SPRING 2017 www.rts.edu Accreditation approval pending. Crashing Customs and Breaking Boundaries Acts 10 affirms that God’s Word applies to all cultures and nations.
by Blair Smith
RTS IS NOW IN DALLAS
Prepare for a lifetime of ministry in a community of truth and grace, close to home.
Also in This Issue: Dr. Ligon Duncan on Why Seminaries Still Matter Apply Now for Fall 2017 • rts.edu/apply A New Campus in Dallas
JACKSON • ORLANDO • CHARLOTTE • ATLANTA • WASHINGTON D.C. • NEW YORK CITY • HOUSTON • MEMPHIS • GLOBAL Dr. John Frame Retiring A MIND FOR TRUTH. A HEART FOR GOD. A LIFE FOR MINISTRY.
JACKSON / ORLANDO / CHARLOTTE / ATLANTA / WASHINGTON / MEMPHIS / HOUSTON / NEW YORK CITY / GLOBAL VISIT US AT RTS.EDU TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ministry & Leadership Spring 2017 STAFF
Publisher Dr. Ligon Duncan
Editor in Chief 4 Brad Tisdale Chancellor’s Message Managing Editor Dr. Ligon Duncan explains why seminaries still matter. Paul Schwarz Art Director 6 Bill Henderson News Photography Director Learn about the retirement of Dr. John Frame MattMcQuade and other happenings across RTS. Editorial Assistants Catherine Bruce Stephanie Hartley 12 Crashing Customs and Breaking Boundaries by Blair Smith Who We Are
Reformed Theological Seminary exists to serve the church by preparing its leaders through a globally accessible program of 18 theological education based on the authority Agent of Awakening of the inerrant Word of God and committed Tial Thanga leads church planting efforts in his native Myanmar. to the Reformed faith. This program A MIND FOR TRUTH. promotes biblical fidelity, confessional integrity and academic excellence, and seeks to prepare students marked by “A mind for 22 truth. A heart for God. A life for ministry.”
Called to Serve As such, Ministry & Leadership seeks to An RTS alumnus has become coordinator of the PCA Mission to show how God is working through the A HEART FOR GOD. North America. ministries of RTS graduates, faculty members and students. Our goal is that readers will become partners with RTS through prayer, 26 financial giving, educational experience Counting the Cost and student referral, as well as providing A Japanese economics professor studies with the RTS Global placement opportunities. A LIFE FOR MINISTRY. campus. Copyright 2017 Reformed Theological Seminary.
All rights reserved. For reprint permission, 28 please call 601-923-1600 or email shartley@ Celebrating 50 Years of RTS rts.edu. All Scripture references from the English Standard Version except where noted.
30 Read the digital version of the magazine at Deeper in the Heart of Texas www.rts.edu/MandL. RTS responds to an invitation to launch a new campus in Dallas. Reformed Theological Seminary Atlanta • Charlotte • Houston • Jackson • Memphis • New York City • Orlando • JACKSON / ORLANDO / CHARLOTTE / ATLANTA / WASHINGTON / MEMPHIS / HOUSTON / NEW YORK CITY / GLOBAL 32 Washington, D.C. • Global VISIT US AT RTS.EDU RTS at Work 800-543-2703 • [email protected] • www.rts.edu
www.rts.edu 3 CHANCELLOR’S MESSAGE by Dr. Ligon Duncan
Why Do We Still Need Seminaries?
hat are semi- preparation in a seminary that naries for? Do fully embraces inerrancy and Re- we still need formed theology, in combination them? A lot with the experience of and service of questions in a healthy local church, simply are swirl- have irreplaceable advantages over ing around those who don’t. theological And this is one of the great ad- education to- vantages of RTS’s multi-campus day, and since system. Our students are able to you are read- serve in more churches while pur- ing this, you suing their theological education clearly care because of our multiple campus- I would argue that about preparing pastors and es. There are simply more healthy church leaders who believe God’s churches for us to partner with and Word and embrace sound, biblical participate in than if we were only the need for sound Christian theology, so perhaps we in one location. should reflect together on these What about those who ques- things. Today, many people are tion the need for seminary? Well, theological education looking at other options rather than I would argue that the need for residential theological education, sound theological education at the and for a variety of reasons: the seminary level is greater than ever at the seminary level high cost of residential theological before. We live in a culture that education, the desire to stay con- considers itself intellectually and nected to a ministry in the local morally superior to Christianity. is greater than ever church, or even the view that sem- It is cynical and skeptical of the inary isn’t the best way to prepare truth claims of the Bible and the for ministr y. message of the gospel. It is dismis- before. We live in a I assure you that theological ed- sive of Christian public discourse. ucators are thinking about these It thinks it has moved on. Sadly, kinds of things, and hear them all many Christian pastors and lead- culture that considers the time. What is our answer at ers are utterly unequipped to speak RTS? into such a situation because they Well, to begin with, at RTS we have been academically, theolog- itself intellectually believe that the best preparation ically and spiritually under-pre- for a lifetime of ministry is the pared to engage in such a context. combination of a solid seminary This makes what we are doing and morally superior theological education along with at RTS more important than ever, membership, mentoring and min- because pastors don’t need to know istry in a healthy local church. Stu- less; they need to know more. We to Christianity. dents who have both the grounding offer mentoring of future pastors of rigorous and reverent academic and church leaders by experienced
4 Ministry & Leadership @ligonduncan and committed pastor-theologians; ration of the church’s future pastors rigorous academic education; and and leaders often only experience the cultivation of students’ spiritu- an indirect benefit. Yet their invest- al life and character formation in ment is often far more important SPRING 2017 www.rts.edu the context of a loving community than those who get an instant re- Accreditation approval pending. Crashing Customs and committed to Jesus, the gospel, the turn. Breaking Boundaries Acts 10 affirms that God’s church, the truth and a life of ser- We are eternally grateful for your Word applies to all cultures and nations. vice to others. partnership, and determined to by Blair Smith
This is a tremendous need in our work for eternal results fromRTS IS NOW your IN time. And seminary is also a more generosity. DALLAS efficient way to go about addressing Prepare for a lifetime of ministry in a community of truth and grace, close to home. Also in This Issue: it. Simply put, because of our re- Dr. Ligon Duncan on Why Seminaries Still Matter Apply Now for Fall 2017 • rts.edu/apply A New Campus in Dallas Dr. John Frame Retiring sources, we are able to provide this JACKSON • ORLANDO • CHARLOTTE • ATLANTA • WASHINGTON D.C. • NEW YORK CITY • HOUSTON • MEMPHIS • GLOBAL kind of comprehensive preparation far more rapidly and effectively than it can be done in other ways. Digital Bonus These are just some of the rea- Read the digital version sons that your investment and of this issue at prayers for RTS are so important. www.rts.edu/MandL We fully appreciate how remark- for an introduction to the able your support for this work is. newly redesigned Frankly, most Christians give to Ministry & Leadership. things that directly benefit them. But people who invest in the prepa-
Join our RTS faculty members and friends of the seminary as they address relevant Wismdaotmte rWs eodf ntheesd Cahyr ist aia wn efaeiktlhy w seitrhie tsr uotfh v, icdaenodso wr haenrde gRrTaSc efa. Ccuhletyc km beamckb earsc han wde ferkie antd s of the seminaryrt asd.eddreus/s irteel/ewvaisndto mmawttedrsn oefs tdhaey C fhori sthtiea nla ftaeistth v widiteho t frruotmh, RcTaSn.dor and grace. Check back each week at rts.edu/site/wisdomwednesday for a video from RTS. A weekly video series presented by Reformed Theological Seminary NEWS
DR. JOHN FRAME RETIRING by Dr. Michael Allen
n May, Dr. John Van Til, his corpus and his teaching ranged much more widely. Frame will The insightfulness of his work and the breadth of his influence I teach his final was on display in a festschrift titled Speaking the Truth in Love. theology class Indeed, Dr. Frame has regularly spoken of theology as the at RTS-Orlando, application of the Bible to all of life. bringing to In addition, when the Evangelical Theological Society sought conclusion 49 a systematic theologian to address the doctrine of biblical years of service inerrancy at a recent national meeting, no one was surprised to theological that they turned to Dr. Frame. His fidelity to biblical authority education. He and his concern that we understand the reasons for Scripture’s joined the role in Christian faith and practice have been instilled in many RTS-Orlando pastors and professors, elders and laypeople. faculty in 2001, It is not rare to encounter students from around the globe having served as who have flocked to learn from Dr. Frame at RTS-Orlando. the John Dyer He insistently commends the task of always learning at Jesus’
Trimble Professor FRAZIER feet. His books have been studied by laypeople and scholars
of Systematic JASON alike in many countries and cited by many scholars. Day by Theology and day, he arrives early to work and responds thoroughly to Apologetics. The RTS Board of Trustees and faculty honor email inquiries from former students and strangers all over. Dr. Frame by according him status, upon his retirement, as His written works span a number of disciplines, ranging from Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology and Apologetics. epistemology to theology proper to the evangelical doctrine Educated at Yale University and Westminster Theological of Scripture. He has proven semester after semester to be Seminary, Dr. Frame has garnered widespread attention and a committed man of prayer, whether in staff gatherings or in critical acclaim for his books. His magnum opus is surely his hosting a weekly prayer meeting for his congregation. In Dr. Systematic Theology, though his many readers were drawn Frame’s ministry, the Word of God has been applied to every to his “Theology of Lordship” series, which appeared over a part of his life, evident for colleagues and students to see. quarter century. That series addressed the knowledge of For Dr. Frame’s faithful service, RTS salutes him on his God, the doctrine of God, the doctrine of the Christian life retirement and wishes him well in all his future endeavors. and the doctrine of Holy Scripture. Dr. Frame’s major works flowed from the classroom, bringing RTS-Orlando will honor Dr. Frame at a lunch with to a wider audience the lecture material he delivered to RTS students, faculty, staff and board members on May 11. students. He also addressed a number of significant debates To send well-wishes or share a memory, visit throughout the years, ranging from the “worship wars” to open rts.edu/orlando/JohnFrameRetires. A scholarship fund theism, from conversations about medical ethics to theological in honor of Dr. Frame and his wife, Mary, has also been method. While his early work focused specifically on Christian established — access the donation page through the apologetics, especially in the tradition of his teacher Cornelius same link.
ALUMNI “I really appreciated my time of being mentored AND at RTS. I’m grateful that RTS has played such a STUDENTS significant role in my journey.” SAY —Jon Kim, RTS-Global
6 Ministry & Leadership NEW STAFF IN ORLANDO
he beginning of 2017 appointments fill out the technology and facilities. Eastern world. brings a number of new RTS-Orlando president’s He also brings familiarity Another recent alumnus T appointments at RTS- cabinet by redeploying with RTS to his role, as he to join the RTS-Orlando Orlando. In addition to the alumni and proven staff is concluding his seminary staff isWinston Miller, the appointment of Dr. Scott members in new positions studies this year. David new director of admissions. Swain as the campus’s fifth of campus leadership. Leigh previously served as He was born in Springfield, president [see page 8], there Swanson (M.A. ‘12) has admissions coordinator and, Mass., but he considers is also a new academic dean, been named vice president for the last year, as director Fort Lauderdale, Fla., his two new vice presidents, a of community relations, of admissions for RTS- hometown. Winston came new faculty member and a new director of admissions. In each instance, God has blessed RTS-Orlando with leaders especially suited for serving the seminary’s mission of preparing leaders for Christ’s church. Chancellor/CEO Dr. Ligon Duncan and the Board of Trustees have appointed Dr. Michael Allen to serve as academic dean. For the past two years, Dr. Allen has served as associate professor of systematic and historical theology at RTS-Orlando, having previously filled the JASON JASON D. James Kennedy Chair of Systematic Theology at FRAZIER Knox Theological Seminary, where he was also dean Left to right: Winston Miller, David Veldkamp, Leigh Swanson, Dr. Scott Swain, of faculty. The author and Dr. J. Nicholas Reid, Dr. Michael Allen editor of numerous books and articles, including most responsible for connecting Orlando. to RTS with a wide variety of recently Justification and the with alumni, donors and In addition to the experience in ministry and Gospel: Understanding the churches to help maximize administrative changes, business and completed Contexts and Controversies the reach and support of the RTS-Orlando welcomes Dr. the M.Div. with a counseling and (with Dr. Swain) Christian campus. Leigh is no stranger J. Nicholas Reid as assistant emphasis in May 2016. Dogmatics: Reformed to students and staff, having professor of Old Testament Theology for the Church served over the last four and ancient Near Eastern Catholic, Dr. Allen received years as associate dean of studies. Dr. Reid previously his academic training at students. served as professor of Old Wheaton College and David Veldkamp (M.Div. Testament at Reformation is a teaching elder in the ‘17) has been appointed vice Bible College, teaching Presbyterian Church in president of administration, courses in Old Testament, America. overseeing admissions, Hebrew, biblical theology Two vice presidential business, information and the ancient Near
www.rts.edu 7 NEWS FRAZIER JASON
INTRODUCING DR. SCOTT SWAIN AS RTS-ORLANDO PRESIDENT
TS chancellor and CEO Dr. Ligon Duncan and the International Theological Commentary series. Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Scott Swain as Dr. Swain attended the University of North Florida President and James Woodrow Hassell Professor (B.A.), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div. of Systematic Theology at RTS-Orlando, effective and Th.M.) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Ph.D. — January 1. He replaces Dr. Don Sweeting, who studying under leading theologian Kevin Vanhoozer). He is accepted a call to the presidency of Colorado a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America. He Christian University. and his wife, Leigh, have four children. A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Dr. Swain has served According to Dr. Duncan, Dr. Swain “is a superb teacher, the Orlando campus for over a decade, first as a prolific author, a wise leader, a faithful husband and professor and later as academic dean. During his time as father, and a committed churchman. He is a man of definite dean, RTS-Orlando added three new faculty members. convictions and wide associations. At RTS, we espouse In recent years, Dr. Swain has garnered a distinguished a happy confessionalism that speaks from a positive reputation as a theologian. The fruit of his doctoral study Reformed commitment, but which aims to serve all of the has been published as The God of the Gospel. His other evangelical world. This is one reason why so many different books are (with Andreas Kostenberger) Father, Son and denominations are reflected in the RTS student body. Scott Spirit; Trinity, Revelation and Reading; and (with Dr. Michael exemplifies this in his own vocation as a theologian, and so is Allen) Reformed Catholicity and Christian Dogmatics. In the perfect person to continue and articulate this emphasis the last year, he delivered plenary addresses at both the at RTS-Orlando. I count Scott as a dear friend and trusted Evangelical Theological Society’s annual meeting and the colleague, and can’t wait to serve RTS together with him in Los Angeles Theology Conference. With Dr. Allen, he edits his new role.” two significant series in theology and exegesis: Zondervan Dr. Swain’s inauguration service is scheduled for Academic’s New Studies in Dogmatics and the T&T Clark September 20.
8 Ministry & Leadership MELISSA KRUGER: EDITOR FOR RTS AT THE TGC THE GOSPEL COALITION NATIONAL CONFERENCE
elissa Kruger will also be a breakout M session speaker at The Gospel Coalition’s biennial national conference in Indianapolis in April, one of many examples of RTS presence at the conference. Chancellor and CEO he Gospel Coalition has welcomed Melissa Kruger, wife Dr. Ligon Duncan (“The of RTS-Charlotte president Dr. Michael Kruger, to an Reformed Tradition T expanded role at TGC as an editor working to develop Beyond Calvin”) and chancellor’s professor Kevin DeYoung writers and speakers for its website, book imprint with (pictured, “On John Calvin”) will both be plenary speakers, Crossway and national conferences. Melissa is already as will adjunct and guest faculty members such as Dr. Timothy known to TGC readers as an author of two books and a Keller, Dr. Stephen Nichols and Sandy Willson. In addition, blogger at Wit’s End. Follow her on Twitter and read her African-American Leadership Initiative director Jemar Tisby widely discussed recent article “Sisters, Jesus Is Not Your and RTS-Global student and noted speaker/author Nancy Cheerleader.” Guthrie will participate in breakout sessions. Along with being the mother of three children, Melissa This year’s conference theme is “No Other Gospel,” serves on the staff of Uptown Presbyterian Church in marking the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. More Charlotte, where her husband is a part-time pastor of information about TGC 2017 can be found at 2017. teaching. Read more from her on page 15 of the Fall 2016 thegospelcoalition.org. issue (“Partners in Ministry”).
DR. MICHAEL KRUGER AND THE ALUMNI AND EVANGELICAL THEOLOGICAL SOCIETY STUDENTS SAY long with being RTS-Charlotte vice president president, Samuel C. Patterson of ETS to A Professor of New Testament and become the “RTS has provided Early Christianity at that campus, president elect and part-time pastor of teaching the following me with tremendous at Uptown Presbyterian Church in year, and then Charlotte, Dr. Michael Kruger has eventually opportunities to been appointed as vice president of president. the Evangelical Theological Society. Dr. Kruger grow and mature ETS is a prestigious professional has been a member of ETS since academic society of biblical scholars, 2001 and is the co-founder and as a believer and teachers, pastors, students and co-chair of the ETS study group on others involved in evangelical the New Testament canon, textual as a minister of the scholarship. With over 4,000 criticism and apocryphal literature. members, ETS is one of the largest Read his blog, Canon Fodder, at gospel.” groups of evangelical scholars in www.michaeljkruger.com and follow the world. It is customary for the him on Twitter @michaeljkruger. —Josh Mathis, RTS-Atlanta
www.rts.edu 9 NEWS ALUMNI AND STUDENTS SAY
“Who is called RTS-JACKSONARCHIVES to the Great COURTESY Commission? HUGHES SCHOLARSHIP LAUNCH I’ve learned TS has launched the libraries while in seminary. the church,” says Dr. Guy Hughes Scholarship The Hughes Scholarship Richardson, RTS-Jackson from my R as part of the Hughes aims to help prepare president, “to provide Initiative for Pastoral the most promising of a steady stream of men studies at Excellence. The seminary those called to pastoral called to be educated and has begun the process ministry, equipping the prepared for pulpit ministry RTS that of awarding more than next generation for gospel through RTS. It is, as we have 30 Hughes Scholarships ministry in the church. It was called it, a ‘legacy on legs.’ the call is a to incoming residential initiated by Robbie Hughes We truly believe that this students in the Master of to honor the legacy of her will be an instrument in the corporate Divinity programs at the late husband, Dudley, an oil Lord’s hand that will help Jackson, Orlando, Charlotte, industry executive who went build and strengthen Christ’s call. We are Atlanta and Washington, to be with the Lord in 2015. church.” D.C. campuses. The full- “The Hughes Scholarship For more information, visit called to train, tuition scholarships also is a result of Robbie’s desire rts.edu/site/financialaid/ provide a book stipend so to make an investment hughes.aspx. raise up and recipients can build their to benefit the future of send, pray GENERAL ASSEMBLIES PRESENCE and be a part
TS will be active at several Greensboro, N.C. — Palos Heights, Ill.—May 31 of the Great denominational general Alumni & Friends Luncheon, (email David Veldkamp at R assemblies this summer. June 15, noon [email protected]) Commission Here’s a breakdown of each: (email Kevin Collins at [email protected]) by sending ARP General Synod, Flat Rock, N.C. (Bonclarken) EPC General Assembly, missionaries.” — luncheon, June 6, noon Sacramento, Calif. (email Stephane Jeanrenaud —June 20-23 (email Kevin —Mike Pettengill, at [email protected]) Collins at [email protected]) PCA General Assembly, OPC General Assembly, RTS-Global
10 Ministry & Leadership RTS AND THE GOSPEL ALUMNI AND STUDENTS SAY REFORMATION NETWORK “Theologically, seminary does n early 2013, several teaching and ruling elders in a work and wonder that you I the Presbyterian Church in America formed the Gospel can’t get outside the classroom. Reformation Network to promote a proper emphasis Practical understanding of on sanctification in the ministry of local churches. ministry has been developed and RTS chancellor and CEO Dr. Ligon Duncan serves on the formed through interacting with GRN council, and Dr. Brian Cosby (pictured), visiting professor at RTS-Atlanta and students before classes. RTS has senior minister at Wayside Presbyterian Church in Signal Mountain, Tenn., is the editorial director. humbled me and prepared me In June the GRN will sponsor a luncheon at the PCA General Assembly in Greensboro, N.C. Kevin DeYoung, for a lifetime of ministry in the chancellor’s professor of systematic and historical theology at RTS and senior minister of University Reformed Church pulpit.” in East Lansing, Mich., will be keynote speaker. Learn more about the GRN at gospelreformation.net. —Philip Lee, RTS-Washington, D.C.
Stay informed on RTS news and events. Listen to Distance Education courses for free. Access course syllabi and class information. Access the Mind and Heart bookstore. Explore and apply to Reformed Theological Seminary. Read and listen to the Bible in one year. Crashing Customs and Breaking Boundaries Acts 10 affirms that God’s Word applies to all cultures and nations.
by Blair Smith
12 Ministry & Leadership y family and I recently crossed a
major border in American cultural
history and imagination: We moved
south of the Mason-Dixon line. While
such a move does not require passing
through an international border where
one must field probing questions from
customs officers or experience the glare of solemn border police, it does carry with it certain reminders that a kind of border has been crossed. Voices have slower cadences and drawn-out accents. Adults address children with words like “hon’” and “sweetie,” while children address adults with “sir” and “ma’am.” The tea is sweeter and the weather warmer. These — and the overabundance of men wearing pastels — alert new residents that they have crossed a boundary and are immersed in new customs.
www.rts.edu 13 A World of Boundaries Indeed, they were divinely sanctioned. God had selected His people, formed them and set uch examples make up no more than cultural them apart from the surrounding nations. This had window dressing and pale in comparison to the been His will for them from the beginning. Based on jarring experience of crossing boundaries and His promise to Abraham, God intended to create a exposure to new customs in other parts of the great people and give them land, and to Moses God world. Imagine moving from Shanghai to Sas- gave to His people laws they were to follow in that katchewan, or from Siberia to Sudan! If this Promised Land that would set them apart, that they isS a reality today, it certainly was during the earliest might reflect His holy character. days of the church. The earliest Christians inherited this sense of The world of the New Testament was a world of living side by side with the Romans yet inhabit- boundaries — political boundaries with the Roman ing a different world. Many were Jews themselves Empire and everything else; status boundaries be- and did not easily slough off the boundary-creating fore the law between Roman citizens and non-cit- Law. Yet at the same time, their Messiah, Jesus izens, and Christ, had taught them the gospel, and how those slaves and free- who believe must make disciples of all nations. The men; religious If any custom good news of the Gospel was for Jerusalem and boundaries too. Judea, yes, but it was also for the ends of the earth But right (Acts 1:8). in the midst So the question became for this young, growing, of that em- or boundary is predominantly Jewish church, how would it remain pire were the faithful to God’s Word, as they had received and Jewish peo- practiced it for over a millennium, and also fulfill ple, many of inhibiting us Jesus’ commission? These faithful Jews, who had whom wanted also entrusted their lives to the Messiah, could not the thickest stand so firmly behind high Jewish boundaries and boundary pos- at the same time bring the gospel freely to people and sible between from seeking to situations outside those walls. Pressure was being them and the brought to bear on these boundaries through the surrounding work of the Holy Spirit, and something had to give. culture. They reach a certain would have Three “Characters” their own laws in Acts 10 if Rome would let them; they group of people, y the time we get to chapter 10 of the early re- would have cord of the church in the Book of Acts, there their own cul- are already cracks in the boundary walls. The ture and cus- then it is an Holy Spirit has been preparing the church’s toms. And, of leadership inch by inch for what is coming, as course, a num- the Spirit is poured out on Jews in Jerusalem ber of these (2:1-41),B as he opens eyes in Samaria (8:4-8), and even boundaries authority other converts a Gentile from a far-off place (8:26-40). were not ar- In chapter 10 itself the march of the Holy Spirit bitrary walls continues in bringing an awakening to Gentiles, and erected by a also to Jewish Christians who had not yet realized peculiar peo- than the Word how certain cherished boundaries had to come crash- ple, as many ing down. This chapter has three main characters Romans would we will look at in turn: Cornelius, Peter and God have believed. of God. Himself. As we do, we will see how God is working
14 Ministry & Leadership out among His church the epoch-changing implica- God of His laws regarding ritual purity, Peter hears tions of the Gospel message. something that must have fallen rather harshly on Jewish ears: “Peter! Rise, Kill, and eat!” (v. 13). Cornelius Now remember who we are dealing with here. This man who told Jesus he would never wash His dirty s a centurion from Caesarea, Cornelius would feet, this one who cut off the ear of the high priest’s ser- have been a prominent man of abundant vant who came to take Jesus away, was not one given means. More than his importance and stand- to an equivocating response! “By no means, Lord,” he ing in society, however, was his godliness. He says emphatically (v. 14). does not represent a rank pagan, but a God-fear- God’s simple command so flew in the face of what er — that is, a Gentile who had been drawn to Peter knew and practiced that He had to go beyond the GodA through the Jews, yet who had not taken the final mere command and add the explanation that He has steps toward becoming a Jewish proselyte or convert. now made what is unclean clean. And just as Peter He feared God, he gave generously to the poor and he thrice denied the Lord before His death before he real- was a man of prayer (v. 2), but he had not been circum- ized what he was doing, God in His patience and prepa- cised and most likely did not follow many laws having ration goes through this spectacular display three times to do with ritual purity. This God-fearing man took se- so that the lesson to Peter is clear (v. 16). riously his responsibility of spiritual leadership within Now that does not mean Peter immediately gets it. his household so that its members, too, feared God — He gets the part about the animals, sure, but something he was a man of spiritual influence (v. 2). deeper is at work here. God has shaken up Peter’s un- But he was a man apart. Here is one so dedicated derstanding and he is inwardly perplexed, because that he scheduled his times of prayer according to while there is an importance to what God has said the temple (v. 3), yet he himself was not free to go to about the animals, it is to teach a larger lesson (v. 17). It the temple. What stands out to us is that this man will be in the events that follow where Peter gets it. loved and feared God, even though he was not per- Summoned by Cornelius (vv. 17-23), Peter is mitted into the full rites and privileges of the Jewish brought to a very willing audience in Caesarea (vv. religion. Because he loved and feared God, he would 24-27). He addresses them, starting with a rather have been faithfully waiting for the coming Messiah. harsh note by saying what the Gentiles painfully God recognized this faith and chose to work through knew: Jewish custom did not allow them to associate it in order to demonstrate to His church the radical with anyone of another nation (v. 28). Notice it says implications of the coming of Jesus Christ. “custom.” Though your translation may read “un- God’s work here is monumental and will shake lawful” in v. 28, this is better taken in a softer sense Cornelius to the core. God graciously prepares him as “taboo,” for there is nothing in the Old Testament by sending an angelic vision so that he will hear His that says Jews must not associate with others. What word from Peter (vv. 3-6). First, though, God must had happened throughout time was that Jewish tra- prepare the Apostle Peter. ditions about uncleanness had raised the rightful boundary between Jews and Gentiles to stratospher- Peter ic heights. These heightened boundaries — raised out of nervousness over ritual purity — were accretions e find Peter here in our chapter at noon on on God’s Word. Rules about table fellowship and not the rooftop in prayer. Something very nat- entering a Gentile home were seen as implications of ural happens: he becomes hungry. Then laws on ritual purity, but the strictness seen here in something very supernatural happens: he traditional practice went beyond what the Old Testa- sees an absurdly unique vision (vv. 9-13). ment said and had set a firm, unfriendly barrier be- God brings him into his movie theater. tween Jews (even Jewish Christians) and Gentiles. AW sheet descends from the heavens, in it being all This barrier is about to be — in fact, already has kinds of animals, both clean and unclean. Plenty of been — removed. those forbidden in the Torah would have been rep- Peter gets it. He enters a Gentile’s home and strikes resented there. But instead of being reminded by a harsh note at the beginning, only to set in relief
www.rts.edu 15 what God has shown him. By press this with analogy, if God has said the dis- His apostles tinction between clean and un- because a man clean animals no longer matters, such as Cor- BLAIR then certainly, too, the attitudes nelius is not as DAVID Jewish Christians had toward foreign to the what they considered unclean peo- Taking the Cross to the Nations Jewish Chris- ple no longer mattered (vv. 34-43). tians as some But it’s more weighty than that. TS professors recently spoke at the latest rank pagans God told Peter adamantly, “Do not installment in the Cross series of student who will begin call common what I have made mission conferences. According to the Cross filing into the clean” (v. 15). This puts the matter website, the conference “aims to mobilize church. Corne- on a higher plane, to one of moral students for the most dangerous and loving lius was already compulsion that leads to a funda- cause in the universe: rescuing people from acquainted mental change of attitude — we eternal suffering and bringing them into the ever- with the living must not, outside of faith in Christ, R God. But God is lasting joy of knowing and worshipping Jesus.” consider these people different in Dr. Elias Medeiros, Harriet Barbour Professor rapidly moving any way, Peter might say. of Missions at RTS-Jackson, and Kevin DeYoung His church to This awakening by God within (above, center), chancellor’s professor of systematic the cusp of the Peter will fundamentally change and historical theology at RTS and senior minister wild, uncom- the character of the church going of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, fortable world forward. God has revealed to him Mich., participated in main sessions and breakout of pagan Rome, not to let cultural custom inhibit sessions at the December 27-30 conference in In- the world that his willingness to bring the gospel dianapolis. More than 2,000 students, other young will eventually into every situation and to every adults and campus ministers attended Cross. be turned up- person. What is more, forgiveness To learn more about Cross, as well to view vid- side down by of sin is not tethered at all to rit- eos of the sessions, visit crossforthenations.org. the Christian ual purity; these laws have been message. fulfilled in the sacrifice of Jesus In light of Christ, which brings atonement and forgiveness of God’s eternal plan, though, this was nothing new. If sins for the believing Jew and Gentile alike. Peter re- we were to look carefully at God’s covenantal message alizes, How can I bring a division into Christ’s body that in the Old Testament, He always had the ends of the He Himself does not recognize? That would be to fall earth and all nations in view (cf. Genesis 17:1-8). He into the sin of partiality and call unclean what God worked among the Israelite nation in preparation, but has declared clean. now, in and through Christ, He has brought His king- dom to the nations. The gospel of the kingdom of Christ God has universal implications. This has always been God’s plan, and we see it unfolded in time in Acts 10. od has brought Cornelius and Peter to this mo- We are seeing every barrier between God the Father mentous point. He has prepared them through and His gift to His Son removed — His gift is the na- angel and vision. He is a merciful Father who tions (Psalm 2:8). cares about His individual children. But He also And God is making increasingly clear that no longer cares about the success of His fledgling church, are His people only a light that draws to itself — they and He is not afraid to boldly intervene and kick are always that — but also are sent to the nations. Any down a barrier that would inhibit its growth. church faithful to God’s Word will be concerned and God the Holy Spirit, Jesus said, would empower active in missions and evangelism. God is a mission- the Apostles to bring the kingdom into the uttermost ary God, leading His people to neighborhoods, com- parts of the earth (Acts 1:8), filled with unclean Gen- munities, towns, countries — no area is off-limits to tiles who need Jesus (10:45). And God will continue to the proclamation of the message of Jesus Christ.
16 Ministry & Leadership A Conversion Text, But of What Sort? be “the unclean” in our practice of mission. If any cus- tom or boundary is inhibiting us from seeking to reach his is a conversion text, but whom is God con- a certain group of people, then it is an authority other verting? He’s certainly bringing Cornelius to than the Word of God. Himself through Christ. But he’s also converting Peter’s struggle to see the implications of the au- Peter in a way, enlightening him as to what has thority of Jesus Christ is our struggle. What informs changed of the old now that Christ has come, as our thoughts and attitudes? Who directs the church well as broadening his understanding of the au- how she is to follow Christ? These are questions Pe- dienceT for the preaching of the gospel (10:42-48). ter needed to answer in his own way, given his back- God is teaching him, too, about authority. What au- ground. He needed to ultimately ask: Which is the thorities will govern his life? Will it be Jewish tradi- authority in my life: the traditions of my people and tion, or will it be what God has revealed of His purpos- the accretions of my religion, or the Word of God? es according to the Holy Spirit? God spoke to him here in Acts 10 and said, “Do not We might think this text is a nice historical anecdote call unclean what I have called clean.” that provides for us helpful knowledge about how the God is still calling His church to crash customs and church grew out of the narrow confines of Judaism break boundaries to communicate the gospel of the and into the wider Gentile world; by and large, though, Lord Jesus Christ. Where is He calling you? we may think it isn’t relevant to a world such as ours that has outgrown prejudice and the authority of emp- Blair Smith, recently appointed assistant ty tradition. We’re “beyond this” in the 21st century professor of systematic theology at RTS- church, we proudly think to ourselves. Charlotte, received his Master of Divinity Are we? degree from RTS and is a Ph.D. candidate The Word of God is never irrelevant to where we are, at Durham University in England. Contact and the church must prayerfully consider who might him at [email protected].
DEGREE PROGRAMS DEGREES VARY BY CAMPUS. PLEASE VISIT RTS.EDU FOR SPECIFIC LISTINGS.
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY MASTER OF ARTS: RELIGION MASTER OF DIVINITY MASTER OF ARTS: COUNSELING MASTER OF ARTS: BIBLICAL STUDIES MASTER OF ARTS: CHRISTIAN COUNSELING MASTER OF ARTS: THEOLOGICAL STUDIES MASTER OF ARTS: MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY
JACKSON / ORLANDO / CHARLOTTE / ATLANTA / WASHINGTON / MEMPHIS / HOUSTON / NEW YORK CITY / GLOBAL COURTESY TIAL THANGA (PAGES 18-19)
TIAL THANGA LEADS CHURCH PLANTING EFFORTS IN HIS NATIVE MYANMAR.
BY PAUL SCHWARZ
TIAL THANGA LISTENED TO HIS MOTHER, and his entire country has been blessed because of it. As a young man living in the Myanmar capital of Yangon, working as a schoolteacher and being the first from his family to attend (and graduate from) universi- ty, Tial returned to his home village to visit his family for a week. That’s when his mother asked him to attend a local evangelistic meeting led by missionaries from India. “My mother was wrestling with cancer and she said go to that meeting,” recalls Tial, whose mother was the first in her village to proclaim faith in Christ and whose father (an animist priest) died when Tial was 2 years old. “I said no, because that was not my desire. But my mother knew that I didn’t have a relationship with Christ, and she prayed for me.” Tial’s heart was changed that week: “My mother insisted I go to that meeting. I sat there with a lot of pride inside, but the Lord kept me there listening, and finally He spoke to me through His Word. My spiritual life began through my mother’s prayer and the Lord’s work. From 2 Corinthi- ans 5:12-16, He showed me how my pride was blocking me from having a relationship with Him. That’s when He made me a new person in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Today, the RTS-Jackson graduate and former schoolteacher leads an ef- fort to plant churches throughout Myanmar (known as Burma until 1989), serving as an agent of spiritual revival in the Southeast Asian nation. “At the same time as my conversion, I began having a strong desire to Continued on page 20
18 Ministry & Leadership DR. PAUL LONG SR.: CITIZEN SOLDIER IN BURMA he ministry of Tial Thanga in Myanmar is the fruit of faithful prayer for the nation by people like Dr. Paul Long Sr. The pro- fessor of missions emeritus at RTS-Jackson, now 93 years young, served in the U.S. Army in Burma (the former name of Myanmar) during World War II. In 1994 Dr. Long published a book about his war experiences, titled Citizen Soldiers of World War II: Pacific Theater of Operations. The book tells the true stories of the American soldiers (including himself) who served with Merrill’s Marauders in occupied Burma during the war. Merrill’s Maraud- ers were a famed jungle warfare unit specializing in missions deep behind enemy lines, with each soldier earning the Bronze Star for heroism in combat. Dr. Long’s experi- ences in Burma led him to also engage in spiritual warfare for the souls of the Bur- mese people. His later service for nearly three decades as a missionary in Africa and Brazil inspired another book, The Man in the Leather Hat and Other Stories. Both books can be purchased through the RTS online bookstore at mindandheart.com by clicking on Faculty Publications and select- ing View Publications next to Dr. Paul Long Sr.
www.rts.edu 19 serve the Lord all my life,” says patient and loving. The Lord put Tial, executive director of the Re- me in the right place.” To demon- formed Presbyterian Church in strate this, Tial not only received a Myanmar. “I wanted to go to Bible Master of Divinity degree, but also school so I might correctly share completed two additional advanced the gospel. Also at the same time, degrees, returning to Myanmar when I went back to Yangon, an with his family in 1995. interdenominational group ap- That year marked the gathering pointed me as one of its city leaders. of the first general assembly of the From there I was looking for a Bi- Reformed Presbyterian Church ble school where I could strength- in Myanmar. Over the past two en my faith and not go somewhere decades, in order to develop lead-
wandering, but at the time there ers for the Myanmar church, Tial COURTESY TIAL THANGA “PEOPLE SOMETIMES SAY, ‘YOU’RE CRAZY — WHY DID YOU COME BACK TO MYANMAR?’” — TIAL THANGA
was just one, and it didn’t accept and others launched Myanmar When not leading church planting ef- born-again people. So I began look- Reformed Theological Seminary forts in Myanmar, Tial can sometimes ing abroad to get equipped to serve and Discipleship Training Center, be found helping babysit his grandson. the Lord Jesus Christ.” of which he is the president. The Enter RTS. “One of our local pas- seminary and training center tors knew I was eagerly looking for prepares church planters, pastors, through the training center, many a Bible school,” Tial explains, “and missionaries and teachers for their leaders have come out of that.” said he knew a good school for me, respective ministries, having sent For Tial, church leadership de- because a faculty member there out about 160 alumni throughout velopment has also become a fam- had been praying for Myanmar be- Myanmar. ily passion, as he is one of three cause it had been a closed country “The Lord is at work more than RTS alumni in the Thanga clan. for missionaries for many years.” we thought He would be,” Tial con- His wife, Laiengpui (Annie), re- That faculty member happened to cludes. “He is doing great things ceived an RTS certificate during be Dr. Paul Long Sr., then a pro- in Myanmar. I think people more their time stateside: “She works fessor of missions at RTS-Jackson and more understand who God is alongside me in the training cen- (see sidebar on page 19). When Tial and how he is able to transform ter,” Tial adds. Their daughter, met Dr. Long in Jackson, “I was the lives of people in Christ. Some Eden, returned to Jackson three happy, happy, happy to be there. people say Myanmar is a Buddhist years ago and earned a master’s RTS was like heaven to me — peo- country and that we Christians degree, and has returned to Myan- ple were praying for Myanmar and are in the minority, and it’s hard to mar to serve in Christian educa- for my community, and my mother work and people don’t change. But tion, orphanage work, English and others were praying for my de- I have seen God raise up all these classes and evangelism efforts. Her sire to fulfill the Lord’s call, and by people who know the Great Com- husband, a Myanmar national, God’s grace that happened.” mission of the Lord Jesus Christ graduated from Bible school in the Tial arrived on campus in 1987, and the authority of His gospel, Philippines, and they have a son and though he completely failed and I think it’s changed the lives together. “When she goes to class, his first class, “it made me study of people. Many come to Christ we have a chance to babysit for a harder,” he declares. “In Myanmar through the sharing of the eternal while,” says the proud grandfather. we didn’t have much of a chance to life that God gives us as a gift. And Tial and Annie’s son David serves speak English, so I was struggling. even in our small leadership devel- in a U.S. military leadership train- But people around me were very opment, through the church and ing program in Alaska, while their
20 Ministry & Leadership son John recently finished a busi- ness degree at a Myanmar univer- sity. “I think RTS prepared us well and gave us a great vision, and it has been strengthening,” Tial concludes. “People sometimes say, ‘You’re crazy — why did you come back to Myanmar?’ But people like us can serve in any corner of the country. We don’t have to pay air- ABOUT MYANMAR fare or whatever. So we feel like we Bordering Countries: Bangladesh, China, Ethnicities: Burman 68%, Shan 9%, represent our friends.” India, Laos, Thailand Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Through servants like Tial Land Area: 253,954 square miles Mon 2%, Indian 2%, other 5% Thanga, the gospel has gone a long (slightly smaller than Texas) Religions: Buddhist 89%, Christian 4%, way toward penetrating Myanmar. Population (2014 estimate): 55.7 million Islam 4%, Animist 1%, other 2% Thus, a mother’s prayers and wit- Capital and Largest City (2011 estimate): Literacy Rate: 92.7% (2011 estimate) ness continue to bear eternal fruit. Yangon (Rangoon), 4.4 million Other Large Cities: Mandalay, 1.06 million; Achieved independence in 1948, known as For more information about church Nay Pyi Taw 1.06 million Burma until 1989 (the U.S. State Department planting efforts in Myanmar, visit Monetary Unit: Kyat does not recognize the name change) southeastasiapartnership.com/#/ National Name: Pyidaungsu Myanmar where-does-seap-serve/myanmar- Naingngandau Source: www.factmonster.com/country/ national-partners. Principal Language: Burmese myanmar.html
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AN RTS aul Hahn is living with their families watching. In proof that an errant that microsecond the Holy Spirit tennis shot can serve nudged me hard, as if to say, ‘Paul, (pun partially intend- do you see that down there? That’s ALUMNUS ed) as a life-changing what you need to be doing as a moment. It happened family — being a friend to other one day in 1994 in families.” Auburn, Alabama, In that moment Paul revisited a HAS BECOME where Paul was a calling to church planting that he campus minister and his wife, Fran, received when with Reformed Uni- he was a student at RTS-Jackson. COORDINATOR versity Fellowship “I finished my tennis match and at Auburn Universi- went home,” he continues, “and be- ty. By his admission, cause my wife was pregnant with the RUF ministry our third child, I thought she would OF THE PCA was thriving there, kill me if I talked about what hap- with student attendance at week- pened. But I told her the whole sto- ly meetings increasing tenfold in ry, and she said she’d been thinking four years, but Paul felt a gnaw- about the same thing too. So we MISSION ing sense that he should be doing went back to that church planting something different. awakening we’d always had on our “I was playing tennis with some- hearts since seminary.” TO NORTH body,” he recalls, “and he hit a ball Paul’s subsequent church plant- against the screen, and when I ing experiences in Texas and went to get the ball, I looked down Tennessee prepared him for his at a field by an elementary school new role as coordinator of the PCA AMERICA. where kids were playing soccer, Mission to North America. In that
22 Ministry & Leadership role, Paul lends leadership to the church in Gulfport: Guy Richard, the center of my life, and he want- denomination’s church planting a senior at Auburn whose girl- ed that.” and other mission work through- friend was involved in RUF there. In 1994, responding to the call out the continent. “Guy would come to a Bible study I to church planting, the Hahns left Though he grew up in Lake- helped lead,” Paul recounts, “and Alabama for Texas to plant Re- land, Fla., in a Christian home and he would sit in the corner and tie deemer Presbyterian Church in “walked the aisle” at an evangelistic his shoes, or look at the ground — Austin, a daughter congregation of meeting at age 11, the Yale Univer- anything but listen to anything we Park Cities Presbyterian Church sity graduate struggled with assur- talked about. About 10 years later in Dallas (see “Deeper in the Heart ance of his salvation even into min- one of my staff members in Texas of Texas” on page 30). Redeemer istry with an interdenominational said he met a guy who said he had grew to the point where it planted mission agency and, later, his been converted through RUF at other churches of its own, with one arrival in Jackson to attend RTS. Auburn. When I found out it was of those plants starting a plant as Paul’s seminary experience helped Guy, I called him and asked him well. him resolve those doubts and clar- how that happened, because he Afternine years there, sensing ified his calling to do “what I was hadn’t listened to anything. He it was time for a transition to new made to do: to be a pastor, to preach said he had been listening — I had leadership, Paul and his family the gospel, to minister people to- talked about Jesus in the most nat- (which now included four children) ward Christ.” ural way, as if He was real and at moved to Knoxville, Tenn., where While he and Fran served as he pastored what became Redeem- ministry interns at First Presby- er Church of Knoxville. “It was UT terian Church in Gulfport, Miss., (University of Texas) to UT (Uni- they received their initial sense of versity of Tennessee), burnt orange calling to church planting. Terry to Big Orange, and the churches Geiger, one of Paul’s predeces- were both named Redeemer, so ev- sors as PCA MNA coordinator, erything was covered for me,” Paul preached there on a Sunday night observes with a laugh. on the gospel and church planting. In 2015 Paul transitioned into “I can still see my wife and a church planting coordi- me sitting in the pew,” Paul nator role with his presby- remembers, “and when he tery in Tennessee, but just pronounced the benedic- two months after officially tion, we looked at each other starting that position, he and said, ‘Do you want to was asked to be part of the do that? That’s what I want search for a new MNA co- to do.’” After much coun- ordinator. Lo and behold, sel, Paul saw RUF campus after several months and a ministry as a means of series of phone interviews preparation for later church and face-to-face interviews, planting — he graduated Paul was recommended to from RTS in the spring of the PCA General Assem- 1990, and the Hahns moved bly, with final approval at to Auburn that summer. the end of June 2016. During their time in Al- “I’m very humbled abama, Paul had an unex- and honored to be called pected influence on the life to this,” Paul declares.
of a man who later gradu- MARSH FRED “When I think about the ated from RTS and became previous three coordina-
senior pastor of that same COURTESY Continued on page 25
www.rts.edu 23 An example of the partnership be- Readiness Seminar at RTS-Char- tween RTS and the PCA Mission to lotte, to help students explore their North America is MNA’s role in the suitability for church planting. newly launched Center for Church Planting at RTS-Charlotte. The • The two organizations are working PARTNERS purpose of the CCP is to become together to help place RTS-Char- a national and international re- lotte graduates in various church source for the planting of Reformed planting opportunities nationwide. churches committed to the author- ity of Scripture, the centrality of • MNA staff member Jim Hatch IN preaching and the Great Commis- serves on the CCP advisory board. sion. It will specialize in training future pastors for the unique chal- • The idea for the CCP originated lenges, complexities and opportuni- in a discussion between Jim and ties that church planters face. Dr. Kruger, with Jim proposing Dr. PLANTING The CCP is Hawkes as the director. directed by Dr. Tom Hawkes • Dr. Hawkes and Dean Faulkner met (pictured), se- with Jim and other MNA staff mem- nior pastor of bers to consult on what to include CHURCHES Uptown Church in the training program. in Charlotte, THE CENTER visiting lectur- “We are so pleased to see how er of practical God has opened the doors for the FOR CHURCH theology at RTS-Charlotte and CCP here in Charlotte,” Dr. Kruger former MNA associate coordina- says. “We believe that the Great PLANTING AT tor for church planting. Over two Commission moves forward most decades ago Dr. Hawkes planted effectively through the planting of RTS-CHARLOTTE Uptown, out of which five addi- new churches. And we want those tional churches have been planted churches to be planted by pastors WILL SPECIALIZE (RTS-Charlotte president Dr. Mi- who love Reformed theology, be- chael Kruger and his wife, Melis- lieve in the power of preaching and IN TRAINING sa, serve on Uptown’s staff). have a heart for the lost.” Dean Faulkner, CCP assistant Charlotteprovides fertile ground FUTURE PASTORS director, is also a visiting lecturer for the CCP. With a metropolitan of practical theology at RTS-Char- population of 1.8 million, a world- lotte and a seasoned church plant- class business and professional com- er who has trained many young munity, a vibrant and growing ur- pastors and church planters in the ban center, a rich cultural heritage, PCA. He is finishing his Doctor of and a diverse mix of people groups Ministry degree at RTS-Charlotte. in need of the gospel, the Queen City Dr. Hawkes outlines some links provides church planters prepared between the CCP and MNA: by the CCP/MNA partnership with endless opportunities for ministry. • MNA has helped raise money for the CCP through its Antioch Fund. For more about the CCP at RTS- Charlotte, visitwww.rts.edu/site/ • The CCP is working with MNA to rtsnearyou/charlotte/churchplanting/ launch an annual Church Planting overview.aspx.
24 Ministry & Leadership FRED MARSH FRED COURTESY
Paul (center) is flanked by (from left) MNA committee chairman (and RTS alumnus) Doug Domin, immediate past MNA chairman Phil Douglass, immediate past MNA coordinator Jim Bland, and immediate past PCA committee on discipleship coordinator Charles Dunahoo.
tors, each of them had a huge im- fruitfulness?’ In answering those salvation, but also has to be the pat- pact on me. I’m not nearly the man questions, we must realize that the tern of our lives. We all have to ask of faith that they are, but I would gospel is not just the ground of our ourselves, ‘Where does God want like to carry on their lin- me to die afresh? Where eage by God’s grace.” does Jesus want me to share Paul sees his vision for the life of the cross with Him MNA as threefold. “We afresh?’” have typically had a To that end Paul and Fran, two-pronged approach to now empty nesters who be- ministry: church plant- came grandparents for the ing and missional or out- first time in December, have reach partnership,” he relocated to Georgia, where explains. “I want to add MNA is headquartered. a third prong: church re- From there Paul carries out newal. Many of our PCA the latest chapter in his min- churches are struggling istry journey. Whether an to answer questions like errant tennis shot will again ‘Who are we? Why are have anything to do with the we here now? What is HAHN PAUL Hahns’ future direction is our moment now? Are anybody’s guess. COURTESY we here for this gener- ation of believers, and Paul and his wife, Fran, met at a Christian student For more information about can we have a fresh conference in 1983. Paul and the PCA MNA, visit sense of mission and pcamna.org/profiles/paul-hahn.
www.rts.edu 25 Counting the Cost A JAPANESE ECONOMICS PROFESSOR STUDIES WITH THE RTS GLOBAL CAMPUS.
hiba, Japan, only academic subject, so to try to about 20 miles construct a strong Christian southeast of the background, I thought I need- center of To- ed more study. I had various kyo, features a options, and my pastor sug- distinct blend of gested I take classes from RTS, modernity and because he studied at RTS-Or- ancient tradition. lando.” Pastor Meiri’s conver- On the one hand, sion to Christianity took place the city boasts in Orlando while living with a the world’s lon- Christian family there. gest suspended From Hikari’s perspec- monorail. On tive, pursuing a degree from the other, Shinto and Bud- RTS-Global equips him to dhist shrines dot the cityscape. In view economics from a biblical this milieu, Hikari Ishido serves as “It’s not about worldview. “I started thinking a professor of economics at Chiba about the [difference] between a University, while working toward materialistic materialistic way of living and a a Master of Arts in Religion degree more spiritual way of living,” he from the RTS Global campus. abundance — explains. “That’s how I made up Unlike the vast majority of his fel- my mind to study theology.” low Japanese, Hikari is a third-gen- true richness is Theological education has also eration Christian — his grandfather prepared Hikari to influence the was converted through a street something spiritual.” world around him with the gospel, evangelism mission in northern Ja- having been invited onto Japanese pan (“an unreached area with lots —Hikari Ishido talk shows to discuss his profes- of pagan beliefs,” Hikari notes). His sion as an economist, his faith in own conversion took place during his university years. Christ and the connection between the two: “I always “Back then I was kind of skeptical, entangled by rela- say it’s not about materialistic abundance — true rich- tivistic ideas,” he confesses. But when invited to attend ness is something spiritual,” Hikari testifies. a Christian summer camp, and through conversations He also makes the most of opportunities to pro- with pastors, “I got persuaded to abandon my relativis- claim the gospel to his university students. “No tic ideas and came to faith in Christ,” Hikari adds. church- or Bible-related student activities are al- His current pastor, Tokuhiro Meiri, introduced him lowed on campus, so I have to be very cautious,” he to RTS. “I was looking for a chance to study the Bible explains, noting that “if my students have some trou- [in an academic setting],” Hikari says. “By training ble mentally or spiritually or emotionally, then I can I’m an economist, and I was studying economics as an highlight my own personal beliefs because those stu-
BY PAUL SCHWARZ
26 Ministry & Leadership - - - - - 27 pro www.rts.edu family in Japan.
— Paul Schwarz
Church theological education is more information, visit rts.edu/ visit information, more When Chiharadai Chiharadai truly available, accessible and flex their particular life situation. For these others, RTS-Global/DE all course available content free for are prohibited from doing so by ford seminary,ford RTS-Global/DE of financialfers aid, wellas as makes download through Mobile. RTS ible, theible, possibilities are endless. For of admissions Edward Murray contributedthis to item. global. RTS-Global/DE executive RTS-Global/DEglobal. executive director and John David director possibilities into realities. into possibilities ly online.ly those can’t af who For hybrid (residential/online) and ful vides multiple options, including RTS-Global/DE helps turn those ------. gatherswith his more information about RTS-Global/Distance about information more Accessible, Flexible Hikari The church was planted by PCA Mission to the World missionaries my, to be a wise investment. my, For Accessible, “Available, accompanying the see Education, rts.edu/global. visit or Flexible” , COURTESY HIKARI ISHIDO RTS-Global/DE en - - - - some aresome called to be full- very Christian to to sem go Ultimately, Ultimately, While seek to be thoroughly equipped to seminary-level teaching, whether sistant support, and a fully staffed student services department. students the have personal, hu through mobile apps or webpages. technology, anyone can receive on-campus traditional the through time, residential students, others tion and logistical support, live fac ables e a positive learning experience. format, format, a hybrid a fully man support they need to have downloading lectures free for rightly With handle Word. God’s inary, in that all believers should ulty interaction and teaching as online program, even through or RTS-Global/DE provides: registra ------new, intuitive fea new, Global: Available has always been at the
al/Distance Education Education al/Distance able, accessibleable, and flexi forefront of making of forefront theo emphasis is the RTS-Glob program. vision Its is to logical education as avail ble asble possible. The most bring quality seminary seminary quality bring visible expression of this TS may not know not everythingmay there is to know invites them to his church, is he where a rul accomplish this, RTS-Global/
less visible to Hikari is his of the completion To No Hikari Hikari training in the Reformed tradition to students across such the globe, tures to its courses, such as online a high instruction, of level inter as Hikari Ishido main (see article). activity and ease use of by lever aging technology while ensuring in both desktop and mobile en classrooms and media platforms vironments. The aim is to bring
DE is addingDE RTS the community around us, are we united.” thing, while courses the RTS require more asking a lot about theology economics (or that for matter), but his questions and interaction among students.That’s what dents are coming guidance.” to for me ing that has he just two more courses to finish and that ing in elder congregation a originally planted by PCA one cultureone know doesn’t everything.” church — only 10 members accordingchurch — but only — 10 to Hikari, been a student for 10 years,” he says with says he years,” a laugh,been not 10 a student for hashe learned to adjust to a different of education.style M.A.R. degree “I from started RTS. so I have in 2006, Mission to the World missionaries.Mission to the a very World small It’s I like being about in the [program], though, because way. When comes to it [evangelizing]way. nonbelievers in work towardwork degree an RTS appears, econo in God’s “Here in Japan it’s about trying“Here about init’s Japan to remember every “the Lord is working through us in quite an invisible o mark a half-century of God’s faithfulness, this past October the RTS family gathered in Jackson to look back at the seminary’s formative moments, honor God’s work and look ahead to future generations bringing glory to God’s holy, inerrant Word. Highlights included a dinner keynoted by RTS chancellor and CEO Dr. Ligon Duncan, reminiscences by former professors, alumni providing stories of their time at seminary and the application of their education in their ministries, a worship service in Grace Chapel, a picnic lunch and campus tours. For more information about the celebration, visit 50th.rts.edu. The complete photo album can be viewed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ReformedJackson/ photos by selecting the RTS 50th Anniversary album.
28 Ministry & Leadership Photographs by Bentley Crawford
www.rts.edu 29 by Paul Schwarz administrative resources. The two cities also share a strategic he city of Dallas and its sur- growth template — at the end of rounding area has been giv- 2015, Dallas was the second-fast- en a variety of appellations est-growing city in the United — “Big D,” “Metroplex” and States, with the first-fastest-grow- “Gateway to the West” being ing being Houston. just a few. Now you can add DEEPER Park Cities Presbyterian Church in the “RTS Campus Location” to is the local congregation hosting the list of descriptions, as the RTS-Dallas, with Providence Pres- seminary has already begun byterian Church also playing a key offering classes in Dallas during role in inviting RTS to the area. the current spring semester. “Reformed theology is almost un- Course offerings began on Janu- known in the Southwest by com- ary 30 with Dr. Miles Van Pelt and parison with, say, the Southeast,” have continued with Dr. Chad Van observes David Rea, senior pastor Dixhoorn, Dr. Richard Belcher at Providence and RTS-Charlotte and Dr. Guy Waters. HEART alumnus. “In Texas alone there Together with RTS-Houston, of are 28 million people, and in north RTS wants to serve the church Texas you have 7 million people. throughout Texas and the entire To me, it was obvious that we des- Southwest by preparing its leaders perately need a seminary like RTS with a mind for truth and a heart in the Southwest to help commu- for God with a view to a life for nicate the truths of Scripture, the ministry. Pending accreditation gospel and the Protestant approval, RTS-Dallas will offer Reformation.” Master of Divinity and Master of That cultural backdrop Arts (Theological Studies) degrees frames RTS’ acceptance starting this fall. TEXAS of the invitation to ex- The Dallas campus is part of RTS responds to an pand into Dallas. “We a larger vision for the Lone Star wouldn’t be here if it State, with RTS-Houston and invitation to launch a new weren’t for people like RTS-Dallas working together David Rea and Mark Da- through sharing faculty and campus in Dallas. vis (senior pastor at Park
30 Ministry & Leadership Cities),” says Dr. Ligon Duncan, My heart and mind have been to RTS chancellor and CEO. “RTS serve a local congregation, and I’m goes where the church wants us bringing that into the classroom, to be. To have pastors, elders and hoping to impart theological edu- churches say we need to be here in cation that touches the heart and Dallas means a lot to us.” not just the head, helping students According to David, RTS needs see that theology grows best in a to be in Dallas because of the quali- local church context.” ty of the people who serve with the Dr. Duncan concurs: “Mark is a seminary: “In my experience, RTS capable theologian with a pastor’s has the most wonderful professors heart for the church. He is pas- an institution could have. My ex- sionately committed to theological perience is that RTS has the best education. Mark possesses the aca- scholars in their respective fields, demic and pastoral credentials and but not only that, RTS encourag- hired by RTS adjunct professor experience we need to lead this es and emphasizes the fact that Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, and served work. He also has the energy for it.” they want their professors to be alongside other current and former Adding to Dr. McDowell’s ener- ordained ministers serving in local RTS faculty including Dr. Derek gy is Bogdan Witecki, hired as a churches, presbyteries and denom- Thomas and Dr. Ralph Davis. librarian/administrator, as well inations. So you don’t just have ac- “This is a tremendous opportuni- as David Foster, a former RTS ad- ademicians, you have ministers of ty for opening ministry doors into junct professor, serving as director the Word with a shepherd’s heart the Southwest,” says Dr. McDow- of church relations. As this issue and a scholar’s training. The pro- ell, who will serve as assistant went to publication, the seminary fessors really do feel called to in- professor of systematic theology as was in the process of filling two vest in the lives of their students.” well as give leadership to the cam- professorial openings related to Those investments at RTS-Dal- pus. “It’s a very attractive respon- RTS-Dallas and RTS-Houston, las have begun with the appoint- sibility, and being part of the RTS with the professors shared be- ment of Dr. Mark McDowell faculty is an honor and privilege. tween the two campuses. (above) as executive director. He With Texas being a frontier for comes to RTS via Northern Ire- Reformed theology in some ways, land and most recently (since 2012) and with a desire to influence all from the pastoral staff of First kinds of Bible-believing people, Presbyterian Church in Colum- RTS embarks on the advancement bia, South Carolina, where he was of its Texas-sized adventure with enthusiasm and excitement.
For more about RTS-Dallas and its degree programs, visit rts.edu/Dallas. The campus is now accepting student applications for this coming academic year at rts.edu/apply.
www.rts.edu. 31 RTS AT WORK
PUBLICATIONS
Dr. Richard Belcher wrote A Commentary on Job: The Mystery of Suffering and God’s Sovereignty (Christian Focus, summer).
Dr. William Fullilove wrote Introduction to Hebrew: A Guide for Learning and Using Biblical Hebrew (P&R, April).
Dr. Charles Hill contributed “The Authentication of John: Dr. Robert Cara wrote Dr. Scott Swain contributed Self-Disclosure, Testimony, and Verification in John 21:24” Cracking the Foundation “The Attributes of God” to to Andrew Pitts, ed., The Language and Literature of the of the New Perspective Reformation Theology, ed. New Testament. Essays in Honour of Stanley E. Porter’s on Paul: Covenantal Matthew Barrett (Crossway, 60th Birthday (Brill, 2016); and “How John Uses Culture,” Nomism Versus Reformed March), and “On Divine to Daniel Estes and Ruth Sheridan, eds., How John Works: Covenantal Theology for the Names,” to Aquinas Among Storytelling in the Fourth Gospel (SBL Press, 2016). Reformed Exegetical and the Protestants, ed. David Doctrinal Series (Christian VanDrunen and Manfred Focus / Mentor, April). Svensson (Wiley-Blackwell, Dr. Michael Kruger wrote Christianity at the Crossroads: May). How the Second Century Shaped the Future of the Church (SPCK/IVP Academic, July).
IN MEMORIAM and University of Mississippi alumnus the service when he would visit First Frank Tindall (1917-2016) was predeceased by his wife, Joy, with Presbyterian Church in Jackson, whom he raised their two daughters shaking his hand and talking. He was and their son at their Delta home, always an encouragement to me. RTS Joyland. is blessed to have the founders we Frank retired from farming in 2000 had. Now that Frank, the last of ours, at age 83 and was an active community has finished his race, I am even more servant and churchman, serving as an determined to see his and their legacy elder at First Presbyterian Church of continued and adorned.” Indianola. The RTS family knows him Frank is survived by his children best, though, as one of the signers of and their families. “Pop” was the ecember 11, 2016, marked the end the charter to start the seminary. proud grandfather of eight and great- of an era at RTS, as Frank Tindall, “It is hard to calculate the good that grandfather of 15. D the last of the original six founders Frank Tindall’s generosity has done, In his honor, RTS has established of the seminary, went home to be with not only for RTS, but also for ministries the Joy and Frank Tindall Scholarship the Lord. He passed away just two like Reformed University Fellowship,” Fund. For more information about months shy of his 100th birthday. The says Dr. Ligon Duncan, RTS chancellor the scholarship, visit www.rts.edu/ Indianola, Miss., resident, World War and CEO. “It is my privilege to have seminary/financialaid.aspx. II commissioned officer in the Navy known him. I loved meeting him after
32 Ministry & Leadership COMMENCEMENTS EVENTS
ATLANTA, MAY 20, 10 A.M. CHARLOTTE ORLANDO Midway Presbyterian Church, Powder Springs, Ga. Speaker: Dr. Ric Cannada, chancellor emeritus
CHARLOTTE, MAY 20, 11 A.M. Christ Covenant Church, Matthews, N.C. Speaker: Brian Habig, pastor, Downtown Presbyterian Church, Greenville, S.C.
The Harold O.J. Brown The Kistemaker Academic JACKSON, MAY 20, 10 A.M. Lecture Series took Lecture Series on March First Presbyterian Church, Jackson place Feb. 28, with guest 14-15 featured speaker Dr. Speaker: Dr. Valdeci Santos, Andrew lecturer Dr. Carl Trueman Timothy George of Beeson Jumper School of Theology, Mackenzie of Westminster Theological Divinity School. University, Sao Paulo, Brazil Seminary. Vision Dinner, Sept. 19 — ORLANDO, MAY 26, 6 P.M. JACKSON Speaker: Dr. Scott Swain, Saint Andrew’s Chapel, Sanford, Fla. Women in Ministry and campus president Speaker: Dr. Ligon Duncan, RTS chancellor and CEO the Student Cabinet hosted “Biblical Manhood & WASHINGTON, D.C., MAY 26, 7:30 P.M. Womanhood” with Dr. Ligon McLean (Va.) Presbyterian Church Duncan, Feb. 17. Speaker: Glenn Hoburg, senior pastor, Grace DC Downtown
President’s Inauguration, Sept. 20 — Speaker: Dr. MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES Kevin Vanhoozer, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Placement of graduates is a high priority at RTS. The student The Biblical Theology affairs office, faculty and staff aid students in job placement Conference on March 500th Anniversary of both formally and informally. Churches, denominations and 22-23 featured Dr. Dennis the Reformation events parachurch organizations seeking pastors, assistant pastors, E. Johnson, professor — visit www.rts.edu/site/ youth ministers, Christian education directors, counselors of practical theology at rtsnearyou/orlando/500_ and other ministry workers regularly contact the seminary. Westminster Theological anniversary.aspx for more RTS provides a web-based placement tool for ministries to Seminary, Escondido, Calif. information (additional post open positions. events are being added) If you would like to post a position on the RTS website, visit Summer Institute for Biblical rts.edu/vocationalservices and click on the Post New Languages: The Hughes Preaching Position link. Greek I — June 19–July 14 Lecture Series will be Greek II — July 17–Aug. 11 inaugurated Dec. 5-6 with Hebrew I — June 19–July 14 Kevin DeYoung, chancellor’s Hebrew II — July 17–Aug. 11 professor of systematic and historical theology.
www.rts.edu 33 RTS AT WORK
TRAVEL AND SPEAKING
Dr. Michael Allen gave and taught ethics at Puritan City, May 12-13. He will preach and lecture on “The the Scripture and Ministry Reformed Theological co-speak with his wife, Doctrine of the Trinity” lecture on March 22 and a Seminary, Grand Rapids, Melissa Kruger, at the PCA for the Central Florida chapel sermon on March Mich., March 13–17 (and will General Assembly Women’s Presbytery, which will meet 23 as part of the multi-year teach ethics there again May Ministry program, June at RTS-Orlando, April 11. creation project at the 8–12). 14, and will be a plenary Henry Center at Trinity speaker at a conference at Evangelical Divinity School, First Presbyterian Church, Deerfield, Ill. He will teach Macon, Ga., Sept. 15-17, on a course on Reformation “The Reliability of Scripture.” theology at Regent College, Vancouver, July 10-14. Dr. Charlie Wingard taught Dr. Ric Cannada is the D.Min. class “Theology continuing his travels to of Ministry” at Mackenzie Indonesia to help with University, Sao Paulo, Brazil, church planting efforts there. March 13-17. Dr. James Newheiser will Dr. Mark Futato will teach be plenary speaker at the Dr. James Anderson taught Old Testament Survey for annual FIRE (Fellowship apologetics at the Sovereign Cru’s Institute for Biblical of Independent Reformed RTS GLOBAL/ Grace Pastors College, Studies, Fort Collins, Colo., Evangelicals) international Louisville, Ky., March 7-10, June 15-28. meeting, Sugar Creek, Ohio, DISTANCE and will speak at a retreat for May 15-17. Uptown Presbyterian Church, Dr. Charles Hill spoke EDUCATION Charlotte, April 28-30. to the Tampa Bay Fellows, Blair Smith taught March 18, on the work of systematic theology in In the fall 2016 semester, RTS Dr. Bruce Baugus and Salvador Dali. Thailand in late January to Distance Education pub- Dr. Guy Waters taught missionaries from the Far lished the following courses: on presbyterianism and Dr. Michael Kruger will East. This past summer he preaching in East Asia in be a plenary speaker for gave a Thornwell Lecture at The Origin and Authority of February. Dr. Baugus also the B.B. Warfield Memorial First Presbyterian Church, the New Testament Canon, taught systematic theology Lecture Series at the Columbia, S.C. Dr. Michael Kruger. onsite at RTS-New York City, Alliance of Confessing March 10–11 and 17–18, Evangelicals, Oklahoma Dr. Scott Swain will Theology of Worship, Dr. Ligon Duncan (RTS Distance Education’s first all-video IN MEMORIAM celebrating his 102nd birthday. course). Dr. Will Norton (1915-2017) Dr. Norton, who taught in Jackson and Charlotte, served Coming this summer: ust before this issue went as a missionary in Africa and C.S. Lewis (Dr. Andrew to print, the RTS family was the founding director of the Hoffecker) and Missions (Dr. Jwitnessed the homegoing of Doctor of Missiology program in Craig Sheppard) Dr. Will Norton, Distinguished Jackson. A longer obituary can Professor of Missions be found in the digital version of For more information, visit Emeritus, less than a week after this issue at www.rts.edu/madl. rts.edu/global.
34 Ministry & Leadership THE JOURNAL OF REFORMED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY REFORMED FAITH & PRACTICE
Three times a year, the RTS faculty publishes an online journal, Reformed Faith & Practice: The Journal of Reformed Theological Seminary, found at journal.rts.edu. The journal focuses on academic theology for the church, with a special goal to serve RTS alumni in pastoral ministry as an ongoing source of theological reflection.
Edited by John Muether, RTS Dean of Libraries and RTS-Orlando professor, the most recent issue features a collection of historical and theological essays written in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the seminary. Also included is an extended review article by Dr. Gregory Lanier, assistant professor of New Testament and dean of students at RTS-Orlando, on two recently published New Testament Greek grammars.
Visit the website to create an e-mail subscription to the journal.
WWW.JOURNAL.RTS.EDU Ministry & Leadership Non- Profit Reformed Theological Seminary Organization US Postage 5422 Clinton Boulevard PAID Jackson, MS 39209 Reformed Theological Seminary
Accreditation approval pending.
RTS IS NOW IN DALLAS
Prepare for a lifetime of ministry in a community of truth and grace, close to home.
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JACKSON • ORLANDO • CHARLOTTE • ATLANTA • WASHINGTON D.C. • NEW YORK CITY • HOUSTON • MEMPHIS • GLOBAL