Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1997 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA 175
3. Our instruction is guided by the theology and practice of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church of North America, a denomination which wholeheartedly
embraces the historic Reformed faith while stressing Christ's Kingship over every
area of life.
4. Our training emphasizes scholarship in Biblical studies, systematic theology,
and church history; the cultivation of personal godliness and Interpersonal skills;
and the development of spiritual gifts with a vision for discipling the nations of the
world.
5. Our educational setting is a multicultural urban environment which provides
both challenges and opportunities for ministry. Because the redemptive grace of
God is the basis for ultimate answers to the personal and interpersonal problems
around us, our ministry presents a message of reconciliation to God and to one
another through the Prince of Peace, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Two faithful faculty members, Bill Russell and Rachel George, are retiring this
year. They will be greatly missed. Both do their jobs very well and are highly
respected by the students. There was a recognition dinner for them at Geneva
College on Friday, April 26, 1996.
Mr. Tom Reid has located a house in Pittsburgh and began his responsibilities
June 1, 1996. He will serve as Registrar and Librarian. Also, we have a gifted staff
person, Karen Pie, to help in the library.
Church history courses for the 1996-97 year have been assigned to capable
instruaors. Jonathan Watt will teach Medieval and Patristic History, Wayne Spear
will teach History of the Reformation, and Tom Reid will teach The Church in
Modern Times. In the providence of God, these courses perfectly fiteach man's
area of expertise. Bruce Backensto has agreed to teach Apologetics to free Dr.
Spear to teach the church history class.
The ATS, Association of Theological Schools, visitation, originally scheduled
for the spring of 1997, has been pushed back to the fall of 1997, at the request
of President O'Neill. This was done because of the change in leadership and to
enable Tom Reid to be well established before such a visit. Dr. Wayne Spear will
lead our process of self-study. Tom Reid will do much of the writing of the actual
report.
A major project of the Board and the Seminary administration is the
development of a comprehensive plan for evaluation of all parties of the Seminary,
including the Board itself, the administration, the faculty, staff and students.
In faculty matters, we are happy to report that Mr. Duncan Lowe gave an oral
defense of his dissertation at Westminster Seminary on March 27, 1996. Plans are
being made to give Dr. Wayne Spear a short sabbatical, financespermitting. Dr.
Ed Robson continues his work with computers in both research and teaching.
At its April meeting, the Trustees approved in principle a proposed D.Min. to
be offered at RPTS, with the degree being granted by Westminster Theological