | Issue #137 DATES TO REMEMBER May 2 - National Day of Prayer May 20-22 - OnePassion Conf. at RTS/Atlanta Commencements: May 18 - RTS/Jackson Commencement - FPC Jackson 10am May 24 - RTS/Orlando Commencement - St. Andrews Chapel 7:30pm May 25 - RTS/Charlotte Commencement - Christ Covenant Church - 11am May 25 - RTS/Atlanta Commencement - RTS/Atlanta Campus - 10am May 31 - RTS/Washington DC Commencement - McLean PC - 7:30pm | ||||||||||||||||||||
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RTS/ORLANDO PRESIDENT LAUNCHES RADIO PROGRAM This spring, WTLN 950 AM (Altamonte Springs, Fla.) began airing the new TAKE 5 radio program with Dr. Don Sweeting, president of Reformed Theological Seminary’s Orlando campus. The five-minute program is for the listener willing to take five minutes out of their day to contemplate how the gospel can help them cultivate a mind for truth and a heart for God.The program, which can be heard daily at 6:55 a.m. before “Focus on the Family” and 5:55 p.m. after “Moving Forward” and before “Jay Sekulow,” reaches an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 Christians in Central Florida each week. Read more here. VAN DIXHOORN TO JOIN RTS/WASHINGTON FACULTY Dr. Scott Redd, president of RTS/Washington, D.C. is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Chad B. Van Dixhoorn as associate professor of church history. “Chad brings an impressive mix of academic excellence in the area of church history and experience with faithful pastoral ministry,” Redd commented. “His addition to our residential faculty will greatly augment RTS/Washington’s work of equipping ministers and Christian leaders in the metropolitan area.” Read more here. A PACKED CHAPEL FOR PIPER'S LECTURE AT RTS/ORLANDO  John Piper spoke at RTS/Orlando on "The Life and Ministry of Charles Spurgeon." to a record crowd in the RTS Pamplin Chapel on April 10. This was the inaugural message for the new lecture series for The Nicole Institute of Baptist Studies. The lecture was followed by Q&A from the audience, and a dessert reception and book signing in the fellowship hall. Watch the lecture here. RTS BOARD ENGAGES SIMA FOR NEW CHANCELLOR SEARCH RTS announces a search for our next chancellor/CEO. The board of trustees of RTS has authorized SIMA International and Dr. Tommy Thomas to coordinate a search for RTS’s next chancellor/CEO. Dr. Thomas, a leader in this industry, has conducted more than 150 executive-level searches. If you or someone you know would be interested in this position, please contact Dr. Tommy Thomas via email at tthomas@simainternational.com or via phone at 615.261.4623. You may also contact Richard Ridgway, the RTS chairman of the board at rridgway@rts.edu or use this mailing address: 5422 Clinton Blvd., Jackson, MS 39209. Please pray for the Lord to lead the right person to the seminary as a result of this search for a chancellor. THE RTS BOOTH AND DISCUSSION PANEL AT THE GOSPEL COALITION IN ORLANDO
Dr. Michael Kruger, president of the Charlotte campus, said, “There are few professors that have shaped the Charlotte campus like John Oliver. His passion for faithful expository preaching, his love of Christ-centered worship, and his heart for missions has transformed an entire generation of pastors. He will be deeply missed.” To thank him for his many years of service, a lunch reception for Dr. Oliver will be held on the RTS/Charlotte campus on May 7 at 11:30 a.m. in the chapel. TWO NEW ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES Until recently, RTS offered one online degree, the Master of Arts (Religion). Now RTS will offer three, fully online-degrees: the Master of Arts (Biblical Studies), the Master of Arts (Theological Studies), and the Master of Arts (Religion). In addition, RTS will now offer a significant percentage of the Master of Divinity degree online. M.Div students can now take up to 67% of their courses via distance education. Read more here. RTS COMMENCEMENT INFORMATION RTS/Jackson - Saturday, May 18, at First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, Miss., at 10:00 a.m. The speaker will be Sean Lucas, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg, Miss. RTS/Orlando - Friday, May 24, at St. Andrews Chapel in Sanford, Fla., at 7:30 p.m. The speaker will be the Hon. Bill Armstrong, president of Colorado Christian University and former Colorado senator. RTS/Atlanta - Saturday, May 25, on the RTS/Atlanta campus at 10:00 a.m. The speaker will be Dr. Sam Larsen, professor of missions emeritus. RTS/Charlotte - Saturday, May 25, at Christ Covenant Church at 11:00 a.m. The speaker will be Dr. T. David Gordon, professor of Religion and Greek at Grove City College in Grove City, Pa. RTS/Washington D.C. - Friday, May 31, at McLean Presbyterian at 7:30 p.m. The speaker will be Dr. Richard Gaffin, Jr., professor of biblical and systematic theology emeritus at Westminster Theological Seminary.
| Michael Aitcheson (M.Div. '11) Mike was ordained in mid-April at Lake Baldwin Church in Orlando, Fla., and is currently serving as church planting apprentice. Michael Tilly (M.Div. '97) serves as senior pastor there and Fritz Schalmo (M.Div. '12, MAC '12) serves as pastor of youth and families. Josh Bales (current RTS student and singer-songwriter of five albums) serves as director of worship and communication. John Burke (M.Div. '11) John is teaching theology courses in Latin America. He traveled to Costa Rica and Colombia last year to teach at seminaries in those countries. He is also working with MINTS, a world-wide pastor training organization based in Miami, Fla., to help provide impoverished pastors with higher quality resources and training. Currently, he is developing a course on 1 Thessalonians. He appreciates the Reformed perspective he gained at RTS and finds it distinct and valuable in providing Christ-centered education. Phil Davis (M.Div. '03) As a church planter of Faith Community Church in Prague, Czech Republic, Phil is currently on Home Mission Assignment in the U.S. They've enjoyed reconnecting with churches and supporters and taking some fun trips. They plan to travel to Spain the last 2 weeks in May for World Harvest Mission's mission-wide conference. They are looking forward to seeing their Prague team again. David Fisher (RTS Washington DC Student) David wrote an article in World magazine's March 22 edition titled "Old Lives, New Lives." Read the article here. Rod Miles ( M.Div. '04) Rod is the founding pastor of Grace Church of Marin in San Anselmo, Calif, which opened in 2006. This year they celebrated their first Easter as a "particular church" with a great crowd, welcoming new members and celebrating the resurrection. Please pray for continued growth of the church and for the finances of the church to support staff levels, and a possible new venue to accommodate more people. Rod is scheduled to begin a three-month sabbatical with his family beginning May 11. Lisa Repair (MA '10) Lisa is currently serving with Mission to the World in Bangkok,Thailand at New City Church. She teaches English to the church on a regular basis as a service. They are currently seeking a full-time Thai pastor. Her church has a strong connection to New Beginnings, a restorative home for girls who have left prostitution. Please pray for their team/staff retreat in early May. Jolly Rimai (D.Min./ICS '05)  Jolly (pictured above) serves as the mission secretary for the Manipur Baptist Convention affiliated with the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India. In early April he encouraged believers at Louphong Baptist Church during their Jubilee celebration. He then went to the Garo Baptist Convention where they had their mission consultation on streamlining the mission of the church. He asks for prayer as he has many more engagements coming up in the next few months. Cynthia Ruble (MATS '00)  In April, Cynthia gave a speech in Japanese at a meeting about a new adoption law in the building of the Japanese Diet (Parliament).The new law will make adoption even more rare and difficult there. She also introduced her adopted son Micah. Please pray for her in her work with this effort. Jemar Tisby (M.Div. '07)  Jemar wrote an article in ByFaith titled "The Joyful Pursuit of Multiethnic Churches: It's a good thing, but it's not easy." He is also pictured above working the RTS booth at The Gospel Coalition in Orlando. Thanks, Jemar! ALUMNI & FRIENDS: DON'T MISS OUR MEAL EVENTS AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES! BREAKFAST AT ARP SYNOD Join us on Wednesday, June 12, at the ARP Synod for the RTS Alumni & Friends Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. The breakfast will be held at the Bonclarken Convention Center in Flat Rock, NC. RSVP not required. RTS/Charlotte President Mike Kruger will speak at this event. NEW! LUNCH AT PCA GA Join us Thursday, June 20, at the PCA General Assembly for the RTS Alumni & Friends Lunch at noon at the TD Convention Center, Room 202A (room subject to change) in Greenville, SC. RSVP not required. Seating is limited. BREAKFAST AT EPC GA Join us on Friday, June 21, at the EPC General Assembly for the RTS Alumni & Friends Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. The breakfast will be held in the Park Ridge Ballroom AB at the Marriott Denver South, 10345 Park Meadows Drive, Littleton, CO. RSVP not required. Seating is limited. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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RTS E-Newsletter iss. #138 May 21, 2013
| NEW FACULTY AT RTS/ATLANTA REV. WILLIAM B. FULLILOVE APPOINTED  Reformed Theological Seminary announces the appointment of the Rev. William B. Fullilove to the position of assistant professor of Old Testament for the Atlanta campus, effective June 1. Additionally, he will serve as assistant academic dean. Fullilove is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Semitic and Egyptian Languages and Literature at The Catholic University of America. His research focuses on the Dead Sea Scrolls and the translational intersection of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. He has published on the New Testament and the Old Testament, as well as ancient languages and writing systems including Aramaic, Ugaritic, and Cuneiform. He has earned an A.B. from Princeton University, an M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary, and an M.A. from The Catholic University of America. Read more about the new professor here. | May 21, 2013 | Issue #138 DATES TO REMEMBER May 20-22 - OnePassion Conference at RTS/Atlanta May 18 - RTS/Jackson Commencement - FPC Jackson 10:00 a.m. May 24 - RTS/Orlando Commencement - St. Andrews Chapel 7:30pm May 25 - RTS/Charlotte Commencement - Christ Covenant Church 11:00 a.m. May 25 - RTS/Atlanta Commencement - RTS/Atlanta Campus 10:00 a.m. May 31 - RTS/Washington DC Commencement - McLean PC 7:30 p.m. |
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| SEMINAR BY HOWARD GRIFFITH AT PCA GENERAL ASSEMBLY Dr. Howard Griffith, associate professor of systematic theology at RTS/Washington DC, will teach a seminar titled "The Ethics of Divorce and Remarriage" on Wednesday, June 19, at the TD Convention Center in Greenville, SC, from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. in Room 101A. RTS'S MINISTRY & LEADERSHIP MAGAZINE RECEIVES AWARD OF MERIT  Ministry & Leadership editor Paul Schwarz received on behalf of RTS, an award of merit in the "Organizational" category for all of the 2012 issues of the Ministry & Leadership magazine from the Evangelical Press Association. The EPA awards ceremony was held in Nashville, Tenn. Congratulations to the M&L editorial committee and contributing participants: Miles Van Pelt, Bruce Baugus, John Muether, Guy Richardson, Brian Gault, Stephane Jeanreneaud, Ric Cannada, Bobby Penny, Stephanie Hartley, Dawn Kilgore, John Sowell, Bill Henderson and Lyn Perez. JOHN OLIVER RETIREMENT RECEPTION  Dr. John Oliver is pictured here (center) with RTS Charlotte alumni at his retirement reception. ERROR ON DMIN CLASS SCHEDULE MAILING The correct date for Theology of Ministry with Justin Holcomb in Orlando is July 29 (not 19th). Please see complete schedule here. Classes begin in July. Sign up now. FACULTY SPEAKING EVENTS Dr. Mark Futato is headed to California this week to lead a men's retreat. Other faculty are headed to Colorado, Michigan and even Australia this summer. Click here to read more about their travels. NEW SOCIAL MEDIA SITES FOR RTS/GLOBAL RTS/Global invites you to follow them on their new Twitter page @rtsglobaleducat and "like" them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RTSGlobalEducation. These two social media sites are a great way to stay on top of announcements and to connect with other peers. SPECIAL GUEST LECTURERS IN CHARLOTTE FOR SUMMER COURSES RTS/Charlotte highlights their summer guest lecturers on their Web page. Read about them here. NEW MINISTRY & LEADERSHIP MAGAZINE ARRIVES  Are you receiving the Ministry & Leadership magazine? Our spring/summer edition (pictured left) has been mailed and the digital version is also now available. Read the pdf or the digital version here. Sign up to receive a mailed magazine or to receive the digital version in your email here. If you'd like to support the ministry of Reformed Theological Seminary, click here to give an online gift. ALUMNI & FRIENDS: DON'T MISS OUR MEAL EVENTS AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES!! BREAKFAST AT ARP SYNOD Join us on Wednesday, June 12, at the ARP Synod for the RTS Alumni & Friends Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. The breakfast will be held at the Bonclarken Convention Center in Flat Rock, NC. RSVP not required. RTS/Charlotte President Mike Kruger will speak at this event. NEW! LUNCH AT PCA GENERAL ASSEMBLY BREAKFAST AT EPC GENERAL ASSEMBLY | Jeff Cottone (M.Div. '12) Jeff was recently hired as assistant pastor and church planting apprentice of Hope Reformed Presbyterian Church in Shippensburg, Pa. Jeff is married to Amy and they are expecting a child in August. Congratulations! Read more about them here. Lindy Davidson (M.Div. '01)  Lindy Davidson has completed the first year of a Ph.D. in Health Communication at the University of South Florida. Lindy was recently offered a research assistantship for 2013-2014, in which she will study spirituality and parental decision-making in pediatric palliative care. Adam and Lindy live in Lakeland, Fla., with their three sons, Will, Aaron and Levi. Adam is the director of worship and the arts at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Aaron Hartman (MAR '11)  Currently Aaron is practicing medicine in Midlothian, Va., and serves as the medical director of the Virginia Research Center. He is a member of Redemption Hill Church, in Richmond, Va. He has recently written Adopted: God's Plan A (Deep River Books, May 2013). He is married to Rebekah and they have two adopted children. Click here to read more about the book.Nathan Hobert (M.Div. '05) Nate, along with a team of pastors, planted the Vine Church in Madison, Wis., 2 1/2 years ago. He served there as teaching elder and oversaw college ministry and church planting. He will now team up with Casey Johnson to plant Redeemer City Church in Madison, Wis. Nate is married to Amanda and they have three children. Read more about Nate here. Casey Johnson (M.Div. '10) Casey has been serving as assistant pastor with Larry Kirk, adjunct professor of practical theology and pastor of Christ Community Church in Daytona Beach, Fla. Casey plans to plant Redeemer City Church in Madison, Wis., along with Nate Holbert. Casey is married to Angela and they have two boys. Read more about him here. Joel Moore (M.Div. '11)  Joel Moore is the new associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church of San Angelo in Texas. Mike Pettengill (RTS/Global student) Mike is serving in La Ceiba, Honduras, along with his wife Erin (nurse) and daughter Madison with Mission to the World. They are excited that a new web based patient records system has been launched for their medical clinic. They ask for prayer for funds for their theological library. Also please pray as they will host 10 short-term mission teams this summer. Their daughter Madison will graduate high school this year and is headed to Bogota Colombia for a mission trip in June. Read more about them here. William Robfogel (M.Div. '76) Rob's wife Edna shared with us that on her mammogram report it showed evidence of infiltrating ductal carcinoma. She has requested prayer for her upcoming surgery on May 22 at 1:45p.m. Simon Vibert (D.Min. '02)  Dr. Vibert is the acting principal of Wycliffe Hall and the director of the School of Preaching. He teaches preaching and biblical interpretation. He is scheduled to speak at the School of Preaching Week 2013 at the University of Oxford, which will be held June 10-14. |
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RTS E-Newsletter iss. #139 June 13, 2013
LONG TIME AND BELOVED RTS BOARD MEMBER HENRY DEKKER PASSES AWAY | June 13, 2013 | Issue #139 DATES TO REMEMBER June 20 - Alumni & Friends Lunch at the PCA General Assembly at noon in Rm 102ABC (note room change). June 21 - Alumni & Friends Breakfast at the EPC General Assembly at the Marriott Denver South, 7:00 a.m. |
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DON FORTSON PUBLISHES BOOK ON CHARLES HODGE Duncan is the John E. Richards professor of systematic and historical theology at RTS/Jackson and senior minister at the First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Miss. He is also the president of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. A native of Greenville, Duncan graduated from Furman University and then received an M.Div. from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. He studied systematic theology at the Free Church of Scotland College and earned a Ph.D. from the University
of Edinburgh, Scotland. He previously served in both St. Louis and Scotland. Click here to see the schedule of his speaking engagements
at the PCA General Assembly. BREAKFAST AT EPC GENERAL ASSEMBLY | Chris Brock (M.Div '12) Chris is serving with Mission to the World and has been called to plant a church in southern France. He and his wife Donnette have two children: Avonlea and Oliver. They are going to France to support a local church, des Eglises Protestantes Reformees Evangeliques in their efforts to plant evangelical churches. They ask for prayer for childcare as Donnette continues to work and Chris travels to raise support for the trip. Chris plans to attend the PCA General Assembly. Keep up with their blog here. Michael Farrell (MATS '99)  Michael Farrell, library director at RTS/Orlando, has now published his new book Modern Just War Theory: A Guide to Research. The book serves as a manual for students and scholars studying Christian just war theory, helping them navigate the wealth
of just war literature produced in the 20th and 21st centuries. You can purchase the book here and use the discount on this flyer. The book is also available on MindandHeart.com. Jason B. Hood (MABS '04)  Jason and his family are moving to Moshi, Tanzania, where he will serve as pastor of St. Margaret's Anglican Church, an international English-speaking congregation. He recently published the book, Imitating God in Christ: Recapturing a Biblical Pattern (IVP Academic, 2013). Phillip Luther (M.Div. '07)  Phillip says, "The influx of homeless refugees adds racial tension to the burdened economy." He is serving with Mission to the World in Greece. He says, "Yet throughout Athens many Christian organizations are ministering to those who find themselves without jobs or a place to live." Phil and his wife are grateful to the many that have prayed and given to his daughter Jennifer and her husband Aaron after a fire destroyed their rental home. He and his wife Kay have six children. They are pictured above with their son Matthew who just graduated from Covenant College and has plans for a career in the music industry. Heuter Rolle (M.Div. '12) |
"In 1872 Professor Charles Hodge celebrated 50 years of teaching at Princeton Seminary in New Jersey. For a half centry, Dr. Hodge had trained almonst 3000 ministers, missionaries, and professors who had carried the gospel message throughout the United
States and many parts of the globe, " according to the publisher.
Dr. Don Sweeting met with the Oviedo Christian Minister Association in Oviedo, Fla., on June 5 along with Oviedo Chief of Police Jeffrey Chudnow (pictured left) regarding the upcoming trial of George Zimmerman for the death of Trayvon Martin. In
response to the meeting, a special prayer meeting was held on Monday night, June 10, at the RTS Orlando campus. Members of the congregations and the RTS community were invited.
Welcome to Blake DeWitt (MABS '10) now serving as a new member of the institutional information technology department. Part of his responsibility will be to support the technological needs of the Orlando campus. Blake received his bachelor's degree from the University of Central
Florida in Orlando and earned his M.A. in Biblical Studies from RTS/Orlando. He then went on to receive a Master of Arts in Library and Information Studies from Florida State University, where his areas of study were networking and technology, information
architecture and web design. He also gained experience working in simulation for the entertainment industry, web administration and IT services for the post-production film industry. Blake and his wife are the proud parents of their first child,
a baby girl, Brooke Elizabeth DeWitt (June 4). Congratulations!
Rev. Heuter Rolle was installed on Sunday, June 2 as only the fourth senior pastor in the 119-year history of Salem Union Baptist Church in Nassau, The Bahamas. In attendance were fellow alumnus Rev. Michael Aitcheson, Michael’s wife Lucy,
their daughter Leah and Mike Glodo, associate professor of biblical theology at RTS/Orlando, who was asked to bring official greetings on behalf of RTS. Rev. Rolle had a distinguished career in the airline industry as well as in lay service to The Bahamas
Baptist Union before his studies at RTS. The installation service was broadcast live on The Bahamas Radio Network and attended by a host of dignitaries from churches across The Bahamas and from the government. Salem Union Baptist Church holds a distinguished
place in the history of Nassau and among the churches of the BBU. It is Rev. Rolle’s hope to introduce more of his countrymen to RTS as a source of ministerial training.
Justin serves as the Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) minister at the University of Oklahoma. He and his family were safe from the tornadoes in Moore, in late May, but says it was a scary day. Students began contacting him and he soon was beginning some relief work there. He asks for prayer for the people of Moore.↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss.#140 July 3, 2013
| ALMOST 250 IN ATTENDANCE AT THE RTS ALUMNI & FRIENDS LUNCH AT THE PCA GENERAL ASSEMBLY GREENVILLE, SC  RTS Alumni & Friends gathered for lunch at the Presbyterian Church in America's General Assembly. A big thanks to all who attended and to Steve Wallace, RTS acting CEO and Dr. Ric Cannada, RTS chancellor emeritus, as well as Dr. Scott Redd, president of RTS Washington DC and to Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn, new associate director of church history there in Washington DC who made remarks on the Westminster Confession of Faith, an area of his expertise. | July, 3, 2013 | Issue #140 DATES TO REMEMBER Doctor of Ministry Classes at RTS: July 8-12 - RTS/Jackson - Crafting a Congregational Worldview for Evangelism, Witness and Apologetics with Dr. Andrew Hoffecker July 15 - 19 - RTS/Charlotte - Reformers & Ministry with Dr. Frank James July 15 - 19 - RTS/Jackson - Edwards and Pastoral Ministry with Dr. Steve Nichols July 22-26 - RTS/Orlando - Worship with Dr. Reggie Kidd & Scotty Smith July 22 - 26 - RTS/Charlotte - Leadership with Dr. John Sittema July 29 - Aug. 2 - RTS/Orlando - Theology of Ministry with Dr. Justin Holcomb |
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PREPARATIONS BEING MADE FOR RTS/CHARLOTTE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION Dr. Michael J. Kruger will be inaugurated as RTS/Charlotte's fourth president on October 20, 2013. The event will be held at Uptown Presbyterian Church at 5:00 p.m. Dr. Ligon Duncan is the speaker. Dr. Kruger also serves as professor of New Testament. Learn more about Dr. Kruger in this video or keep up with his blog here. PROFESSOR LOWE RECEIVES SECOND PH.D. Dr. Bruce Lowe, assistant professor of New Testament at RTS/Atlanta received his second Ph.D. on April 22. This degree is in ancient history from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. His dissertation was on "Debating Romans Relationally." Congratulations Dr. Lowe! REFORMERS IN MINISTRY WITH FRANK JAMES  Dr. Frank A. James, III, president of Biblical Theological Seminary in Hatfield, Pa., and former president of RTS/Orlando (2004-2009), will teach a D.Min. class at the RTS/Charlotte campus this summer from July 15-19. The course is titled "Reformers in Ministry" and will explore the theology and ministry of the leading reformers, including Martin Luther, Ulrich, Zwingli, John Calvin, Thomas Cranmer, Martin Bucer and Heinrich Bullinger. For more information about this course and our other D.Min. courses available this summer, click here. PICS FROM THE 33RD EPC GENERAL ASSEMBLY  Pictured above is (l to r) John Sowell, president of RTS/Atlanta, Kevin Collins, admissions director at RTS/Orlando and Jim McAlhaney (MAR '03), admissions director for RTS/Global at the RTS booth at the EPC General Assembly. Also, RTS held it's annual RTS Alumni & Friends Breakfast on Friday, June 21 at the Denver Marriott. Dr. Don Sweeting, president of RTS/Orlando and Dr. Ric Cannada, Jr., RTS chancellor emeritus, made presentations and a 10 minute video of the ministry of RTS was shown. INTENSIVE SUMMER COURSES AT RTS Here is a taste of the courses being taught at RTS this summer: For a full list of classes, click here and select the campus of your choice. Dr. D.A. Carson will teach "Exposition of Hebrews" (July 8-12) at RTS/Charlotte. RTS/Washington DC President Dr. Scott Redd, Jr. will teach "Isaiah to Malachi" at RTS/Orlando (Aug 5-9). Dr. Steve Brown will teach "Communication II" at RTS/Atlanta (July 22-25). REGISTER NOW FOR FALL CLASSES Registration is open now for fall registration. Register here. LIKE OUR PAGE Keep up with the latest news and information for all RTS campuses. If you use Facebook, go to the RTS page here and "like" our page. You will get up to date information as it happens. Suggest our page to your friends as well. We often include articles, books published, faculty speaking engagements and other information of interest both to alumni and friends. LISTEN TO AN INTERVIEW WITH JOHN FRAME Kevin Swanson interviews John Frame on "How to Reform the Church in America." Listen here as Dr. Frame discusses his new book The Academic Captivity of Theology (Whitefield Media Publishing, January 2012). NEW BOOK BY DON FORTSON  The Presbyterian Story: Origins and Progress of a Reformed Tradition, written by Dr. Don Fortson, professor of church history and practical theology at RTS/Charlotte, has just been published by The Presbyterian Lay Committee. "Don is a pre-eminent 21st century historian of Presbyterianism in America. A thorough and thoughtful scholar, he presents the history of our branch of the church in a way that meets the high standards of academic scholarship and is understandable and enjoyable for the layperson who wants to learn more about how our past has shaped our church today." — Dr. Jeff Jeremiah, Stated Clerk of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. NEW BOOKS BY JOHN FRAME Dr. John Frame has written Selected Shorter Writings of John Frame (Phillipsburg: P&R, Due late summer or fall 2013). The description: A collection of short, pointed essays from John Frame stating some of his teachings in theological method, apologetics, and the Christian life. Includes an introduction to his signature concept of perspectivalism. He has also written Systematic Theology (Phillipsburg: P&R, Due November 2013). NEW BOOK BY JOHN CURRID  Against the Gods (Crossway, due August 2013) was written by Dr. John Currid. The book is available for purchase here. The description: Did Moses borrow ideas from his cultural neighbors when he wrote the Pentateuch? Scholars disagree on the relationship between portions of the Old Testament and similar ancient Near Eastern accounts. Following in the footsteps of higher critics, some evangelical scholars now argue that Moses drew significantly from the worldview of his pagan contemporaries. Respected Old Testament scholar John Currid, however, pushes back against this trend by highlighting the highly polemical nature of Moses’ writings. From the Genesis creation account to the story of Israel’s exodus from Egypt, Currid shows how the biblical author’s continually emphasized the futility of paganism in contrast with the unparalleled worldview of the Hebrews. Currid’s penetrating analysis and thoughtful argumentation make this a ground-breaking resource for anyone interested in this ongoing discussion. NEW BOOK BY RICHARD BELCHER NEW BOOK CO-EDITED BY BEN GLADD | Michael Dean (RTS M.A. Student) Michael and his wife Ruthie have written Real Men Don't Text. The description: Welcome to dating in the digital world—where phone conversations followed by dinner and a movie have been replaced by last-minute texts, ambiguous relationships, and vague group hangouts. In a no-holds-barred narrative style, the husband-and-wife team chronicles their dating mishaps, hilarious attempts to find love, and many mistakes—helping women understand just what men are thinking and how to attract Mr. Right. The book will be released on Sept. 3. Doug Domin (M.Div. '85) Back in December we reported that Doug and the First Presbyterian Church of Concord had closed on a property after being pushed out of their rented property for a sports bar. So now the unforeseen is upon them and the renovation costs have gone from $82k to $120k. Most of the additional costs are due to expensive upgrades in site work by the city to meet their requirements. If you would like to help this church with renovation costs so they can move into their new church, please visit their website here. Jonny Dyer (M.Div. '10, Th.M. '11) Jonny is an associate minister for international students with All Souls Church at Langham Place in London. He invites you to engageLondon, a Christian festival aiming to connect the gospel with London living, mission and culture, to be held Aug. 29-31. Read more here. Esaie Etienne (M.Div. '04) Esaie is director of Living Stone Reformed Mission and is with Mission to the World as a missionary to Gonaives, Haiti. He and his family held a camp for the kids at school in Docine this week and they are also working on a project to build a small house for a blind lady who lives in a little shack, using contributions from church members. They will soon have a leader's retreat to prepare officers for next year's particularization of two churches and in late July they will organize the annual family retreat for two churches. They ask for prayer for their third church plant in Gonaives. Greg Joines (M.Div. '12) Greg and his wife Dolly are planting a church in Corvallis, Oregon. They invite you to "kick the tires" on the new Web site that was recently launched for his planted church called Christ Central They ask for prayer as they start a small group Bible study and host many events this summer. David Kirkendall (M.Div. '08) David is the headmaster at Trinity Christian School in Lexington, Ky. He was in Florida chaperoning a senior trip for the academy when his leg was crushed by an oncoming jet ski. He spent a few days in the ICU and 10 days in the hospital with life threatening complications. He is back home walking with a cane and continues to improve. The recovery is more extensive than the leg because of the nature of the complications which restricted his lungs and brain functioning and his entire body suffered hypoxemia. He will be doing cognitive therapy in the next few weeks and needs to build up stamina and endurance before returning to work. His doctors are expecting a full recovery but the time frame is unknown, perhaps 3-12 months. Please keep David and his wife Pam and their children in your prayers. Mike Kuhn (M.Div. '00)  Mike is serving in Lebanon. He shares a picture of a Syrian refugee camp where they are able to visit and encourage residents. He says, "We sense the Lord is beginning a similar work here in Lebanon, like he is doing in Egypt--unifying the church in the midst of difficult circumstances. It's a privilege to be here." He works for Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS) and has been asked to begin teaching at the seminary next fall. Mike and his wife Stephanie have three grown daughters serving in other areas around the world.Bob Penny (M.Div. '70)  Bob, a visiting professor at African Bible College in Uganda (ABCU), is pictured above with Samuel Okello and Robert Bireyira, both May graduates of African Bible College in Uganda.  Bob recently traveled to Lira in Uganda to visit, preach and encourage pastors and elders of the Truth Fountain Glory Church West, a church plant of Truth Fountain. The pastor of the church plant is Enamu Johnson, who served as Bob's translator several years ago, before Enamu enrolled and then graduated from African Bible College University. Jim Semradek (MABS '04) Jim serves as pastor of Waterfront Community Church in Chicago. You may have seen the NBC news story on this church a few years back. Here is the news story. Jim and his wife Kim have three children and one on the way. |
Dr. Ben Gladd has co-edited with Daniel M. Gurtner From Creation to New Creation: Biblical Theology and Exegesis. Essays in Honor of G.K. Beale (Peabody: Hendrickson, Fall 2013). 
The Question of Canon: Challenging the Status Quo in the New Testament Debate (IVP, Due Nov. 4, 2013) was written by Dr. Mike Kruger, president of RTS/Charlotte. 
Dr. Waters wrote What is the Bible? (P&R, due August 2013), which is part of the Basics of the Faith series. The description: Waters defines important terms—“revelation,” “inspiration,” and “inerrancy”—clearing away misconceptions, equipping us to understand and answer leading objections to the doctrine of the Bible, and explaining its importance for Christian living.↧
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RTS E-Newsletter iss. #141 July 25, 2013
| RTS/ORLANDO CELEBRATES 25 YEARS 1989-2014  This fall, RTS/Orlando will begin the celebration of their 25th anniversary! To start off the 2013-14 academic year, former president Dr. Luder Whitlock will give the chapel message for convocation on August 21 at 11:00 a.m. in the Pamplin Chapel.A president's forum and lunch will follow as RTS/Orlando President Don Sweeting holds a Q&A with Dr. Whitlock. RSVP to ksutter@rts.edu for lunch. Stay tuned for other events to follow throughout the year. | July 25, 2013 | Issue #141 DATES TO REMEMBER Aug. 21 - Convocation at RTS/Orlando - 11am, speaker Dr. Luder Whitlock Aug. 21 - Convocation at RTS/Jackson - 11am - speaker Dr. Ben Gladd Aug. 27 - Convocation at RTS/Charlotte - 11am - speaker Dr. Richard Belcher Sept. 5 - First Chapel at RTS/Washington DC - 1pm - speaker Dr. Scott Redd Oct. 20 - Inauguration of Dr. Michael Kruger at RTS/Charlotte - Uptown PC at 5:00 p.m. |
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| VAN DIXHOORN, DEVER AND POWELL DISCUSS CHURCH POLITY Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn, associate professor of church history at RTS/Washington DC, was interviewed by Jonathan Leeman, editorial director of 9 Marks Ministries on "Polity is for Everybody," along with Dr. Mark Dever and Dr. Hunter Powell. They discuss Presbyterian v Baptist church polity and discuss a five-volume work he published with Oxford University Press. Listen to the interview here. (There is a short commercial preceding the interview.) FUTATO TO SPEAK AT DESIRING GOD CONFERENCE Dr. Mark Futato, the Robert L. Maclellan professor of Old Testament at RTS/Orlando, will speak on "The Greatest Poem in the Psalter," on Sept. 28 from 12:45-1:15 p.m. at the Desiring God Conference in Minneapolis, Minn. Also, be sure to stop by the RTS booth. We'll have admissions folks there from Orlando, Charlotte, Jackson and Atlanta. LET'S HELP THIS CHURCH MOVE FORWARD RTS Alumnus Doug Domin is a church planter in Concord New Hampshire. They are close to finishing the construction of their church home and have been served notice to vacate their rented facilities before they have been able to complete construction of the new church building. It is a matter of finances and time is short. Would you prayerfully consider helping Doug and this church plant in the churchless Northeast complete their building in the next few months? For more information and to make a donation online click here. BRYAN CHAPELL TO TEACH COMMUNICATIONS I, IN JACKSON Dr. Bryan Chapell will teach Communications I at RTS/Jackson this fall. The course will meet Nov. 4-5 and Dec. 2-3.Chapell serves as the senior pastor at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois. He taught preaching for years at Covenant Seminary where he also previously served as president and chancellor. His book, Christ-Centered Preaching, is a standard text used by seminaries around the world. Other works by Dr. Chapell in the discipline of preaching include Using Illustrations to Preach with Power and The Hardest Sermons You’ll Ever Have to Preach (editor and contributor). He also recently served as the general editor of Crossway’s ESV Gospel Transformation Bible. This is a major decision that will have long term impact. The court accelerated the advance of gay marriage in the US, and decided that defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman is unconstitutional. No Christian should be unaware of this decision or its implications." Read the complete blog of the first article at Chief End of Man. | Have you moved? Send us updates to your address and ministry here. We love to keep up with our alumni, but due to the nature of ministry work, they tend to move quite frequently until they are settled into a position. It is our privilege to serve and continue to provide you with any resources and additional education you may need. There are many events we host throughout the year and you are always welcome to attend, so keep us updated with your contact information. We also have many graduates to fill positions in your churches and future churches. Thank you for keeping us informed. Chuck DeGroat (M.Div. '98, MAC '99)  Chuck has accepted an offer to become associate professor of counseling and pastoral care at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Mich. He moved to San Francisco five years ago to start a counseling center and to start a seminary and he has accomplished both. He co-founded Newbigin House of Studies and serves there as a senior fellow. Newbigin House exists in partnership with Western Theological Seminary (Michigan) and City Church of San Francisco. Jake Hunt (M.Div. '07) Jake is currently serving in Prague, CZ and needs your prayers. His 11-month old daughter has what appears to be a cancerous tumor in her liver. Chemo and surgery are likely to follow, but they ask you to pray for healing, clear communication with doctors and the location to do treatment (either CZ or US). Keep up with their situation here. Benjamin Hutchings (MAC '05) Ben and his wife Aubrey, both licensed mental health counselors have recently opened the Open Doors Counseling Center (3586 Aloma Ave., Ste. 11, Winter Park, Fla.) Read more about the center here. Bryan Cazenavette (MAC '13) is also working there as a registered mental health intern. Daniel Iverson, IV (M.Div. '13)  Danny and his wife Kimberly and their five children have arrived at Perimeter Church in Atlanta and have settled in a house in Norcross. He will be a church planting resident at Perimeter. In this position, he'll learn everything he can from every department while growing a core team for a future church plant and teaching and doing ministry work wherever they need him. He hopes to complete his licensure and ordination in the PCA by next spring. Listen to a senior sermon he did in the RTS/Orlando chapel prior to graduation. Alex Ponomarev (M.Div.M. '96) Alex and Irina (MAMis.'96), originally from Russia, are serving with Ministry of Outreach to Slavic Tribes (MOST) in Columbia, SC, a ministry to reach Russian speakers in America and overseas. Their church, First Presbyterian Church in Columbia hosts a bilingual Russian & English Sunday school class and the 11:15 a.m. worship service is translated into Russian with hearing pieces available. They recently planned a community picnic and had a tremendous turnout despite an earlier rain shower. Willem Van Der Merwe (D.Min. '10) Willie and his wife Caren are serving with GodSpeed Services in Swakopmund, Namibia, Africa, where they offer membercare services to missionaries, cross-cultural workers, teams and local spiritual leaders to refresh their souls and spirits and establish healthy environments in which they can thrive to help fulfill their mission and goals. They helped at the annual cross-cultural worker retreat conference, Breathe, in Europe and report that many cross-cultural workers came severely wounded to the conference and many of them experienced deep healing. Also they were able to meet up with their children in Cape Town in May. Hugo will attend a university in South Africa for 6 months as an exchange student. Ruco and Kristi are also serving in Africa. Greg Willson (M.Div. '11)  Greg, formerly the assistant pastor at Orlando Grace Church in Maitland, Fla., and his wife Christina desire to plant a church. But, first they will work with a church planting residency at Riverside Community Church in downtown Columbia, SC. After one year there, they will be sent out with a core group to plant a new church, and will seek the Lord's guidance as to where this will be. Pictured above is Orlando Grace pastor Curt Heffelfinger (D.Min. '98) sending off the Willsons.Lauren (last name withheld) (MATS '10) She is serving in Africa and asks for prayer for a community of workers who are grieving over the sudden loss of one of the men there who died in a horrible accident. He is survived by his wife and several children. His wife has returned to the States for an indefinite amount of time and need prayer for their future. Lauren asks that we also please keep this community in your prayers and pray that they cling to the Truth. |
The Virginia State Approving Agency has approved RTS/Washington DC for the enrollment of veterans, military and other eligible persons under the provision of Title 38, Section 3676, United States Code. This means that students who have served in the military, are able to receive GI Bill benefits for attending RTS/Washington. Interested parties should contact Geoff Sackett at the RTS Washington admission office at (
Dr. Miles Van Pelt, professor of Old Testament and biblical languages and academic dean at RTS/ Jackson, contributed the study notes for Kings and Chronicles to the ESV Gospel Transformation Bible (Crossway, due Sept 2013). The ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible seeks to demonstrate the unity of God’s grace throughout redemptive history which culminates in Jesus.↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #142 August 21, 2013
| RTS APPOINTS PASTOR-THEOLOGIAN AS NEW CHANCELLOR DUNCAN HAS LONGTIME CONNECTION WITH RTS  The RTS Board of Trustees has elected Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, III, as chancellor and CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary. Duncan is currently the John E. Richards professor of systematic and historical theology at RTS in Jackson, Miss., and the senior minister of historic First Presbyterian Church (1837), where he has served for the past 17 years. He is the president of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, and served as president of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals from 2004-2012. Click here to read the complete news release. Welcome Chancellor Duncan! | August 21, 2013 | Issue #142 DATES TO REMEMBER Aug. 21 - Convocation at RTS/Orlando - 11am - speaker: former RTS president, Dr. Luder Whitlock, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of RTS/Orlando Aug. 21 - Convocation at RTS/Jackson - 11am - speaker: Dr. Ben Gladd Aug. 27 - Convocation at RTS/Charlotte - 11am - speaker: Dr. Richard Belcher Sept. 5 - First Chapel at RTS/Washington DC - 1pm - speaker: Dr. Scott Redd Oct. 20 - Inauguration of Dr. Michael Kruger at RTS/Charlotte - Uptown PC at 5pm |
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| READ CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES FROM FRIENDS Visit the new RTS Chancellor Web page and learn about the new chancellor, keep up with his speaking engagements, see the books he has authored, and read through the kind words friends have sent to him in the "Congratulatory Messages" section. Click rts.edu/chancellor to visit the new page on our site. DEREK THOMAS NAMED SENIOR PASTOR RTS rejoices with the historic First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC, in the news of that congregation's unanimous vote naming Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas as senior minister. Dr. Thomas succeeds Dr. Sinclair Ferguson. Expressing that he is "honored and deeply humbled" over the congregation's decision, Dr. Thomas will continue serving as the professor of systematic and historical theology at RTS/Atlanta, teaching "Systematic Theology 1: Scripture, Theology, and Anthropology" as well as "Theology of the Westminster Standards" on Mondays this fall. Jerry Marcellino has been a full-time pastor since 1988 and has been the pastor of Audubon Drive Bible Church in Laurel, Miss., since 1993. He and his wife Dawn, are the blessed parents of seven children. Jerry is a graduate of the University of Hawaii - 1980 (B.A. in Communication) and Capital Bible Seminary in Lanham, Maryland - 1988 (M.Div.). He is the author of Rediscovering the Lost Treasure of Family Worship; Should Christians Have A Heart For Israel? - A Biblical Perspective;Should The Church Have A Heart For Israel? - A Historical Perspective; and Should the Nations Have A Heart For Israel? - An Eternal Perspective. Visitors are welcome. For more information contact the admissions office at 601.923.1672 or email admissions.jackson@rts.edu. Come join us! THE CURRENT READ AT RTS/ORLANDO Bad Religion: How We Became a Nation of Heretics (Christianity Today's 2013 Book Award Winner) is the book that the students, faculty and staff of RTS/Orlando will be reading this fall. The Current Read replaces the former title (One School One Book). Author and New York Times columnist Ross Douthat will lecture and sign his book in the Pamplin Chapel Oct. 29 at 7:00 p.m. The public is welcome.GOSPEL TRANSFORMATION STUDY BIBLE: RTS CONTRIBUTORS In addition to Dr. Miles Van Pelt contributing the study notes for Kings and Chronicles to the Gospel Transformation Study Bible (due Sept. 2013), Rev. Mike Glodo, associate professor of Biblical Studies at RTS/Orlando, contributed the study notes for Nahum and Obadiah and Dr. Mark Futato, the Robert L. Maclellan professor of Old Testament at RTS/Orlando, contributed study notes for Deuteronomy. THREE SEASONED PASTORS TEACHING AT RTS/JACKSON THIS FALL This fall three seasoned pastors will bring significant pastoral experience to bear on historical and systematic theology in the classrooms at RTS/Jackson: Dr. Ligon Duncan will teach "Studies in Patristic Theology" on Mondays from 8-10 a.m. and "Introduction to Pastoral and Theological Studies" on Mondays from 10-noon. Dr. Derek Thomas will teach "Theology of the Westminster Standards" from Oct. 7-11, from 9-3 p.m. each day. Dr. Sean Lucas, senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg, Miss., will teach "Church Polity" on Mondays from 11-12 p.m. and "History of Christianity I" on Mondays from 1-4 p.m. If you wish to audit a class, contact klee@rts.edu. LABOR DAY HOLIDAY Our campuses will be closed on Sept. 2 in observance of Labor Day. RTS/ATLANTA TO HOST 4 MEET AND GREET CONVOCATIONS THIS FALL RTS Atlanta is pleased to host four "Meet and Greet" convocations for new and returning students (and spouses) this fall. In order to accommodate the varying schedules of our student body, students are welcome to join faculty, staff, and one another at the RTS Atlanta campus for a meal on any (or all) of the following dates: Aug. 22, 5-6 p.m. (dinner provided); Aug. 26, 4-6 p.m., (dinner provided); Aug. 27, 12-1 p.m., (lunch provided); and Sept. 6, 5-6 p.m. (dinner provided). If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Mrs. Becca Hermes at bhermes@rts.edu at least two days prior. THE RTS ADMISSIONS TEAMS WANT TO MEET YOU!  Stop by our booth at the Desiring God National Conference in Minneapolis, Minn., Sept. 27-29 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, and learn more about RTS. The conference focus this year is "The Romantic Rationalist: God, Life and Imagination in the Work of C.S. Lewis." Going to UAC 13? Stop by the RTS booth and talk to the admissions staff. The Unashamed Conference will be held Sept. 13-15 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. JOHN REED MILLER LECTURES AT RTS/JACKSON  Kevin DeYoung, senior pastor of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Mich., and regular blogger and speaker for The Gospel Coalition, is the lecturer for the John Reed Miller Lectures at RTS/Jackson. The lectures will be held Oct. 22-23 and the topic is "Preaching." The public is welcome. Contact admissions.jackson@rts.edu for more information. JUSTIN TAYLOR INTERVIEWS THE NEW CHANCELLOR The Gospel Coalition recently posted an article of an interview with Dr. Ligon Duncan by Justin Taylor (MAR '12). Read the article here. | Betsy Bowers (MAMFT '13) Betsy is working at Restoration Counseling of Atlanta as a marriage and family intern. She works with Jennifer Stuckert (MAMFT '01, MABS '01) the founder and president, who is a national certified counselor, a licensed professional counselor and a certified professional counselor supervisor, and currently completing certification in sexual addiction counseling. David Brukiewa (M.Div. '96) David is the owner of Brukhouse Insurance in Colorado Springs, Colo. Ryann Craig (M.A.R. '09) Ryann serves as the Arabic cataloger on the Iraqi Jewish Archive project at the National Archives and Records Administration. The project was featured as the headline article in the (print edition) Washington Post on August 14. The National Archives will host an exhibit in conjunction with the project, "Discovery and Recovery: Preserving Iraqi Jewish Heritage," opening Oct. 11. Ryann is thrilled to help document the Jewish community in Iraq, and regularly uses her knowledge of Hebrew - which she first studied under Dr. Peter Lee at RTS DC - on the project. Phil Davis (M.Div. '03) Phil is a church planter of Faith Community Church in Prague, Czech Republic. He and his family were in the US recently. They traveled back to Prague on Aug. 15, after special times with friends, the pool and a trip to the Krispy Kreme. Some friends of Phil's put together this video of him, his city and his church there. He also asks for prayer for their colleagues Jake Hunt (M.Div. '07) and his wife Melissa for the healing of their daughter Eliza (11 months) who recently underwent surgery and is now getting chemo treatments. Branden Henry (MAMFT '12) Brandon is working as a marriage and family associate, for The Shepherd's Staff Counseling Center in Jackson, Miss., along with RTS alumni Matt Thames (MAMFT '02), a licensed professional counselor, and Lida Caraway (MAMFT '01), a licensed professional counselor and a national certified counselor. Fred Jonkman (M.Div. '97) In 2010, God enabled their team to purchase property on the outskirts of Quininde in Ecuador. They are in the design stage of a construction program that will include a medical clinic, an educational resource center, a home for abused girls, a center for micro industry training, and cabins for retreats. It will serve as a center for the ministry in this community where more than 50% of the population consists of afro-Ecuadorians. He says, "The spiritual and physical poverty, sexual abuse, and lack of work and purpose in life causes despair to reign in this community and only the gospel has the power to change this dismal situation." Fred and his wife Arlene have six children and 13 grandchildren: Michelle, Jason, Anita, Jodie, and Carolyn are married and live with their spouses and children in Canada. Erin is still with her parents on the mission field. |
RTS/Jackson will host its annual World Missions Conference on Sept. 10-11. The keynote speaker is Rev. Jerry Marcellino. The schedule is as follows:↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #143 September 5, 2013
RTS/Houston Now Approved to Offer the MABS Degree RTS has been granted approval for RTS/Houston to offer the complete Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) degree. This approval comes from RTS’ two main accrediting agencies: the Board of Commissioners of the Association of Theological Schools and the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Read the news release here. | Sept. 5, 2013 | Issue #143 DATES TO REMEMBER Sept. 5 - First Chapel at RTS/Washington DC - 1pm - speaker: Dr. Scott Redd Sept. 6 - Atlanta Meet and Greet Sept. 10-11 -RTS/Jackson Missions Conference - speaker: Rev. Jerry Marcellino Sept. 11 - President's Forum at RTS/Orlando with Dr. Justin Holcomb on "Dealing with Sexual Abuse in the Church." RSVP to ksutter@rts.edu for lunch at a minimal cost. Oct. 20 - Inauguration of Dr. Michael Kruger, new president of RTS/Charlotte at Uptown Presbyterian Church at 5pm | ||||||
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LISTEN TO CONVOCATION MESSAGE AT RTS/CHARLOTTE
CHAPLAIN MACK GRIFFITH APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF RTS CHARLOTTE'S CHAPLAIN MINISTRIES INSTITUTE
NEW LECTURES FROM DR. FRAME ON RTS ON ITUNES U RTS on iTunes U has recently posted newly recorded lectures of John Frame's course "The History of Philosophy and Christian Thought" now available for download. Click here. PICS FROM RTS/ATLANTA'S MEET AND GREET
THE INAUGURATION OF DR. MICHAEL KRUGER Reformed Theological Seminary announces the inauguration of Dr. Michael J. Kruger as the fourth president of the Charlotte campus. The ceremony will be held on Oct. 20 and will begin at 5:00 p.m. at Uptown Church, 926 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte,
NC 28204. Dr. Kruger received a B.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an M.Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary in California, and a Ph.D. from The University of Edinburgh, Scotland. A reception will follow. Read the news release here. HOUSTON FACILITY UPDATE We'd like to show you the NEW FACILITIES at RTS/Houston. The new "Sonrise" addition provides the use of a 1600 sq. ft. library, a 200 seat chapel, four state of the art classrooms with smartboard projectors, and four offices. Click here to read the September update letter from Executive Director Tim McKeown and see more pictures.  LISTEN TO INTERVIEW WITH DR. SWAIN ON HIS NEW BOOK  Dr. Scott Swain was interviewed about his new book by Jonathan Armstrong (Aqueduct Project) in late July for the GODTalks program. The goal of the Aqueduct Project is to bring quality theological education out from the seminary classroom to pastors
and Christian leaders around the world. Swain's latest book is The God of the Gospel: Robert Jenson’s Trinitarian Theology (Strategic Initiatives in Evangelical Theology) (IVP, 2013). Listen to the interview here.LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE If you want to get news about all the campuses of the seminary as well as referrals to articles and other resources of interest on a "real-time" basis, you can "like" our RTS Facebook page and get up to the moment notices through your Facebook. CHANGES AT THE RTS/JACKSON BOOKSTORE  RTS/Jackson said farewell to the bookstore manager, Mike Lassley (right). He and his family moved to the wide-open plains of North Dakota. Mike has done a superb job managing the bookstore while completing his studies and now Kyle
Brent (left) will begin in this position on Aug. 12. Kyle comes to RTS/Jackson with experience in bookstore management and has worked with Michael over the last year preparing for this transfer of duties. Welcome Kyle!READ CONVOCATION MESSAGE BY FORMER RTS PRESIDENT, DR. LUDER WHITLOCK, JR. Former RTS President, Dr. Luder Whitlock, Jr., reflects on his years at RTS for 25th anniversary year of RTS/Orlando. He spoke at the 25th Convocation in the Pamplin Chapel. Read his message here. DR. HILL TO GIVE LECTURES AT WHEATON | Richard Aguilar (M.Div. '97) Please pray for Richard as he underwent surgery on Sept. 3. Richard is the pastor of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) in Ecuador. Sept. 3 was also his 25th wedding anniversary! He tells us his church was finally able to get legal status from the government. They were also able to rent a room recently for a teenage VBS and one of their projects is pictured above. In addition, they are excited their son Pablo has been accepted into Catholic University of Ecuador! Ed Bowman Ed Bowman first entered RTS/Jackson in the summer of 2000 for beginning Greek classes. After seminary he was first ordained as pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Waskom, Texas. Waskom is a small town in East Texas in need of revitalization. During his ministry there the church grew from about 12 attendees to 55 members. In January 2013 he accepted a call to plant a new church in Nacogdoches, Texas, named Pineywoods Presbyterian Church and currently labors to that end. Ed’s training both in the classroom and the medical experiences uniquely prepared him for gospel ministry. “I highly recommend pursuing the proper training at RTS for ministry calling. They have the best staff and teachers I have ever been blessed to know. They cared for me and Pam in some of the darkest days we ever suffered.” Laurel Boyd (MAMFT '12) Laurel is a licensed marriage and family therapist associate at Summit Counseling at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Miss. Anthony J. Carter (MABS '00)  Anthony is lead pastor of East Point Church in East Point, Ga., and a member of the council of the Gospel Coalition. Anthony and his wife Adriane, have five children.
He is the author or editor of several books and his latest book is Bloodwork (Reformation Trust Publishing, January 2013). Dr. Robert Orner, dean of students at RTS/Orlando said, "Blood Work is both theologically rich and devotional. Anthony Carter
presents a refreshing pastoral reminder of what the believer has been given through the finished work of Christ Jesus. This is a must read for the new believer, as well as for those who are well into the spiritual journey." Click here to purchase the book.Michele Hitchcock (MAMFT '12) Michele is working as a therapist at Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Center in Mississippi. Roann Hunter (MAMFT '13) Roe is working as a therapist with Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Center. Joshua Kitchen (M.Div. '12) Josh serves as a field coordinator for The Seed Company in Papua, New Guinea. For the past few weeks he has been teaching Greek to 10 Papua New Guinean nationals, who traveled great distances to attend the class. In class they sing the Greek alphabet and popular verses of the New Testament in Greek. Earlier in August he helped teach a Scripture Application & Leadership Training (SALT) course to the Nobonob people. Josh taught on God's holiness and our justification and sanctification. Lynwood C. Perez (M.Div. '87)  Lyn is the Chief Development and Communications Officer at RTS and the editor of the RTS E-Newsletter. He and his wife Marj are excited about the birth of their first grandchild, Mary "Alaina" Perez, born Aug. 30, 2013.P. Nathaniel Ruland (M.Div. '12) Nathaniel is currently teaching Old and New Testament Survey classes through the Bible and Religion Department of Montreat College in Montreat, NC. Chris Sicks (MAR '10)  Chris has written a new book, Tangible: Making God Known Through Deeds of Mercy and Words of Truth (NavPress). Dr. John Frame said in his review, "I have often told my students that 'love is the best apologetic,' but I did
not realize until now how pervasively Scripture itself brings these themes together. In many contexts and many ways, our faith is based on God's mercy. So the best way for us to draw others to faith is to show God's mercy working through our deeds. In
this book, Chris Sicks has shown a wonderful grasp of Scripture and a great ability to show how this biblical pattern can be reflected in our own witness for Christ today." Click here to purchase the book.Casey Strine (M.Div. '07)  Casey has been appointed vice-chancellor's fellow and lecturer in Hebrew Bible at the University of Sheffield in the U.K. He completed his D.Phil. at the University of Oxford in 2011, and his thesis was recently published by Walter de Gruyter under the title Sworn Enemies: The Divine Oath, the Book of Ezekiel, and the Polemics of Exile (Visit caseystrine.com for more details). Casey, Amanda, and their 4-year-old son Jack are relocating to Sheffield in September, where Amanda will continue to work for Microsoft's Consulting Services group as a resource manager. Eric (Last name withheld) (M.Div.) Please pray for him and his family as they transition to Japan. They want to bless the Japanese church and missionaries as much as they can in the time they are there. Have you moved? Send us updates to your address and ministry here. We love to keep up with our alumni, but due to the nature of ministry work, they tend to move quite frequently until they are settled into a position. It is our privilege to serve and continue to provide you with any resources and additional education you may need. There are many events we host throughout the year and you are always welcome to attend, so keep us updated with your contact information. We also have many graduates to fill positions in your churches and future churches. Thank you for keeping us informed. __________________________________ Digital M&L Now Online  The Ministry & Leadership magazine is now available in digital format. The digital version includes bonus content. Click here to view the magazine. | ||||||
Dr. Chuck Hill, professor of New Testament at RTS/Orlando will give the E. Earle Ellis Lecture at Wheaton College in Illinois on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 7:00 p.m.. The title of the lecture is “Who Chose the New Testament Books? Politics,
Praxis, and Proof in the Early Church."
From the 40th anniversary book of RTS: Erskine Wells vividly
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RTS E-Newsletter iss.# 144 September 25, 2013
| TAKE5 PODCAST NOW AN APP RTS.EDU/TAKEFIVE  Find "TAKE5 with Don Sweeting" in the app store. It is now available for iPhone, iPad, Android and Google play. Take 5 minutes today to develop a deeper mind for truth and a heart for God with Dr. Don Sweeting, president of Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. You will find these 5 minute podcasts to be rich with theological truth that is practically applied to everyday life. | September 25, 2013 | Issue #144 DATES TO REMEMBER Sept. 26 - Dr. Pete Williams to speak at RTS/Charlotte at noon. RSVP required. Oct. 4-5 - Intensive Course at RTS/Washington D.C.: The Life and Theology of Charles Hodge Oct. 20 - Inauguration of Dr. Michael Kruger, new president of RTS/Charlotte at Uptown Church at 5pm Oct. 23 - President's Forum at RTS/Orlando with Zac Hicks at noon. Oct. 29 - Author Ross Douthat, NY Times columnist will be at RTS/Orlando for lecture and book signing for his book Bad Religion at 7pm for The Current Read event. Nov. 1-2 - Bio+Ethics Conference at RTS/Charlotte | |||
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| NEW COURSES AVAILABLE FROM RTS DISTANCE ED DEPT. The RTS Distance Education Department has announced the release of "Advanced Biblical Exegesis" with Dr. Robert J. Cara and Dr. Richard P. Belcher. The course lectures also include a special lecture from Dr. Michael J. Kruger on Meredith Kline. This course seeks to paint a broad picture of the history of hermeneutics and presents a model for Reformed hermeneutics. The course is two credit hours, does not have any language requirements, and is now available fully online. Dr. Belcher serves as the online professor of record. These lectures are now available here. MESSAGE TO ALUMNI FROM DR. DOUG KELLY In case you missed it, listen here to a campus update from Dr. Mike Kruger, the president of RTS/Charlotte, and then to a message from Dr. Doug Kelly, the Richard Jordan professor of theology at RTS/Charlotte, given to alumni titled "What is God Doing in Your Ministerial Life?" In the latter part of the message he is interviewed by an alumnus about advice on future ministry for those who are not yet involved in formal ministry, and other members in the audience asked questions of Dr. Kelly including advice on a minister's personal study and prayer and how to lead one's family. INTENSIVE COURSES AT RTS/WASHINGTON DC Sign up for one of the intensive courses offered at different times throughout the year at RTS/Washington DC. Read the brochure Elective Course Offerings. The next course coming up is "The Life and Theology of Charles Hodge" with Dr. Andrew Hoffecker on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4-5. The Theology of Jonathan Edwards will be offered Friday and Saturday, Jan 3-4 with Dr. David Coffin. The Westminster Standards will be offered Monday - Wednesday, Jan. 13-15 with Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn. BIO+ETHICS CONF AT RTS/CHARLOTTE Interested in a biblical perspective on issues like pre-natal screenings, abortion, stem-cell research and euthanasia? Register for the Bio+Ethics Charlotte Conference at RTS/Charlotte Nov. 1 - 2 with Joni and Friends International Disability Center. Tickets are limited. Read more about it and register here. WOMEN IN MINISTRY EVENTS ON CAMPUS
VISIT THE RTS ADMISSIONS BOOTH Our admissions directors are headed up to Minneapolis, Minn., Sept 26-29 for the Desiring God National Conference. Look for RTS/Atlanta, Orlando, Jackson and Charlotte to be present to answer any of your questions. Also look for RTS/Houston to be at the Founder's Conference September 26-28. RTS/Orlando will be at the Reformed Bible Conference in Sanford, Fla., Sept. 27-28. WARDEN OF TYNDALE HOUSE AT RTSC Dr. Pete Williams, warden of Tyndale House at Cambridge, U.K., will speak at RTS/Charlotte on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 12:00 p.m. His topic is "Has the New Testament Text Been Corrupted? An Evangelical Approach to Textual Transmission." RSVP to ldixon@rts.edu. Read more here. SCOTT REDD INTERVIEWED ABOUT SYRIA AND THE END TIMES In September, Michael Gryboski of The Christian Post interviewed several theologians including Dr. Scott Redd, president of RTS/Washington DC about the Syria conflict. Read the article here. MIKE KRUGER INTERVIEWED ON BACKPACK RADIO  Dr. Kruger talks about two of his books: Canon Revisited and The Question of Canon: Challenging the Status Quo in the New Testament Debate. Click on "Origins of the New Testament Canon" on his Web page here. The book responds to the question, "How do we know which books belong in the Canon?" From their Web site, "Backpack Radio is sponsored by Roosevelt Community Church, a theologically-driven, missionally-minded and urban-focused church in the heart of downtown Phoenix." CHARLESTON CHRISTMAS CONF ON REFORMED THEOLOGY Christ Church Presbyterian in Charleston, SC, will host the first annual Charleston Christmas Conference on Reformed Theology Dec. 6-8, 2013. The theme is "The Glorious Incarnation." Guest speakers include Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas, and Dr. Steve Lawson. Read more here. PRESIDENT'S FORUM WITH ZAC HICKS AT RTSO Dr. Don Sweeting, president of RTS/Orlando will discuss "The Worship Pastor: A New (Old) Approach for Worship Leaders" with Zac Hicks, pastor of worship at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., on Oct. 23 at noon. RSVP to ksutter@rts.edu. JOHN CURRID INTERVIEWED ON JANET MEFFERD SHOW Dr. Currid is interviewed about his latest book, Against the Gods. Listen to the interview here and click on the 9/12/2013 show from hour 2 of the show in the lineup. From Crossway.com, the book is described here: "Did the Old Testament writers borrow ideas from their pagan neighbors? And if they did, was it done uncritically? A respected Old Testament scholar and archaeologist engages with this controversial question by carefully comparing the biblical text to other ancient Near Eastern documents. Well-researched and thoughtfully nuanced, Currid aims to outline the precise relationship between the biblical worldview and that of Israel’s neighbors." From her Web site, "Janet Mefferd takes a Christ-centered look at the news and events of the day, both in the church and in the world." WOMEN IN MINISTRY FALL RETREAT The Women in Ministry of RTS/Orlando will hold a retreat at New Smyrna Beach, Fla. on Friday, Sept. 28. Leigh Swanson, RTSO associate dean of students, is the speaker and the topic is "Restoring Time to Listen" from 1 Samuel 3:10. DR. KIDD WRITES FOR WORSHIP LEADER MAGAZINE  Dr. Reggie Kidd writes articles for the Scripture and History section of Worship Leader magazine. His latest article in the September issue is "I Know Why the Prisoner Sings." Pick up a copy and find out which hymn Dr. Kidd calls "one song that forces itself into my consciousness more than any other." | Richard Aguilar (M.Div. '97) Richard, pastor of Christ the Redeemer in Ecuador, underwent surgery in early September and infection has now set in, so he returned to the hospital for more surgery. Please keep him and his wife Cindy in your prayers. Joe Arnold (M.Div. '13) Joe, a long-time mechanical engineer, has been recently ordained and installed as pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, in Rockingham, NC. Read an article about him here in the Richmond County Daily Journal. Anthony Carter (MABS '00) Thabiti Anyabwile, along with his best friends, Anthony Carter of East Point Church in Atlanta and Pastor Louis Love of New Life Fellowship Church in Vernon Hills, IL, have launched a new website called The Front Porch. The new website is "a place for conversations about biblical faithfulness in African-American churches and beyond." Alan Gay (M.Div. '13) Alan was called as associate pastor of Ballantyne Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC, in May. His wife Megan (MABS '13) gave birth to their first child Lily Annabelle on Aug. 24. Alan says this year has been full of exciting transition as they apply their training and knowledge in the church and in their home. Congratulations! James T. Griffin (MAR '11) On Saturday, Oct. 26, the Right Rev'd Council Nedd II, bishop of the Chesapeake and Northeast will ordain JT Griffin to the Sacred Order of Priests. The service will be at the Rockland Community Church in Front Royal, Va. Chan Kilgore (RTS Student) Chan is pastor of CrossPointe Lake Nona in Orlando, Fla. His article "What I Wish I'd Known About Satanic Attacks, Shared Leadership, and Perfect Parenting" was posted on TheResurgence.com. Read the article here. Steffen Mueller (M.Div. '05) Steffen is the church planter of Gospel Church Munchen in Germany. He asks for prayer that many will come to their services as they start a new sermon series giving an overview of redemptive history titled "The Central Points of the Christian Faith - in 10 Weeks Through the Bible." He also asks for prayer for his wife and her health and for her family as her step-sister and unborn baby, and her stepsister's husband were all killed in an accident in July. Tom Nelson (M.Div. '12) Tom is the former admissions director at RTS/Orlando. He suffered a stroke on July 30, was hospitalized but is now home and going through rehab. He still manages to get back on the driving range. He is very thankful to Rev. Mark Pearson for the opportunity to be back in the pulpit. If you are in the area and would like to hear Tom's sermon, he'll be preaching at Grace Presbyterian Church in Palm Coast, Fla., on Sept. 29 and also on Oct. 6 (morning services). He is also leading a small group in Sanford on Tuesday nights, as part of River Oak Presbyterian Church's community group ministry. He says "Blessed and thankful am I." Michael Prodigalidad (RTS Student)  Michael (right) is an RTS/Global student and pastor of Stanmore Baptist Church, located near the Sydney CBD. He is pictured here with RTS Chancellor Ligon Duncan, who was recently in Australia. Michael says, "Given my full-time pastoral commitments, I consider it a privilege to have access to some of the leading pastor-scholars from half-way around the world." Lisa Repair (MA '10) Lisa is currently serving with Mission to the World (MTW) in Bangkok, Thailand at New City Fellowship. She reports her church now has a daughter church (Grace City Church) in center-city Bangkok. They are in need of a working spare vehicle that someone would love to get rid of. She asks for prayer for a godly, committed Thai man to serve as pastor for New City Fellowship. After two years, she is leaving for the states and due to arrive in Jackson, Miss., on Oct. 24. She will also attend the MTW Global Missions Conference in November. A. Taylor Rollo (M.Div. '12) After working part-time as a software engineer for Turner Broadcasting while in seminary, Taylor has been called to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Blacksburg, Va., as associate pastor (pending ordination this fall). Taylor and his wife Erika have a son Gabriel. Casey Strine (M.Div. '07) Casey has published a monograph based on his doctoral dissertation titled "Sworn Enemies: The Divine Oath, The Book of Ezekiel, and the Polemics of Exile" (De Gruyter, 2013). The monograph is based on his D.Phil from the University of Oxford in 2011. There is a copy available in the RTSO library. James Waters (D.Min. '00) Dr. James C. Waters, 81, passed into Glory on Sept. 6, 2013 in Lenoir, NC. He served his country in the US Air Force and went on to earn an M.Div. from Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity in 1998 and a D.Min from RTS in 2000. He had a long career in the furniture industry and served as associate minister at First Baptist Church in Lenoir, NC, until retiring in 2001. He is survived by his wife Betty, two married sons, a grandson, two brothers, an aunt and several nieces and nephews. A service was held on Sept. 9 at the First Baptist Church of Lenoir. Read the full obituary here. | |||
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RTS E-Newsletter iss.#145 October 15, 2013
| JOHN REED MILLER LECTURES RTS/JACKSON Kevin DeYoung, senior pastor of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Mich., and regular blogger and speaker for The Gospel Coalition, is the lecturer for the John Reed Miller Lectures at RTS/Jackson. The topic is "Preaching" and the public is
welcome. DeYoung has a new book out titled Crazy Busy: A (Mercifully) Short Book About a (Really) Big Problem.Lecture 1: Oct. 22 - 11:00 a.m. "How Can a Biblical Sermon Be So Boring? The Case for Veracity and Clarity in Preaching" with lunch and Q&A about Crazy Busy at noon. Lecture 2: Oct. 23 - 10:00 a.m. "How Can a Biblical Sermon Be So Boring: The Case for Specificity, Authenticity and Ingenuity in Preaching." Lecture 3: Oct 23 - 11:00 a.m. "How Can a Biblical Sermon Be So Boring: The Case for Spontaneity and Authority in Preaching." Lunch follows at noon with Q&A over "Preaching and Pastoral Ministry." Learn more about Kevin and his bookhere. | October 15, 2013 | Issue #145 DATES TO REMEMBER Oct. 15 - Preview Day at RTS/Charlotte Oct. 17 - Preview Day at RTS/Washington DC Oct. 20 - Inauguration of Dr. Michael Kruger, new president of RTS/Charlotte at Uptown Church at 5pm Oct. 22-23 - John Reed Miller Lectures with pastor/author Kevin DeYoung at RTS/Jackson Oct. 23 - President's Forum at RTS/Orlando with Zac Hicks, pastor of worship at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church Oct. 29 - Bad Religion author Ross Douthat to speak at RTS/Orlando at 7pm. Nov. 5 - Pastor Appreciation Lunch at RTS/Atlanta | ||||||
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AUTHOR EVENT AT RTS/ORLANDO
NEW FACULTY IN JACKSON  Dr. Michael G. McKelvey, senior pastor of Crosspoint Church of Asheville, NC, has been appointed Old Testament professor at RTS/Jackson beginning January 1, 2014. McKelvey has a D.Phil. in Theology, and M.Div. from RTS, and a B.S.
in Business Administration from Mississippi College. He has previously taught at RTS as a visiting lecturer since 2008. Read more here.AND THE WINNER IS...
RTS CHANCELLOR TO PARTICIPATE IN PANEL DISCUSSION Dr. Ligon Duncan will be part of a panel discussion with Albert Mohler (moderator), D.A. Carson, John Woodbridge, Gregory Thornbury and Jason Duesing at the Evangelical Theological Society's national meeting in Baltimore Nov. 20. COME PREVIEW RTS/WASHINGTON DC IN OCTOBER Visit with the faculty and staff of RTS/Washington DC on Oct. 17. Enjoy lunch and stay for class with President Scott Redd at 2:00 p.m. RSVP to jmcgahey@rts.edu. PRESIDENT'S FORUM AT RTS/ORLANDO On Oct. 23, Dr. Don Sweeting, president of RTS/Orlando, will discuss with Zac Hicks, pastor of worship at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, "The Worship Pastor: A New (Old) Model for Worship Leaders." RSVP if you desire to reserve lunch for a small fee to ksutter@rts.edu. This event is free and open to the public. To view previous forums, click here. RTS/ATLANTA PASTORS APPRECIATION LUNCHEON Pastors and their respective pastoral teams are cordially invited to a Pastors Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on the Atlanta campus. Dr. Robert Leslie Holmes, RTS Atlanta adjunct professor of pastoral theology, will share some encouragement and wisdom from his 40 years of pastoral ministry experience over a free catered lunch. Door prizes will be given away including an Android Tablet, restaurant gift certificates, books and more! RSVP to bhermes@rts.edu by Nov. 1. Include the names of all who will be in your party so each can be registered for the door prizes. COME PREVIEW RTS/CHARLOTTE IN OCTOBER Visit RTS/Charlotte on Oct. 15. Enjoy breakfast and then attend chapel and sit in on a class with Dr. Belcher and Dr. Anderson. Enjoy lunch with the professors and hear from them. Attend a leadership class with Dr. Culbertson, and if you can stay late, join a class with Dr. Currid. RSVP to sjeanrenaud@rts.edu or mention this preview day to someone who may be interested. RUM COORDINATOR VISITS RTS/ORLANDO  Dr. Rod Mays has served as the national coordinator for Reformed University Ministries, the campus ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America, for 15 years, and will step down next summer. Mays visited with Dr. Don Sweeting, president of RTS/Orlando, and will also visit with students on campus today. He is an adjunct professor of practical theology at RTS/Charlotte.CHURCH PLANTING & DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE This conference will be held Jan. 27-31 at Canterbury Retreat Center (2 miles from the RTS campus). This is an inter-denominational training event (workshops & seminar) designed to equip church planters, pastors, missionaries, and lay leaders to start, grow and multiply healthy, gospel-centered churches that result in the spiritual, social and cultural transformation of towns, cities, regions, and nations. Church leaders from more than 300 denominations, representing over 50 countries in 7 languages on 5 continents have taken this training to date. The conference is open to all and RTS doctoral students may take it for credit. Click here for more information. | L. John Bourgeois (M.Div. '13) John will be ordained as an associate pastor of City Church of Richmond, Va., at the end of October. He has been serving as an intern there. Caleb Burnison (M.Div. '13)  Caleb, formerly an institutional development intern at RTS, is now serving as the stewardship coordinator for the advancement team with Pioneers. Pioneers mobilizes teams to glorify God among unreached peoples by initiating church-planting movements in partnership with local churches. His wife Emily also works for Pioneers as a missions mentor. Caleb and Emily have two young daughters, Kaylee and Abby. Tom Cannon (M.Div. '88) Tom has been nominated by the permanent committee of PCA RUM to be the next national coordinator of Reformed University Fellowship (RUF). Read more here. Gordon Duncan (MAR '05)  Gordon has recently published Family Philippians, a book designed to enable families to walk through an entire book of the Bible in 10 minutes or less per night. The family will read a portion of Scripture, read a brief explanation, answer a
few questions, and then pray together. Gordon is planting a new church called Evident Grace Fellowship in the Spotyslvania/Massaponax area of Virginia. For more information
about Gordon and this book, click here. Don Elliott (MAMFT '93)
Carol Griffiths (MAC '11) Carol (Scriven) Griffiths is the guidance officer at Sherlin C. Bootle High School on the island of Abaco, Bahamas. She is the sole guidance counselor at the public school which has 23 professional staff members and approximately 300 students from middle to low socioeconomic homes. Carol sees her primary purpose as helping students and staff realize their full potential through an understanding of how purpose, choices and consequences are interrelated. Her vision is "Every student, equipped and empowered to fulfill their unique calling with excellence." Carol married Livingstone Griffiths on July 6. They live on Abaco, serving as "marketplace ministers" in their respective jobs. Bill Gunter (M.Div. '00) Bill is pastor of Redeemer Community Church since 2002. He is running as a Republican for Florida House District 36 in a special election to take place on Oct. 15. This district covers portions of Pasco County, Fla. He is married to Heather and has two children: Joshua and Taylor. Curtis Moore (M.Div. '98)  Curt is serving as pastor of discipleship at Willow Creek Church. He also serves the Presbyterian Church in America as the Mission to North America Disaster Response Specialist for the Gulf Coast region. He is married to Kelly. Andrew T. Rollo (M.Div. '12) Taylor has been called to serve at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Blacksburg, Va. He will preach for the morning service on Sunday, Nov. 3, and that evening he will be ordained at 5:30 p.m. Pastor Chris Hutchinson will preach at the ordination service. A reception will follow. Andrew Taylor (M.Div. '13)  Drew is serving as director of children's ministries at Willow Creek Church in Winter Springs, Fla. Renfred Zepp (MAR '09) Ren's thesis, "Covenant Theology from the Perspective of Two Puritans" has been included in the bibliography in Joel Beeke & Mark Jones' latest book, A Puritan Theology. He is the pastor of shepherding and care at Pinewood Presbyterian Church in Middleburg, Fla. | ||||||
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RTS E-Newsletter iss. #146 November 12, 2013
NEW PRESIDENT IN CHARLOTTE Dr. Michael Kruger (pictured above) was inaugurated president of RTS/Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 20. RTS Chancellor Ligon Duncan spoke on "The Goal of Our Instruction" from 1 Timothy 1:3-5. | November 12, 2013 | Issue #146 DATES TO REMEMBER Nov. 13 - ReForum at RTS/Washington DC - a faculty panel discussion with Dr. Scott Redd, Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn, Dr. Peter Lee and Mr. Geoff Sackett will be held from 7-9pm. Nov. 20 - Bioethics Lecture at RTS/Washington DC Dec. 29 - RTS Faculty Panel at the Cross Conference in Louisville, Ky. Jan. 28-30 - Register now for the One Passion Expository Preaching Conference with RTS Alumnus Dr. Steven Lawson at RTS/Orlando. |
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| REGISTRATION NOW OPEN ONLINE FOR RTS WINTER TERM Click here for upcoming classes. REFORUM AT RTS/WASHINGTON DC The date has changed for the ReForum to Nov. 13 from 7-9:00 p.m. at McLean Presbyterian Church, 1020 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA. Please make a note of this change. Dinner will be provided. Please RSVP to jmcgahey@rts.edu. A lively roundtable discussion will be held with RTS faculty: Dr. Howard Griffith, Dr. Peter Lee, Dr. Scott Redd (president), Geoff Sackett, Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn and regular guest faculty Dr. Paul Jeon. They will discuss "Discipleship Inside and Outside the Church." Opportunity will be given for your questions. DR. R. LESLIE HOLMES NAMED AS ADJUNCT  RTS is pleased to announce that the executive committee of the RTS Board of Trustees has named RTS alumnus, Dr. Robert Leslie Holmes, to serve as adjunct professor of pastoral theology at RTS/Atlanta. With more than 40 years of ministerial service, Dr. Holmes brings extensive experience to the classroom. Dr. Holmes spoke at the Pastors Appreciation Luncheon at RTS/Atlanta Nov. 5. Read more about him on his bio page here. RTS FACULTY PANEL AT THE CROSS CONFERENCE Join us in the exhibit hall of the Kentucky International Convention Center on Dec. 29 for an RTS faculty panel consisting of Dr. Ligon Duncan, Dr. Elias Medeiros, Dr. Derek Thomas and Dr. Leslie Holmes during the dinner break. The topic is "Developing a Heart for Missions." The discussion will be centered on how Christians must develop a vision for missions in (1) our own heart, (2) our families' heart, (3) our church's heart, and (4) our seminaries' heart. Sign up for the conference here. SWEETING NAMED FELLOW OF THE CENTENNIAL INSTITUTE AT CCU Dr. Don Sweeting, president of RTS/Orlando and former pastor of Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church in the Denver area (12 years), was named a fellow of the Centennial Institute in Colorado. Read more here. FACULTY OPENING FOR PROFESSOR OF COUNSELING Dr. Michael Kruger, president of RTS/Charlotte, is pleased to announce a faculty opening for a professor of counseling. In addition to teaching counseling classes, this individual will be the director for new counseling degree programs at RTS Charlotte. These programs would include an MA in Christian Counseling (MACC), an M.Div. and MACC dual degree, a MATS/BS and MACC dual degree, and an M.Div. with a counseling emphasis. Read more about this program and the open position here. RTS GRADS AND THE ATLA SERIALS DATABASE RTS graduates now have renewed access to the ATLA Serials Database. Please contact the library of the campus where you graduated for access information. BIOETHICS LECTURE AT RTS/WASHINGTON DC RTS/Washington DC will host Dr. Allen Roberts, M.D., for a lecture on "Bioethics, End-of-Life Issues, and the Practice of Medicine in the 21st Century" on Nov. 20 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. RSVP to jmcgahey@rts.edu. Dr. Roberts has over 25 years of experience as a specialist in pulmonary disease, critical care medicine and internal medicine. He is an expert on end-of-life issues and serves as the chair of the ethics committee at Georgetown University Hospital. He is a graduate of George Washington University School of Medicine (MD) and RTS/Washington DC (M.Div.) CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL COURSE IN JACKSON IN JANUARY  Dr. Carl Ellis, Jr. will teach "Cultural & Historical Realities for Contextualized Ministry" at RTS/Jackson Jan. 22-24. The class is designed to help prepare those who will be doing ministry in African American, multi-ethnic or urban contexts and will explore hidden forces behind cultural conflict and suggest biblical ways to address these conflicts. Ellis is president of Project Joseph, assistant professor of practical theology at Redeemer Seminary, adjunct at Westminster and associate pastor at New City Fellowship. Click here to learn more. Click here for the syllabus.WOMEN OF RTS EVENT AT RTS/CHARLOTTE Kathleen Nielson, serving as director of women's initiatives for The Gospel Coalition, will speak at the Women of RTS conference at RTS/Charlotte March 7-8 on "Living and Active Psalms: Handle with Care." For more info, contact twilliamson@rts.edu. READ "THE HUMOR OF CHRIST" BY DON SWEETING RTSO President Don Sweeting wrote an article in the fall 2013 issue of National Association of Evangelicals newsletter. "Did Jesus have a sense of humor?" Don asks. "In one church I pastored, when I arrived, there was a portrait of Jesus laughing." Click here to read the rest of the article. RTS/ATLANTA THANKS AREA PASTORS  On Nov. 5, RTS/Atlanta held its first Pastors' Appreciation Luncheon with more than 50 pastors in attendance. It was a wonderful opportunity for RTS/Atlanta to tell area pastors, "We love you, we are thankful for you, and we want to be a blessing to you!" Pastors were invited to utilize the campus facilities, including the library for their edification and to view RTS/Atlanta as a respite from the business of ministry. LISTEN TO THE MESSAGES FROM THE JOHN REED MILLER LECTURE SERIES Kevin DeYoung spoke at the lecture series at RTS/Jackson. He offers, over the course of the three lectures below, seven suggestions to make preaching less boring. Please allow a short time to load each message. Listen to the first lecture titled "How Can a Biblical Sermon Be So Boring? The Case for Veracity and Clarity in Preaching" here. Listen to the second lecture titled "How Can a Biblical Sermon Be So Boring? The Case for Specificity, Authenticity, and Ingenuity in Preaching" here. Listen to the third lecture titled "How Can a Biblical Sermon Be So Boring? The Case for Spontaneity and Authority in Preaching" here. FREE EBOOK Get your free ebook here--a new title in the Crucial Questions Series by former RTS professor R. C. Sproul. Click here. NEW COURSE AVAILABLE FROM RTS/DISTANCE ED. DEPT. The RTS Distance Education Department has announced the release of "Pastoral Counseling" with Dr. Rod Mays, adjunct professor of practical theology. This 3-credit hour course provides an overview of current trends in counseling theory and practice as well as the roles of counseling in public, private, and church settings. Application is made to premarital, family crisis, grief, and substance abuse counseling with emphasis on developing strategies and applying Scriptural principles. The course lectures are available on iTunes and the RTS Mobile App. 2014 is the 300th anniversary of Matthew Henry's death. There is a call for papers by Feb. 28 for interested scholars. | Richard Aguilar (M.Div. '97) Richard, the pastor of Christ the Redeemer in Ecuador, is grateful to be back home from the hospital. He says many people comforted his soul with prayers, love and humor while he was there. He was also able to share his faith with some of the professionals in the clinic, praying for them and encouraging them. Please continue to pray for his healing. Jeremy Beaver (MAMFT '07) Jeremy Beaver is a counselor at Palmer Home for Children in Hernando, Miss. He is married to Sherry "DeLena" (MAMFT '07). Bryan Crotts (M.Div. '03) Bryan was installed as teaching elder at Providence Presbyterian Church, 4600 Lake Brandt Rd., Greensboro, NC, Nov. 8. Abraham George (MAC '09) Abraham and his wife Romila are with India Campus Crusade for Christ. He reports that 15 out of 72 students prayed to receive Christ at a Christian camp called "Spero 2013" (Italian for "I hope"). Abraham also organized a conference for his South Asia Leadership Development & HR team (LDHR), where they evaluated their ministry over the last year and set up priorities for the coming year as they help equip and build spiritual leadership within the movement. He also attended the Global LDHR Conference in September. While there, Abraham spoke on the importance of the role of everyone doing their part in building the body. Pray for his wife as she is having issues with her back. Mike Hsu (M.Div. '98)  Mike planted Grace Chapel in Lincoln, Neb., 12 years ago! They are very encouraged as they reflect on God's faithfulness to them as a congregation. In 2011, along with Zion Church, Grace Chapel helped to particularize Redeemer Presbyterian Church. Grace Chapel is also the mother church of a church plant in Fremont, Neb., called Grace Church. Mike is pictured here with his wife Tanya and children: Isaac, Mia and Calvin. Kazuya Ishimatsu (M.Div. '10) Kazuya has started a Ph.D. program for Old Testament studies at McMaster Divinity College. He is currently living in Ontario right now and hoping to go back to Japan after the program, to engage in teaching and pastoral ministries. He also preaches monthly at Grace Toronto Japanese Church. He asks for prayer for his wife Ami and his two children: Naomi (3) and Yoshiya (1) as they adjust to the new environment and the Canadian culture. Jerid Krulish (M.Div. '09) Jerid, formerly the assistant pastor at Faith Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, WA, for five years, has just been installed as the pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church of Vancouver, WA. Dr. Robert Raymond preached the installation sermon. Donald Malin ( M.Div. '88)  Congratulations and thank you for your service Chaplain (Col.) Malin, who recently retired after 33 years of military service. Read more about him in this unclassified news release. He is pictured here with his daughter Tara (left) and his wife Bess. He and Bess also have a son Zachary. Curtis McGown (MAC '00) Curtis, a licensed mental health counselor, and his wife Lisa are serving in Asia. Curtis was recently appointed director of member care at The Well Member Care Center. They have also relocated the offices in order to have more meeting offices and to be in a better location. They will be conducting a spiritual renewal retreat in November. Keep them in prayer as their greatest challenge has been trying to create organizational structure, systems, and processes while providing services and good care to clients. His wife volunteers one day a week at an orphanage. They are expected back in the US in the summer of 2014. They have two children. Stuart Mills (M.Div.M. '06) Stuart and his wife Megumi have reached their goal and returned to Trujillo, Peru on Oct. 26. They ask for prayer for transition back into life and gospel ministry in Peru. They have three children. Follow their blog here. Jason Riggs (M.Div. '94) Keep Jason and his family in prayer as his wife Rita passed away on Oct. 29 in Largo, Fla. Jason is a retired Navy chaplain. Rita is survived also by son Matthew, daughter Emily, her mother, sister Jackie, brother Sam and four grandchildren. The funeral was held at Warrington Presbyterian Church in Pensacola on Nov. 1. Jason Yum (M.Div. '11) On Oct. 11, Jason was approved to be ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbytery of the Pacific for the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. He has also received a call to serve as an assistant pastor at Christ Church in Berkeley, where he has served as assistant pastor since January 2013 and for the previous 2 years as an intern. He was ordained Nov. 10. Have you moved? Send us updates for your address and ministry here. We love to keep up with our alumni, but due to the nature of ministry work, they tend to move quite frequently until they are settled into a position. It is our privilege to serve and continue to provide you with any resources and additional education you may need. There are many events we host throughout the year and you are always welcome to attend, so keep us updated with your contact information. We also have many graduates to fill positions in your churches and future churches. Thank you for keeping us informed. |
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RTS E-Newsletter iss. #147 December 5, 2013
WE HOPE TO RAISE A MILLION DOLLARS FOR STUDENT FINANCIAL AID BY YEAR'S END. WILL YOU HELP US? RTS hopes to raise a million dollars this month. If you did not receive our letter, you can read it here and read the flyer about our alumni here in pdf format. Thank you for prayerfully considering a gift to our Student Scholarship Fund. | December 5, 2013 | Issue #147 DATES TO REMEMBER December 25 - Merry Christmas from the RTS Faculty, Staff and Students! December 29 - RTS Faculty Panel at the Cross Conference in Louisville, Ky. (dinner hour) January 23-26 - Chancellor to speak at Pastors Conference in Jacksonville, Fla. January 28-30 - OnePassion Expository Preaching Conference with RTS alumnus Steve Lawson at RTS Orlando. |
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NEW YOUTH MINISTRY COURSE AT RTS/WASHINGTON DC Dr. Jim H. Byrne will teach Foundations of Youth Ministry on Wednesdays this spring at RTS/Washington DC from 10:00a.m.-noon, Feb. 15 - May 29. Byrne has over 35 years of service in various church and cultural settings. He is currently serving as minister of students at The Falls Church (Anglican)in Falls Church, Va. Registration is now open. RTS ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN Registration for the upcoming winter term opened November 1. D.Min registration also opened Nov. 1. Registration for the spring term opened Dec. 1. Please keep our students in prayer as they are deep in study and are taking their final exams for their fall classes. Some of them will also be graduating at the end of this month. For a listing of courses, click here and select the campus of your choice. DEEP SOUTH FOUNDERS CONFERENCE RTS/Jackson hosts the annual Deep South Founders Conference. This year it will be held Jan. 16-18. The theme is "Christ the Mediator." Click here for more info. Organizer's note: Erroll Hulse will not be speaking and Geoff Thomas will preach an extra session. M&L DIGITAL MAGAZINE NOW AVAILABLE  Click here to view the digital version of the Ministry & Leadership magazine. Read a Bible study, devotional, interviews, articles about our alumni and find out where our faculty are speaking and the publications they have written. Sign up for the regular and digital versions here. This is a great option, especially if you are overseas. On this link you can also sign up to have the magazine delivered to your home, business or church. If you'd like to support the M&L magazine, click here.NEW GIVING SITE RTS has redesigned its giving site. Visit our page here. If you have questions about giving to RTS, please contact the development officer for the particular campus that interests you. Atlanta - Tom Campbell Charlotte - Charlie Dunn Jackson - Guy Richardson Orlando - Robert Emeott Washington DC - Scott Redd Houston - Tim McKeown Memphis - Brian Lewis Global - Andy Peterson Institution - Lyn Perez ELIAS MEDEIROS SPOKE AT CONFERENCE IN BRAZIL  In early November, Dr. Medeiros (pictured left with his wife Fokjenlena) spoke at the 14th annual Reformed Faith Conference in Manaus, Amazon, in Brazil. He gave three talks on "The True Gospel and All Nations." Medeiros is the Harriet Barbour Professor of Missions at RTS/Jackson. Also pictured is the pastor of the hosting church, Jaime Marcelino with his family (center) and Dr. Joel Beeke (Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary) with his wife Mary (right). CHANCELLOR TO SPEAK AT PASTORS' CONFERENCE Dr. Ligon Duncan will preach at the 28th annual Jacksonville Pastors' Conference at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Fla., on Jan. 23-26. The theme of the conference is "Feed My Sheep: The Call to Preach the Bible." See all of the speakers here. REFORUM AT RTS/WASHINGTON DC  A roundtable discussion with RTS/Washington DC faculty was held at McLean Presbyterian Church in Virginia in November. Pictured is: regular guest faculty Dr. Paul Jeon, regular faculty Dr. Scott Redd, Jr. (president), Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn and Dr. Peter Lee, and then Geoff Sackett (admissions director and guest faculty). CHUCK HILL AND MIKE KRUGER RESPOND TO CRITICISM OF BOOK The Early Text of the New Testament was released last year. A review was written by David Parker in the Journal of Theological Studies in October. Dr. Chuck Hill and Dr. Mike Kruger responded, "It is gratifying to have David Parker’s review of ETNT (JTS 64 [2013]: 642-645) so relatively soon after publication, yet disappointing that most of the criticisms in his short review seem to have mistaken both the aims and the scope of the book. Here we would like to offer a brief response to some of his comments. Click here to read the complete response. RTS CHANCELLOR GIVES VIDEO REVIEW OF BOOK  From Heaven He Came and Sought Her is a new book released in November and according to the description, the book "stands as the first comprehensive resource on definite atonement as it examines the issue from historical, biblical, theological, and pastoral perspectives." Dr. Ligon Duncan, chancellor of RTS, has endorsed this book and gives a review in video form. Watch here. FREE EBOOK ON C.S. LEWIS The C.S. Lewis Institute is offering a free ebook on their site. Last month was the 50th anniversary of his death. His death in 1963 was overshadowed by the death of JFK on the same day. Click here to download this book. Dr. Don Sweeting, president of RTS/Orlando has two programs on his TAKE5 radio program on Nov. 19 and 20, in which he gives a lot of information on C.S. Lewis in 5 minutes on each broadcast. Or, read it on his blog here. CORRECTION There was a bad link on the last RTS E-Newsletter for one of the lectures by Kevin DeYoung at the John Reed Miller Lecture series at RTS/Jackson. Click here to listen to all of the lectures from the series. | Carl Chaplin (M.Div. '82) After serving with Mission to the World (MTW) for 20+ years, first in the Czech Republic and recently in Latvia, Carl has taken a new missionary position of ministry development leader with the Global Support Ministries of MTW. He is responsible for developing new evangelistic ministries world wide and helping to evaluate how short-term ministries can better serve the fields and Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) churches. Carl and his wife, Becky, will do other overseas ministries with MTW. Phil Davis (M.Div. '03)  Phil is pastor of Faith Community Church in Prague, Czech Republic, and is excited to report the church has become its own self-governing, particular church! Phil recalls in his newsletter, "I thought of our first scouting trip exactly 10 years before, where we prayed in front of a diapidated train station for God to raise up a church in Prague...which is now the beautiful building that we get to use for worship." He says, "I am full of humble thanks for how God has redeemed me, his child. I came to Prague with a big head and lots of scales covering my eyes. I didn’t even realize how big the cross was in my life, until God graciously, lovingly, removed some of my scales and revealed to me how much I needed Him." They currently offer two services at the church. Marco Escalante (M.Div. '11)  Marco was called to plant a church in Mexico City and they have named the church Cordero de Dios (The Lamb of God). Last month they averaged 80 people per service and their location holds 100 people. They have 80 chairs. Please pray for their need of more chairs. They also started a youth group last month. Marco's wife Diana is working in ministry to children and with their first children's Christmas program. Their son Marco Antonio is in college and works as a translator for the Christian ministry Compassion International. Esaie Etienne (M.Div. '04)  In November, Esaie, a missionary in Gonaives, Haiti, with Mission to the World (MTW) celebrated the 5th anniversary of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Gonaives. They ask for prayer that all five leaders serving in the church be fully trained, and ordained as elders and deacons in the next 1 1/2 years, and for Trinity to become particularized in the next 1 1/2 years. They also have a pastor and wife team (The Johnslys) in place to start a third church in Gonaives. They are excited that the Docine Christian Academy started in October with 302 students and 26 staff (pictured above). Jill Hadlock (MACT '03) Jill and her husband Jim are serving with Cru on The Jesus Film Project. They recently sent three recording teams to Kenya. Recording teams will soon leave for Tanzania and Madagascar. In all there will be four new JESUS films, one Magdalena and one Walking with Jesus language translations completed. More than 9.7 million people will soon hear and see the gospel and discipleship principles in their heart language. In June, the film Magdalena Released from Shame was launched in the Malagasy language. A group from Jill's church traveled to Madagascar partnering with an indigenous denomination, and hosted a retreat for more than 100 girls and staff of a girls' school. Two days after showing the film, over 50 girls came forward to receive Jesus as their personal Savior, many of them victims of human trafficking. Jake Hunt (M.Div. '07) Jake was installed as associate pastor of Faith Community Church in Prague, Czech Republic on Dec. 1. His very young daughter Eliza has been battling cancer and she has just finished her chemo treatments! Keep up with them here. James Midwinter (RTS Student) James wrote an article for Together, the magazine for the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) in the U.K. Click here and read his article on p. 23 on why he chose RTS. Jeff Schrage (M.Div. '13)  Jeff is the youth and family pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church in New Braunfels, Texas. They welcomed their third child, Lillian Patricia on Sept. 16 in Indianapolis, Ind. He began working in Texas on Oct. 1 and his family joined him a few days later. He asks for prayer for adjusting to the new location and for beginning life in the South Texas Presbytery. |
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RTS E-Newsletter iss. #148 Dec. 18, 2013
 USE SMILE.AMAZON.COM FOR HOLIDAY PURCHASES Support RTS When You Make a Purchase  If you make purchases on Amazon, you can support RTS at the same time. Go to smile.amazon.com and login. Then select Reformed Theological Seminary as your charity. Amazon will send a check to RTS for .5% of all your purchases.It doesn't cost you more, and you will be supporting our ministry. | December 18, 2013 | Issue #148 DATES TO REMEMBER December 25 - Merry Christmas from the RTS Faculty, Staff and Students! Dec. 27-30 - RTS Panel at the Cross Conference in Louisville, Ky. Jan. 16-18 - Founders Conference at RTS Jackson Jan 28-30 - OnePassion Preaching Conference at RTS/Orlando. Feb. 11 - The Harold O.J. Brown Lecture Series with Mark Dever at RTS Charlotte at 11a and 1p. March 5-6 Spiritual Life Conference with Brian Habig at RTS Jackson. |
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NEW FACULTY AT RTS/JACKSON Dr. Sean M. Lucas, while continuing his role as senior pastor of the historic First Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg, Miss. (since 2009), has been elected as a regular faculty member at Reformed Theological Seminary's Jackson campus. He will begin as an associate professor of church history on January 1, 2014. Born in Stratford, NJ, Lucas moved up and down the eastern seaboard with his family. He graduated from Bob Jones University with a B.A. degree (Pastoral Studies) and an M.A. degree (Theology/Church History). There, he met his wife Sara and they were married in 1994. He then earned a Ph.D. from Westminster Theological Seminary and wrote his dissertation on the nineteenth-century southern Presbyterian theologian, Robert Lewis Dabney. Read the complete release here. RTS REQUIRED COURSE OFFERED IN MACON RTS Atlanta will offer a course at First Presbyterian Church in Macon on Tuesday nights, from Feb. 4 - May 16, enabling those further south to more easily take classes. The Rev. Bill Fullilove (pictured left) will be teaching Isaiah to Malachi, a required course for all degrees. This course will address key questions that believers have about these prophetic books of the Bible. For instance, how do we connect the Old Testament to the New Testament? Most Christians have little idea. But the prophets are the connection, and in understanding them, we not only understand our Old Testament better, but we gain the wonder of what it was to see this baby in the manger 2000 years ago. Jesus came to do all the prophets said, but in a way that confounded the religious and political leaders of the day. RTS will host a faculty panel at the CROSS Conference in Louisville, Ky., Dec. 29 on the exhibit hall stage at 5:30 p.m. The topic is "Developing a Heart for Missions." The panel includes Dr. Ligon Duncan, Dr. Derek Thomas, Dr. Leslie Holmes and Dr. Elias Medeiros. Click here for more information. RTS ORLANDO HOSTS ONEPASSION CONFERENCE RC SPROUL, LIGON DUNCAN, STEVEN LAWSON (D.MIN. '90) AND JOHN MACARTHUR are speakers at The Institute for Expository Preaching at RTS/Orlando Jan 28-30. The theme of this OnePassion Conference is "Preaching with Precision and Power. The goal of the conference is to equip and energize a new generation of biblical expositors. This is a concentrated training opportunity to be instructed in biblical exposition and preaching. Pastors, Bible teachers, and church leaders are all welcome to attend and be a part of this exciting event. Click here to register. GIFT GIVING WITH STOCKS  If you are considering how best to give at the end of this calendar year, consider that potential changes in the tax laws in subsequent years may reduce benefits of future gifts. Giving assets, such as stocks and bonds that have increased in value, may provide you with additional tax savings. Also, if you are over 70 ½, gifts up to $100,000 from qualified IRAs may be given without incurring taxes from the IRA distribution. For any information you might need or for any assistance in making your end of the year gift to RTS, please feel free to contact Lyn Perez at lperez@rts.edu or call the RTS Foundation toll free at 1.866.926.4787. Wingard's dad, a Presbyterian minister, worked in orphanages in Arkansas and Missouri and adopted him into their home in 1958. Wingard recalls, "Dad became the most influential person in my life - my father, pastor, adviser, and friend. I made no contribution to the most important decision ever made about me - my adoption. That is a good truth for a future Presbyterian minister to keep in mind." Read the complete release here. | Steven Chitty (M.Div. '13) The Chittys are moving to Murfreesboro, Tenn. Steven recently completed his licensure exam at the Nashville Presbytery on Nov. 12 and is the new assistant pastor at Redeemer Church Murfreesboro. They close on their house on Dec. 30 and will be moving the week after Christmas. Grant G. Durrell (M.Div. '02) RTS has recently learned that Grant passed away this year. He was a teacher at Covenant Christian Academy in Harrisburg, Pa., He is survived by his parents, his wife Emily, his two sons and his sister. Please keep his family in prayer. Matthias Lohmann (MAR '10)  Matthias is the initiator and one of the leaders of the German Gospel-Coalition partnership Evangelium21. In January 2013 he and his co-laborers started a seminary campus in Munich under the umbrella of the German Martin-Bucer Seminary. Matthias also serves as pastor of FEG Muenchen-Mitte. Eric (last name withheld) (M.Div. '12) Eric is teaching classes at a Christian school in East Asia, but he was recently back in the states to attend a MTW missions conference. He and his wife are serving with a church planting team in East Asia while they await entry into South Asia. There is currently a lot of turmoil in the South Asian country where they are hoping to serve long-term. Please pray for guidance in this move, as they have plane tickets to move to South Asia in January. Daniel Mason (M.Div. '08) Daniel is the lead pastor of a church plant in Durham, NC called Christ Central Durham. He previously served for five years as the Reformed University Fellowship campus minister at UNC - Chapel Hill and finished there in May 2013. The vision of the church is to be a Christ centered, cross cultural community that exists for the glory of God and the good of Durham. They have a core group of around 50 adults. They have been worshipping on Sunday mornings for the past two months and are offering weekly city groups (small groups) and God has been adding new people and they plan to launch in January 2014. He is married to Rachel. Tim Price ( M.Div. '12) Tim is the pastor of community and discipleship at a church plant in Durham, NC called Christ Central. Tim and his wife Stacy have two children. Joseph E. Torres (MACT '07)  Joseph recently submitted the manuscript for the 20th anniversary 2nd edition of John Frame's Apologetics to the Glory of God. Joseph is the editor including a new introduction, cross references to Dr. Frame's other works, substantially expanding earlier discussions in the book (by Frame), explanatory footnotes, and several appendices (two of which he wrote). Joseph also teaches biblical studies at Belhaven University's Orlando Campus, having previous served as an adjunct for Nyack College in NYC. He has presented papers for the ETS and published an article in Speaking the Truth in Love: The Theology of John M. Frame (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R 2009). You can also find him on a regular basis running the BrightLight Books store at RTS/Orlando. He is married to Jessica and they have one daughter. |
Dr. Charlie Wingard has been elected as a regular faculty member at Reformed Theological Seminary's Jackson campus. He will begin as assistant professor of practical theology on Jan. 1, 2014. 
Dr. Justin Holcomb (MATS '97, MACT '97) has joined the Diocesan staff at the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida effective Dec. 1 as canon for vocations. He is also adjunct professor of theology at RTS/Orlando and guest faculty for RTS Washington D.C. Read the announcement ↧
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RTS E-Newsletter iss. #149 January 15, 2014
| A NEW YEAR: A NEW POSITION CHANCELLOR DUNCAN SAYS GOODBYE TO HIS CONGREGATION OF 17 YEARS.  On Dec. 31, 2013, Dr. Ligon Duncan said on his Facebook page, "Today is my last day as senior minister of First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, MS. 17+ years of joy and privilege. I am deeply grateful to God and to this wonderful congregation."The chancellor has moved his extensive library to RTS/Jackson and his assistant Jan Hyde will also be going with him to assist him at the seminary. His next speaking engagement is at the 28th annual Jacksonville Pastor's Conference at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville in Florida on Jan. 23. | January 15, 2014 | Issue #149 DATES TO REMEMBER Jan. 16-18 - Founders Conference at RTS Jackson Jan. 27-31 - Global Church Advancement Winter Conference - at Canterbury Retreat Center, Oviedo, Fla. Jan. 28-30 - OnePassion Preaching Conference at RTS/Orlando Feb 4 - RTS Course in Macon, GA begins; Faculty Forum with Don Fortson at RTS/Charlotte Feb. 26 - President's Forum with John Frame and Don Sweeting at RTS/Orlando at noon. Feb. 11 - The Harold O.J. Brown Lecture Series with Mark Dever at RTS/Charlotte at 11a. and 1p. March 5-6 - Spiritual Life Conference with Brian Habig at RTS/Jackson March 7 - Al Mohler to deliver the annual Spurgeon Lecture at RTS/Orlando |
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LOOKING AHEAD Dr. Don Sweeting, president of RTS/Orlando looks ahead at faith trends, global trends, national trends, and important upcoming anniversaries and dates. Click here to
read his blog entry, "The Year Ahead: 2014."WATCH A NEW ADMISSIONS VIDEO FOR RTS/ATLANTA Click here to learn more about RTS/Atlanta and the professors, students and the city. HAROLD O J BROWN LECTURE SERIES  Dr. Mark Dever, senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. will speak at the Harold O. J. Brown lecture series at RTS/Charlotte on Feb. 11 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The title of the lectures is "Being and Doing: Christian
Discipleship." The cost is $20 and lunch is included. Read more here. DR. LIGON DUNCAN, A PLENARY SPEAKER AT T4G Together for the Gospel is scheduled April 8-10, in Louisville, Ky. The theme this year is "Unashamed: Considering the Task of Evangelism." Make plans to attend by registering here. Dr. Ligon Duncan is a plenary speaker and a breakout speaker for this event. Other plenary speakers are listed here. RTS/Orlando, Washington DC and Charlotte will be at the booth. RC SPROUL OFFERS FREE KINDLE BOOK Add RC Sproul's commentary on the Gospel of John to your Kindle collection. It's free for the taking. Click here. WATCH STEVE LAWSON TALK ABOUT UPCOMING CONFERENCE AT RTS/ORLANDO  "All great preaching has teaching at its epicenter," says Dr. Steve Lawson, who will bring his "Preaching with Passion and Power" conference to RTS/Orlando Jan. 28-30. Dr. Ligon Duncan will teach one of the sessions and you will also hear from
RC Sproul and John McArthur. Course credit is available to students. Register and read about the speakers, schedule and lodging here.AND THE WINNER IS... 
Dr.
Ligon Duncan stands with the winner of the iPad mini, Nate Ruble, at the Cross Conference held in Louisville, Ky., in late December. Congratulations to Nate! Ligon was part of a faculty panel held at the conference along with Dr. Derek Thomas, Dr.
Leslie Holmes and Dr. Elias Medeiros.LINGER CONFERENCE Join RTS at the Linger Conference Feb 14-15 in Dallas, Texas. Cllick here to register. AL MOHLER TO SPEAK AT RTS ORLANDO At RTS/Orlando, Tom Ascol kicked off the year at The Nicole Institute of Baptist Studies (NIBS) teaching Baptist Theology and History Jan. 6-10. Sam Waldron will teach Baptist Polity Jan. 14-16. Michael Haykin will teach Baptist History Feb. 21-22. and Al Mohler will deliver the annual Spurgeon Lecture on Monday, March 7, 2014 in the Pamplin Chapel. TOP POSTS ON RAAN The Reformed African American Network (RAAN) posted their top posts of last year. Dr. Ligon Duncan's article on reformed rappers came in at number two. See the rest here. RTS ADJUNCT PROFESSOR HAS TOP 10 SERMON Dr. Chuck DeGroat, RTS adjunct professor and associate professor of counseling and pastoral care at Western Theological Seminary, had one of his sermons, "Finding God in the Dark," selected as one of the top 10 sermons of 2013 by Preaching Today. See the complete list here. NEW IBOOK ON RTS ON ITUNES U  The RTS Distance Education Department is pleased to announce the newest iBook, "History of Christianity I" with Dr. S. Donald Fortson. Designed as an enhanced version of the course notebook, this iBook is intended to be used as a guide for the course audio lectures available for free on iTunes U. This interactive book explores the origins of Christianity from the disciples up to the Reformation and contains lesson outlines, reading assignments, quizzes, review questions, and more. Striking imagery and interactive elements bring this book to life and will help you engage and understand this period of church history like never before! You can download a sample or purchase the full version at the Apple iBooks Store right here.TOUR ISRAEL WITH PROFESSOR CURRID Join Dr. John Currid on a 12-day trip to Israel in October. For more information, click here. Dr. Currid is the Carl W. McMurray professor of Old Testament at RTS/Charlotte. PASTORAL CARE IN CALVIN'S GENEVA OFFERED IN MARCH  Dr. Scott Manetsch, professor of church history and the history of Christian thought at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, will teach this course Monday, March 24 from 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at RTS/Washington D.C. This one credit course will examine the pastoral theology of the Protestant reformer John Calvin and explore ways in which he attempted to translate this vision into actual pastoral practice in 16th-century Geneva. Contact Jennifer McGahey to register. WHAT'S YOUR WORLDVIEW NOW AVAILABLE ON KINDLE .jpg) Dr. James Anderson's new book is available on Kindle and the paperback version will roll out on Jan. 31. Remember to use smile.amazon.com and select RTS as your charity. Learn more about the book here. Dr. Anderson is the associate professor of theology and philosophy at RTS/Charlotte. | Uriesou Brito (M.Div. '08) Uri is the senior pastor of Providence Church in Pensacola, Fla. He has just published a new book titled The Trinitarian Father. He
and his wife Melinda have three children: Abigail, Ezekiel and Ephraim.Jason Hood (MABS '04) Jason was recently interviewed about his book that came out last year titled Imitating God in Christ: Recapturing a Biblical Pattern. Uri Brito (M.Div. '08) interviewed him on his podcast here while Jason called in from Tanzania where he serves as pastor of St. Margaret's Anglican Church. Hansoo Jin (M.Div. '12) Hansoo was ordained in the PCA and is now the assistant pastor and youth director for Calvary Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, Md. Rod Miles (M.Div. '04) Rod is the founding pastor of Grace Church of Marin in San Anselmo, Calif. He shares pictures from his trip to Israel while on a three-month sabbatical. See the pictures here. He also enjoyed playing 50+ games of baseball this spring/summer on teams he coached. His boys played and did very well. Micah Ngussa (MATS '09) Micah and his wife Happiness are serving at the Tanzania Children's Rescue Center (TCRC). Friends have given support to construct phase one and also the roofing of a Secondary School. Micah preached in a suburb of Shinyanga for a Christmas Conference. They ask for prayer for a video recording of a famous choir in Dar Es Salaam that will also include the TCRC Outreach team. The title will be "Stop Abusing Your Children." They want to send the message to the community through preaching and singing, to stop actions which lead to producing more street children. Mike Pettengill (RTS Global student) Mike is serving with his family in Honduras and reports the high school in Armenia Bonito is finished and can receive students in February. In December they hosted a Christmas party and distributed gifts and food. Watch a short video here. On Dec. 9 they put on a mobile medical clinic in Las Delicias and served 125 people. Also in December they began constructing buildings for two Presbyterian church plants. Greg Salazar (M.Div. '12) Greg is working on his Ph.D. in Church History at the University of Cambridge in the U.K. He will be studying Daniel Featley, the only Anglican to attend the Westminster Assembly. He hopes that this study will inform the crucial issues that we face in the church today. Wesley H. Simmons (MABS '06, MAC '06, D.Min candidate) Wes will transition this summer from Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) at Carson-Newman University in East Tennessee (his alma mater) to RUF at Auburn University. Nicholas Smiley (M.Div. '12) Faith Bible Church in Sanford, NC, has called Nicholas as their pastor and he was installed on Sunday, Jan. 5. Peter Smith (D.Min. '10) Peter is executive director of Wilkinsburg Christian Housing in Pennsylvania. WCH is an affordable housing initiative of Covenant Fellowship Reformed Presbyterian Church. One of their projects is located on Princeton Blvd. The roof is now completed and now the renovations can begin. Pray for the right person to do the important wiring job next. See some of their before and after projects here. J (M.Div. '09) (name withheld) J is serving in South Asia with his family. They ask for prayer for a church plant and the team. They ask for prayer also for someone to join their team to lead the business effort. Douglas Warren (M.Div. '97)  Doug, is the founding pastor of Christ the Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Portland, Maine. He is now serving as assistant pastor of Bay Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs, Fla., and plans to plant a church in Estero, Fla., called Gulf Coast Presbyterian Church. Read more here about the church. |
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RTS E-Newsletter iss. #150 February 11, 2014
| CELEBRATE WITH US THE LIFE OF DR. J. KNOX CHAMBLIN ON MARCH 6 SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN HONOR OF J. KNOX CHAMBLIN  Join us on Thursday, March 6 at 7:00 p.m., in the library of RTS/Jackson, for a short presentation on a new scholarship fund in honor of Dr. J. Knox Chamblin. A reception will be held along with music from his daughter, Claire Holley, who lives in LA and is well known for her folk rock and alternative music. Dr. Chamblin was a New Testament professor at RTS/Jackson.The presentation will include reflections from RTS Chancellor Ligon Duncan, fellow professor Ralph Davis, Nancy Adams Briggs and Knox and Ginger's daughters Beverly Harmon and Claire Holley. No reservations will be required, though an RSVP is appreciated - 601-923-1653 or hhunt@rts.edu. The address is 5422 Clinton Blvd., Jackson, MS 39209. | February 11, 2014 | Issue #150 DATES TO REMEMBER Feb. 11 - (TODAY) The Harold O.J. Brown Lecture Series with Mark Dever at RTS/Charlotte at 11a. and 1p. Feb. 26 - President's Forum with John Frame and Don Sweeting at RTS/Orlando at noon. March 5-6 Spiritual Life Conference with Brian Habig at RTS/Jackson March 6 - Knox Chamblin Celebration at RTS/Jackson March 7-8 - RTS Charlotte's Women to Women Conference March 18-19 - Kistemaker Academic Lecture Series with Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Ph.D. at RTS/Orlando 11a to noon and 1-2p each day. April 1-2 - Biblical Theology Conference at RTS/Jackson with Peter Gentry |
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THE NEW AND IMPROVED RTS APP We welcome you to download the new and improved RTS Mobile App for iOS (tablet & phone), Android (tablet & phone), and Windows Phone via your respective app store or here. If you already are running the app, all new content and updates will take place automatically. Several improvements of note are: a new RTS home page with buttons to important news and information, programs, links to campus faculty/leader blogs and twitter feeds, a newly integrated ESV Bible with daily reading plan and audio Bible, and individual RTS campus home pages with buttons to degree programs, upcoming classes, campus news, and contact information. We hope you enjoy the new RTS App and welcome your feedback distance.education@rts.edu. SINGING THE WINTER BLUES Several of our campuses have experienced brief closings during these winter blasts. Geoff Sackett, admissions director at RTS/Washington D.C. wrote a short article on the winter blues. Click here to read the article. 2014 SPIRITUAL LIFE CONFERENCE AT RTSJ  Brian Habig will speak at the 2014 Spiritual Life Conference on March 5-6 at RTS/Jackson Brian graduated from Mississippi State University and earned his M.Div. degree at Covenant Theologcial Seminary in St. Louis., Mo. Read more and see the schedule here. FORUM WITH JOHN FRAME IN ORLANDO  Few people have had more influence on contemporary American Reformed theology than John Frame. His student roster is a who’s who of Reformed thinkers: Vern Poythress, Wayne Grudem, Kevin Vanhoozer and Esther Meek, as well as Richard Pratt, Frank James, Reggie Kidd, Steve Childers and Mark Futato. The publishing of his Systematic Theology is indeed a significant occasion as evidenced by 20 pages of endorsements. Join President Don Sweeting as he interviews Dr. Frame about this lifetime achievement on Feb. 26 at noon in the fellowship hall. Read more here.KEEP UP WITH US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER There are many exciting ways to keep up with the latest news with RTS. If you are an RTS alumni or a friend of the seminary, or just curious, there's great information being shared on both of these sites. Find out about conferences, books, news, fun pictures, interesting links, and more. Click here to find us on Facebook. Find us on Twitter here or @ReformTheoSem. Or click on the icons on our main page at rts.edu. If you'd like to follow Chancellor Ligon Duncan, click here. If you aren't a member, sign up now. It's easy. Let's stay CONNECTED. NEW BOOK BY DR. BOB ORNER  Why Baptizing Your Child Matters (Wipf & Stock) was written by Dr. Bob Orner, dean of students and guest lecturer of practical theology at RTS/Orlando. The description tells us, "The book is written for young families. It avoids the baptism debate while graciously presenting the story of God's faithful provision, protection, and promise of deliverance for His people given through the sign of the covenant." It will soon be available from Amazon. Remember to use smile.amazon.com, select RTS as your charity of choice and a portion of the sale will go to RTS. BIBLICAL THEOLOGY CONFERENCE AT RTSJ  Peter Gentry will speak for the Biblical Theology Conference April 1-2. He has been the professor of Old Testament interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary since 1999. Read more and see the schedule here. DEREK THOMAS TO SPEAK AT MINISTERS' CONFERENCE The 2014 Banner of Truth Ministers' Conference (USA) will be held May 27-29 in Elizabethtown, Pa. The conference theme is "Between Two Worlds: The Challenge of Ministry in Every Age." Dr. Derek Thomas, professor of systematic and historical theology at RTS/Atlanta, and the minister of preaching and teaching at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC, is one of the speakers. Also come visit the RTS booth and meet some of our folks from RTS Washington DC. UPCOMING INTENSIVE CLASSES AT RTS/WASHINGTON DC The Theology of Johannes Cocceius with Dr. Brian Lee will be offered Fridays from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Feb. 28-April 11. Pastoral Care in Calvin's Geneva with Dr. Scott Manetsch will be offered Monday, 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., and Tues. - Wed., 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., March 24-26. CONGRATULATIONS TO REV. FULLILOVE! In January, Rev. Bill Fullilove, assistant professor of Old Testament and assistant academic dean at RTS/Atlanta, successfully defended his dissertation on Jan. 23 for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in the Department of Semitic and Egyptian Languages and Literatures at The Catholic University of America. The degree will be awarded in May. His dissertation title is "Definiteness in Qumran Aramaic." | Jasmine Baucham (RTS Student) Jasmine's article on "A Dream Bigger Than Dr. King's" was posted on the Reformed African American Network (RAAN) Web site. Read her article here. Ken Bush (D.Min. '06) Ken officially retired from the US Army on Jan. 1, 2014 after 30 years of active duty service at the rank of full colonel. He served 26 of those years as an Army Chaplain ordained by the Presbyterian Church in America. He served eight years on the staff and faculty of the US Army Chaplain Center and School as the chief of curriculum and later as the director of training. Steve Lawson (D.Min '90)  Seventy-five pastors and students were challenged and encouraged by Steve Lawson at his OnePassion conference at RTS Orlando Jan. 28-30. His chapel messages will soon be uploaded on the RTS Orlando Web site.Lester Newsom (M.Div.C '94) Les is the area coordinator for Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) in Alabama and the Midsouth. He will hold an informational lunch on the Jackson campus Feb. 17. Jennifer Marr (RTS Student) Jennifer's article was featured on the Gospel Coalition Web site. Read her article titled, "It's Not Enough to Care About the Poor," here. Brent Rood (MATS '13) Brent is currently serving as pastor of Seed Community Church in Seattle, Wash., a church he planted 10 years ago. He has seen a lot of fruit and transformations. He and his wife Christy have four children. Kevin Wilhoit (M.Div. '13) Kevin (pictured center) was installed as the pastor of Grace Community Church in St. Cloud, Fla., on Sunday, Feb. 2. Curt Heffelfinger (D.Min. '98) (at the podium) and Dr. Bob Orner, RTSO guest lecturer and dean of students participated in the service.  Nathaniel R. Wolcott (M.Div. '13) Nate is the associate pastor of Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Weddington, NC as of Jan 5. Nate also recently married Greer Nabb. Congratulations! Peter Yoder (MATS '03)  Peter is currently the visiting assistant professor of religion at Berry College in Mount Berry, Ga. He previously served as a fellow in residence at the Leibniz Institute of European History in Mainz, Germany. He was awarded a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from The University of Iowa in 2011. Tom (last name withheld) (MABS '10) Tom is serving with Pioneers in South Asia. The area they are serving speaks 1652 languages and dialects. Tom was able to perform a wedding between a couple who are the only believers in their family because Tom led the husband to Christ at a previous time. They are grateful for a Doctorate of Ministry program in the planning phases that had over 250 church planting network leaders in attendance and Tom was able to give a closing exhortation. |
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RTS E-Newsletter iss.#151 March 4, 2014
| DR. AL MOHLER TO GIVE SPURGEON LECTURE AT RTS ORLANDO MARCH 10 SPURGEON LECTURE SERIES  The Nicole Institute of Baptist Studies presents the second annual Spurgeon Lecture Series at RTS Orlando. You are invited to attend the lecture provided this year by Dr. Al Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville,
Ky. This event, held March 10 at 7:00 p.m., is free to the public. No reservations are required, but large groups are encouraged to advise the seminary by contacting emcadams@rts.edu. The lecture is titled: "God's Lion in London: Charles Spurgeon and the Challenge of the Modern Age." A Q&A time will follow along with a reception and book signing in the fellowship hall. Several of Dr. Mohler's books will be available in the bookstore on campus - BrightLight Books. | March 4, 2014 | Issue #151 DATES TO REMEMBER March 5-6 - Spiritual Life Conference with Brian Habig at RTS/Jackson, 11am and 12pm on the 5th and 12pm on the 6th. March 6 - Knox Chamblin Celebration at RTS/Jackson March 10 - Spurgeon Lecture Series with Al Mohler - RTS/Orlando, 7pm March 11 - Preview Day - RTS/Orlando, 8:30am -3:30pm March 18-19 - Kistemaker Academic Lecture Series with Kevin J. Vanhoozer at RTS/Orlando 11am - noon and 1-2pm each day March 20 - Preview Day at RTS/Washington DC, 12-2pm April 1-2 - Biblical Theology Conference at RTS/Jackson with Peter Gentry |
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| DEVER LECTURES NOW ONLINE Dr. Mark Dever lectured at RTS/Charlotte in February on "Being and Doing: Christian Discipleship." The lectures are now available here. DOUG KELLY'S NEW BOOK AVAILABLE IN MARCH  Dr. Kelly has written Systematic Theology, Vol. II (Christian Focus Publications, due March 2014). "Nothing less than remarkable." - William Edgar, Professor of Apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pa. "Striking indeed...Reminds us of Jonathan Edwards, Augustine, and many other great writers of the church." - John Frame, Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy at RTS. "If you are going to proclaim the Good News of Jesus - you need a good grasp of who he is. This book will really help." - David Robertson, Pastor, St. Peter's Free Church of Scotland, Dundee. KISTEMAKER ACADEMIC LECTURE SERIES  Dr. Kevin J. Vanhoozer is the speaker for the Kistemaker Academic Lecture Series at RTS/Orlando, March 18-19 from 11:00 a.m. - noon and 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. each day.He will speak on "Doctrine for Disciples: Acting Out What Is in Christ." Disciples who want to follow Christ need doctrinal direction as they walk across the social stage in the great theater of the world. Vanhoozer is currently research professor of systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He has authored numerous books including his most recent and forthcoming Faith Speaking Understanding: Performing the Drama of Doctrine (Westminster John Knox, 2014). See the lectures and the invitation from the dean here. RTS HOSTS FACULTY PANEL AT THE T4G CONFERENCE On Wednesday, April 9 from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 pm., RTS will host a faculty panel discussion with Dr. Ligon Duncan, Dr. Derek Thomas, Dr. Scott Swain, Dr. Michael Kruger and Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn at the 2014 T4G (Together for the Gospel) Conference in Louisville, Ky. The panel discussion will be held in the Zero Dollar Bookstore. The discussion is on "How the Gospel Brings Us Home: The Christian Experience of Justification and Sanctification." COME VISIT US DURING SPRING PREVIEW DAYS AT RTS  Are you or someone you know thinking about attending RTS? Tell them about the spring preview days being offered by two of our campuses.Visit RTS Washington DC on Thursday, March 20 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Hear from a panel of current students, meet the president, Dr. Scott Redd, the faculty and staff, and enjoy a catered lunch on campus. RSVP to jmcgahey@rts.edu.  RTS Orlando is having a preview day on March 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tour the campus, attend classes, enjoy a catered community lunch and meet the president, Dr. Don Sweeting and the faculty. You may wish to arrive a day early on March 10
to hear the Spurgeon Lecture Series with Al Mohler at 7:00 p.m. RSVP to ttrouten@rts.edu. DEREK THOMAS FEATURED AS REMARKABLE SCHOLAR TheologyDegreesOnline.com featured Dr. Derek Thomas on their list of remarkable theology scholars and professors here. "The professors and scholars mentioned here have not only contributed to the body of theological knowledge with their research, but they have also contributed to the preparation of a new generation of theologians," according to the article. "Each of these individuals can serve as a remarkable role model for current theology students who aim to become educators." The list is in no specific order. Thomas is #73. He is the professor of systematic and historical theology at RTS/Atlanta and minister of preaching and teaching at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC. AN INTERVIEW WITH THE RTS WASHINGTON DC PRESIDENT Dr. Scott Redd was interviewed by Mark Mellinger of the Gospel Coalition recently as they discussed "Discovering Christ in the Old Testament." Redd also discusses the DC area and the churches that have been planted in that area by RTS graduates. Listen to the interview here. DR. MIKE KRUGER BLOGS ON REVELATION The president of RTS Charlotte, Dr. Kruger, recently wrote an article on his blog about the book of Revelation. He writes, "The story of the New Testament canon is a fascinating one, with many twists and turns. There are books that were accepted very quickly, almost from the start (e.g., the four Gospels), and there are other books that struggled to find a home (e.g., 2 Peter). And then there is the book of Revelation." Read more here. | Craig Anderson (M.Div. '10, MAC '12) Craig is serving as the pastor of Elm Street Baptist Church in Sweet Home, Oregon. Kimberly Anderson (MAC '12) Kim and her husband Dan announce the arrival of their son Benjamin Daniel Anderson, born January 18, 2014. Kim passed the national clinical mental health counseling exam in December. Dan (M.Div. '12) is serving at New City Orlando as a church planting apprentice with hopes of planting a church in July. Dwight Basham (M.Div. '03) Dwight was installed as an assistant pastor at Arden Presbyterian Church near Asheville, NC, on Sunday, Feb. 26. James C. Baysinger (M.Div. '13) "JC" was ordained by Southwest Presbytery on Feb. 16 as assistant pastor at Desert Palms Church in Chandler, AZ. He and his wife Elizabeth have two boys, Caleb and Micah. Matthew Eusey (M.Div. '07)  Matt has accepted the call to pastor Trinity Church Central Oahu on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. They will move there from Philadelphia in May. He and his wife Karyn have three children: Stephen, Luther and Genevieve. This picture above was taken on
Luther's third birthday! Listen to a message he gave at this church in January while in Hawaii here. Michael Knight (MABS '13) Mike is serving with SIM (Society for International Ministries) and after several short-term trips to Namibia, South Africa, he has been called to teach the Bible to the next generation of Namibian pastors and youth workers. He will leave in mid-March. Mike Kuhn (M.Div. '00) Mike and his wife have decided to stay in Lebanon for a few more years. Mike teaches at Arab Baptist Theological Seminary and his wife works with student affairs. They have three grown daughters. He asks for prayer for a situation with residence papers and passports. He will soon speak at their home church's mission conference. They are also taking steps to join World Outreach, the mission arm of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Alan R. McClelland (M.Div.M. '07) Capt. Alan McClelland was awarded the Bronze Star Medal on Sept. 24, 2013 for exceptional and meritorious service during Operation Enduring Freedom. He is currently stationed in Germany and hopes to be back in the States this summer. He and his wife Kristin have four children. Nathan Parker (M.Div. '09) Nathan was ordained on Sunday, Feb. 23 and installed as senior pastor of Pinelands Presbyterian Church in Cutler Bay, Fla. The ordination service was conducted by Rev. Pete Jackson (M.Div. '95), associate pastor of Christ Church Presbyterian, in Atlanta. Listen to one of his sermons here. Bob Penny (M.Div. '70) Bob is a visiting professor at African Bible College in Uganda and has been invited to speak at a weekend pastor's conference March 14-16 in Bumala, Kenya by a church planter who also teaches a basic agriculture course at ABCU for students to learn of potential food sources they will likely need. Bob has also been preaching in the chapel at ABCU on a series he titled "God's Great Growing Season." Eric Stites (M.Div. '12) Eric has passed all exams for ordination and will be installed as an assistant pastor at NewCity Orlando on March 16 at 5:00 p.m. Eric is planting NewCity Parramore Ave., (changed from NewCity Holden Heights) along with Demetrius Summerville (MAC '10) the director of community outreach. They have been meeting people and sharing the vision of this new church. Amile Wilson (RTS Student) Amile recently reviewed the movie "Son of God," that came out Feb. 28. Read his review here. Aubrey (last name withheld) (MATS '13) Aubrey and his wife Laura are preparing to move to East Asia with Cru. There they will work with college students in an inland part of the country that is only about 1.5% Christian. Their daughter Jubilee was born Oct. 31. Congratulations! Have you moved? Send us your updates for your address and ministry here. |
We wanted to start a new series at the bottom of our e-newsletter showing you some faces at RTS and the stories behind them. ↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #152 March 18, 2014
KNOX CHAMBLIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
| March 18, 2014 | Issue #152 DATES TO REMEMBER March 18-19 - Kevin J. Vanhoozer is the speaker for the Kistemaker Academic Lecture Series at RTS Orlando, 11am-noon and 1-2pm each day. March 20 - Preview Day at RTS/Washington DC, noon - 2pm. April 1-2 Peter Gentry is the speaker for the Biblical Theology Conference at RTS/Jackson 11am to noon and 7-8pm on Tuesday, and then on Wednesday, 11am to noon and a Q&A 12:15pm to 1pm. April 8-10 - Together for the Gospel - Louisville, Ky., with Ligon Duncan as a plenary speaker. April 12 - Seminar with John Frame at RTS/Atlanta, 9am - 12:30pm. May 27-29 - 2014 USA Ministers' Conference in Elizabethtown, Pa., with Derek Thomas and a representative from RTS/Washington DC. June 27-29 - The Gospel Coalition's 2014 National Women's Conference in Orlando, Fla. - RTS is a major sponsor for this event. | ||||
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| ALUMNI & FRIENDS MEALS AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES ARP Synod - Wednesday, June 11, at 7:00 a.m., join us for breakfast at the Bonclarken Christian Conference Center in Flat Rock, NC. PCA General Assembly - Thursday, June 19, at 12:00 p.m., join us for lunch in the Lanier Grand Ballroom J at the Hilton of the Americas in Houston, Texas. (Room subject to change). Come early, seating is limited. EPC General Assembly - Friday, June 20, 7:00 a.m. join us for breakfast (on location) at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tenn. Please reserve your breakfast ONLINE when you register on the epc.org site when it becomes available and then come to the Fellowship Hall, where RTS will be gathered. Register early, seating is limited. DOCTOR OF MINISTRY CLASSES - A CHANGE By now, many of you have received the Doctor of Ministry brochure and if not, you can pick it up at the RTS campuses or see the classes online. Please make a note: The correct date for the Gospel Coaching for Leaders course at RTS/Orlando should be revised to July 28 - Aug. 1. SCOTT SWAIN INTERVIEWED ABOUT HIS BOOK ON LOGOS BLOG "Trinity, Revelation, and Reading: An Interview with Scott R. Swain" is the title of the blog by Jonathan Watson on the Logos Academic Blog. Swain began, "I wrote Trinity, Revelation, and Reading for students just beginning the course of their theological studies." Read the entire interview here. Dr. Swain is the associate professor of systematic theology and academic dean at RTS/Orlando. SEMINAR WITH JOHN FRAME AT RTS/ATLANTA IN APRIL On April 12, the C.S. Lewis Institute of Atlanta and RTS/Atlanta will present "The Bible: God's Word to Us" with Dr. John Frame, esteemed professor, author and ordained minister. The half-day seminar will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Click here to read the flier and click here to
register for the seminar. In addition, on the day before the seminar (on April 11) a FREE luncheon for pastors will feature a lecture and Q & A with Dr. John Frame centered around the topic "What I Have Learned Throughout My Years of Ministry." To learn more about this special lunch please contact Mrs. Becca Hermes at bhermes@rts.edu. WILL GRAHAM CELEBRATION This three-day event will be held in Clinton, Miss., March 28-30 at the A.E. Wood Coliseum on the campus of Mississippi College. For more information, click here. PICS FROM AL MOHLER EVENT AT RTS/ORLANDO Dr. Al Mohler gave a lecture at the second annual Spurgeon Lecture for the Nicole Institute of Baptist Studies at RTS/Orlando on March 10. The event was followed by a book signing and dessert reception.
TOUR OF RTS/HOUSTON DURING PCA GENERAL ASSEMBLY On June 17, a "Reformed Ramblings" tour will be offered on the campus of RTS/Houston with a hot lunch included on campus followed by a tour of Lanier Theological Library and chapel. The chapel is a reconstruction of a 500 A.D. church in Tomarza, Cappadocia (Turkey). The expansive ceiling is completely covered in period-appropriate paintings of Bible scenes. The grounds are spectacular. The library includes original fragments form the Dead Sea Scrolls, a first printing, first edition of a King James Bible, a large and interesting collection of C.S. Lewis letters, photos, books, maps, etc., and many biblical coins and pottery. Click here to register for this excellent and interesting tour. WOMEN IN MINISTRY CONFERENCE  The chapel at RTS/Charlotte was filled with women of all ages and from across the Carolinas for the women's conference in early March with Kathleen Nielson (pictured third from the right). STAFF PROFILE: CHERYL FOCA  Cheryl Foca recently joined the RTS/Orlando team serving as the executive assistant to the president, Dr. Don Sweeting. She is a member of Lake Baldwin Presbyterian Church and most recently served as the executive assistant to Kevin W. McCarthy,
speaker and author of The On-Purpose Person. For 28 years, she has been married to her husband Keith and they are the proud parents of three daughters. In a past position, Cheryl also served on the staff of Good Life Broadcasting and produced“The Good Life” Christian interview program on TV45 in Central Florida. She also brings 10 years of experience in event planning and is excited about serving in her new role at RTS. Welcome Cheryl!
| Bassam Chedid (M.Div.M. '98, D.Miss. '97) Bassam has been working on the Arabic Study Bible for seven years. It has now been published. To read the pamphlet with more information about the translation, click here. Donald C. Frost (M.Div. '79, D.Min. '08) Chuck is transitioning from special assistant to the chancellor for planned giving at RTS, to pastor of teaching and shepherding at Madison Heights Presbyterian Church in Madison, Miss. We appreciate his service to RTS. Jeff Hooker (M.Div. '01)  Jeff is planting Grace Covenant Church in Athens, Ala. They are still a mission and the daughter of Decatur Presbyterian Church in Decatur, Ala. John F. Kuebler (MAMFT '87, M.Div. '87)  John (pictured left) and his wife Mary Beth recently visited RTS/Orlando with fellow alumnus Ron DiNunzio (M.Div. '86, D.Min. '92) and his wife Jeanna.John set up a counseling center for the Blue Ridge Presbytery in Harrisonburg, Va., called Journey Counseling Ministries. He has retired from the pastorate and is working out of bounds for Covenant in Harrisburg. Sarah DeBoer (MAMFT '06) is also working at the counseling center. Ron and his wife Jeanna have moved from Florida to Pennsylvania. Ron serves as an occasional pulpit supply in the presbytery of the east for the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and has recently helped edit a commentary on the book of Acts. Bill McClain (M.Div. '87) Bill will defend his Doctor of Ministry dissertation on March 18. Cynthia Ruble (MATS '00) Cynthia is serving in Japan and runs a homestay for pregnant women. She mentions that three years have passed since the great earthquake there. She has seen God work so much and prays for the survivors as they continue to put their shattered lives back together. She prays for a great revival there, and reported that three women who planned on abortions are now choosing life instead. She is also housing a woman because her child was abused when she returned home. M (name withheld) He and his wife have been independent pioneer missionaries to a remote tribe in central Asia since 1996. They have written a book, soon to be released, titled A Message Worth Dying For. Jeff Skipper (MABS '12) Jeff recently passed all of his ordination exams and his installation service is scheduled for March 30th at 6:00 p.m. He is the church planting apprentice at Church of the Redeemer in Winter Haven, Fla., and he plans to plant Redeemer Southwest in Winter Haven. A few other RTS graduates are also serving at Church of the Redeemer: Drew Bennett (M.Div. '13, MABS '01) is the pastor of Church of the Redeemer; Jonathan Winfree (M.Div. '02) is the associate pastor. | ||||
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RTS E-Newsletter iss. #153 April 8, 2014
NEW COUNSELING DEGREE PROGRAM AT RTS CHARLOTTE The new counseling degree program is fully approved and accredited by both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). | April 8, 2014 | Issue #153 DATES TO REMEMBER April 8-10 - Together for the Gospel (T4G) - in Louisville, Ky., with Ligon Duncan as a plenary speaker. April 8 - Faculty Forum at RTS Charlotte with Dr. James Anderson. April 12 - Seminar with John Frame at RTS/Atlanta, 9am - 12:30pm. April 23 - President's Forum at RTS Orlando with Dr. Don Sweeting and Dr. Jim Belcher at noon. April 26 - Preview Day at RTS/Washington DC from 10am to 12pm. May 27-29 - 2014 USA Ministers' Conference in Elizabethtown, Pa., with Derek Thomas and a representative from RTS/Washington DC. June 27-29 - The Gospel Coalition's 2014 National Women's Conference in Orlando, Fla. RTS is a major sponsor for this event. |
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| RTS COMMENCEMENT DATES AND SPEAKERS You are welcome to attend any of our upcoming commencements: May 17 - RTS Atlanta Commencement, 10:00 a.m., campus chapel in Marietta, Ga., with Dr. Roy Taylor. May 17 - RTS Jackson Commencement, 10:00 a.m., First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Miss., with Dr. Ligon Duncan May 23, RTS Orlando Commencement, 7:30 p.m., St. Andrews Chapel in Sanford, Fla., with Dr. Phil Ryken. May 24 - RTS Charlotte Commencement, 11:00 a.m., Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, NC, with Dr. John Yates. May 30 - RTS Washington Commencement, 7:30 p.m., McLean Presbyterian Church in McLean, Va., with Dr. Ligon Duncan.  Dr. Dr. Peter Gentry, professor of Old Testament interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, spoke at the Biblical Theology Conference at RTS/Jackson last week. He spoke from Isaiah 5 on "Isaiah and Social Justice," and in the evening
session, "No One Holy Like the Lord." On Wednesday he spoke on "The Role of Covenant in Biblical Theology," followed by a Q&A time during the lunch. RTS FACULTY PANEL AT TOGETHER FOR THE GOSPEL THIS WEEK! We hope to see you at Together For the Gospel in Louisville, Ky., April 8-10. Visit the RTS booth to register for an iPad Mini. An RTS Faculty Panel will be held on Wednesday, from 4:30 to 5:30p.m. in the Zero Dollar Bookstore on "How the Gospel Brings Us Home: The Christian Experience of Justification and Sanctification." The panel consists of Dr. Ligon Duncan, Dr. Derek Thomas, Dr. Scott Swain, Dr. Mike Kruger and Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn. CHRISTIAN LEADERS REBUT A POPULAR BOOK  How Jesus Became God (Harper One, March 2014), written by a former Christian who now debunks Christian beliefs, was quickly denounced by evangelical Christian leaders with a rebuttal book titled How God Became Jesus: The Real Origins of Belief in Jesus' Divine Nature---A Response to Bart D. Ehrman (Zondervan,
March 2014).The contributors are Michael Bird, author and lecturer in theology at Ridley Melbourne College of Mission and Ministry, Charles E. Hill (RTS professor of New Testament), Craig A. Evans, Payzant distinguished professor of New Testament at Acadia Divinity College of Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada, Simon J. Gathercole, New Testament Scholar and senior lecturer in New Testament studies and director of studies at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge University, and Chris Tilling, New Testament tutor for St. Mellitus College and St. Paul's Theological Centre, London. FACULTY FORUM TODAY AT RTS CHARLOTTE Dr. James Anderson, associate professor of theology and philosophy, will lecture on "Friendly Fire? Cessationism versus Continuationism" at the next faculty forum at RTS Charlotte on Tuesday, April 8 at 12:00p.m. Reservations are required. Please RSVP to twilliamson@rts.edu. RUN, JIM, RUN!  Jim McAlhaney, director of admissions for RTS Global Education, will run the 118th Boston Marathon on April 21 to raise additional scholarship funds for RTS students. He calls it the Boston Marathon Student Scholarship Fundraiser. This 26.2 mile
race will be his 15th full marathon. If you are interested in supporting Jim in this effort, he is hoping to have many pledge $1 per mile for a total contribution of $26.20 per supporter, (but larger pledges are welcome). If you wish to support this effort,
click here and select "Global Education" for campus, "Scholarships" for the area, and make a note in the notes section at the bottom,
"RTS Boston Marathon Student Scholarship Fundraiser."ARTICLE ON RTS CHANCELLOR LIGON DUNCAN Metro Christian Living, a magazine in Jackson, Miss., has published in their April issue an article titled "Ligon Duncan; Faithfully Following Christ." Access the article here to read about the life, leadership and mission of Chancellor Ligon Duncan. ALUMNI MEALS AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES ARP Synod - Wednesday, June 11, at 7:00 a.m., join us for breakfast at the Bonclarken Christian Conference Center in Flat Rock, NC. PCA General Assembly - (CORRECTED DATE) Thursday, June 19, at 12:00 p.m., join us for lunch in the Lanier Grand Ballroom J at the Hilton of the Americas in Houston, Texas. (Room subject to change). Come early, seating is limited. EPC General Assembly - Friday, June 20, 7:00 a.m. join us for breakfast (on location) at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tenn. Please reserve your breakfast ONLINE when you register on the epc.org site and then come to the Fellowship Hall, where RTS will be gathered. Register early, seating is limited. READ THE REDD BLOGDr. Scott Redd, president of RTS Washington DC, has written a blog, "God is Not Fate." He begins, "I would just like to mention a few things about God that might help when life drives you to question his power or benevolence or both. Such moments, or seasons, are common for those gifted with the knowledge and love of God in Jesus Christ, and they say nothing about the validity of the faith of the experiencer apart from the fact that they are indeed human. But you knew that already. First, God is not fate." Read the entire blog here LIBRARY STORYTIME AT RTS ORLANDO Orlando families with children (recommended ages 2-5) are welcome to attend a fun time in the RTS library on Friday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m., where they will read stories, sing songs and make a craft. For more information, contact senior library assistant, Laura Armstrong (MABS '09) at larmstrong@rts.edu. PREVIEW DAY APRIL 26 AT RTS WASHINGTON DC  Are you interested or do you know someone who would like to preview RTS Washington? Preview Day will be held April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Contact Jennifer McGahey for more information
and to attend. See picture above of the panel from the preview day in March.STAFF PROFILE: ABIGAIL GRIFFITH Abigail joined the RTS/Washington team as development coordinator in November of last year. For the past few years, she's been providing overseas aid to post-conflict countries like Uganda and South Sudan. Most recently, she worked in Jordan, assisting Syrian refugees with food aid. Abigail has been in the DC area for the past 7 years, and brings a background in USAID contracting, grant development, and project management to her new role with RTS. In her free time, she loves to work with her church, Grace Downtown, serving on the homeless and mercy ministry teams. | James Almond (MATS '05, M.Div. '09) James was called to be pastor of Goshen Presbyterian Church in Belmont, NC, and has been serving there for about a month. Ray Craig ( M.Div. '92, D.Min. '09)  Ray (pictured second from right) founded MMX Leadership in 2010, designed to help leaders with transition, fundraising or even crisis intervention along with other specialized services. He recently returned from his third trip to India, hosted
by Christ Gospel Ministries where he spoke to 65 key village leaders, presented leadership, masculinity and Christian life themes and coached 45 indigenous church planters representing 600 congregations. He presented live and was interpreted into
Telugu and Oriya. Christian Crouch (M.Div. '13) Christian, who is currently serving at Grace Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC, as the music director, has accepted an offer to serve as the pastoral assistant at Grace Fellowship Church in Irmo, SC. Beginning in May, he will work with the pastor, Frank Legare, who married him and his wife Chelsey. His degree was awarded in December, but Christian will walk in the commencement ceremony at RTS Charlotte this May. He and Chelsey have two sons, Stephen (4) and Cohen (2). Esaie Etienne (M.Div. '04) Esaie, serving with Mission to the World in Haiti, reports that Living Stone Reformed Mission has received the certificate of legalization by the ministry of religion in Haiti--a very big step for them. Also, in January, they hosted a medical team from Alabama and have decided to hire a nurse for the school and for community health education. They will need to raise funds for this new salary. Also they recently had to pay a large amount out over a dispute in a land issue. They ask for additional support at this time to continue to fund the projects that are in process. Justin Holcomb (MATS '97, MACT '97)  Justin is the canon for vocations at the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, and adjunct professor of theology at RTS/Orlando, and guest faculty at RTS/Washington DC. He has written two new books: Know the Heretics (due April 2014); and Know the Creeds and Councils  (due April 2014). According to the description, "These accessible overviews walk readers through the most important expressions (and denials!) of Christian faith and practice - not with a dry focus on dates and places, but with an emphasis on the
tradition of Christian belief and why it matters for our lives today. Ideal for group use and study."Casey Johnson (M.Div. '10) Casey is co-planting Redeemer City Church with Nathan Hobert (M.Div. '04), who planted The Vine Church in Madison, WI. Redeemer launched on Feb. 23 and they have 2 services at 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Phil Luther (M.Div. '07) Phil and his wife Kay are serving with Mission to the World in Greece. Two groups from Reformed University Fellowship spent their spring break with them, feeding the homeless, working on projects, and surveying students on university campuses and people in the upscale shopping district of Glyfada, where his church plant is. He notes, for many of them, it was a step out of their comfort zone. They were able to have significant conversations with the students to see that their talents and skills could be used by God in serving and building His kingdom. He asks that you pray for these students, that their time spent in Athens will have a lasting impact in their lives. Wilson A. Shirley (M.Div. '10) Wilson was called in January to be the pastor of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Ala. They are currently meeting at their host church First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, at 1802 Bankhead Parkway in Huntsville. He previously served at Highlands Presbyterian Church in Ridgeland, Miss., as pastor to students and families. Hannah Lyn Venable (MACT '08)  Hannah is in her third year of the PhD program in philosophy at the University of Dallas and recently had an article published titled, "Situating Melancholy in Kierkegaard's The Concept of Anxiety," in the journal Philosophy & Theology.
Read the article here (full article only accessible with subscription), however, if you would like a copy, contact her here.
It will be in print at the end of May. Hannah is pictured here with her husband Richard and their three young daughters. Follow her blog here.Ambrose Winfree (M.Div. '11) While in seminary, the Lord gave Ambrose and his wife Becky a strong burden for the church in Latin America. After language and church planting training in Bogota, Colombia, through the apprenticeship in mission program of Mission to the World, they hope to serve in Latin America by supporting pastors, church planters and leaders by working with the local churches in the areas of discipleship and evangelism. They hope to finish their support raising this summer so that they can head to Bogota by the end of the summer. Tom (last name withheld) (MABS '10) Tom is planting a church in Asia and also starting a D.Min in Church Planting and Leadership Development with a group of leaders. However, he recently hurt his back and his wife tore a muscle. They would appreciate your prayers for their healing and for their children as they adjust to a new environment. Eric (last name withheld) (M.Div. '12) Eric and his family have arrived at their destination in South Asia where they will serve with another team. Pray for them as they adjust to the new culture. They have found a place to live but with little inside the dwelling. They ask for prayer that "our neediness would cause us to lean into Jesus, instead of striving harder or getting discouraged." Also pray for restoration of health as they have been ill with viruses and coughs (much of it stemming from dust and city fumes). They are grateful for your prayers and comments and messages. |
RTS Charlotte is pleased to announce that a new counseling degree program will begin in fall, 2014. The primary degree is the 66 credit-hour MA in Christian Counseling (MACC). There will also be options for an MDiv and MACC dual degree, an MATS/BS and
MACC dual degree, and an MDiv with a counseling emphasis. ↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #154 May 13, 2014
MINISTRY & LEADERSHIP MAGAZINE RECEIVES TWO AWARDS FOR ARTICLE
The Evangelical Press Association awards program, held in California this year, awarded the article third place in the general article (long) category and fifth place in the devotional category. Paul Schwarz, editor of the M&L magazine, accepted the award. If you would like to get on the mailing list for the M&L magazine, either by email or snail mail, click here. | May 13, 2014 | Issue #154 DATES TO REMEMBER May 17 - RTS/Atlanta Commencement in the chapel at 10am. Dr. L. Roy Taylor is the speaker. May 17 - RTS/Jackson Commencement at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson at 10am. Chancellor Ligon Duncan is the speaker. May 23 - RTS/Orlando Commencement at St. Andrews Chapel in Sanford, Fla., at 7:30pm. Dr. Philip G. Ryken is the speaker. May 24 - RTS/Charlotte Commencement at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, NC., at 11am. Dr. John Yates, II, is the speaker. May 27 - 29 - 2014 USA Ministers' Conference in Elizabethtown, Pa., with Derek Thomas and a representative from RTS/Washington DC. May 30 - RTS/Washington DC Commencement at McLean Presbyterian Church in McLean at 7:30pm. Chancellor Ligon Duncan is the speaker. June 27-29 - The Gospel Coalition's 2014 National Women's Conference in Orlando, Fla. RTS is a major sponsor for this event. | ||
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| RTS TRAINED COUNSELORS SERVE DISASTER AREA At least 15 tornadoes were on the ground in Mississippi on Monday, April 28. One of them went through Louisville, Miss., as an EF-4 with winds of about 200 mph. There was much loss of life and possessions. According to Sherry Lanier, MNA disaster response and short-term missions facilitator, a team of RTS trained counselors departed for Louisville on Friday, May 2, in order to serve at Fair Elementary School in Louisville. One of the school's 8-year-old students, Tyler, was killed along with his parents in the storm. The school requested grief counselors, and RTS Jackson graduates Stephanie Hathorn (MAMFT '12), Alyssa Hasson (MAMFT '10), and Emily Rankin Jernigan (MAMFT '10), dropped everything to go and be with the students at the school as they process through this great loss. Read more about Tyler and the tornadoes here. MINISTRY & LEADERSHIP MAGAZINE HAS ARRIVED!  In the spring/summer issue of the M&L magazine, recently mailed, Dr. Michael McKelvey shares with us "Abraham's Call," in the classroom section, describing a gift meant to bless everyone, not just the receiver. In the Faith and Life section, Dr. Elias Medeiros takes us in for an up-close look at the Reformers during the 16th century. Read about our alumni featured in this issue, which are: Andrew Garza and his mission work as team leader for MTW in northern Mexico; Marcus Berger, a high school math teacher, now training at RTS/Houston; and Amaldo Espinel, a petroleum engineer who is also training at RTS/Houston. Also included is Chancellor's Duncan's article, "A New Reformed Movement," based on a message he gave to the RTS Board of Directors at a meeting this fall, and an interview with Dr. Voddie Baucham, pastor of preaching at Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, Texas, visiting lecturer at RTS/Houston, and emerging leader in the Reformed evangelical movement. You will find some pictures from the Knox Chamblin Scholarship Fund event at RTS/Jackson. TWIN LAKES FELLOWSHIP 2014  Rev. David Strain (pictured right, courtesy of Chancellor Duncan) spoke at the annual Twin Lakes Fellowship at Twin Lakes Camp and Conference Center in Florence, Miss. Strain is the senior minister elect of the First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Miss., where Chancellor Duncan previously pastored for 17 years. Chancellor Duncan also interviewed Dr. Mike Kruger, president of RTS Charlotte and discussed the canon of Scripture. Listen to the interview here. Chancellor Duncan also interviewed Dr. Chuck Hill about the books he has written and the latest book responding to Bart Ehrman's controversial book. Listen to Dr. Hill's interview here. Listen to other recordings including those by Dr. Sean Lucas and Dr. Derek Thomas here. REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER TERM AND D.MIN. CLASSES Here are just a few of the many courses available this summer at RTS: Dr. Derek Thomas will teach Covenant Theology at RTS/Atlanta and Theology of Calvin at RTS/Charlotte; Dr. Scott Redd will teach Isaiah to Malachi at RTS/Houston and Intro to Past and Theological Studies at RTS/Memphis; Dr. Steve Brown will teach Radical Grace at RTS/Orlando. In Jackson, the Summer Institute of Biblical Languages (SIBL) will run from June 23 to Aug. 15. Greek, Hebrew and Latin will be offered Mon - Fri 1-4:00 p.m. and Aramaic will be taught on Tues/Thurs 9:30-noon. For the doctoral students: Steve Brown will teach Applied Theology: Grace for the Worn Out Pastor at RTS/Atlanta; Dr. Derek Thomas will teach Pastoral Care at RTS/Orlando. ORDINATION SERVICE OF DR. BAUGUS IN MAY Dr. Bruce Baugus, associate professor of philosophy and theology, will be ordained into the Mississippi Valley Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America on May 11, during the evening service at Trinity Presbyterian Church at 6:00 p.m. The church address is 5301 Old Canton Rd., Jackson, MS. DR. KRUGER BLOGS ON BART EHRMAN'S CONTROVERSIAL BOOK "I am beginning a series of blog posts responding to Ehrman’s new book," writes Dr. Mike Kruger, president of RTS Charlotte, an author of the blog Canon Fodder. "Some of these posts will draw on aspects of my forthcoming review, and some of these will be new observations about his book. This first post falls into the latter category and concerns the internal contradictions within Ehrman’s own worldview." Read the first blog here and the second blog here. WATCH CHANCELLOR'S MESSAGE AT T4G  In case you missed it, click here to view Dr. Ligon Duncan's message on "The Gospel by Numbers - Part I." "It's a book of history and Americans hate history," says Duncan. He notes, "...one British scholar said, 'War is God's way of teaching Americans history and geography.'" He says it is full of people behaving badly---just like us, and it is filled with strange and bizarre rituals. Click here to listen to all of the messages from the conference.RTS DC PREVIEW DAY  Geoff Sackett, admissions director at RTS/Washington DC (pictured far left) leads a panel of students, sharing their call on Preview Day in April. DR. DON SWEETING BLOGS ABOUT SAINTS IN SCRIPTURE In April, the Roman Catholic church beatified former Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, an important step on the road to being declared saints. Read Dr. Don Sweeting's blog on "Saints in Scripture" to learn more about saints. He begins, "All kinds of definitions of saints have been given. A cynic once said, 'a saint is a dead sinner, revised and edited.' I recall that the famous writer Robert Louis Stevenson said, 'the saints are merely sinners who kept on going.'" Continue here. STAFF PROFILE  Elizabeth McAdams joined the RTS/Orlando staff in January as a development coordinator. She assists Bob Emeott, Orlando’s Executive Vice President, with grant writing, special events, and mailings. Elizabeth is a native of Michigan and a graduate of Cedarville University (B.A., Communication Arts, 2011). Her previous professional experience includes freelance writing, volunteer recruitment for a social service agency, and supervising staff at a summer camp in Northern Michigan. She comes from a family with a rich tradition of vocational Christian service, and she’s passionate about helping seminarians graduate without debt so that they are free to follow the Lord’s calling on their lives. Elizabeth’s husband, Rob, is currently finishing his first year studies at RTS. | Richard Aguilar (M.Div. '97) After some serious health issues this past year, Richard, pastor of Christ the Redeemer in Ecuador, reports he is doing much better. He is pictured above after a 2 hour walk to the Pita River Cascade during a church outing. He asks for prayer for the Lord to provide the church with their own space for ministry and for so many around them. They would love to set up a good library, have space for refreshments and have space for a Ping-Pong table. Richard is also the VP of the Ecuador Bible Society and they are in a big campaign to get a many Bibles into an unchurched area. Chris Brock (M.Div. '12)  Chris and Donnette Brock, serving with Mission to the World, are planning to plant churches in France with EPREF (Evangelical Protestant Church of France). They will leave this summer for Belgium for cross-cultural ministry training. In January, they will start language school. The team they are joining has planted several of these churches in the Marseille area. The Brocks have two young children, Avonlea and Oliver. Connice Dyar (MATS '08) Connice serves The Sports Outreach Group as a women's chaplain for Joe Gibbs Racing near Charlotte, NC. She evangelizes and disciples drivers' wives and other women connected to NASCAR. She has been involved in racing in different capacities since 1994. Her husband Robert, also a chaplain, is the founder and president of The Sports Outreach Group, which works with churches and does chaplaincy ministry to sports teams throughout the world. Justin Holcomb (MATS '97, MACT '97)  The very prolific Justin Holcomb, adjunct professor of theology at RTS Orlando, guest faculty at RTS Washington DC, and canon of vocations at the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, has written another book, along with his wife Lindsey, titled, Is It My Fault? Hope and Healing for Those Suffering Domestic Violence. Holcomb serves on the boards of REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade) and GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments.) Order the book here and remember to use smile.amazon.com and select RTS as your charity. Mike Kuhn (M.Div. '00) We mentioned in March that Mike and Stephanie, serving in Lebanon, were taking steps to join World Outreach, and now they are official appointees with WO, the mission arm of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. They believe that joining WO will provide accountability, fellowship, and more streamlined financial processes. Stephanie is tutoring the kids of the seminary students and they have opened their home to a weekly marriage and family study for married students. Mike, along with teaching at Arab Baptist Theological Seminary, has been writing a church-planting course for LEARN and preaching occasionally. He is also working on his Ph.D. They traveled to the US for their daughter Emily's graduation from Covenant College on May 10. Randy Rainwater (MABS '11) Randy has served as the pastor of students at Grace Snellville in Snelville, GA., for 16 years and reaches over a thousand high school and middle school students each week. He also serves as board chairman of Campus Thrive, a student-led middle school program with over 800 students attending. He volunteers with NG3, a chaplain ministry to local sports teams and is a regular speaker at private and public school conferences and church retreats. He is married to Anita and they have three adult children. Kent Muhling (M.Div. '01) Kent and his wife Yuko, serving in Sendai, Japan with Asian Access through SIM, had a great Easter celebration with their church planting core group, three unbelieving families and three young singles. "Our guests had no idea what Easter was celebrating, so it was a brand new story for them." They have been attending Furisuku (short for Furisukuru) which is Japanese English school. "More than half of those who come are university students, and its been a great way to build relationships." They plan to start monthly gatherings for university students and weekly ladies' and men's small groups. Also this year, Yuko began working with a weekly radio ministry for tsunami victims. William Robfogel (M.Div. '76) Bill recently underwent eye surgery and his wife Edna reports he still has some pain but the surgery was successful and they await further healing. | ||
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RTS E-Newsletter iss. #155 June 10, 2014
LAUSANNE CONSULTATION IN BRAZIL Dr. Don Sweeting (standing in front of the first tree on the right), campus president of Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, spoke at the Lausanne Movement's Consultation on Global Theological Education in Brazil, in early June. The title of his message was "My Dream for Theological Education that Reflects the Equality of the Body of Christ." The conference focused on four key themes: Successful Missional Biblical Partnerships; Contextualization in Theological Education; Global and Missional Sustainability in Theological Education; and Formal and Non-formal Training. | June 10, 2014 | Issue #155 DATES TO REMEMBER June 11 - Alumni breakfast at the ARP Synod at 7am at the Bonclarken Christian Conference Center in Flat Rock, NC. June 19 - Alumni lunch at the PCA General Assembly at noon in the Lanier Grand Ballroom J at the Hilton of the Americas Houston, Texas. June 20 - Alumni breakfast at the EPC General Assembly (fellowship hall of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tenn.) at 7am. Reserve online at epc.org/2014ga. June 27 - 29 - The Gospel Coalition's 2014 National Women's Conference in Orlando, Fla. RTS is a major sponsor for this event. |
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NEW BOOK BY BRUCE BAUGUS Dr. Bruce Baugus, associate professor of philosophy and theology at RTS/Jackson, has published a new book, China's Reforming Churches (Reformation Heritage Books, May 2014). "This books provides both a historical look at Presbyterianism in China and an assessment of the current state of affairs, orienting readers to church development needs and the basic outlines of Reformed Christianity in China today. Watch the video here where Baugus explains the contents of the book. "Rarely do you encounter a book on China’s Christians by scholars who are so distinguished and expert on the topic. Brimming with profound and carefully researched insight into the subject, China’s Reforming Churches is the finest work on Christianity in China that I have seen in years. It is also elegantly written and edited. It deserves the widest readership.” —David Aikman, author of Jesus in Beijing: How Christianity Is Transforming China and Changing the Global Balance of Power WRF GENERAL ASSEMBLY ANNOUNCED The fourth general assembly of the World Reformed Fellowship will be held March 23-27, 2015 in São Paulo, Brazil, where intensive work will be done on key concerns. Topics will include the challenge of Islam, human trafficking, gender violence, sexual abuse in Christian environments, parachurch agencies, the prosperity gospel, global church planting (focus on Latin America) and faithful ministry (discussions of gay rights and activities). Speaker information is available here and prices and registration materials will soon be available. RTS/DE RELEASES THE COVENANT THEOLOGY INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK .jpg) RTS Distance Education is pleased to announce the release of the Covenant Theology interactive notebook on the iBook store. This interactive notebook is designed to compliment the Covenant Theology lectures by Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, featuring videos of Dr. Duncan, interactive elements, striking imagery, lesson outlines, reading assignments, review questions, and more! This interactive notebook, available for iPad (running iOS 5.1 or later) and Mac (running OS X 10.9 or later), will help the learner engage with Covenant theology and redemptive history like never before! Purchase it today to deepen your knowledge of Covenant theology!JOHN FRAME RELEASES NEW BOOK  “John wrote this book so that the average person could understand it, which is a concept introduced by the apostle Paul but little employed ever since. It’s like the nine-hundred-pound gorilla wrestling with a newborn and restraining himself: John could do a number on us intellectually, but he prefers to communicate for the sake of the kingdom of God.” — Andrée Seu Peterson, senior writer, World magazine. Click here to order John Frame's Selected Shorter Writings. (Use smile.amazon.com and select RTS as your charity). Dr. Frame is a professor of systematic theology and philosophy at RTS/Orlando. DEREK THOMAS TO SPEAK AT GRN LUNCHEON  The Gospel Reformation Network event will be held June 17-19 at the Hilton Americas in Houston. Dr. Derek Thomas, senior minister of the historic First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, SC is the featured speaker at the lunch on Wednesday, June 18. He will speak on "Sanctification and the Gospel: Getting it Right." The cost is $20. Register here. DIGITAL M&L MAGAZINE AVAILABLE  Would you like to receive our Ministry & Leadership magazine by email? Complete the form here. Also you can go online here and read it digitally right now. We hope you enjoy the articles in the magazine by our faculty and the stories of our many alumni. PICTURES FROM COMMENCEMENT  Chancellor Ligon Duncan is pictured here with Dr. Elias Medeiros, the Harriet Barbour professor of missions at RTS/Jackson (left) and Dr. Valdeci dos Santos (center), chairman of pastoral theology, Andrew Jumper Graduate College, Mackenzie University, São Paulo, Brazil. Dr. Duncan taught Valdeci at RTS during his Th.M. studies in the early 90's and his son was a distinguished graduate at this year's commencement. RTS CHARLOTTE COMMENCEMENT 2014  Congratulations to all of the 2014 RTS graduates. You have studied hard and sacrificed much to get to this point. Thank you also to the many donors to the student scholarship fund that made this possible! We appreciate you. JAMES ANDERSON INTERVIEWED ABOUT NEW BOOK Dr. James Anderson, associate professor of theology and philosophy at RTS/Charlotte, was interviewed on the Point of View podcast by Kerby Anderson in March about his new book, What's Your Worldview? When asked about the meaning of worldview, Anderson said, "You might say, a worldview is an all encompassing perspective on everything that exists and matters to you... It represents your most fundamental beliefs, assumptions and ideas about the universe that we inhabit. And, also our deepest values as well." Click here to listen to the interview. COMMENCEMENT LUNCH AT RTS/WASHINGTON DC  The RTS/Washington DC commencement luncheon was held at McLean Presbyterian Church in McLean, Va. LIGON DUNCAN AT THE 2014 OPC GA  RTS Chancellor Ligon Duncan spoke at the Orthodox Presbyterian Church General Assembly on Monday. | Darrin "Rocky" Anthony (M.Div. '89) Rocky and his wife Tracy (Moore) Anthony (MABS '88) have a grown son named Tyler, who is a vocalist, guitarist and pianist in the band called Cereus Bright. Tyler and the band will be touring this summer and just released a video of the classic "Stayin' Alive" with a "folk-inspired twist." Click here to watch the band perform this song. Chuck Degroat (M.Div. '98, MAC '99)  Dr. Chuck Degroat, associate professor of counseling and pastoral care at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Mich., has published Toughest People to Love (Eerdmans, May 2014). "In this book Chuck DeGroat addresses the flawed nature of people and offers wisdom for leaders of all types in dealing with just about anyone who is difficult to lead and to love." Click here to purchase the book (don't forget to use smile.amazon.com and select RTS as your charity). Chad Grindstaff (M.Div. '05) Chad is serving as church planter of Living Hope, in northwest Cincinnati. They presented five families as members on June 1 and baptized a new believer and her two children. He and his wife Erin have four children, one is recently adopted and has a medical condition. They ask for prayers for his life threatening condition that could keep him hospitalized for two weeks. Jake Hunt (M.Div. '07)  Jake and his wife Melissa are serving with World Harvest Mission - now called Serge. He is the associate pastor of Faith Community Church in Prague, Czech Republic. They hosted an eight-week study of the Westminster Confession of Faith in their home this spring. They will be working with a new team (the Janiceks) in January. also, their daughter Eliza is still cancer free after six months! They are now in the US for a six-month home mission assignment (legal requirement for US citizens living in some foreign countries). They hope to connect with friends while they are in the US and report back to the churches that make it possible for them to be in Prague. They will rest and take some opportunities for professional development. Melissa will homeschool Sam in the fall. They plan to return to Prague at the end of December. Pray for transition for their family during this time. Greg Joines (M.Div. '12) Greg and his wife Dolly are planting Christ Central in Corvallis, Oregon and are excited to announce they have found a new worship location. It is located at Central Park South, a historic building in Corvallis that once was a church. They ask for prayer as they make this transition in July. As a new church community they have been working on several service-based projects including a Habitat for Humanity Build, a Love Corvallis event, and they are partnering with a local ministry called House of Engedi, Oregon's first safe house for survivors of sex-trafficking, which opened its doors in June. Michael Knight (MABS '13)  Mike is serving with SIM (Society for International Ministries) to teach Namibian pastors and youth workers. He will teach an intensive course at Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminary in Africa this summer. The course is titled "Ministry to Children and Youth." Also, recently, he went on a three-hour road trip to visit a foster care ministry to orphans called Children of Promise, that he has connected with on his previous trips to Namibia. He is pictured above with one of the children there. In mid-June, he will travel to Johannesburg for a conference on theological education. He asks for prayer for safe travel, a profitable learning experience and good relationship-building opportunities. Matt Koehn (MABS '09)  Matt is transitioning from the admissions director on the RTS/Atlanta campus to now a Cru staff member. He'll be on a college campus in Atlanta building relationships with college students and sharing with them about the love of Jesus. He'll be in Orlando in June for a five-week training session. Steffen Mueller (M.Div. '05) As the pastor and church planter of Gospel Church Munchen in Germany, Steffen reports around 90 in attendance at his church the last two Sundays. He would be happy to begin a second service if more continue to come. He asks for prayer for more volunteers in children's ministry and for a good leader for that ministry. He and his wife are serving with the Goodwins. John Reeves (M.Div. '72) John was granted honorable retirement at the end of 2013. He was elected pastor emeritus of Providence Presbyterian Church in Clinton, Miss. John and Emily continue to reside in Clinton. John is teachng as an adjunct lecturer at Belhaven University and enjoys supplying pulpits in the area. Emily continues working as an interior designer and as choir director at their church. Kevin Sheahan (M.Div. '14) On July 20, Kevin will begin his new position as director of youth ministry at Bellevue Presbyterian Church in Gap, Pa. Herb Shipman (M.Div. '84) Herb, 84, was called home on May 15, 2014. He was living in Swanton, Vermont and was involved in a number of organizations. He is survived by his wife Carol Ann and children Martha, Mary, Philip, Norman and Charles and many grandchildren, along with his sister Virginia. His funeral was held on May 21 at Trinity Presbyterian Church in St. Albans. Click here for his full obituary. |
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