Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1997 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA 135
students take a class in the Theology and Method of Missions, with the goal t
students would in such a course gain a greater vision for discipling the nations.
This was a direct response to statements from our Mission Statement and Student
Outcomes which read as follows:
"Our training emphasizes scholarship in Biblical studies, systematic
theology, and church history; the cultivation of personal and interpersonal
skills; and the development of spiritual gifts-all with a vision for discipling the
nations of the world."
"(RPTS) is committed to developing the following qualities in its
students:... (an) eagerness to labor for Christ and His church with a servant's
hear, motivated by a vision to see the nations discipled."
In addition to this newly required course, we offer other missions courses to
students who desire such. We also continue to offer a Missionary Candidate
Certificate Program.
Recommendations:
1. That Synod elea Jerry O'Neill for a seven year term as President of the
Seminary and Professor of Pastoral Theology.
2. That Synod approve $80,000.00 for the Seminary from the budget of
RPMscM in 1998.
3. That Synod allocate to the Seminary a proportionate amount of its 1997
undesignated unrestriaed funds for capital improvements.
4. That Synod Grant Dr. Bill Edgar ten minutes to make a presentation seeking
the forgiveness of Synod for the Seminary's sin of racism in its treatment of
Lawrence Bottoms and Claude Brown.
5. That John Mitchell be nominated to fill a board position for the Class of 2003.
6. That Leverne Rosenberger and Richard Buck be nominated to fill a board
position for the Class of 2003.
7. That Pastor James Pennington be eleaed by Synod to serve another two year
term as Professor of Missions, a part-time Faculty position responsible for teaching
and coordinating our training in Missions, effeaive immediately.
8. That Synod grant Jerry O'Neill 10 minutes to speak in behalf of the Seminary.
Respeafully Submitted,
The report of the Psalm Music Committee was taken up. The following
motion was adopted regarding this committee: That the Committee be
discharged with thanks and that the Report be referred for information to
the Psalter Revision Committee to be appointed at this Synod.
Rich Johnston directed Synod in the afternoon prayer time. Delegates
joined again in small groups to pray and concluded the prayer time singing
Psalm 4A, stanza 6.
The time for re-convening for the afternoon meeting was set for 1:15
p.m. Following announcements, Synod took recess at 12:15 p.m.