Yesterday, I had the special privilege of awarding David Parker his Certificate of Theological Studies from Redeemer Theological Academy! Over the past five years David faithfully completed six classes, along with exams and research papers, plus an extensive comprehensive exam at the conclusion of his studies. He exemplified the picture of a diligent student in his research and writing. I often had to remind him that his research papers did not have to be any longer than ten pages. But, he typically ignored my admonitions and wrote twenty page research papers! He so enjoyed the quest of digging deeper into theological subjects, that his zeal manifested itself in longer than required papers.
The goal of our Certificate of Theological Studies program is to equip the men and women of our congregation for various forms of ministry. We are not endeavoring to become a seminary, but we are a church-based theological education program that prepares our students to serve Jesus Christ in their own unique callings–that may be as Bible teachers (both formal and informal), small group leaders, church officers, missionaries, and evangelists. We offer in-person courses in Bible, Theology, Church History, Apologetics, and Ministry. Not all of our students have chosen to pursue the Certificate program. Each student can choose to audit classes (which have no requirements other than attending classes), or to take classes for credit towards the Certificate. It is your choice. All of our classes are offered free-of-charge.
If you find yourself in Austin, Texas on a Thursday, then feel free to drop by as a guest and see what we are all about. Our current classes are:
- “Ecclesiology & Eschatology” (Systematic Theology III) — This class will be taught by Marcus Serven and meet on Thursday mornings [9:30-11:30]. Besides the weekly lectures and handouts, we will read The Glorious Body of Christ by R. B. Kuiper and Christ and the Future by Cornelis Venema. Sept. 18 through Dec. 11.
- “The Old Testament Scripture” (Biblical Studies I & II) — This class will be a survey of all 39 books of the Old Testament, their authors and key themes. The class will be taught by Max Smith with readings given out each week—from your Bible and from various websites. It will meet on Thursday afternoons [12:30-2:30] Sept. 18 through Dec. 11.
— Dr. Marcus J. Serven, Director of Redeemer Theological Academy