SWEETING AND SWEETING WRITE BOOK TOGETHER
Dr. George Sweeting, chancellor emeritus of Moody Bible Institute, and son Dr. Don Sweeting, president and James Woodrow Hassell professor of church history at Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) in Orlando, have written How to Finish the Christian Life: Following Jesus in the Second Half (Moody Press), which was released in February. It should be of great interest to Christians and those age 50 and up who desire to finish their life on earth well. For the next 20 years some 10,000 baby boomers a day will turn 65. They are wrestling with aging and with leaving their mark on this world as they age.
The authors bring a breadth of experience to the subject matter. One is in his ninth decade of life at 87; the other in his sixth (50-something). Both have been pastors of small and large congregations. Read more here. Listen to Steve Brown interview Sweeting about his new book on the Steve Brown Etc. radio show here.
KNEO RADIO INTERVIEWS DR. MILTON
Chancellor-elect Michael Milton was interviewed by KNEO radio. The interview will air on March 5 and will be posted on the website at 9:00 a.m. EST. It will also be a downloadable MP3. Live streaming will begin at 2:00p.m. EST. and 1:00 p.m. CST.
RTS LEADERS WILL KEYNOTE NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PREACHING
Two well-known RTS leaders will fill key speaking roles at the 21st annual National Conference on Preaching, May 14-16 at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Ga. The conference is sponsored by Preaching magazine and Anderson University’s College of Christian Studies. The conference theme is “Preaching on Mission.”
Among the speakers at NCP 2012 will be Dr. Michael Milton, chancellor and CEO-elect of Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS), and R. Leslie Holmes, visiting professor of practical theology at RTS in Atlanta, Ga., and many, many others.
In addition to theme-related talks and sermons, more than a dozen workshops will also be offered on a variety of preaching-related topics. A simultaneous series of workshops for ministry wives will be available. Registration is $195 for pastors and leaders of PCA churches, and $100 for spouses and additional participants from the same church. Full time seminary and college students may register for $75. There are also special discounts for church planters. Call 864.328.1809 for more information.
THE PASSING OF A BELOVED PROFESSOR (1936-2012)
With sadness in our hearts, but with great praise and thanks to God for his life and ministry in our lives, Dr. J. Knox Chamblin, 76, passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, from leukemia and entered into the presence of our Lord. Chamblin leaves behind his wife Ginger, daughters Beverly and Claire and extended family. Chamblin taught at Reformed Theological Seminary from 1980 to 2001. He was professor of New Testament emeritus at RTS/Jackson. He has done extensive study of and teaching about C. S. Lewis, the man and his works.
He wrote in a journal in CaringBridge in December, "When the time of death does come, I shall find great consolation in Psalm 116:15 and in such texts as Romans 8:38-39, 'For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.'”
The funeral service for Knox Chamblin was held on Saturday, February 11 at Trinity Presbyterian Church (5301 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS., 39211) with a graveside service following at Lakewood Memorial Park. Read more here.
RTS LOOKING FOR FAITH FOR LIVING SPONSOR FOR TV CHANNEL IN UTAH
We are looking for a sponsor to place Faith For Living TV on Salt Lake TV Channel, KTMW, TV20. They are a full power broadcast station also carried on satellite and cable, covering all of Utah and some surrounding cities in WY, ID, and NV. The program would air on Sundays and Thursdays. The cost is only $75 a week, for a total annual cost of $3300. You can fund this missionary endeavor for a whole year with a gift of only $3300. Make your donation online at rts.edu/give, and be sure to note in the comment box your gift is for “FFL Utah”. Other stations and cities are available. Contact us about a city you may wish to sponsor.
REDDIT ANDREWS APPOINTED ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF PRACTICAL THEOLOGY AT RTS/JACKSON
The Rev. Reddit Andrews, senior pastor of Soaring Oaks Presbyterian Church in Elk Grove, Calif., has been appointed to the faculty of Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Miss., as assistant professor of practical theology by the RTS Board of Trustees.
Prior to serving at Soaring Oaks, Rev. Andrews served as assistant pastor at First Baptist Piney Grove Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and then as assistant pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Augusta, Ga. He has a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Trinity International University in South Florida, and a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill. As a student, Reddit founded Coram Deo, a student fellowship that ministers to halfway houses, rescue missions and prisons throughout South Florida. Read more here.
RTS/CHARLOTTE'S GOT TALENT!
So, if you missed the annual talent show at RTS/Charlotte, you really missed something. From violin progenies, to golden female voices, to Four chords, and Tyler Griffin’s black eye, to poems and prayers and promises, to bluegrass and an emcee who just wouldn’t quit entertaining and giving. Yes it was all in there. And more. So much more. RTS Charlotte has talent and nonsense. Thanks to all who helped in putting on this spectacular evening – from the lights to the candles, from the lasagna to the goat cheese. Our hearts and stomachs were warmed and filled. If you’d like a taste of the evening, click here.
RTS/JACKSON THANK-A-THON
Students benefiting from student scholarships from RTS/Jackson participated in a thank-a-thon Feb. 13-15, calling and thanking donors for gifts given to the student scholarship fund.
PREVIEW DAY AT RTS/ORLANDO
Visit beautiful Orlando on March 10 for Preview Day. Contact Tom Nelson or Tim Trouten.
CLASSES OFFERED AT RTS/ATLANTA DURING SPRING BREAK
"The Christian Life" taught by RTS professor, radio show host, and author Dr. Steve Brown is an annual favorite of students. It has been described as "refreshing to the soul" and "practical for our ministry and our walk with Jesus." Whether as a degree student or a student exploring seminary, or an auditor seeking to grow, this class benefits every student who takes it.
"History and Theology of the Puritans" taught by Dr. Jim Renihan brings to light that era of saints about whom many have assumptions, but few really know. Roots. Genealogy. Beginnings. As Americans, we are fascinated with our past. Memories of the Old Country fill our minds, and the further removed each generation becomes, the greater is the desire to know about our past. Who were our ancestors? What were their lives like? It's especially fulfilling to visit the places our families came from--the old village, the church building, the cemetery with familiar surnames. These things provide us with important clues to our identities. In the same way, as American Christians it is good for us to know about our roots. For many of us, our heritage comes through England. Henry VIII, Bloody Mary, William Perkins, John Owen, Oliver Cromwell, William Laud--these and many others are the names that give meaning to our identity, even across centuries and a wide ocean. Our study of Puritanism will investigate these beginnings, and will help to explain a lot about who and what we are. Come join us for fascinating and inspiring studies in our heritage.
GOSPEL COALITION'S 2012 NATIONAL WOMEN'S CONFERENCE
RTS Women in Ministry in Orlando will be assisting with the Gospel Coalition's 2012 National Women's Conference and will also be hosting an alumni lunch at noon (more details to follow). The lunch is open to RTS alumni, spouses of alumni, current students and prospective students. The conference will be held at the Orlando Hilton June 22-24. The theme is "Here is Our God." The speakers include Tim and Kathy Keller, Don Carson, Mary Mohler, John and Noel Piper, Kathleen Nielson, Jani Ortlund and Paige Benton Brown and many more.
SPECIAL OFFER ON DR. JOHN FESKO'S NEW BOOK
Dr. John Fesko, associate professor at Westminster Seminary in California, has been instrumental in the training of countless RTS/ Atlanta students as an adjunct professor of Systematic Theology. In recent years, he has been contributing to the church through the publishing of his well-considered research. In late February, his addition to the Lectio Continua commentary series on the Book of Galatians will hit retail shelves. It should also be noted that the series editor is RTS/Atlanta adjunct professor Dr. Jon Payne.
The PCA Bookstore, in its continuing service to the students of RTS, is offering it at a special price of $19.95 (retail $29.95). If you are interested in adding this important aid to preaching and teaching to your shelves, then please contact RTS/Atlanta student Mr. Joseph Hatcher at the bookstore. His phone number is 678-825-1108.
PRESIDENT'S COMMUNITY FORUMS IN MARCH AT RTS/ORLANDO
Dr. Don Sweeting will talk with Dr. Steve Brown to discuss his new book titled Three Free Sins and thoughts on radical grace on March 14 at noon in the fellowship hall. Then, on March 15, singer, songriter, theologian, Michael Card from Nashville, Tenn., will discuss "Christ and Creativity" with Dr. Sweeting at noon. Lunch is provided for a minimal cost. Contact Heather DeFrancisco to reserve lunch. The event is free and the public is welcome.
LIGON DUNCAN ELECTED TO REGULAR FACULTY OF RTS/JACKSON WHILE CONTINUING THE PASTORATE 
While continuing his role as senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Miss., Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, III, has been elected as a regular member of the faculty at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson beginning January 1, 2012. Previously an adjunct member of the faculty, this appointment as the John E. Richards professor of systematic and historical theology means Duncan will become a voting member of the faculty and will teach additional classes, cutting back on his national speaking engagements to do so. Read more here.
NEW ADDITION TO RTS/ATLANTA STAFF
Please join us in warmly welcoming Ms. Becca Gartrell to the staff of RTS/Atlanta as executive assistant to the president and as business manager. In this role, Becca will oversee many of the administrative and financial aspects of the Atlanta campus of RTS. Prior to this, Becca has been on staff with Campus Crusade (cru) for the last seven years at Georgia Tech and Agnes Scott. She is currently pursuing her Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) at RTS/Atlanta. Welcome Becca!
TICKETS FOR AL MOHLER LECTURES AT RTS/CHARLOTTE FEB 28
There are just a few more tickets left if you would like to attend the spring lectures at RTS/Charlotte. Click here to purchase tickets and for more information.
PRAYER SUPPORT NEEDED FOR TELEPHONE CAMPAIGN
RTS students are calling to raise funds for student scholarships. Please keep them in prayer and pray for hearts to be opened to giving to this scholarship fund.
NEW ADDITION TO RTS/DC STAFF
Jonathan Song (Shown with his nephew Nathan) is a second year M.Div student at RTS-Washington DC and is excited to be in his new position as the part-time admissions officer, assisting the director of admissions, Geoff Sackett. A former band teacher for the Howard County Public School System, Song joined RTS as a student in 2010 after receiving a calling for pastoral ministry. Jonathan is also the youth pastor of the Church of Philippi, located in Hanover, Md., and loves working with the middle and high school students in bringing them the truth of the gospel through God's word. Welcome Jonathan!
THE 2012 KISTEMAKER ACADEMIC LECTURE SERIES
The lecture series at RTS/Orlando titled "The Origins of the New Testament Canon: Issues, Problems and Possibilities" will be held March 20 – 21 in the Pamplin Chapel. Dr. Michael J. Kruger, Ph.D., professor of New Testament at RTS/Charlotte, is the speaker. The lectures are free and open to the general public.
THIRD PARTY COMMENTS FOR RTS’ ACCREDITATION
Reformed Theological Seminary is in the process of the decennial reaffirmation of accreditation with its two accrediting agencies. RTS invites third-party comments in writing concerning RTS’ qualifications for reaffirmation. These comments will be made available to the accreditors and a visiting committee that includes external peer evaluators. RTS has two accreditors: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is the regional accreditor for RTS. The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) is a national accreditation agency for theological schools in the United States and Canada.
Please submit any comments in writing to:
Reformed Theological Seminary
Attn: Dr. Robert J. Cara, Chief Academic Officer
2101 Carmel Road
Charlotte, NC 28226
ALUMNI SNIPPETS
Gary DeMar (M.Div. '79) from Marietta, Ga., serves as president of American Vision, a Christian Worldview and publishing ministry. Gary had his 27th book 10 Prophecy Myths Exposed and Answered published and bestselling God and Government: A Biblical, Historical, and Constitutional Study reissued in hardback.
Esaïe Etienne (M.Div. '04) and his wife Natacha are serving in Haiti with Mission to the World, and they praise God for the medical clinic that they had in January. A team led by Dr. Tom Edwards from Birmingham, Ala., has seen nearly 1000 patients, helping with many illnesses and symptoms, and also sharing their faith to each patient. Nine people have professed Christ. Their goal is to have about four clinics a year. If you are a doctor or a nurse and you would like to be part of a medical team, you can contact Cheryl Erb at cheryl.erb@mtw.org.
The construction of the school in Dociné is progressing and it should be commplete very soon. It is a two-story building with 18 rooms of which 12 are classrooms, one kitchen, one cafe for the kids to eat, one office, one library/computer classroom, and two small storage rooms. There is enough yard for the kids to play soccer, volleyball and basketball. They have 225 students in the school, but not all of them are sponsored. Their goal is 100% sponsorship.
Abraham George (MAC '09) is excited to report that he and his family saw 43 come to Christ through an evangelistic program attended by 210 students. Romila played a big role in getting the student volunteers with Bangalore Students Leadership Connection ready for the program and put in two months of practices for choreography, singing, drama and coordinating with other staff. They also took the same program to two colleges where an additional 300 students were witnessed to. He also did some ministry work in Asia in January and is working on an initiative to fast track the developmental process of emerging leaders from Asia so they can be ready to lead at any level required.
Matt Grimsley (M.Div. '05) is serving as an associate pastor and worship pastor at Redeemer Church of Knoxville and has been there for seven years. The church has produced an album titled "Rise O Buried Lord". It is a concept album of new and reimagined hymns by Redeemer Church of Knoxville, that tells the story of the last week of Jesus’ earthly life. They are running a promotion during the Lent season until Easter Sunday (Feb 22-Apr 8). Click here for more info. Matt and his wife April have two young children, Jackson and Olivia.
Robert H. Hammond (MACE '99) is now teaching fifth grade at Carolina Christian School in Locust, N.C.--the same church that he attended and worked for before he moved to Mississippi in 1995. His wife Wendy is teaching art one day a week and substitutes there.
Martin "Paul" May (M.Div. '07, MAC '07) and his wife Meaghan have completely moved and are almost entirely settled in Sioux Falls, SD. Austen is attending a preschool 2 afternoons a week, and they've met more than just a few people with whom they share mutual friends. Since moving there, they have been meeting with a number people in the community who have been very cooperative, and even eager, to share what they feel the community needs. May's main goal in planting a church is the salvation of the lost there and the overall benefit of the community. They look forward to their launch in the future. They currently have a Tuesday evening women’s Bible study, and a Tuesday morning men’s prayer group, and expect to launch their life groups before spring.
Gary L. White (M.Div. '03) is pastoring at Bethany Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, Penn.
Anne Toles (MAMFT '04) is a counselor with Crossroads Christian Marriage and Family Counseling in Mississippi. Read more here.