| FIVE PROFESSORS APPOINTED TO ESTABLISHED CHAIRS Reformed Theological Seminary's Board of Trustees has appointed five faculty members to fill vacant faculty chairs at the recommendation of Chancellor Ligon Duncan and Dr. Bob Cara, chief academic officer. They are as follows (left to right): Dr. Mike Kruger, Dr. Derek Thomas, Dr. Guy Waters, Dr. Richard Belcher and Dr. Chuck Hill.
Dr. Derek Thomas, professor at RTS/Atlanta, and the senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC, has been designated the Robert Strong Professor of Systematic and Pastoral Theology. Read more here. | July 22, 2014 | Issue #156 DATES TO REMEMBER Aug. 2 - Preview Day at RTS Washington DC - RSVP to gsackett@rts.edu. Aug. 25 - President's Forum with Dr. Don Sweeting and Dr. Kelly Kapic, professor of theological studies at Covenant College discussing "Doing Theology as Human Creatures"at RTS Orlando in the fellowship hall at noon. Sept. 9 - Missions Conference with Ken Temple at RTS Jackson at noon, then Sept. 10 at 11am. Sept. 10 - Women's Bible Study on Wednesdays with President Mike Kruger at RTS Charlotte 9:30-10:45. Oct. 2 - Inauguration of Dr. Ligon Duncan at FPC Jackson, MS at 7:30pm. | |||||
 | ||||||
| RTS MOBILE AVAILABLE ON THE AMAZON APPSTORE FOR ALL KINDS OF DEVICES! RTS Mobile, the official RTS App, is also available on iOS, Android, and Windows Phones. Download the App today to have free access to more than 25 distance education courses, chapel and commencement messages, special spotlight lectures, a yearly Bible reading plan, and more! WORLD MAGAZINE NAMES ANDERSON AND FRAME AMONG THE RECIPIENTS OF THEIR BOOK AWARDS
Dr. James Anderson, associate professor of theology and philosophy at RTS/Charlotte, was the winner in the popular theology category for his book What's Your Worldview?: An Interactive Approach to Life's Big Questions (Crossway, 2014). Dr. John Frame's book Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief was the 'spotlight' winner. Read more here. Link to the World story here with subscription only. DR. CHILDERS WILL BE A PLENARY SPEAKER AT THE DESIRING GOD CONFERENCE The annual Desiring God National Conference for Pastors will be held in Minneapolis, Minn., Feb. 2-4, 2015. Dr. Childers, associate professor of practical theology at RTS/Orlando, will speak on "The Guilt of the Nations and the Gospel of Repentance." The other plenary speakers will be John Piper, Bryan Chapell, Sam Storms and Conrad Mbewe. Registration opens later this summer. CHANCELLOR'S NEW WEBSITE  Dr. Ligon Duncan, chancellor of RTS, has a new website. Visit www.ligonduncan.com to hear Dr. Duncan's sermons and podcasts, read articles and view social media posts. This new website will be a resource for expository sermons, articles on key theological matters, biblical commentary, and links to material addressing current issues and historical theology.2014 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY COUNSELING CONFERENCE RTS Jackson is pleased to announce that Diane Langberg will speak at the MFTC Conference on Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse to be held on the campus of RTS Jackson. She will be joined by RTS Jackson MFTC faculty, Jim Hurley and Bill Richardson, on October 9-10, 2014. The conference will be offered for 4 ethics credits. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Diane Langberg, a practicing psychologist whose clinical expertise includes 35 years of working with trauma survivors and clergy. Read more info and register here. PREVIEW DAY COMING UP AT RTS/WASHINGTON DC  Would you like to take a look at our Washington DC campus on Aug. 2 from 10am-11:30am? RSVP to Geoff Sackett at gsackett@rts.edu and hear from a panel of students and then meet President Scott Redd, and the faculty and staff, students and alumni over a free breakfast. DR. RICHARD BELCHER'S NEW COMMENTARY Dr. Richard Belcher has written a commentary on Ecclesiastes (Evangelical Press, June 2014). In this book, "the struggles of Solomon are laid out as a warning to all that even someone as wise as Solomon can operate on the wrong basis. Of course, the answer to the struggle comes back at the end of the book." REGISTER NOW FOR THE FALL SEMESTER Have you thought of auditing a course at RTS? Call the registrar on the campus of your choosing for more information. Our chancellor, Dr. Ligon Duncan is teaching two classes in Jackson in the fall and one class in Orlando. Check out the lineup here and select your campus and appropriate session. LIBERATE CONFERENCE 2015  This conference will be held Feb. 19-22, 2015 at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Speakers include Tullian Tchividjian (M.Div. '01), Ray Cortese ('89), Steve Brown, RTS Professor of Practical Theology, Emeritus, Justin Holcomb (MATS '97, MACT '97), and more. the theme is "It is Finished." Super early bird registration begins Aug. 1.FORMER PROFESSOR PASSES AWAY  Dr. Gerard "George" Van Groningen, 93, passed away on June 20, 2014. He taught at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Miss., from 1973-1980 with several titles: department chairman, professor of Old Testament and chairman of the faculty. He was a WWII US Army veteran, and served also at Reformed Theological College in Australia, Dordt College in Iowa, and Covenant Seminary in Missouri. He pastored churches in Borculo, Michigan and Geelong, Australia. He was the past president of Trinity Christian College in Palos, Heights, Ill., and was instrumental in establishing Reformed seminaries in Brazil and Latvia. He is survived by his wife Harriet, eight children, 34 grandchildren, and three brothers. The funeral was held on June 25 in Orland Park, Ill. A private family committal service and military honors was held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Ill. "George was a friend and colleague for a number of years at RTS," said Dr. J. Simon Kistemaker, Emeritus. "I also taught along with him in Brazil as the Jumper Theological Graduate School developed. George was a forceful man who put all his energy into ministry whatever it might be." NEW PROFESSOR APPOINTMENT  Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn, associate professor of church history at RTS/Washington DC has been appointed honorary research fellow of the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK, for his work as a consultant for a project studying the development of Presbyterian identity and polity, entitled, "Independence in the Early Modern World." This is an Arts and Humanities Research Council grant directed by Dr. Polly Ha. The appointment ends in 2017.TAKE AN RTS COURSE IN RALEIGH, NC How do you deal with objections to Christianity? How do you show that the Christian worldview is the only worldview that ultimately makes sense of our lives and the world we inhabit? Dr. James Anderson will teach Apologetics at Vintage Church in Raleigh, NC, Sept 12-13, Oct. 24-25 and Nov. 7-8. Dr. Anderson is an associate professor of theology and philosophy at RTS/Charlotte. For more information, click here. RTS TRANSLATION OF COURSES RTS is partnering with Proyecto Nehemias in translating courses into Spanish. Jeff Stevenson, Ph.D. is the founder and president of this ministry and our executive director in Houston, Tim McKeown, as well as Dr. Richard Belcher, professor of Old Testament at RTS/Charlotte are also on the board of directors. The purpose of the ministry is to "serve society and the church in all manifestations of evangelical Christianity in Latin America with a particular focus on denominations that are Reformed in outlook." STAFF PROFILE: STEPHANIE HARTLEY  Stephanie Hartley, director of development support, has worked with the development office at Reformed Theological Seminary for almost 18 years. She oversees gift processing and supervises training on the Raiser's Edge fundraising database. She works with various solicitors, as well as our vice presidents and presidents for fundraising. Stephanie is also production and assistant editor of the Ministry & Leadership magazine. This central development office also handles address updates and records for alumni and students. Stephanie and her husband Ted, a sports video editor, have three grown children and five grandchildren. She is located in Jackson, Miss. | Joe Arnold (M.Div. '13) Joe was installed as the new pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church of Cheraw, SC in May. He was previously serving at Covenant Presbyterian in Rockingham, NC. They closed on their new house in June as their previous home was sold. His wife Loretta will be working part time at Northeast Technical College as an Allied Health (CNA) instructor. Dan Anderson (M.Div. '12) New City Orlando has been mentoring Dan towards church planting during his two-year residency and in early summer, he accepted a call from Hope Church in Saline County Arkansas to plant a church in Little Rock in the near future. They found a new home and arrived in Arkansas July 20. Dan will be studying for ordination in the PCA and working with two church plants. Keep Dan and his wife Kim (MAC '12) and their young son Benjamin in your prayers as they make this transition. Hunter Brewer (M.Div. '03)  Last summer, after starting and leading Madison Heights Church in Madison, Miss., for eight years, Hunter resigned to start The Mid-South PCA Church Planting Network. The mission of the network is to assist churches and presbyteries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and west Tennessee in planting churches. Doug Domin (M.Div. '85) For those of you who have followed this story, Doug, who planted Christ Church in Concord, NH, was served notice to vacate their rented facilities before they could complete construction on their new church building. In March, they were able to get into their new building, dedicated on June 1, followed by a time of fellowship. The church is now located at 146 Sheep Davis Road (Route 106) in Pembroke, NH (across from John Deere and A&B Lumber). Marco Escalante (M.Div. '11) In March, Marco, his wife Diana, and Church Cordero de Dios (The Lamb of God) in Mexico City celebrated their one year church anniversary. They are averaging about 90 people on Sundays. They have started a married group class, and also recently served and helped Reformed University Fellowship as they worked with university students at the largest university in Mexico City. They ask for prayer for a new location to hold services since their facility is no longer up for rent. Also they will need a sound system and the budget to hire an intern. They also ask for prayer for the new believers. John Lehner (M.Div. '13) Congratulations to John for passing his exam. He will be licensed in October after preaching a senior sermon to his presbytery. John and his wife Judy also recently enjoyed talking to missionaries from all over the world at an Associate Reformed Presbyterian event called World Focus 2014. See the pictures here. Stephen Mirich, Jr. (M.Div. '11) Stephen was examined and approved by the Western Carolina Presbytery to be installed as the next pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville, NC. Steve and his family relocated from Locust, NC to Hendersonville in June. Stephen and his wife Cassy and five children. Joshua Pegram (M.Div. '12) Joshua accepted a call as lead pastor of Morning Star Church in Rockford, Ill, a town of about 150,000. He and his wife Liz and their daughters have arrived there. Please keep them in prayer. Mike Pettengill (RTS Global student)  Mike and his wife Erin are celebrating six years of service in Honduras. With a mission team of 14 adults, they have "planted four churches, built a medical clinic, opened a Christian high school, launched a home for teenage moms, started a homeless kids program, built houses, fed the poor, clothed the naked, taught the Bible, discipled believers and so much more." Now they are working on building a "second medical clinic, a theological seminary and working toward more church plants." Follow Mike's blog here. Follow Erin's blog here. Fred Seay Fred has served as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Sugar Land, Texas since 2011. Chris Sicks (MAR '10) Chris has been on staff with Alexandria Presbyterian Church since 2001. He works with the deacons and mercy committee to show compassion to those in the congregation and community. Chris and his wife Sara have three children: Lucy, Campbell and Ginger. Gerald Sseruwagi (MACE '96, MATS '96) Gerald, 45, president of Africa College of Theology (part of Africa New Life) in Kigali, passed away on June 28, 2014. A memorial service was held at New Life Bible Church in Kigali, Rwanda. He is survived by his wife Robina and four children. After studying at RTS, Gerald completed a Ph.D in Organizational Leadership from University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. He previously served as deputy to the vice chancellor of African Bible University of Uganda, and as a professor of Bible, ethics, and education. "Gerald was a humble and sweet spirited leader who, following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, rose up from life as a street boy in Kampala, Uganda to become a giant among men." - Alan Hotchkiss, Africa New Life Tom Whetstone (M.Div. '85, Th.M. '91)  Tom has written Leadership Ethics & Spirituality: A Christian Perspective (Westbow/Thomas Nelson, 2013). | |||||
↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss.#156, July 22, 2014
↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #157 August 5, 2014
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE RTS CONVOCATIONS
Aug. 26 - RTS/Charlotte convocation, 11:00am in the chapel. Speaker: Dr. Mike Kruger, president of RTS/Charlotte (2nd from left) will speak on "Origen's List of New Testament Books." Please RSVP for lunch to twilliamson@rts.edu. Aug 27 - RTS/Orlando convocation, 11:00am in the Pamplin Chapel. Speaker: Chancellor Ligon Duncan (3rd from left). RSVP to ksutter@rts.edu for lunch. Sept. 9 - RTS/Washington DC's first chapel at noon on campus. Speaker: Dr. Scott Redd, president of RTS/Washington DC (far right). | August 5, 2014 | Issue #157 DATES TO REMEMBERAug. 25 - President's Forum with Dr. Don Sweeting and Dr. Kelly Kapic, professor of theological studies at Covenant College. The event is open to the public. RSVP for lunch to ksutter@rts.edu. Sept. 9 - Missions Conference with Ken Temple at RTS/Jackson at noon, then Sept. 10 at 11am. Sept. 10 - Starting date for Women's Bible Study on Wednesdays with President Mike Kruger at RTS Charlotte 9:30am - 10:45am. Sept. 12 - 13 - RTS course in Raleigh, NC begins. Oct. 2 - SAVE THE DATE - The inauguration of Dr. Ligon Duncan at FPC Jackson, Miss., at 7:30pm. Oct. 9-10 - Marriage and Family Therapy Counseling Conference at RTS/Jackson with Dr. Diane Langberg, Dr. Jim Hurley and Dr. Bill Richardson. | ||||
| |||||
NEW BOOK BY VAN DIXHOORN Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn, associate professor of church history at RTS/Washington DC, has written Confessing the Faith:A Reader's Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, due late August.) The description notes, "This accessible, biblical, and thoughtful work digests years of study and teaching into bite-sized sections. Van Dixhoorn’s work is historical and practical in its focus. It deliberately presents readers with more than another survey of Reformed theology; it offers a guide to a particular text, considers its original proof-texts, and seeks to deepen our understanding of each paragraph of the Confession."LISTEN TO COMMENCEMENT ADDRESSES BY DR. DUNCANChancellor Ligon Duncan gave the commencement address to the RTS graduates and their friends and families at RTS/DC in late May from 1 Timothy. Listen here. Chancellor Duncan also gave the commencement address for RTS/Jackson from 1 Timothy. Listen here. RTS DISTANCE ED ANNOUNCES NEW RELEASES The RTS Distance Education Department has released “Educational Ministry of the Church” with lectures from Mr. John Muether and Dr. John Kwasny. This 2-credit-hour course is a survey of Christian education in the life and history of the church, with particular attention given to the philosophy, history, organization, curriculum, and training of teachers in the church. John Muether will serve as the online professor of record. The course lectures are available on iTunes U and on the newly improved RTS Mobile App. The RTS DE Department has also released "Christian Encounter with Islam." This course is an introduction to the history, culture, traditions, beliefs, and practices of Islam. Students will develop a deeper understanding of Islam in order to love Muslims as their neighbors and witness more effectively to them. This course is not available at this time for public viewing. PREORDER DR. GLADD'S NEW BOOK  You may now pre-order Hidden But Now Revealed: A Biblical Theology of Mystery (IVP Academic, due November 2014) by G. K. Beale, and RTS professor Benjamin L. Gladd here. The description says, "Exploring all the occurrences of the term mystery in the New Testament and the topics found in conjunction with them, this work unpacks how the New Testament writers understood the issue of continuity and discontinuity. This investigation of the notion of mystery sharpens our understanding of how the Old Testament relates to the New and explores topics such as kingdom, crucifixion, the relationship between Jews and Gentiles and more. As such, it is a model for attentive and faithful biblical theology intended for students, scholars, pastors and lay people who wish to seriously engage the Scriptures." Dr. Gladd is assistant professor of New Testament at RTS/Jackson.BAUGUS' BOOK REVIEWED Jason Helopoulos, assistant pastor of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Mich., reviewed Dr. Bruce Baugus' China's Reforming Churches for The Gospel Coalition. Read the review here. DR. DUNCAN POSTS A FAVORITE HYMN AND ITS STORY ON LIGONDUNCAN.COM Georg Neumark's "If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee" was composed in 1641. Chancellor Duncan gives the backstory to the hymn here along with an explanation of each verse. WELCOME CHRIS VAUGHN!  There's a new face in the RTS Charlotte Admissions office. Chris Vaughn will replace Amanda Chancey, who is leaving to pursue a full-time position as a nanny. Chris is a homeschooling mom who has been the nursery coordinator at Uptown Church and assisted in various other roles. She also has her own business on the side where she helps organize and increase efficiency among households in Charlotte. She was previously a school administrator at Garr Christian School and more recently assisted GreyFriars Classical Academy in a number of areas where her organizational and planning skills have been noted by many. SWAIN AND BAUGUS TO JOIN REF21 TEAM Carl Trueman announced that Dr. Scott Swain of RTS/Orlando, and Dr. Bruce Baugus of RTS/Jackson, are two of four new contributors to the Reformation21.org team. Read more here. TGC WOMEN'S CONFERENCE 2014 VIDEOS In case you missed the conference, click here for a short video excerpt. A video for each speaker is also listed. The conference was held in Orlando, Fla. RTS AT NATIONAL GATHERING Stop by the RTS booth at the 2014 National Gathering in Dallas, Texas, Aug. 18-20. This gathering is made up of ECO and the Fellowship of Presbyterians. Kevin Collins, admissions director at RTS/Orlando will be there at the booth, along with Matt Stahl, admissions director at RTS/Houston. RTS BOARD MEMBER FEATURED FOR HIS HAM RADIO ABILITIES Hon. John Scott Redd, Sr., an RTS board member, father to RTS DC President Dr. Scott Redd, Jr., and a 40-year public service servant (launching two organizations critical to US national security: The US Navy's Fifth Fleet in the Middle East and the National Counterterrorism Center in Washington DC) is pictured here in this article from the Wall Street Journal displaying his ham radio skills and his contest success. STAFF PROFILE: JOYCE SISLER  Originally from the Appalachian Mountains region of western Maryland, Joyce is an administrative assistant to faculty at RTS/Orlando and coordinator of the Orlando Doctor of Ministry Program. She has worked at RTS for over 17 years and presently supports Reggie Kidd, Steve Childers, Mike Glodo, Bob Orner and visiting D.Min. professors. She has also had the privilege of serving Richard Pratt, Bruce Waltke, Frank James, Ronald Nash, Steve Brown, and others. She enjoys her association with current students and alumni. Her degree from Philadelphia Biblical University is in Bible, with minors in Christian Education and Missions. Before she came to RTS she served at World Team Mission and Key Biscayne Presbyterian Church in Miami for 15 years. After moving to Orlando she served at Ligonier Ministry for 3 1/2 years before coming to RTS. She and her sister, Janet, have been involved in many international ministries and have traveled in over 25 countries. They founded JS Resources, Inc. (JSR) which supports national workers who cannot raise funds in their nations and also assists with short-term workers who fill valuable needs overseas. In April, they made their tenth trip to Egypt to be with friends who faithfully live and serve in some of the most ‘challenging’ locations. | Michael Carey (D.Min '10) Mike is serving as pastor of Trinity Wellsprings Church in Satellite Beach, Fla. They were formerly known as Trinity Presbyterian Church, but they have moved from the PCUSA to the ECO and changed their name. Neil Carmichael (MAR '09)  Neil is the director of training and technology at PeacePoint. He has written His Peace for Your Life, a devotional that is "real-to-life and real-to-faith and offers enough quality content to satisfy spiritual appetites without overload," per the description. Also, Joni Eareckson Tada describes it as "Deep, biblical, and practical. I should also add 'personal,' given that Neil Carmichael shares these powerful truths from his heart. His Peace for Your Life is the perfect 31-day push into a sweeter, more profound fellowship with your Savior – I highly recommend it!” Matt Miller (MATS '04) Matt is serving as pastor of Greenville ARP Church in Greenville, SC. Dr. Mike Kruger, president of RTS/Charlotte posted a 'Where Are They Now?' blog, an interview with Matt recently. Click here to read the interview and watch the video of pictures from their church retreat. Kent Muhling (M.Div. '01) Kent and his wife Yuko will be back in the states for a few months at the end of August. They have been serving in Sendai, Japan with Asian Access through SIM. They recently held a movie talk in their home and served taco rice (an invention of necessity of American servicemen in Okinawa who could not find taco shells.) The film Oblivion, starring Tom Cruise and with Japanese subtitles, sparked a fruitful discussion of issues such as truth, loyalty, obedience, self-sacrifice and relating to authority. It was much more than they could talk about in one evening. Kent used Rom. 1:19-20 and John 8:31-32 as references during the time of discussion. Patrick Severson (M.Div. '08) Patrick is serving as pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Lisbon, NY. Wilson Shirley (M.Div. '10) Wilson Shirley was called to pastor Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Ala., in January. He and his wife Laura have four children. He previously served as pastor to students and families at Highland Presbyterian Church in Ridgeland, Miss., from 2004-2014. He has been keeping a regular blog on the church website here and you can find him on Twitter @wilsonashirley. Jason Tippetts (M.Div. '11)  Jason and his wife Kara planted Westside Church in Colorado Springs, Colo. His wife has been battling metastatic breast cancer since July of 2012. She keeps a blog here and has a book coming out in October titled The Hardest Peace. Kara said in her recent blog, "But this pain, this hard, this endless swallowing of pills has taught me to savor life in a way I never would have otherwise. I suppose that’s a grace all it’s own. The heights and the depths." Please keep Kara, Jason, and their four children in your prayers. Eric (last name withheld) (M.Div. '12) Eric and his wife are in language school in South Asia. He asks for prayer for their tutor, "S" who has become a friend. They long to see her heart opened to the gospel. They also ask for prayer for wisdom, boldness, energy to pursue people and ease in communication. Chuck (last name withheld) (M.Div. '04) Chuck is serving in the Caucasus Region and shared some six month praises for the year after a "rough and emotional spiritual roller coaster ride": they finally received work permits; they celebrated 17 years together; God provided a house; their son's infection was healed; Chuck successfully defended his thesis and graduated with a Master's in Linguistics; and he held two local seminars and a workshop. Please pray for their financial situation due to circumstances of this year. Have you moved? Send us updates for your address and ministry here. We love to keep up with our alumni and their ministries. We host many events at many of our campuses and you are always welcome to attend. So, keep us updated so we can keep you posted and provide you with resources and communications like these. | ||||
↧
↧
RTS E-Newsletter, iss. #158 August 21, 2014
| NEW FACULTY MEMBER APPOINTED FOR RTS ORLANDO CAMPUS
RTSO President Don Sweeting said, "God has blessed us with a great new addition to our faculty, who will be an asset to RTS/Orlando for years to come. I am thrilled to have Mike Allen joining us. Along with John Frame and Scott Swain, it gives us one of the strongest teaching and writing teams in theology in the country. Mike brings to the classroom a love for Christ, a love for the church, personal godliness, and top-notch academic credentials. He is an excellent teacher. He is winsomely reformed. He is highly published and will bring strength to our students in the areas of Christian thought, systematics, ethics, and church history." Read the entire release here. | August 21, 2014 | Issue #158 DATES TO REMEMBER Aug. 25 - President's Forum at RTS Orlando with Dr. Don Sweeting and Dr. Kelly Kapic. RSVP for lunch to ksutter@rts.edu. Sept. 2 - Preview Evening at RTS/Washington DC Sept. 9 - Faculty Forum at RTS Charlotte with Dr. Michael Kruger, president, at noon in the RTS Dining Room, on "What is the Role of 'Mercy Ministry' in the Local Church? Pitfalls and Possibilities." Sept. 9 - Missions Conference with Ken Temple at RTS/Jackson at noon, then Sept. 10 at 11am. Sept 10 - Starting date for Women's Bible Study on Wednesdays with President Mike Kruger at RTS Charlotte 9:30am - 10:45am. Sept. 12 - 13 - RTS course in Raleigh, NC begins. Oct. 2 - The inauguration of Dr. Ligon Duncan at FPC Jackson, Miss., at 7:30pm |
| |
RTS/JACKSON MISSIONS CONFERENCE SEPT 9-10  Ken Temple, a Bible and missions teacher for Propempo International, will speak at this year's missions conference, Sept. 9 at noon at Patterson's Porch, and then at 11 a.m. on Sept. 10. Temple has been reaching out to Muslims for over 30 years. During those years, he ministered to Iranian Muslims and believers in Christ, through evangelism, discipleship, church planting and leadership training. He does this by speaking Farsi, the language of Iran. Ken continues to go overseas and train underground church pastors and lay leaders (Iranians) 2-3 times per year and ministers to Iranians in the Atlanta area. FACULTY FORUM AT RTS/CHARLOTTE Dr. Michael Kruger, president of RTS/Charlotte, will give the message for the next Faculty Forum on Sept. 9 at noon in the RTS Dining Room. His message is titled "What is the Role of 'Mercy Ministry' in the Local Church? Pitfalls and Possibilities." The public is invited. DON SWEETING INTERVIEWED ON TV45 IN ORLANDO  Dr. Don Sweeting, president of RTS/Orlando, and his wife Christina were interviewed by Barbara Beck on Good Life 45's "Welcome Home" program, in Lake Mary, Fla. The segment will air on Sept. 29 at 7:00 p.m. STEVE LAWSON CONFERENCE AT RTS/ORLANDO SAVE THE DATE! Dr. Steve Lawson, with One Passion Ministries, is coming back to RTS/Orlando Jan. 15-16 to speak on "Faithfully Preaching the Old Testament." "EMPTY LIFE" SERIES POSTED ON LIGONDUNCAN.COM Dr. Ligon Duncan and Dr. Derek Thomas gave a series of sermons on Ecclesiastes in 2003. Dr. Duncan explains the book as, "an exploration of the different ways that people try to find meaning in this life apart from God, and it is an explanation of how futile that is. It is a big argument to argue you into a corner in the denial of the Creator." There are 14 messages in all. Click here to read the messages. The Madison County Journal is also publishing them in shorter article form here. WATERS WRITES ABOUT ADAM Dr. Guy Waters, professor of New Testament at RTSJ, wrote an article in Ligonier Ministries' Tabletalk Magazine titled, "The Historical Reality of Adam." The article begins, "In Adam's fall, we sinned all." Continue the article here. PRESIDENT'S FORUM AT RTS/ORLANDO  Attend the next President's Forum at RTS/Orlando with host, RTSO President Don Sweeting and special guest Kelly Kapic (pictured right), Aug. 25 at noon in the fellowship hall. The topic for discussion is "Doing Theology as Human Creatures." Dr. Kapic is an RTS Orlando alumnus, and professor of theological studies at Covenant College. He is the author of A Little Book for New Theologicans: Why and How to Study Theology. RSVP for lunch to ksutter@rts.edu. DR. SCOTT REDD WRITES ABOUT FAMILY WORSHIP This is the first post in a two-part series on family worship for Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. He writes, "My wife and I like to talk about family worship--not because we have it all figured out, but because we actually enjoy experimenting with different ways to draw ourselves and our five daughters to God (Yes, five! Yes, daughters!)..." Read the entire blog here. ARTICLE ON FERGUSON POSTED ON LIGONDUNCAN.COM Christianity Today has begun posting a series of articles on the events in Ferguson, Mo., from several African-American pastors on Ed Stetzer's blog. Click here to read one by Bryan Loritts, pastor of Fellowship Memphis, on "It's Time to Listen: Feeling the Pain Despite the Facts." DR. SWAIN BLOGS ON JOHN OWEN Dr. Scott Swain, associate professor of systematic theology and academic dean at RTS/Orlando, is a new contributor to Reformation21.org. Click here to read his blog on Owen. CHANCELLOR REFLECTS ON A YEAR SINCE THE ANNOUNCEMENT TO HIS CHURCH Dr. Ligon Duncan became chancellor on Jan 1, 2014, but in August of last year he made the announcement to his church of his intentions to accept the call as chancellor of RTS. Read his reflection here. PREVIEW RTS/WASHINGTON DC IN THE EVENING An evening preview of the campus will be offered on Sept. 2nd, and 7:00 p.m. RSVP to JMcgahey@rts.edu. Learn more here. AUGUST PREVIEW DAY AT RTS/WASHINGTON DC  Pictured are the students and alumni who spoke to potential students on Preview Day at RTS/DC on Aug. 2. (Pictured l to r is Geoff Sackett, RTS/DC dean of students, Terrence Little, M.Div. student, Helen Franssell (M.Div. '10), Josh Sillaman (M.Div. '13), and Rob Yancey, M.Div. student.) STAFF PROFILE: KEN WIANDT  Originally from Evansville, Ind., Ken has worked at RTS (in Jackson) since 1997 as the controller. He oversees certain finance staff (accounts payable, student billing, staff accountant) and prepares/reviews the financial statements and tax/information returns for the seminary. He also prepares various reports for RTS management. He graduated from Union University in Jackson, Tenn., with a BSBA in Accounting and then graduated from RTS with an MA in Christian Education. He received his CPA certification in 2001. Ken is married to Amy and they have one daughter Sarah Beth, who is sweet 16. Amy is a computer teacher at a local private school in Jackson, and Sarah Beth entered the 10th grade this year at that same school. | Michael Aitcheson (M.Div. '11) Michael is planting Christ United Fellowship in the southeast region of Orlando, Fla. They are currently looking to rent space in the area. Please keep them in prayer regarding this matter. J. Michael Blackston (MAC '06) Michael and his wife Rachel (MAC '06) are serving as licensed mental health counselors at Redeemer Counseling in Orlando, Fla. Michael works with a range of issues including trauma and abuse recovery, relationship issues, gender identity, masculinity and femininity, depression, and anxiety. Rachel specializes in working with women dealing with relationship issues, depression, and anxiety, with a special interest in sexual abuse recovery, codependency, infertility, and gender identity. She also teaches a MAC course titled "Career & Lifestyle Development" at RTS/Orlando every other summer. In addition, there are three other RTS MAC graduates working there as registered mental health counselor interns: Erin Luginbuhl ('13), M. Lindsey Coates ('14) and Sarah Born ('14). Marcia Butcher (MAC '07) Marcia founded Twelve Stones Counseling Center with offices in Winter Springs and Maitland, Fla. She also serves as a licensed mental health counselor at Redeemer Counseling in Orlando, Fla. She specializes in marriage counseling and personal development, as well as depression, anxiety, grief, and parenting issues. Chris Brock (M.Div. '12) The Brocks, serving with Mission to the World, have completed their trip to Belgium learning about culture-shock, proper conflict resolution, and even navigating a complicated train system in an unfamiliar languate. Chris and Donnette are now ready to finish support raising so they can leave for language school at the end of the year and then plant a church in southern France. They will be working on their visas this fall and making trips to the French Embassy in Atlanta. Keep up with the Brocks here. Esaie Etienne (M.Div. '04) Esaie, serving with Mission to the World in Haiti, reports attendance of more than 300 at a VBS camp held for the children in Docine Christian Academy and in Gonaives.The theme was "The Armor of God." This was followed by a family retreat for three churches, where they had 200 people attend and stay at the school compound for 3 1/2 days. In July they hosted a medical team from Greenville, SC. "For the past three or four months, there has been an epidemic in Haiti called Chikungunya fever which is caused by mosquitoes," said Esaie. The medical team helped over 500 people during a 4-day clinic and 3 people prayed to receive Christ. His wife Natacha also came down with the fever. Although not completely recovered, she is doing better now. The Gonaives children's home is in motion and they have paid for 51 acres of land. Funds are needed for clearing and fencing the land, which will be $40,000. The new school year in Haiti begins on Sept. 8. They expect the number of students and employees to increase this year, which will also create more expenses. Kent T. Hinkson (D.Min. '93) Kent, 71, was tragically killed in Durham, NC, in August. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was a volunteer minister at All Saints Church in Durham. He leaves behind his wife Ruth and daughter Heidi. Hansoo Jin (M.Div. '12)  Hansoo is currently serving as a church planting apprentice and assistant pastor at Abbott Memorial Presbyterian Church. He hopes to plant a church in east Baltimore in the coming months. He and his wife Wana have a brand new daughter named Jubilee. Congratulations! Leigh Swanson (MATS '12) Watch a new video on Leigh, and her service as associate dean of students at RTS/Orlando. Daryl Wattley ( M.Div. '14)  Daryl has been called by Heritage Presbytery to be the first Reformed University Fellowship minister at Delaware State University in Dover. Daryl has already made the move to Dover and is busy launching an RUF ministry on a new campus. |
The Reformed Theological Seminary Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. R. Michael Allen to the faculty of the Orlando campus. Dr. Allen will serve as the associate professor of systematic and historical theology beginning January 1st. Allen, a teaching elder in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, will complete the fall term at Knox Theological Seminary, where he has been teaching for the past five years as the D. James Kennedy Associate Professor of Systematic Theology. ↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #159 Sept. 16, 2014
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RTSO president, Dr. Don Sweeting, will host Dr. Chuck Hill, the John R. Richardson Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, at RTS/Orlando on Sept. 24 at noon in the fellowship hall. They will discuss the book How God Became Jesus to which Dr. Hill was a contributing author. RSVP now to 
Originally from Northern Ireland and now residing in Nashville, Keith Getty is the co-writer of "In Christ Alone," "The Power of the Cross," and many other well-known modern hymns. Getty will deliver a free seminar Sept. 26 from 1:30pm - 3:00pm (this
is a time change from the mailed event calendar) in the Pamplin Chapel, entitled "Hymns, Worship, and the Christian Life." Advance registration is required. Click 
During the RTS/Charlotte convocation, Dr. Mike Kruger (pictured left) was awarded a plaque for his new chair appointment as the Samuel C. Patterson Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity by Chancellor Ligon Duncan. Several other faculty who have previously been appointed to established chairs were also awarded.
The annual luau was held at RTS/Jackson for students, staff and faculty in August. Dr. Mike McKelvey, assistant professor of Old Testament, worked all day cooking the meat..png)
Speaking to RTSO students during orientation, Dr. Kelly Kapic shared his views on starting seminary. He spoke again at the President's Forum along with Dr. Don Sweeting, giving helpful tips on how to wed academic study with devotion
to Christ.
Did you receive your digital copy of the M&L magazine? If not, you can sign up 
While at RTS, Matt set the Westminster Shorter Catechism to music to help him and his peers get through the Catechism exams. He has now made the songs for sale to the public. "The Mattechisms" are all 107 questions of the Westminster Shorter Catechism,
set to music by Matt. He says, "These songs are particularly helpful for getting these questions and answers into your memory. Click 
Steven has a new book coming out in January titled John Knox: Fearless Faith (Christian Focus Publications). The description says, "The life and ministry of John Knox reverberates around the church both in Scotland and across the world.
'The Father of the Scottish Reformation' with resolute convictions and unmatched vigour for the word of God continues to influence and inspire people today. Stephen J. Lawson seeks in this book to ignite our faith for Jesus through Knox's story and to
'stand firm' in our day and generation."
Sandy is serving as a licensed mental health counselor at Open Doors Counseling Center in Winter Park, Fla. She also has a certificate in play therapy and enjoys helping missionary kids and their families thrive. Her husband John Trzcinski (MAC '10 is
a crisis manager at Cru.↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #160 Sept. 30, 2014
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Redeemer City to City (CTC) and RTS announce a strategic partnership to provide seminary education in New York City and participate in the vision of Redeemer Presbyterian Church and its founding pastor, Dr. Timothy Keller, to prepare ministry leaders,
pastors and church planters for NYC and cities internationally.
Register 
Dr. Rod Culbertson, Jr., is the speaker for the next Faculty Forum Oct. 14 at noon in the dining room at RTS/Charlotte. He will speak on "Christian Ministry: The Life of Faith and Sacrifice." RSVP to Tari at 
Dr. Harry Reeder, senior pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church and author of From Embers to a Flame, will be presenting a conference on the biblical importance of increasing spiritual vitality in local churches. The conference will be
at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Ala., Jan. 22-25. For more information, visit emberstoaflame.org.
Anne Duncan (B.A. Education, Furman; MRE, Gordon-Conwell; MA, RTS) was the speaker for the Women in Ministry brunch at RTS/Jackson in September. She spoke on the subject of dealing with change in the context of seminary and ministry. Anne is
a teacher at Jackson Preparatory School in Jackson, Miss., and is the wife of Chancellor Ligon Duncan.
Dr. Don Sweeting, president of RTS/Orlando will sit down with Dr. Ligon Duncan, the RTS chancellor & CEO, at the next President's Forum Oct. 9 at noon in the fellowship hall at RTS/Orlando. They will discuss "Challenges and Opportunities for
Christian Ministry and Calling in the American Church and Culture in the 21st Century." The public is welcome. RSVP to 
Ann was born and raised in Monticello, Miss., a small town 60 miles southeast of Jackson. She is the institutional accounts payable coordinator and pays all of the invoices for every campus and has been with RTS for almost 11 years. She has three
children, five grandchildren and one great grandchild. One of her daughters that lives with her is visually impaired, and received her MAMFT degree from RTS/Jackson and is now teaching at the Mississippi School for the Blind. Ann also enjoys
working in the yard with her flowers, researching her family ancestors and she loves to fish.
Alisa Jones is working as the MAC program administrative assistant at RTS/Orlando, assisting Dr. Jim Coffield, Dr. Scott Coupland and in addition, Dr. John Frame and Dr. Chuck Hill. Her husband Richard is also studying to receive his MAC degree
at RTS.
The updated 25th anniversary edition of Patrick Morley’s The Man in the Mirror will be released Oct. 7. "With over three million copies in print, this bestselling book has challenged and encouraged men worldwide and was selected
as one of the 100 most influential Christian books of the 20th century. Morley, the author of 20 men’s books, and David Delk (M.Div. '94), are the Co-CEOs of Man in the Mirror, the organization Morley founded in 1991 while still a student. With
over 100 staff and a vision 'for every church disciple to every man,' they have helped 35,000 churches impact 12,000,000 men." Read a sample chapter at ↧
↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #161 October 16, 2014
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dr. Tim Keller will deliver the John Reed Miller lectures at RTS/Jackson Nov. 11-13. During Q&A he will answer questions both on his preaching lectures and on his forthcoming book, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God. The
schedule is as follows:
Register now for The Desiring God Conference for Pastors Feb. 2-4, 2015 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Plenary Speakers include John Piper, Bryan Chapell, Conrad Mbewe, Steve Childers and Sam Storms. Register and view the conference video
RTS/Orlando is reading The Twilight of the American Enlightenment (February 2014, Basic Books) for the Current Read event, where the author, Dr. George Marsden will give a lecture on his book along with a book signing on Tuesday, Nov. 4
from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the Pamplin Chapel. Dr. Marsden is the Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History Emeritus at Notre Dame. For more info go to 
Mission to North America and Joni & Friends-Jackson are excited to present The Accessible Kingdom Disability Ministry Conference Nov. 7-8 at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Ala.
Learn how to minister to and alongside those touched by disability. The keynote address will be given by Emily Colson, author and speaker, (daughter of Chuck Colson) and Stephanie Hubach, author, speaker and Director of MNA Special Needs Ministries.
There are 44 workshops to inform and inspire churches to develop outreach ministries in this area. Registration early and save. Student rate available! Visit 
Tari is an M.Div. graduate of RTS/Charlotte ('05) and has been the dean of women at RTS/Charlotte since 2005. She enjoys using her love for people, teaching, and learning to mentor other women in pursuing their own gifts, while providing avenues for
using those gifts to build Christ’s kingdom. Some of her most recent pursuits include directing the Brookstone Camp (one week out of the year) with a team from the RTS community; and orchestrating an RTS women’s conference in the spring. Her
husband Tom (MABS '94, MAMFT '94) is the counselor at their church in Gastonia. Tari also has a blog at 
Dr. Elahe Hessamfar (MA '09), who did Ph.D. studies at the University of Aberdeen, has now published her research. Her book In the Fellowship of His Suffering: A Theological Interpretation of Mental Illness--A Focus on "Schizophrenia" is now available
to be purchased 
↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #162 October 29, 2014
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
We call ourselves Reformed because RTS is rooted in the Protestant Reformation. In the 16th century, many believers protested against false teachings in the church and returned to the true gospel under the leadership of Reformers such as Martin Luther,
Ulrich Zwingli, and John Calvin. The term "Reformed" was associated primarily with Calvin's work in the church of Geneva, but all Protestant Reformers held certain cardinal views in common.
Dr. Nelson Kloosterman will teach "The Ethics of the Christian Family," Jan 2-3 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at RTS/Washington DC. Dr. Kloosterman serves as a minister in the Presbyterian Church in America and has served as professor of Christian
ethics and is director of Worldview Resources International. Registration for RTS winter courses opens Nov. 1.
In early October, Keith Getty, Irish singer/songwriter and recording artist, shared that we remember better what we sing than what we read or speak. So, we should make sure that what we sing reflects God. Robust, theological singing helps us to grow
in the knowledge and understanding and love for God. Getty often reads ancient hymns for correct phrasing of his hymns. Those in attendance at RTS/Orlando sang several of Getty's hymns together.
In early October, Diane Langberg spoke on "Counseling Adult Survivors of Childhood Trauma," at RTS/Jackson. Dr. Bill Richardson addressed "Contemporary Ethical Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling." Dr. Jim Hurley spoke on "Side by Side
by Side."
RTS/Atlanta is hosting a pastor appreciation luncheon on Nov. 12 from 11:30a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the chapel. Dr. Archie Parrish is the speaker. Parrish, founder of Serve International, is one of the foremost scholars on prayer, helping to establish Evangelism
Explosion in about 40 nations. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to 
Edwin L. Barnes, Jr., has been appointed as the vice president of development at RTS/Charlotte beginning January 1. He is currently the executive director of Westminster Ministries Foundation in Rock Hill, SC, where he will remain until Dec. 31. He was
previously an attorney with Kennedy, Covington Lobdell & Hickman, LLP, in Charlotte, where he practiced corporate law.
Ceci is the assistant to the dean for the RTS/Orlando campus and has a B. A. in Organizational Communication from the University of Central Florida. She coordinates academic events such as convocation, the Kistemaker Academic Lecture Series, commencement,
faculty meetings, and more. She is also a graphic designer and works with institutional internal communication designing and maintaining the forms and templates in the employee portal.
Jonathan is serving as associate pastor at 
Jennifer is vice president for the Institute for Family, Community, and Opportunity at the Heritage Foundation. She recently spoke at RTS/Washington DC, on "Speaking the Truth in an Increasingly Pluralistic Society."
↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #163 November 12, 2014
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In this issue, read articles from our faculty, Sean Lucas and Michael Allen. Read articles about the new extension campus RTS/NYC. Meet three Indonesian students at RTS/Orlando and learn about former chancellor Ric Cannada's
work there. Plus read about the inauguration of Dr. Ligon Duncan, and more. Click 
Josh is the pastor of 
Kevin and Angie Sheahan welcomed Micaiah James into the world on Oct. 29, 2014. Congratulations! Kevin is serving as director of youth ministry at Bellevue Presbyterian Church in Gap, Pa.↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss.# 164 November 25, 2014
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
On Monday, Dec. 8, at 11:00 a.m., Keith Getty will host a discussion on congregational singing in Grace Chapel on the campus of RTS/Jackson. Getty, an Irish composer has co-written (with Stuart Townsend) widely-used contemporary hymns such as: "In Christ
Alone," "The Power of the Cross," and "Speak, O Lord." Pastors, ministers of music and others interested in thinking together about the corporate worship of God's people are encouraged to attend. The presentation is entitled, "Hymns, Worship, and the
Christian Life." There will also be a time of discussion and Q&A over lunch at Patterson's Porch. The event is free, but please RSVP for lunch 
Dr. Mike Kruger, president of RTS/Charlotte is the speaker for the next faculty forum at RTS/Charlotte on Feb. 10. He will speak on "Is Inerrancy the Invention of American Fundamentalism? Why it Still Matters Today." It will be held in the RTS/Charlotte
Dining Room at noon. Lunch will be served. The public is welcome. RSVP to Tari at 
Dr. Tim Keller, founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, and chairman of Redeemer City to City, was the speaker for the John Reed Miller lectures at RTS/Jackson. He lectured on preaching and introduced and signed
his new book on prayer for a packed house at the Lemuria Bookstore. Click 
Christian Philosophy: A Systematic and Narrative Introduction (Baker Academic,
2013), written by Craig Bartholomew and Michael Goheen, was recently reviewed by Dr. James Anderson (upcoming in Expository Times). Dr. Anderson is an associate professor of theology and philosophy at RTS/Charlotte. He begins,
"Finding a reliable and engaging one-volume introduction to the history of philosophy from an orthodox Christian perspective is rather like finding an empty taxi on Hogmanay..." You can read the complete review on his blog 
"Hermeneutics for Contextualized Ministry" is designed to help prepare those who will be doing ministry in African American, multiethnic or urban contexts. Dr. Jarvis Williams serves as associate professor of New Testament Interpretation at
Southern Seminary and is the author of several books. The course will be held Jan. 19-23. Read more about the course 
The movie Interstellar opened in November. Watch the trailer .jpg)
Gabriel Fluhrer, senior minister of Shiloh Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, NC, and a Ph.D. candidate at Westminster Theological Seminary recently reviewed Dr. James Anderson's book titled What's Your Worldview on Reformation21.org.
Dr. Anderson is an associate professor of theology and philosophy at RTS/Charlotte. Read the review 
The Committee Discipleship Ministry (CDM), formerly the CE&P of the Presbyterian Church in America, will hold its annual training conference for women leading other women on Feb. 19-21, 2015 at the Sheraton Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, GA. Speakers
include Melissa Kruger, a keynote speaker (wife of Mike Kruger, president of RTS/Charlotte), Tara Barthel, RTS/Global student, Sherry Lanier, wife of RTS alumnus Steve Lanier (MAMFT '88), Donna Dobbs (MCE '81), and many more. This year's theme is
"Vitally Connected to Christ, His Word, His Church." Click here for details. 
Joanne has been the administrative assistant for RTS/Memphis for 4 1/2 years and her husband, Brian, is the executive director of this campus. They have been on staff with Campus Outreach for 25 years and have 3 children. Joann grew up in
Mobile, Alabama, and graduated from the University of Montevallo with a bachelor's degree in marketing. Currently, Joanne is pursuing her Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies and enjoys teaching a mentor training she developed for the church and
speaking for women’s retreats. She has no idea what she would do with free time on her hands, but would love to find out one day. She has traveled to almost all of the seven continents, with Antarctica last on the list.
Rice is the author of God's Not Dead: Evidence for God in an Age of Uncertainty and is senior minister at Bethel World Outreach Church in Nashville where he provides oversight for this multi-ethnic, multisite church, meeting in locations in Middle
Tennessee, Texas, and Arizona. He also holds a doctorate in missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. He lives in Franklin, Tenn, with his wife Jody and their five children. 
Jon launched Christ Church Presbyterian in Charleston, SC, on June 9, 2013. Their morning worship service attendance is now 170-180 and evening worship is 60-80. He is leading a men's Bible study using J.I. Packer's Knowing God and also
recently began a six-month men's leadership training course. The women meet monthly studying Ephesians ("Let's Study Ephesians" by Sinclair Ferguson) and weekly studying Jonah. A fellowship for young moms will start next month and a group
from a nearby university gather to study Paul's letter to the Galatians. Their second annual Charleston Christmas Conference on Reformed Theology will be held Dec. 5-7. The director of music is organizing and leading seasonal choirs and musical ensembles,
and his wife, a world-class violinist, regularly plays the violin in their services. Jon asks for prayer that God would raise up godly elders and deacons for their congregation and pray for resources to secure a strategic permanent location for them.↧
↧
RTS E--Newsletter iss. #165 December 11, 2014
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New College Franklin
Search for "
Last year, Dr. Don Sweeting recorded a series on The Best Stories of Christmas on his TAKE5 radio program. For one of the stories he tells how he explained Santa to his son in "Nicholas from Myra." Listen to the broadcast 
Wanda (pictured with her husband Lonnie) came to work at RTS/Jackson in 2002 after being self-employed in several business ventures including Baskin Robbins, Cock of the Walk and Exxon convenience stores. She started as director of housing working with admissions, maintenance and students as assistant to the academic dean. After two years, when the structure of RTS changed, she became the director of operations. It was a great fit for her. 
Al Baker serves as the director of the Alabama Church Planting Network for the Presbyterian Church in America, and is also an evangelist with 
Elizabeth has been working at 
Carlton is the lecturer in systematic theology and apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Mike Kruger, president of RTS/Charlotte, featured Carlton on his latest 'Where are they now?' blog ↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #166 December 23, 2014
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dr. Mike McKelvey's book Moses, David and the High Kingship of Yahweh: A canonical Study of Book IV of the Psalter was reprinted this summer. Get a copy for yourself 
Dr. Michael Allen, associate professor of systematic and historical theology at RTS Orlando, recently posted in the Common Places series of Koinonia, the Zondervan Academic blog. The blog is titled "The Promise and Prospects of Retrieval: Recent Developments in Eschatology." He begins, "Surveys of Christian doctrine regularly note that the themes of eschatology have attained a certain prestige in the late nineteenth and then twentieth centuries that exceeds their fate in previous times. What do we make of this new emphasis? What benefits have been gained? And what dangers might we need to be alert to?" Read more 
Mark is an instructional designer and learning management system administrator at RTS Distance Education in Charlotte, NC. He was born in Tallahassee, Fla., and grew up in Mobile, Ala. He graduated from Huntingdon College (Montgomery, Ala.) in 2002 with degrees in math and religion. After completing an M.A. degree in Biblical/Theological Studies at the University of Mobile, he moved to Charlotte to attend RTS. He received his M.Div. in 2011. Mark is married and has one son (Daniel, 5) and two daughters (Martha Grace, 3 and Anna Ruth, 1). He is licensed to preach by First Presbytery of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and is a member at Ballantyne ARP. In his free time, Mark likes to spend time with his family, watch Alabama football, read, and listen to music. He hopes to be working on an Old Testament Ph.D. by the time he is 40.
↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #167 January 6, 2015
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Today, Jan. 6, is Epiphany--the visit of the three wise men to the Christ Child. This is just one of approximately 70 dates that 
The following RTS faculty members are editors for the upcoming Reformation Study Bible (due March, 2015): 
Camden Bucey, pastor of Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church, in Grayslake, Ill., interviewed 
Craig Hurst, the book review editor at Servants of Grace (they review over 200 titles a year) has chosen Dr. Baugus' book titled China's Reforming Churches: Mission, Polity, and Ministry in the Next Christendom" and Dr. James Anderson's book titled What's Your Worldview, as two of his top five books of 2014. See the three lists from the leadership of Servants of Grace 
Chancellor Ligon Duncan is in South Africa and will speak at the 
Melissa Kruger, author, ministry coordinator at Uptown Church in Charlotte, and wife of Mike Kruger, president of RTS Charlotte, has written a new book (an eleven-week Bible study). The title is 
Sean, currently interning at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Miss., and who also served as stated pulpit supply for Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church in Natchez, Mississippi, will be going to ↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #168 January 21, 2015
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The HOJB lectures at RTS/Charlotte will be held Tuesday, March 3 in the RTS Campus Chapel. Lecture 1, "God Has No Future: Election and Eschatology," will be held at 11:00 a.m. Lunch is at noon and lecture 2, "Incarnation Anyway? A Supralapsarian Christology" will begin at 1:00 p.m. .jpg)
Mike is the director of institutional technology for Reformed Theological Seminary. He started working for RTS in 2008 as contract labor and has been on staff since February of 2010. Mike oversees all enterprise technology that spans
all campuses, including databases, network, phones, website, and a variety of systems. His office is housed at the RTS Orlando campus but he supports all campuses. Mike has lived in five states but is finally starting to call Florida home
after having lived in the Orlando area for the last 18 years. He attended the University of Central Florida and earned a BSBA in Management Information Systems from the college of business.
Jim has been named the second president of 
↧
↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #169 Feb. 12, 2015
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dr. Bill Barcley, father of six children, will speak with reference to his book The Secret of Contentment (P&R 2010) at the 
In January, Jana Hoops, of the Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss., interviewed Dr. Miles Van Pelt about his fitness routine. "As a kid, I played soccer and baseball in the local community leagues. In high school I played football all four years and
basketball and baseball my freshman year," said Dr. Van Pelt. Read the article 
RTS Orlando President Don Sweeting (pictured right) and several area pastors will discuss the church and current racial tension in the US on Feb. 19 at noon in the fellowship hall at RTS Orlando, 1231 Reformation Drive, Oviedo, Fla. Guest panelists
include: Dr. Van Gayton (D.Min. '14), president of Logos Bible College and Seminary in Jacksonville, Fla., and adjunct professor at RTS/Orlando; Rev. Felix Fernandez (MABS '06), the founding pastor of New Heart Church in Longwood, Fla., and chaplain for
Atlanta Braves minor league team in Orlando; and Rev. Darryl Williamson, lead pastor at Living Faith Bible Fellowship in Tampa. Bring your own lunch or RSVP by Feb. 12 to 
Justin Taylor, senior vice president and publisher for books at Crossway, began a conversation on his blog Between Two Worlds, on Civil Rights. Here are the questions: "Did white evangelicals in the South respond to the Civil Rights Movement
in different ways from their counterparts in other parts of the United States? Is it fair to say that the majority not only refused to engage but actively opposed it? If so, what historical forces formed their particular responses and attitudes? How did
evangelical theologies form or undermine their engagement? Read Dr. Sean Lucas' response 
Dr. Don Sweeting will interview Dr. Russell Moore (pictured right) during the President's Forum on Feb. 18 in the fellowship hall at RTS/Orlando. Moore is the president of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. He will discuss
"Marriage, Family & The Church" with Dr. Sweeting. RSVP to 
Phil and his wife Kay, serving with Mission to the World in Greece, welcomed a new short term team in January. They delivered cans of milk and toys to needy families in the area. They also offer one-on-one discipleship,
small group Bible studies and discussion groups to encourage and strengthen the faith of believers.
Erin is the director of the ↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #170 Feb. 26, 2015
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. (pictured right) is the speaker for the Kistemaker Academic Lecture Series (KALS) at RTS/Orlando March 10-11. He will speak on "The Exaltation of Christ & Salvation in the Theology of Paul" at the RTS/Orlando Pamplin chapel. 
Matthew Barrett of Credo Magazine interviewed Dr. Kruger in an article titled "Rethinking the Canon of Scripture." Click 
Stephen serves on staff for the maintenance department at RTS/Jackson. He is taking classes at Hinds Community College to earn his HVAC certification, which will greatly benefit RTSJ. He was recognized at HCC in February for earning the distinction of president's scholar for the fall 2014 semester. Stephen is the son of Brenda Herren, a long-time employee that worked on student accounts for 27 years with RTS/Jackson. Stephen and his wife Valerie have three children.
Greg has been named surgeon general for the State of Arkansas. He was chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Marshall Medical School South in Alabama. He is the son of Republican Sen. Cecile Bledsoe. For more info, click 
Steve has published ↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #171 March 26, 2015
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dr. Tom Schreiner is the speaker for the .jpg)
RTS Distance Education is pleased to announce the release of the Hebrews-Revelation interactive notebook on the iBook store. This interactive notebook is designed to complement the Hebrews-Revelation lectures by Dr. Michael J. Kruger, featuring videos of Dr. Kruger, 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 the New Testament like never before! Purchase it today to deepen your knowledge of these New Testament books!
BREAKFAST AT EPC GA - This year the RTS Alumni & Friends Breakfast will be held on Friday, June 26 at 7:00 a.m. at the Citrus Club, in the Minneola Room on the 18th floor. The
address is 255 South Orange Ave., Ste. 1800, Orlando, Fla, just a few blocks away from the GA site. The dress code is business casual. Limited seating, come early. Register online during registration at epc.org.
RTS Orlando President Don Sweeting makes the case for the importance of seminary theological education in a new booklet Pursuing a Mind for Truth and a Heart for God--Why Seminary Education Matters (Create Space, February 2015), available 
↧
Article 0
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
↧
↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #173 April 30, 2015
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Check out some of the recordings of various RTS professors, our Chancellor, an RTS spouse, a student and an alumnus, at The Gospel Coalition (TGC15):.jpg)
If you haven't received your copy of the Ministry & Leadership magazine, it should be arriving soon. If you don't want to wait, you can read the pdf version 
RTS will host the From Embers to a Flame Conference, a ministry of Briarwood Presbyterian Church (Birmingham), Sept. 10-12 at RTS/Jackson and Oct. 1-3, 2015 at RTS/Orlando. Dr. Harry Reeder and Rev. Lynn Downing are the speakers, and Dr. Ligon
Duncan will also speak at the Jackson conference. Click .jpg)
Over the next few weeks and months, Common Places (Zondervan blog) will be introducing a new series to be published by Zondervan Academic entitled New Studies in Dogmatics. The editorial team includes Dr. Scott Swain and Dr. Michael Allen,
professors at RTS/Orlando. The first volume will appear this fall, The Holy Spirit by Christopher Holmes. Read more 
Dr. Reggie Kidd, professor of New Testament at RTS/Orlando, will retire on May 31, 2015. RTS Orlando will celebrate his 25 years of faithful service on May 7 at noon in the fellowship hall. For more information contact 
Tomas Bokedal, lecturer in New Testament at King’s College, University of Aberdeen, in Scotland, recently reviewed The Question of Canon (IVP Academic, 2013) in the latest issue of the journal Theology (118:65-66). Dr.
Kruger said, "I have only briefly met Tomas on few prior occasions, but I know through his publications that he is a bright scholar who himself has done some very solid work in the area of the NT canon." Click 
As registrar and executive assistant for RTS Global, Alice has worked at RTS for 16+ years. She currently assists Steve Wallace, who has oversight of RTS Global and RTS New York City, and she registers all RTS students (Global & residential)
for distance courses. She thinks she has the best job at RTS, since she gets to know so many students all over the institution, and loves encouraging them, building relationships with them, and praying for them.
After having returned to RTS for additional coursework to earn M.Div. equivalence, Keith was recently ordained and installed as the associate pastor of ↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #174 May 21, 2015
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RTS celebrates with the Class of 2015! RTS Board Trustee, Granville Dutton congratulates RTS Houston graduate, Matt Stahl at the first RTS Houston Commencement on May 1. More pictures will be available on our alumni web page in June or check out our
Facebook pages now.
June 12 is the release date for the 20th anniversary edition of Dr. John Frame's Apologetics to the Glory of God, now renamed 
Dr. Don Sweeting, president of RTS/Orlando, jokes with Dr. Reggie Kidd during a retirement luncheon at RTS/Orlando in May. RTS alumni Jeremy Jobson and Lindy Davidson spoke at the event, and several students and alumni came up to share their experiences
with Dr. Kidd as their professor. He was presented with an inscribed clock from Dr. Don Sweeting and then Leigh Swanson, associate dean of students, presented him with a book of written remembrances from alumni. Dr. Kidd has served as professor of New
Testament at RTS for 25 years.
The 
Justin and his wife Lindsey have published 
Matt and his family are raising support with Mission to the World to minister at Christ Bible Seminary in Nagoya, Japan, where Matt will serve as professor of Old Testament. His PhD dissertation was also recently published under the title Just Deceivers: An Exploration of the Motif of Deception in the Books of Samuel (Pickwick,
2015). Follow the Newkirks and their work with Christ Bible Seminary ↧
RTS E-Newsletter iss. #175 June 18, 2015
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Five RTS students have recorded 10 songs on a CD specifically to raise funds for student scholarships at the seminary. These five RTS students are connected with the worship services at several Central Florida churches. Some of the hymns were
written by the students. The official release date for the RTS CD titled 
Dr. Joel Beeke will be the featured speaker for the upcoming Missions Conference on September 15-16, at RTS/Jackson. The conference schedule is as follows:
RTS Orlando is reading 
Dr. Michael Allen and Dr. Jonathan A. Linebaugh have edited Reformation Readings of Paul: Explorations in History and Exegesis (IVP Academic). The book is due in November 2015.
A History of Western Philosophy and Theology is
"ripe fruit from John Frame’s 45 years of teaching," according to the description. "No similar historical survey offers the same invigorating blend of expositional clarity, critical insight, and biblical wisdom. The supplemental study questions,
bibliographies, links to free audio lectures, quotes from influential thinkers, 20 appendices, and an indexed glossary make this an excellent main textbook choice for seminary and college-level courses. Frame combines a rare triple blend of big-picture
thinking, levelheaded reflection, and biblical fidelity." The book is due out in November of 2015.
Listen to the RTS commencement messages 
↧