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Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

    Educates students who love the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word, equips pastors for the ministry of the gospel, and prepares others in the church for effective service in His kingdom, all within the framework of the historic Reformed faith.

    Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary
    7418 Penn Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15208
    412-731-6000
    www.rpts.edu
    [email protected]

    MISSION

    To educate students who love the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word, equipping pastors for the ministry of the gospel and preparing others in the church for effective service in His kingdom, all within the framework of the historic Reformed faith.

    Preparing ministers of the gospel, RPTS emphasizes:

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

    Its classic Reformed theological education engages students in mind and heart with the Scriptures and with the society in which they live.· Equipped and strengthened in the faith, RPTS graduates serve myriad denominational churches and their communities; most are church pastors and preachers.

    PROGRAMS

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

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

    The Seminary also offers a Graduate Theological Studies Diploma for those interested in graduate-level courses for credit but do not desire a full degree program.

    SPECIAL PASTORAL EMPHASIS

    All RPTS professors have significant “field” experience in the church. Classes are taught from the perspective of ordained pastors, and we believe this advantage is a significant one. Students laud the close, mentoring relationships they enjoy with professors during their studies, and even after graduation. Drawing on their own pastoral experience, our professors teach students to shepherd the church and serve their communities – and they teach by example as they gently guide students through theology. Our logo brand statement highlights this unique seminary experience that we offer to students: Study under pastors.

    HISTORY

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

    • • Classes commenced in 1810, making RPTS the fourth oldest seminary in the nation today;
    • • Over the first 46 years, RPTS shifted to at least five different locations over several states where its professors moved to pastor churches, which was common in that day;
    • • In 1856, the Seminary relocated to the North Side of Pittsburgh and then settled in a brick mansion on Pittsburgh’s East End in 1924;
    • • Today, while most students are from the Greater Pittsburgh area, RPTS draws people from all over the world;
    • • While it began with a Scotch-Irish heritage nearly two hundred years ago, today, RPTS reaches a much broader mix of the body of Christ’s church and the communities in which they live, along with a robust international presence.




    Upcoming Events

    Historical Events

    • Sep20

      2024 Westminster Conference

      The conference will begin on Friday evening at 6:20 p.m. and conclude at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. You may register online at the link below.


      Started: Sep 20, 2024

      Ended: Sep 21, 2024

      Place: Providence Presbyterian Church, 77 Phillips Lane, McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania



    • Jul08

      Theological Foundations for Youth 2024

      The Theological Foundations for Youth program is an annual ministry of the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary and Youth Ministries Committee of Synod dedicated to equipping young people for a life of ministry to Christ in the Reformed Presbyterian Church by providing intensive theological instruction, practical ministry experiences, and an increased awareness of opportunities to serve Christ within the RPCNA.

      Students can expect two weeks of intensive theological instruction in the history, doctrine, and distinctive principles of the Church from Seminary professors and TFY staff (often up to 8 hours of class per day), as well as a week of practical application in the context of a local RPCNA congregation. You will also spend time at the Reformed Presbyterian institutions (Seminary, Retirement Home and Geneva College) and free time for fellowship, reflection, and recreation.

      All young people must be recommended by their Session, communicant members of the RPCNA in good standing and must be Juniors in High School going into their Senior year in the Fall of 2024. The age range of students is between 16 and 18 years old. The application deadline is March 15.


      Started: Jul 08, 2024

      Ended: Jul 26, 2024

      Place: Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA



    • Oct20

      An Afternoon Tour of Rutherford Hall

      RPTS and the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation (PHLF) are coming together to present an afternoon tour of Rutherford Hall with informative lectures from PHLF historians and RPTS staff about the history of the building and the region which was once home to more millionaires than any other city in the world.


      Started: Oct 20, 2023

      Ended: Oct 20, 2023

      Place: The Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa.



    • Sep28

      An Evening of Psalms and Songs

      Jeremy Casella, Matthew Montgomery & Seth Jernigan will be performing live for this limited-seating event to raise funds for the various projects that are part of the 100 Years Celebration. The intimate setting will include plenty of music and opportunities to sing the Psalms. Stay tuned for ticket information.


      Started: Sep 28, 2023

      Ended: Sep 28, 2023

      Place: The Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa.



    • Jul09

      Theological Foundation for Youth (TFY)

      Who may apply: High School students (juniors going into their senior year Fall 2023) who are communicant members in good standing of an RPCNA congregation and have been recommended by their Session for the program.

      If you desire more information, please inquire with your local Session.


      Started: Jul 09, 2023

      Ended: Jul 27, 2023



    • Jul10

      Theological Foundations for Youth (TFY) Program

      Who may apply: High School students (juniors going into their senior year Fall 2022) who are communicant members in good standing of an RPCNA congregation and have been recommended by their Session for the program.

      For further questions, please contact the TFY Administrator, Kim Backensto.


      Started: Jul 10, 2022

      Ended: Jul 28, 2022

      Place: The Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 7418 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208



    • Sep09

      The Westminster Conference

      TIME: Friday 6:15 pm to 9:15 pm. Saturday 9 am to 12:15 pm.

      COST: $35 per person through August 10, 2021. $45 after August 10.


      Started: Sep 09, 2021

      Ended: Sep 10, 2021

      Place: Providence Presbyterian Church, 77 Phillips Lane, McKees Rocks, PA 15136



    • Mar11

      RPTS Annual Support Dinner 2021

      On March 12, 2021, at 6:30 p.m., you can join the many friends and supporters of the Seminary in a virtual event in place of our usual dinner at a hotel in Pittsburgh. During the evening, you will hear student testimonies, get updates on the latest news at RPTS, watch as Rev. Robert McFarland receives the Faithful Servant Award, and have an opportunity to participate in the support of the ministry of RPTS.

      And yes, we will ship a meal to your house so we may eat together, just as we usually do. Even if you are unable to attend, the evening is recorded and will be available on the Seminary Facebook or YouTube pages.

      TIME IS RUNNING OUT. REGISTER FOR THE MEAL BY FEBRUARY 23RD.

      President York has a short video to explain how the evening will work..

      Click here to explore more information about the event.

      To register, click here.


      Started: Mar 11, 2021

      Ended: Mar 11, 2021

      Place: Virtual



    • May21

      The Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary Commencement 2020

      The Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary’s in-person commencement ceremony for this year has been canceled. However, there will be a special commencement video available at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 22. Join the RPTS community for this virtual celebration of the 2020 RPTS graduates! Garrett Mann will give the Student Response, and Dr. Ray Heiple (Providence PCA Church) will give the main address.


      Started: May 21, 2020

      Ended: May 21, 2020



    • Apr19

      Jerry O’Neill Retirement Celebration

      For the past two plus decades, Jerry O’Neill has faithfully served the Lord as President of RPTS. As the Lord wills, he plans to retire at the end of June, 2018. The Seminary Board of Trustees has set the evening of Friday, April 20, 2018, as the date for a celebration of the Lord’s ministry here at RPTS through the labors of Jerry O’Neill. Everyone is invited to share in this special evening at the Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh.


      Started: Apr 19, 2018

      Ended: Apr 19, 2018

      Place: Sheraton Station Square, 300 W Station Square Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15219



    • Sep07

      Westminster Conference 2017


      Started: Sep 07, 2017

      Ended: Sep 08, 2017

      Place: Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 7418 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208



    • Apr20

      RPTS Biblical Counseling Institute Conference

      Sex, Sin, and Salvation: God’s Grace in a Fallen World.

      Speakers include Dr. Rosaria Butterfield, Rev. Tim Challies, Dr. Peter Jones, Dr. Heath Lambert, Dr. John Street, and Dr. Derek Thomas.

      Click here for the schedule, speaker biographies, hotel information, and registration.


      Started: Apr 20, 2016

      Ended: Apr 22, 2016

      Place: Christ Church at Grove Farm, Sewickley, PA



    • Sep10

      RPTS Westminster Conference

      For more information please contact Kim Backensto, [email protected] or call 412-731-6000


      Started: Sep 10, 2015

      Ended: Sep 11, 2015

      Place: Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary



    • Jul24

      RPTS Remaker Work Conference

      REmaker is a work-conference in which skilled and non-skilled laborers work side by side at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh on important projects around the campus and adjoining apartments for students in preparation for the school year.

      There is free room and board, and evening events, as well as devotions and teaching times led by RPTS professors C.J. Williams, Barry York, and Jack Kinneer. Fellowship with people from across the denomination and share your talents.

      View the Brochure

      Register Here


      Started: Jul 24, 2015

      Ended: Jul 31, 2015

      Place: Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary



    • Jun28

      RPTS Theological Foundation for Youth Program

      This is a three week program dedicated to equipping young people for a life of ministry to Christ in the RPCNA by providing intensive theological instruction, practical ministry experiences, and an increased awareness of opportunities to serve Christ.


      Started: Jun 28, 2015

      Ended: Jul 16, 2015

      Place: Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary



    • May21

      RPTS Graduation

      Come to the RP Seminary graduation ceremony. Contact [email protected] or call 412-731-6000 for more information.


      Started: May 21, 2015

      Ended: May 21, 2015

      Place: Memorial Park Presbyterian Church, 8800 Peebles Rd., Allison Park, PA



    • Apr23

      RPTS Biblical Counseling Conference

      Don’t miss this opportunity to benefit from the teaching of several men who really understand parenting and its impact on our churches and communities. Registration, session topics, and more information are available at www.rpts.edu/news.html.


      Started: Apr 23, 2015

      Ended: Apr 24, 2015

      Place: Christ Bible Church in Cranberry Township, Pa.



    • Mar26

      RPTS Annual Support Dinner

      The dinner will be held at Sheraton Station Square at 6:30 p.m.

      Contact Kim Backensto for information [email protected] or call 412-731-6000.

      We will be honoring our 8th Faithful Servant Award recipient, Rev. John H. Tweed.


      Started: Mar 26, 2015

      Ended: Mar 26, 2015

      Place: Sheraton Station Square



    • Sep11

      Westminster Conference

      INFORMATION: The annual Westminster Conference includes talks on God’s law, Q&A sessions, and book exhibits. The first 20 paid registrars will receive the brand-new book, Messiah the Prince Revisited, from Crown & Covenant Publications.

      LOCATION: Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 7418 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208.

      QUESTIONS:Contact RPTS at (412) 731-6000 or [email protected]. Details are also available online at www.rpts.edu.

      SPEAKERS: Dr. Jerry F. O’Neill, Dr. Jack D. Kinneer, Rev. Barry J. York, Dr. Richard C. Gamble, Rev. John W. Tweedle, and Dr. C.J. Williams.
      Download Registration Form


      Started: Sep 11, 2014

      Ended: Sep 12, 2014

      Place: Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary



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