Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

File:Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary logo.png
Type	Christian
Established	1810
President	Jerry O'Neill
Location	Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , USA
Campus	Urban
Affiliations	Reformed Presbyterian
Website	Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

The Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (RPTS) is a seminary located in Point Breeze, Pennsylvania, United States. RPTS is a ministry of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America and was founded in 1810, making it the fifth oldest seminary in the United States.

Mission and Emphasis

RPTS's mission is “to educate students who love the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word, equipping pastors for the ministry of the gospel and preparing others in the church for effective service in His kingdom, all within the framework of the historic Reformed faith.”

RPTS emphasizes:

• Scholarship in Biblical studies, systematic theology, church history, and Biblical counseling
• The cultivation of personal godliness and interpersonal skills
• The development of spiritual gifts

All RPTS professors have significant “field” experience in the church; therefore, classes are taught from the perspective of ordained pastors. This emphasis is highlighted by RPTS’s brand statement: “Study under pastors”.

Degrees and Programs

RPTS, fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), offers the following degrees:

• Master of Divinity (M.Div)
• Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.)
• Doctor of Ministry (D.Min)

The seminary also offers a Diploma in Theology Program (Dip.Th.), Missionary Training and Servant of the Church certificate programs, and a concentration in Biblical Counseling.

History

Soon after the organization in 1798 of what is now called the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (in Philadelphia, PA), steps were taken to establish a seminary for the education of its students of theology.

• Classes commenced in 1810, making RPTS the fifth oldest seminary in the United States
• Over the first 46 years, RPTS shifted to at least five different locations over several states
• In 1856, the seminary relocated to the North Side of Pittsburgh, and then settled in a brick mansion on Pittsburgh’s East End in 1924 where it remains to this day
• RPTS also works closely with Kobe Theological Hall, its sister institution in Japan
• RPTS has about 100 students each year, with approximately 60 in full-time equivalency

Faculty

The current faculty includes: Jerry F. O’Neill, Richard C. Gamble, Dennis J. Prutow, Thomas G. Reid Jr., Clayton J. (C.J.) Williams and a number of adjunct professors: Bruce R. Backensto, John Bower, Andrew R. Cooper, Rutledge Etheridge, Mark A. Garcia, William R. Glaze, Jack D. Kinneer, Steven F. Miller, George C. Scipione, Wayne R. Spear, Jeffrey A. Stivason, Calvin Troup, John W. Tweeddale, and Jonathan M. Watt.

External links

• The Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary's website
• Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America