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Tag: Redeemer Theological Academy

Our First Graduate from the Theological Academy!

September 26, 2025 /
Here is David Parker receiving his Certificate of Theological Studies. David is our first graduate from the Academy!

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

Redeemer Theological Academy–Fall Classes (2025)

August 14, 2025 /
Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Austin, Texas

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” Col. 1:28

What is happening this coming Fall at Redeemer Theological Academy? We are offering two courses for our students–one in Systematic Theology and a second class in Biblical Studies. Here are the course descriptions:

Here are some of the books we have used in our classes so far–all of them are winners!
  • “Ecclesiology & Eschatology” (Systematic Theology III) — This class will be taught by Dr. Marcus Serven and meet on Thursday mornings [9:30-11:30 AM]. 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 Mr. 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 PM] Sept. 18 through Dec. 11.

Both classes will be held on the campus of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Calvin Hall, Room 206. They can be taken for credit (towards the Certificate in Theological Studies), or they can be audited (not requiring any exams or research papers). These are in-person classes and attendance is required for those taking the classes for credit. Each student is responsible to purchase their own books.

There is no tuition for our classes–they are offered free-of-charge for serious minded students who wish to grow deeper in their faith and to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ. I hope you can join us this Fall–if not as a regular student, then perhaps as a one-time visitor. Come and check it out!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

If You Have Questions: Contact the Director, Dr. Marcus J. Serven, with any inquiries you may have about the Academy: mserven@redeemerpres.com

To Sign-Up: Contact our Registrar, Mr. Ken Kieley, to sign-up for classes (one or both): ken.kieley@gmail.com

Another Semester Completed at Redeemer Theological Academy!

July 15, 2025 /
Here is a normal Thursday morning class at Redeemer Theological Academy–I am being peppered with questions by our eager students!

Below are a few pictures from our post-semester celebration at Rudy’s BBQ here in Austin, TX on May 15th. In these pictures some of us were caught with our mouths full of food–nevertheless a good time was had by all! Not everyone from our class was able to attend this celebratory BBQ. Typically, our class size was 20 students each week. The Lord continues to prosper this educational ministry of our church. We look forward to what He will do in the semesters that lay ahead. 

This past year (2024-2025) we studied the “History of the Early Church.” Starting with the Apostolic Age we worked our way through the key personalities, significant events, and important doctrinal formulations of the first four and a half centuries of the Church of Jesus Christ (up to the Council of Chalcedon in A.D. 451). It was an exciting study, and one that brought about a lot of fervent discussion and spiritual growth. We also read the Early Church Fathers and Augustine’s Confessions. Both volumes were outstanding!

In addition, Mr. Max Smith taught a class on “Survey of the New Testament Scriptures.” All twenty-seven books were surveyed and discussed. Class size varied between 3-5 students. We appreciate your prayers and encouraging words as we move forward by faith at Redeemer Theological Academy. 

Until next semester,

Dr. Marcus J. Serven

“Kick-off Dinner” (Fall, 2024)

October 9, 2024 /
Sharing the vision for Redeemer Theological Academy for the new school year

Two weeks ago on Saturday, Sept. 21, Cheryl and I hosted a Fall “Kick-off dinner” in our home for all of the students and their spouses at Redeemer Theological Academy. It was a very a enjoyable gathering with excellent food, good fellowship, and an opportunity for all students to hear the plans for the new school year.

What exactly are our plans? In short, we anticipate adding a second teacher during the Winter term with a class on “New Testament Survey.” In addition, we plan to establish a “Chaplaincy” position to provide spiritual care for our students, and an “Academic Advisor” to assist with students who are writing research papers for the Certificate program. It should be an exciting year!

Currently, our class on “History of the Early Church” is in progress (Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 AM). We have enjoyed a solid turnout averaging over twenty attendees each week. Three students are enrolled in our Certificate of Theological Studies program and making good progress. I also anticipate we will hold one or two “Crucial Question Seminars” over the Fall as well.

The Lord is with us! Thanks be to God!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven, Director of Redeemer Theological Academy

An Update on Redeemer Theological Academy

March 1, 2024 /
In this picture we are discussing the importance of “by faith alone” (Sola Fide) and how Martin Luther came to that understanding as he studied Romans 1:16-17

Over the course of this Winter/Spring term I offered a class in theology on Thursday mornings (9:30-11:30 AM) sponsored by Redeemer Theological Academy. This course focused on the “Doctrine of Salvation.” Along with my teaching times, we worked our way through J. I. Packer’s well-regarded book, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, and later this Spring we will read John Murray’s classic study, Redemption: Accomplished and Applied. Throughout the class I regularly bring up citations from the Westminster Confession of Faith. My personal goal is to familiarize students with our Confession of Faith, and also to help them fill-up their own library with excellent Reformed literature.

Here are three of our textbooks–each one is a “keeper!”

We enjoyed a large response to the class this term! Twenty-five students signed-up to attend. Our average attendance over the first seven weeks of class is twenty-one students per session. Three students are taking the class for credit towards a Certificate of Theological Studies. Due to the large turn-out we moved into a larger classroom in Calvin Hall. This more commodious room gives us much more space to set out tables and chairs. We have lots of questions throughout the class time, and I try my best to not let us go down too many “rabbit trails.” I don’t always succeed in that effort! Nevertheless, we all have an enjoyable time seeking to understand the ways of God much better.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Announcing: Redeemer Theological Academy

January 15, 2024 /

Our church elders have recently approved the development of a new ministry at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX. It is called Redeemer Theological Academy. We will be offering college-level classes in Biblical studies, Theology, Church History, Apologetics, and Ministry skills. I will serve as the director of this endeavor. Other instructors will be added over time. Our plans for the winter months (2024) are twofold: 

  • “The Doctrine of Salvation” – This weekly class begins on Thursday, January 18th in Calvin Hall [Thursday mornings 9:30-11:30 AM, Room 208]. It will be taught by Pastor Marcus Serven. As part of the class we will read J. I. Packer’s Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, and John Murray’s Redemption: Accomplished and Applied. 
  • “Burning Theological Questions” – These occasional Friday evening seminars will focus on some of the key questions that many Christians have about the Christian faith—such as “Is there any hope for the future?” and “What evidences are there for the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ?” [dates and locations to be determined]. Various speakers will be presenting these seminars. More information coming soon!  

Both classes and seminars are provided free-of-charge to all members and attendees of Redeemer Presbyterian Church. In addition, students will be able to take classes for “credit” towards a Certificate of Theological Studies, or to “audit” classes. A Certificate of Theological Studies gives each successful student a strong foundation in the study of the Bible and Christian theology so that they can better serve the church in appropriate ministries. Men and women are welcome, plus mature High School and College students.

Questions? Contact Pastor Marcus Serven (mserven@redeemerpres.org) 

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

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