CAMPUS REVIEW 2012 - 2013
“But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.� 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Letter from the PRESIDENT Dear Friend, It has been said that when a seminary teacher looks into the eyes of a student, he is actually looking at hundreds or sometimes thousands of people that each pastor will influence. The level of influence is staggering. This is why seminary training matters. Today, the Orlando campus is one of eight RTS campuses and extensions, including our online Global campus. The Central Florida community has indeed felt the impact of RTS being here. Our graduates pastor and have planted numerous churches not only in Florida, but all over the world. They have started many counseling centers and provided hundreds of thousands of hours of counseling to those in and outside the church. Our graduates have started ministries like Man in the Mirror and Polis Institute, and have engaged in substantial work at Third Millennium Ministries, Key Life Network, Cru, Pioneers, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Ligonier, as well as Christian and secular schools and colleges. They serve in many countries around the world such as: Uganda, England, China, Japan, India, Switzerland, Brazil, and Argentina, just to name a few. This fall we begin celebrating the 25th anniversary of Reformed Theological Seminary’s Orlando campus. We are thankful for the immense privilege of training more than 1,500 (1,569 degrees conferred!) pastors and leaders for the global church since opening this campus in 1989. Some of you may remember when we were located in Maitland. In 1998, we moved to our permanent site on Long Lake in Oviedo. We view this anniversary as a launch pad for the next 25 years of ministry. Our theme, “25 Years: Entrusted with the Gospel,” is taken from 1 Thessalonians 2:4. By God’s grace, we at RTS have been given the great responsibility and privilege of training a new generation for gospel ministry. We in turn joyfully teach and entrust the most important message on the planet and the great truths of the Bible to future preachers, teachers, counselors, apologists and ministry leaders. This good news is intensely personal, yet has a scope as big as creation. You have prayed for us, invested in us and cheered us on, making this ministry of training the next generation of Christian leaders possible. We need these leaders now more than ever! Thank you! As you read this Campus Review, you’ll see evidence of God’s faithfulness in and through RTS Orlando. Take it in! Join us in the celebration!
Don Sweeting RTS Orlando President
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Table of CONTENTS
1 Letter from the President 5 The RTS Orlando Story 6 STUDENT REPORT 8 Current Students 10 International Students 12 Alumni 14 Life at RTS Orlando 16 Year in Review 18 Community Impact 2
A mind for truth. A heart for God.
20 RTSO Quick Facts 21 Academic Update 22 Faculty 24 ANNUAL REVIEW 26 Financial Information 28 Get Involved 29 Scholarship Needs 30 Future Projects
MISSION The mission of Reformed Theological Seminary is to serve the Church by preparing its leaders, through a program of graduate theological education, based upon the authority of the inerrant Word of God, and committed to the Reformed Faith.
VISION Reformed Theological Seminary exists to glorify the Triune God and to serve His Church in all branches of evangelical Christianity, especially Presbyterian and Reformed churches, by providing Reformed graduate theological education that is globally accessible. RTS equips its students for ministry, primarily through pastoral preparation, to be servant leaders marked by “A Mind for Truth. A Heart for God.�
CORE VALUES Biblical Integrity Faithfulness in All Things Christian Nurture Missional Commitment
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A mind for truth. A heart for God.
The RTS ORLANDO STORY
THE ORLANDO CAMPUS OF REFORMED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY (RTSO) is nestled on 65 acres along a quiet lakeshore in what was once a small farming community northeast of Orlando. RTS began in 1966 in Jackson, Mississippi, and opened its first extension in Florida in 1989. The Orlando campus began with 94 eager students. At that time, Florida was the fourth largest and fastest growing state, and had no accredited Protestant seminary. Ten years later, the campus moved to its permanent brick and steepled facility in Oviedo. Since 1989, the Florida campus has conferred 1,569 degrees, equipping pastors, counselors and church leaders for Kingdom ministry. The history of RTS is rich: for 47 years God has used RTS through its eight campuses and extensions to train more than 11,000 ministers and church leaders to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to more than 60 countries through more than 50 denominations.
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Student REPORT
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mindfor fortruth. truth.AAheart heart God. A mind forfor God.
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Current STUDENTS MIKE SHOCKEY, M.Div.
After coming to the Lord at the age of 33 and starting a prison ministry, Mike Shockey, through the encouragement of his wife, church elders and pastor, felt the Lord calling him to preach. “[I knew] that the preparation of seminary would open the necessary doors to advance God’s Kingdom. I knew several RTS graduates, including some of our church elders, and they recommended RTS Orlando. I was impressed by the spirituallybased academic curriculum and I felt the Lord made it very clear to me that RTS Orlando was to be my seminary home. I love how there is a tremendous air of graciousness that flows from RTSO, and their academic aim is overcome only by a tremendous desire to be missional. I have a deep desire to preach and teach the Word of God wherever the Lord may lead me to do so and, while I don’t know precisely where that will be, prison ministry will continue to be a large part of my life.”
EUN-JIN WONG, MABS
“Before coming to RTSO, I served in children’s ministry, specifically with infants and their parents. I really loved that ministry because I could feel how much God loved babies. During ministry, I encountered confusing theological questions. I could not solve the question that if we were saved by faith alone, what is the function of works? How could I teach the way to live as a Christian? Thus I decided to study theology to build a foundation for the ministry I was doing. It was a very smart choice to study at RTSO in order to create that theological foundation for my ministry. I have learned more than what I wanted to know at the beginning. Profound and gospel-centered teaching answered my questions and made me a disciple of God, not only with knowledge in my head, but also passion in my heart. My past two years at RTSO have been a valuable time of preparation to be “Ready To Serve”. I am ready to teach children and their parents and will serve based on theology I learned at RTS Orlando.”
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A mind for truth. A heart for God.
LEON MACKENZIE, MAC
“Soon after I became a Christian at 13, I sensed a call to the ministry. I preached my first sermon the day before my 18th birthday and I knew that the Lord was calling me to the ministry of the gospel. After high school, I enrolled in Emmanuel College where I earned a BA in Christian Ministries toward that end. I worked for two years at the corporate headquarters of ChickFil-A while I determined my next step toward the ministry. My pastor attended and recommended RTSO. I looked into the programs offered and felt strongly that the counseling program would prepare me to speak into the lives of the people I feel called to in my neighborhood of south Atlanta, Georgia. Above all, I’ve greatly appreciated RTS’s commitment to the supremecy of Christ, the authority of Scripture and the Reformed tradition. After seminary, I plan to start a mental health counseling ministry at my home church in East Point, Georgia. Ultimately, I hope to plant a church in my hometown of Riverdale on the southside of Atlanta, where a Reformed voice is desperately needed.”
ANDREW AND MARY MORTON, M.Div. and MABS
Andrew, a native of Indiana, and Mary, born and raised in the state of Washington, moved to Florida shortly after getting married in order to begin studies together at RTS Orlando. “We were drawn to RTSO because of its strong commitments to the Reformed faith and to training Christian leaders. In addition to being a place where we have learned a lot about God’s Word and grown in our ability to minister to others, our time at RTSO has blessed us with the unique opportunity to pursue our studies together, strengthening our marriage and equipping us both to use our unique gifts in service to God. Andrew graduated this year with his Master of Divinity degree; he hopes to eventually serve in a church while also teaching in an academic setting. Mary, who completed her Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, hopes to use her degree to pursue family and educational ministry. As we prepare for the next phase in our lives and ministries, we are grateful for the many ways that God has used this learning community to shape, refine, and equip us for a lifetime of faithful service.”
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International STUDENTS CANADA PAUL SIEMENS, M.Div. “I believe that I am called to be either a lead pastor or church planter, most likely in British Columbia, Canada. Canada is in desperate need of more churches that are determined to share the gospel of Christ and His Kingdom...RTSO is preparing me for my calling to be a lead pastor or church planter by structuring the classes in a way that gives me solid Biblical teaching in the Reformed tradition and also allowing for times of discussion to really hash things out when there are disagreements over issues of doctrine, church governance, etc. RTSO also prepares us by demonstrating love to my fellow students and me and our families simply through the way the school is run on a day to day basis with very gracious professors and staff.”
SOUTH AFRICA MICHAEL HASTINGS, M.Div. “I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and decided to continue my theological education in the United States. I was drawn to RTS Orlando because of its reputation for both academic excellence and faithfulness to Scripture. I love the loving and honest community I’ve found here at RTS Orlando. In the future, I hope to move on to post-graduate studies in the Old Testament.”
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A mind for truth. A heart for God.
KOREA
MYUNG-EUN LEE, MATS “I used to teach French in South Korea and led a small group at my church before coming to Florida. My plan was just to spend vacation with my family. However, God led me to RTSO instead. When I applied to RTSO, I did not have an intention to enter the ministry, I just loved to study the Bible and understand the Word of God. I believed it would be helpful to align my life according to His will and enable me to be a facilitator to help other people draw closer to God. Now that I have spent a year at RTSO and met many faithful Christians, I have begun to draw a picture of my future ministry. I plan to do some form of campus ministry, hopefully lead a small group and mentor students. My desire is to be a servant just as when God said, ‘Whom shall I send?’ I’d love to tell Him, ‘Here I am, LORD, send me.’ I see my preparation at RTSO steering me in that direction.”
NEW ZEALAND MARK AND GEORGINA WALLACE, M.Div. and MABS/MAC “After two years of working together for Cru in New Zealand, we saw a great need for deeper theological training and experience, and we both also saw the desperate need for trained ministers in New Zealand. Georgie also saw, in her discipleship experience, the need for a greater training in counseling, as many situations on campus and with women opening their lives was over her head in terms of what she could offer. So here we are, investing our time, finances and lives in getting world-class training here at RTS Orlando. We love New Zealand, we love our unique culture, but like any broken people, New Zealand desperately needs the gospel, needs real relationships, and needs sound, theologically-trained ministers. This is why we are here - for the Lord and for future ministry in New Zealand.”
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A mind for truth. A heart for God.
ALUMNI JEREMY JOBSON, MABS 2012 “I originally felt called into a possible Recovery Ministry/Counseling path and therefore came to RTSO for the double major options with the MAC program. While I chose not to complete the MAC program, I finished my MABS while entering full time ministry as a Site Pastor for the Oviedo site of Northland, A Church Distributed, where I still serve. I really enjoyed the faculty here. I started with a year full time, then transitioned to part time for the next seven years and, as a result, I have enjoyed getting to know some faculty very well and lots of various faculty over the years. They have been truly humble, wise, loving people who have both spoken into my life with words and by example, in and out of the classroom.”
REBECCA VALENTINE, MAC 2009 “I was on staff with Cru for 12 years. My undergrad studies were in art and psychology, and I was a collegiate track and field athlete with an interest in missions. I had friends in the counseling program at RTSO. As they shared what they were learning, I became very interested in the MAC program. My counselor was also a graduate of the program, which gave me more exposure to the training offered. The emphasis that RTS places on God’s redemptive healing process within the context of a relational counseling model is what drew me to RTSO. I am now a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Redeemer Counseling Center here in Orlando. I hope I help people begin to see themselves as God sees them — as deeply loved and accepted, while also lost, disconnected, and in need of God’s healing love.”
JOSIAH KATUMU, M.Div. 2012 “I came from Kenya, East Africa, where I was working with the Anglican Church as a college and music leader. I had heard so much about RTS from my mentors who attended RTSO. I wanted to learn, know God more and be adequately equipped to serve God and His church diligently, especially coming from a country where theological training is lacking among church leaders. I enjoyed my time at RTSO because they have great staff and faculty, not to mention the solid friendships I formed with fellow students, staff and faculty. I currently serve at Treasure Coast Presbyterian Church in Stuart, Florida, as a Community Life & Music Director. As for the long term goal, my wife and I are planning on going back to Kenya to serve with the Christian Resource Center of Kenya, providing much needed theological resources to pastors in Nairobi.”
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Life at RTS ORLANDO Student Life
President’s Forums
This has been a busy year for those involved with Student Life! Bob Orner replaced Scott Redd, Jr. as Dean of Students and RTSO added Leigh Swanson in the new position of Associate Dean of Students. The school year began with a Spiritual Life Conference with alum Tullian Tchividjian as keynote speaker.
The President’s Forum was initiated by Don Sweeting in his first year at RTS to provide a monthly informal forum outside the classroom with special guests — ministers, authors, artists, church leaders and professors. It’s designed to be an interactive forum with the president interviewing the guest(s) and then asking for questions from the audience. These are meant to be enriching for our students, staff, faculty and guests, and to build community. They are also uploaded at rts.edu/orlando/tpf as podcasts to be a resource to our alumni and others who visit our website.
Two “Tail Gate Parties” were held each semester as well as a Campus Christmas Party. Christina Sweeting and Mona Coffield were able to bless our women, through Women in Ministry (WiM), as they studied Pilgrim’s Progress together. The WiM Connections lunches hosted Rhonda Stapleton of Samaritan’s Village and Vonette Bright, co-founder of Cru.
Chapel Once a week on Wednesday at 10a, our campus meets together for a time of worship and hearing the preached Word. This past academic year we had the privilege of hearing not only from our own distinguished faculty and staff, but also from visiting speakers such as Anthony Carter, Michael Goheen, and Burk Parsons.
Fall 2012
Spring 2013
Mike Beates Disability and the Gospel
Anthony Carter On Being Black and Reformed
Bob Creson Bible Translation for Muslim Cultures Ed Fischer and Gus Davies Africa and Global Christianity Scott Redd, Jr. Statism and the New Road to Serfdom Tullian Tchividjian Jesus + Nothing = Everything
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Sharon Hersh Gaming and Technology Addictions Ed Stetzer Subversive Kingdom Cameron Strang Reaching 30-Somethings
International Student Lunches Over the past academic year, our international student body hosted three International Lunches. This was a unique time for our students from other countries to share about life and ministry in their native country. We had the pleasure this past year of hearing the testimonies of students from Indonesia, Korea, and South Africa.
Prayer at RTS Orlando Prayer is an integral part of our community. Along with a prayer gathering each Monday morning, we begin each semester with a Concert of Prayer for all students, faculty, staff and guests. The RTS Ambassadors, a group of student volunteers, are committed to praying for our campus and offering a welcoming presence at every event. This past year, the Ambassadors also lead the campus in sponsoring an on-campus observance of the 2013 National Day of Prayer.
Storytime
Women in Ministry Women in Ministry (WiM) is a ministry for all women affiliated with RTS that provides fellowship, fosters connection to the broader seminary community, equips each woman to build the kingdom in her respective calling, and encourages women to live passionately for Christ. WiM provides opportunities for connection through Bible studies, process groups, retreats, seminars, and fellowship events.
The RTSO Library held three Storytimes this past academic year, inviting students’ children, as well as families from the community, into the library for a time of stories, songs, and crafts. An average of 25 children along with their parents participated in each event, hearing books read by various members of our staff. There were many wonderful moments including making paper hats, listening to a Korean childrens’ song led by two of our Korean students, and entering the library through a small door made specially for the themed event. The library staff look forward to having many more of these fun family events in the future, welcoming families of students, neighbors, and friends to our campus.
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Year in REVIEW Kistemaker Academic Lecture Series The 2013 Kistemaker Academic Lecture Series was one of the highlights of the academic year. Dr. Michael Goheen is a renowned missiologist who has been published on biblical theology, Christian worldview, and the missional church. He brought a series of lectures on a pressing challenge for Christians today, “The Church and Religious Pluralism: Living Faithfully Amidst the World Religions.” The series is available on RTS on iTunesU.
The Gospel Coalition National Conference RTS proudly partnered with TGC in 2013 as their Premier Sponsor. RTS hosted two panel discussions with faculty from each campus. The first panel, “Having Confidence in the Scriptures,” affirmed the inspiration, inerrancy, and infallibility of God’s Word. The second panel, “Seeing Christ in the Old Testament,” affirmed that all of Scripture points to Jesus. TGC exposed RTS to more than 5,000 conference attendees and hundreds of thousands of others through their website and social media.
TAKE5 Radio Program In February, RTS Orlando President Dr. Don Sweeting began a five minute, twice daily, radio program on WTLN 950 AM, heard all over Central Florida. Topics consist of Bible teaching, cultural commentary and reflections on important news of our day - all aiming toward developing a mind for truth and a heart for God. You can hear Dr. Sweeting as you commute to and from work at 6:55a and 5:55p. You can also visit our website at rts.edu/takefive and listen to any of the broadcasts listed by date and topic.
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Inaugural Spurgeon Lecture More than 600 people gathered to hear Dr. John Piper deliver the Inaugural Spurgeon Lecture, “The Life and Ministry of Charles Spurgeon,” on April 10, 2013. The Spurgeon Lecture is a hallmark of the Nicole Institute of Baptist Studies, established in 2012 to honor the legacy of Dr. Roger Nicole, a distinguished visiting faculty member at RTS from 1989 to 2000. The Spurgeon Lecture is designed to equip and inform the audience on a range of theological, historical and cultural issues. You can find the video on our website at: rts.edu/orlando/nibs/piper.
Graduation 2013 This year RTS Orlando celebrated the graduation of 54 students. The Commencement ceremony was held at St. Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Florida. It was a glorious moment of seeing our mission becoming visible. “We, the Class of 2013, dedicate our lives to a God who loves and who, in His image, created us to be lovers, of himself and others. It is in our time at Reformed Theological Seminary that we have been privileged to study and experience the depth and vastness of God’s love for us. It is here that we have cultivated hearts that desire and long to see light break through darkness as we enter into a deeper and truer relationship with Jesus and others. We walk from this place as men and women who, deeply rooted in Scripture and saturated in God’s grace, seek to bring restoration and shalom by being faithful and honest lovers of God and others.” ~ Statement of Gratitude written by Ellen Foster, Master of Arts in Counseling 2013 graduate
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Community IMPACT Oviedo Counseling Clinic A partnership ministry between Northland, A Church Distributed, and RTS Orlando, the Oviedo Counseling Clinic is located on the RTSO campus and has been serving the Central Florida community since 1994. Masters of Arts in Counseling students have the privilege of completing their practicum and internship requirements on campus and through partnerships with local churches, service organizations and international trips. This unique partnership allows the Oviedo Counseling Clinic to offer Christ-centered counseling for less than one-fifth the average hourly rate for professional therapy. Our counselors are graduate students who take seriously the glory of God and the struggle of humanity. We work with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents from a variety of backgrounds with a variety of issues and have awarded thousands of dollars in financial assistance to those experiencing financial hardship. Last year, the Oviedo Counseling Clinic served 250 new clients and had more than 5,000 appointments, thanks to the newly-expanded clinic with the addition of two rooms. Our staff of interns also serves the community by facilitating stagespecific process groups at local churches that provide support for people struggling with marriage troubles, grief, sexual wounds and brokenness. Over the past year, several of our students and counselors also had the privilege of serving internationally through a partnership with RTS Orlando and parachurch organizations by counseling and teaching missionaries. This opportunity allows for an organic learning environment that offers a life-changing experience for our students.
“My husband and I called Oviedo Counseling because we were going through all kinds of struggles. We were paired up with a counselor that clearly has been called to work through these struggles and it is reassuring to have her insight as we now know we are not alone. We’ve been very grateful to her for being here for us. It takes a very strong person to help work out our very serious issues.�
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A mind for truth. A heart for God.
Field Education and Internships All Master of Divinity students at RTS Orlando are required to complete 400 hours of Field Education during their time in seminary. Many students have had valuable previous ministry experience before beginning their studies; nevertheless, the seminary expects students to have ministry internships under the oversight of both faculty and trained supervisors as a part of the seminary curriculum. This experiential education in the ministry context is an essential component of the seminarian’s personal growth and preparation for ministry. The 400 hour requirement may be earned as a summer student assistant to a pastor, a student supply in a vacant pulpit, a pastoral internship of nine to fifteen months, a missionary internship, a campus ministry internship, work with a parachurch organization, ministry in a national park, youth ministry, evangelistic ministry in a local church, nursing home chaplaincy, hospital chaplaincy, jail ministry, teaching home Bible classes, or other similar ministries. Field education at RTSO includes both church-based and specialized ministry internships for students in the M.Div. program.
Kevin Wilhoit preaching
A majority of our students minister within the local church, serving in various capacities. This year we had two students, Danny and Kevin, work in area nursing homes. Danny Iverson served in an indigent home where most residents had no contact with any family members and spent their days in isolation and sub-par care. Kevin Wilhoit chose to serve in a nursing home where he lead a Sunday morning worship service and gave a short message.
“[The residents] really appreciated us coming in to minister to them, and they loved to share about their families and their joys and concerns. Getting to laugh with them and pray with them was priceless. One time I even had the difficult privilege of comforting and praying with a family whose loved one was very close to death. My training at RTS was incredibly helpful as I prepared the worship services and of course my sermons, but it also helped me by reinforcing the value of being the compassionate presence of Jesus Christ in the lives of people who are suffering.”
“Doing ministry at an assisted living facility was one of the most amazing experiences I had while studying at RTS Orlando. It presented great opportunity to minister to broken people in need of the great hope given in the gospel. Each week as I visited and preached from God’s Word the theological truths I was learning in seminary, I saw God’s Spirit bring salvation, comfort and healing to many. My internship actualized the things I was learning about Jesus, and helped me discover the great joys of loving God by loving those often marginalized.”
~ Kevin Wilhoit, M.Div.
~ Danny Iverson, M.Div.
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RTS Orlando QUICK FACTS
1,569
551 15:1 23 degrees conferred since 1989
faculty publications in 2013
student to professor ratio
EIGHT
major works published by alumni in 2013
NINE
countries represented in 2012 2013 class
DON SWEETING INAUGURATED 4th RTSO PRESIDENT
2011
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A mind for truth. A heart for God.
Students served by our faculty and staff the past academic year
5,000+
appointments kept annually by the Oviedo Counseling Clinic denominations represented in student body
50
20% of student body is international and/or minority students
1989 RTSO founded
Academic UPDATE Inaugural Class of the Nicole Institute of Baptist Studies Baptist Confessions with Dr. Tom Nettles, January 14 - 18, 2013
“It was exciting to be a part of the first Nicole Institute of Baptist Studies class. Dr. Nettles brought a historical and pastoral approach to the Baptist confessions. He challenged us as leaders to read and study the Baptist confessions ourselves, then share these great documents with the church. We covered a lot of ground from discovering the origins of the Baptist confessions to reviewing the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message. The future of the Nicole Institute of Baptist Studies is bright with quality faculty, along with pastor and student involvement.” ~ Caleb Burnison, M.Div.
Quality Enhancement Plan The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is a student learning initiative by RTS in conjunction with the 2012 reaffirmation of its accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). The QEP topic, “Our Muslim Neighbors: Improving Student Knowledge of the Diversity of Islamic Faith and Practice,” includes a new course in the M.Div. curriculum, “Christian Encounter with Islam,” along with other Islam-related curriculum initiatives. John Muether of the Orlando campus is administering the implementation of the QEP over the course of the next five years.
Evening Classes
Three evening classes were offered this past academic year: Christian Encounter with Islam with Professor Laurence O’Donnell; Genesis to Joshua with Professor Mike Glodo; and Church Planting & Development with Dr. Steve Childers. “Evening classes give me a little more flexibility with my family and work schedule. They also allow me to learn during a time of day that feels less hectic and more reflective.” ~ Rob Edenfield, M.Div.
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FACULTY
DR. STEVE CHILDERS
DR. JIM COFFIELD
DR. SCOTT COUPLAND
Associate Professor of Counseling Clinical Director of the Counseling Program
Associate Professor of Counseling Academic Director of Counseling Program
DR. CHARLES HILL
DR. REGGIE KIDD
Professor of New Testament
Professor of New Testament
DR. SIMON KISTEMAKER Emeritus
Associate Professor of Practical Theology Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program
Professor of New Testament
ADJUNCT FACULTY MS. SHARON HERSH
REV. LARRY KIRK
Adjunct Professor of Counseling Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology
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DR. JUSTIN HOLCOMB
DR. RICHARD PRATT
Adjunct Professor of Theology
Adjunct Professor of Old Testament
A mind for truth. A heart for God.
DR. JOHN FRAME
DR. MARK FUTATO
REV. MIKE GLODO
Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy
Robert L. Maclellan Professor of Old Testament
Associate Professor of Biblical Studies Dean of Chapel
MR. JOHN MUETHER
DR. BOB ORNER
DR. SCOTT SWAIN
Dean of Libraries Professor of Church History
Dean of Students Director of Field Education Guest Lecturer in Practical Theology
Academic Dean Associate Professor of Systematic Theology
DR. DON SWEETING President James Woodrow Hassell Professor of Church History
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Annual REVIEW
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forfor God. A mind mindfor fortruth. truth.AAheart heart God.
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Financial INFORMATION RTS Organizational Model Reformed Theological Seminary began with a faithful group of Christian laymen praying for the Lord to bless their efforts in establishing a seminary that values biblical integrity. Nearly 50 years later, RTS is still standing firm on the word of God, but not standing still as we adapt to effectively serve the church in preparing future pastors, missionaries, scholars, and counselors for the 21st century global church. RTS remains faithful to its core values through our dependence upon God.
RTS operates multiple campuses and extensions located in Orlando, Jackson, Charlotte, Washington DC, Atlanta, Memphis, Houston. Through our new distance M.Div. and our RTS Global (virtual) campus, RTS offers flexible theological education available to students around the nation and world. RTS is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
RTS is a multi-denominational institution with a unique business model and governance structure that is marked by the following: 1) a Board of Trustees that is largely made up of Christian laymen, 2) a strong Executive Committee that guides the activities and initiatives of the seminary, 3) all faculty are required to annually sign a guiding statement of faith, 4) no tenure is offered to any faculty members, and 5) a robust administrative infrastructure that relieves faculty of those duties so they can focus on classroom instruction.
As a non-profit institution, RTS derives operating revenue through three main sources: 1) student tuition and fees, 2) annual giving, and 3) endowment earnings. RTS has a total annual operation budget of approximately $15 million dollars and has always exhibited a great deal of financial discipline in its operations. Buildings at each of five residential campuses and an endowment that supplies scholarships for students, faculty chairs and for campus operations make up our total assets institutionally of almost $80 million. Our business model is heavily dependent upon generous giving from friends of the seminary. We are very thankful to have developed many fruitful relationships over the past nearly 50 years.
$ Per Credit Hour AY 2012 - 2013 For all our students who are called to ministry, seminary can be a large financial sacrifice. Despite having church partnerships and/or pastor sponsorships, the majority of our students work part time, intern at local churches and ministries, and take advantage of our work-study program to pay tuition and fees. However, this does not cover the full cost of their education. This financial gap, shown to the right, is where generous donors can help students afford a seminary education so that they are trained for their future ministries.
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Student Per Credit Hour Funding Model Per c/hr. $785 +/- RTS cost of Education $276 +/- Student Tuition and Fees $509 Gap Funding required
RTS Orlando Funding Sources AY 2012 - 2013 In our business model, revenue is derived from student tuition and fees, annual operating gifts, institutional support, and investment income from our endowment, enabling RTS to achieve its mission in training pastors and leaders for the 21st century global church. Approximately two-thirds of our operating revenue is dependent upon the generosity of financial partners.
8%
3%
Institutional Support
10%
Student Tuition and Fees 45%
Endowment Income Operating Gifts Other
34%
RTS Orlando Concentration of Departmental Operating Expenses AY 2012 - 2013 RTS is blessed to be 100% debt free, and is a fiscally conservative organization that does not accept government grants or loans. None of our operating expenses include the repayment of short or long-term debt. Therefore, any operating gift is an efficient investment that directly benefits our students and goes toward achieving the mission, vision, and values of RTS.
9%
5% 35%
10%
Instruction Administrative & General Academic Support Student Services
18%
Development Auxiliary Enterprises 23% rts.edu/orlando
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Get INVOLVED
PRAY RTS Orlando would not be possible without the faithful prayers of our friends and supporters. God’s work goes forward by prayer. Please join us in praying for our students, faculty, and staff, as well as the local and global impact of the Gospel as it is shared throughout the world by our alumni.
“You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:11
APPLY RTS offers four masters degrees, one doctoral degree, and multiple programs to prepare you for the calling the Lord has for you. Our two professional degrees are the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Counseling. Both degrees meet the requirements for either pastoral ministry or counseling licensure. Our Master of Arts (Biblical Studies or Theological Studies) will help you grow in your understanding of Scripture as well as prepare you for future studies. If you are interested in starting one of our degree programs or a certificate program, please visit rts.edu/onlineapplication and fill out an application. We will connect you with one of our enrollment counselors and walk you through the process. We look forward to serving you!
GIVE We are daily dependent on the support of people like you to provide for the theological training of our students. Mindful of the truth that we reap what we sow, we believe an investment in the lives of RTS students will yield tremendous dividends as they are used of the Lord to win people to Christ and strengthen the church. Want to support RTS? RTS accepts gifts of cash, investment assets, gifts in kind, and estate gifts. For more information, please visit rts.edu/site/giving/index or contact Executive Vice President Robert Emeott at remeott@rts.edu or by phone at 407.278.4550.
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A mind for truth. A heart for God.
Scholarship NEEDS Student Scholarships It is a significant financial committment for singles, married couples, and international students to attend seminary. The average annual cost for one full-time student, including tuition, books, and fees, is approximately $16,000. For married couples and international students who must budget for housing, furniture, transportation, visas, insurance, and more, the investment is usually around $20,000. Approximately 90% of students at RTSO receive some form of scholarship and would not be able to attend seminary without the spiritual and financial support provided by our donors. Donors who contribute to student scholarships are supporting our future pastors, church leaders, and counselors, making an eternal impact on the local and global church.
RTS Student Scholarship Assistance, 2003 - 2013
With 90% of RTSO students receiving $750,000 in scholarships annually, we strive for the goal of 100% debt-free graduation for all students.
Thank-A-Thon This past March, over 60 students came together to write thank you cards to our donors. Our faithful givers play an integral part in the lives of the students here and students were happy to have the chance to express their appreciation for the faithful saints that have come alongside them and supported their theological education and call to ministry.
rts.edu/orlando
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Future PROJECTS Prayer Chapel / Preaching Lab The original plans for the RTS Pamplin Chapel building also called for a small prayer chapel that has yet to be built. Currently there are few quiet, intimate, indoor places on campus for students or guests to go for prayer and time alone with God. This small prayer chapel will provide that essential and dedicated time and space for our students and guests. The small chapel will also double as a live preaching lab for our students. With special lighting, staging and seating, the space will provide students with real-life experience preaching in front of 30 - 40 of their classmates or simply on their own for practice. As a multi-functional venue option, the prayer chapel would also be used to serve the community by hosting small weddings, funerals, and other events. The projected cost for this addition is $75,000. Rendering
Student Housing Through the generous giving of our donors, RTS Orlando currently owns 16 condos in the Villas at Lakeside, a condominium complex located just 3.7 miles from campus. These condos provide a fantastic community experience for our students. Students enjoy the atmosphere of fellowship, fun and study at the Villas. By providing an accessible and affordable means of living, these condos take the stress and worry away from students moving cross-country to attend seminary. International students attending RTS Orlando often do not have the adequate credit background or income history to meet many of Orlando’s leasing standards. These condos truly bless our international students by providing affordable and obtainable housing. RTS Orlando would like to purchase more condos in an effort to provide additional housing to students. The full purchase cost of one 2 bed, 2 bath condo is $65,000.
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A mind for truth. A heart for God.
Smart Classrooms We live in a fast-paced, technologically savvy generation. Smart Classrooms provide the new capabilities that come with 21st century learning. Students can be provided with distance learning opportunities thanks to quality audio, video and live-streaming capabilities. Through audio-visual advances, students can not only listen to, but can also see and interact with the professors and their class material. Professors are also equipped with the best tools possible in which to communicate and serve their students. RTSO has been able to upgrade one classroom with all the Smart Classroom capabilities. We would like to outfit four additional rooms with the same technology. The projected cost for this project is $65,000 for each room.
“The Smart Classroom facilitates easy setup before class and smooth presentation in class. The ability to record the audio portion of a class with the pressing of a few buttons is a wonderful asset on a number of occasions, as when a student cannot be in class for one reason or another.� ~ Dr. Mark Futato
Student and Campus Life RTS Orlando has a vibrant student and campus life that allows students to better engage in and create community among each other, faculty, and surrounding community members. Our campus sits on 65 beautiful acres of lush Florida scenery. Lakefront property and open grassy areas allow for a variety of outdoor and sports activities throughout the year. To better serve our students, RTS Orlando is seeking to fund the following initiatives: - Student Emergency Fund $50,000 - Professional Volleyball Court $10,000 - Campus vehicle $10,000 - Two new canoes for the lake $1,500
rts.edu/orlando
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A mind for truth. A heart for God.
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” Romans 10:14-15
rts.edu/orlando
rts.edu/orlando
A mind for truth. A heart for God.