Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan
A. The Multi-leveled Character of These Goals
The statement of principles with which this prospectus opened makes very clear that theology is the interest of the people of God in general. The goal of the Reformed Baptist School of Theology is not, therefore, simply to provide men who are or aspire to be vocational pastors with the training and education they need competently to fulfill their special calling. Admittedly, new Christians may not need or peculiarly profit from the level of instruction made available through the Reformed Baptist School of Theology. Yet more mature Christians who do not aspire to the Christian ministry may find the instruction of great value. The church stands in need of non-vocational pastors, competent teachers to assist the eldership, well-trained Christians who can wisely counsel needy souls. The Reformed Baptist School of Theology has for one of its goals to provide training for such Christian workers.
As its central focus, of course, the goal of the Reformed Baptist School of Theology is to train or educate men for the Christian ministry. The School provides a thorough theological education at the academic level normally necessary if a man is to labor by way of vocation in the ministry of the Word of God. Thus, later in this prospectus issues and policies related to the recognizing, education, and oversight of such men are explained. The courses of RBST will be taught at a level necessary and appropriate for the theological education of such men. While other Christians are welcomed to use the courses, the special focus of RBST is the education of men for the Christian ministry.
B. The Wide Breadth of These Goals
The biblical foundations for RBST explained above clarified the importance of cooperation among local churches in the matter of theological education. Because of this biblical principle and to maximize the usefulness and edification of the courses available through RBST, the Reformed Baptist School of Theology makes available its courses to other churches, pastors, and students. This is done by way of occasional, concentrated modular courses taught both in Grand Rapids and other places. It is also accomplished by audio or video taped courses. The guidelines under which the taped courses will be made available are discussed below.
Three distinctives of the approach to theological education offered by RBST must be explained at this point. RBST utilizes an eclectic approach in terms of its courses, a pastoral approach in terms of its instructors, and an ecclesiastical approach in terms of its administration.
A. Eclectic Approach in Terms of Courses
Eclectic has as one of its synonyms varied. Courses are taught in RBST in a varied or eclectic manner. In order to fulfill the broad and multi-leveled goals of RBST various kinds of courses and methods of teaching those course are utilized. Some courses follow the more traditional semester-length format. Concentrated modular courses are also used. The recognized aspirant to the vocational pastorate may occasionally be directed to take courses taught by conservative, traditional seminaries. Through these and other means a significant fraction of the instruction received in RBST is received in person (live) from the teachers. Audio and video taped courses overseen by the pastoral instructors of RBST will also provide a significant fraction of the instruction.
B. Pastoral Approach in Terms of Instructors
Since our central goal is to train men for the vocational pastorate (the Christian ministry), the regular instructors in RBST will be men who have demonstrated their qualifications for such ministry themselves. Occasionally, and especially for more technical language studies, courses may be taught by men who are not themselves vocational pastors.1
1 The reason for this policy has been explained in the treatment of the biblical foundations of RBST given above. We regard the occasional use of instructors who are not themselves vocational pastors as appropriate for two reasons. First, the Bible makes clear that there are gifts of teaching that may reside within men who are not vocational pastors. Second, in technical, language courses pastoral considerations are clearly secondary to a mastery of the technical material.C. Ecclesiastical Approach in Terms of Administration
The Reformed Baptist School of Theology is a ministry of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids. As such it operates under the oversight of the elders of that church. Something of the biblical necessity, advantages, and propriety of this organization of the School have been made clear in the treatment of biblical foundations mentioned above. The biblical importance of cooperation between local churches in the matter of theological education has also been stressed already. Because of the importance of such cooperation the eldership of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids is committed diligently to seek for this ministry the formal counsel, cooperation, and commendation of churches of like faith and practice.
A. The Careful Recognition of Such Aspirants
The Bible makes clear that some men are so gifted by God that they should labor vocationally as a pastor or minister of the Word of God (1 Cor. 9:14; Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim. 5:17). The central purpose of RBST is to provide a thorough theological education for vocational pastors and aspirants to the vocational Christian ministry (2 Tim. 2:2). Admission to RBST requires that the legitimacy of such a man's aspirations be assessed by his elders. When any man in the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids voices such aspirations to the elders of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids and applies for admission to RBST, he must submit an account of his aspirations and desire for admission to RBST in writing to the elders of the church. The legitimacy of his aspirations and application for admission will be reviewed in an interview with the elders of the church. If his aspirations are deemed legitimate and appropriate by the elders and his application to RBST accepted, he will then become a recognized aspirant to the vocational Christian ministry entitled to take classes for credit in RBST and the special, pastoral help and oversight which such a man requires. Several aspects of this special oversight are indicated in the following sections of this prospectus. Of course, this special status and the oversight it entails only continues as the elders remain able to view the man's aspirations as appropriate and legitimate. In other words, this status continues only as long as they view him as potentially a vocational pastor.
RBST also requires that a similar process take place in the case of a man in a sister church who is not residing in the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids. If the elders of a sister church desire a man to take classes for credit in RBST, they must notify the elders of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids that his aspirations have been reviewed and that they are regarded as appropriate and legitimate and forward his letter recounting his aspirations and application for admission.
Ordinarily only men who are at least 21 years of age, hold a Bachelor's Degree, and are members in good standing of churches that hold the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith shall be eligible to take classes for credit in RBST. The elders of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids reserve the right to waive any or all of these entrance requirements to RBST. They also reserve the right to decline the application of any man to RBST at their own discretion.
The requirement that a man's aspirations to the vocational ministry be reviewed and deemed legitimate and appropriate is not to be construed to mean that his elders are certain that he is or will be qualified to labor full-time in the gospel ministry. The intent of this language is simply that the elders not view as misguided his aspirations to the gospel ministry. No man should be engaged in studies for the gospel ministry when an area of glaring weakness in gift or grace makes it unlikely that he will ever be qualified for the Christian ministry.
Accordingly, permission to enroll and take classes for credit in RBST does not require that a man's gifts or graces be so mature or clear that his church is ready to free him from a secular vocation in order to study on a full-time basis. It is our expectation that many men in their first years in RBST will be taking classes on a part-time basis. One of RBST's purposes is to assist through modular and correspondence courses men who cannot study full-time.
B. The Educational Guidance of Such Aspirants
1. Initial Assessment and Plan
In conjunction with the interview with the eldership by which a man's aspirations to the ministry are evaluated and recognized, one of the pastors will meet with him to make an initial assessment of what courses he requires (in light of the master curriculum plan of RBST) to complete a thorough, theological education. Appropriate credit will be given for areas of theological study previously mastered. On the basis of this discussion an initial overall plan will be drawn up which indicates how and in what time-frame such a theological education will be completed. This plan will include a schedule of classes for one or more school years projected in light of the man's schedule and other responsibilities. This plan will be subject to occasional modifications as the man's situation changes by mutual agreement between the pastors and the man.
2. Yearly Re-assessment and Direction
Each year (usually in August or September) a pastor will meet with each of the recognized aspirants and re-assess the projected classes for the coming school year. He will also provide any direction needed and discuss any necessary modifications in the overall plan for that aspirant.
3. Course Credit, Records, and Transcripts
Though other Christians are welcomed to audit the courses offered by RBST, only recognized aspirants to the vocational pastorate or pastors may take the courses for credit. Records will be kept by RBST of the course grade achieved and transcripts made available to other institutions of higher learning at the request of any student or former student.
4. Final Recognition
When anyone completes the curriculum and the thorough theological education it embodies, this will be publicly announced to the church for thanksgiving and the matter appropriately recognized. A Diploma of Theological Studies will be granted to every student who completes the course of study. The completion of the theological curriculum of RBST, while normally implying that the elders of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids generally approve of a student's aspirations to the ministry, does not necessarily carry with it their commendation to any particular sphere of ministry. This is a distinct issue dependent on the judgment of the elders regarding additional factors.
C. The Special Oversight of Such Aspirants
Each year (usually in January or February) each recognized aspirant to the vocational pastorate and his developing qualifications for this role will be specially considered and discussed by the eldership. The assessment and evaluation of the elders will then be communicated to the recognized aspirant by one of the pastors in a meeting with him. An evaluative outline used by the elders of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids for this purpose is available upon request.
D. The Theological Requirements of Such Aspirants
1. The Necessity of a Thorough Theological Education
RBST is fully committed to the perspective that a thorough, theological education is ordinarily necessary for the vocation of the Christian ministry. Furthermore, even though God may call into the ministry and evidently bless the ministry of a man who lacks such a thorough education, it remains the duty of those who would undertake the training of men for the vocation of the Christian ministry to set before those committed to their charge high requirements of preparation. This should include the standard and goal of completing a thorough, theological education. Biblical teaching and the time-tested experience of the church of Christ show the basic areas of importance for a thorough, theological education. The famous Reformed theologian, Abraham Kuyper, endeavored to describe what is involved in a thorough, theological education. He called this the encyclopedia of theology. The following modification of Kuyper's organization of the science of theology is included here in order to clarify and emphasize how extensive a thorough theological education needs to be in our day and age.
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THEOLOGY
I . EXEGETICAL A. Books of the Bible-Isagogics B. Text of the Bible C. Contents of the Bible | II. HISTORICAL A. Ecclesiastical or B. Doctrinal History | III. SYSTEMATIC A. Apologetics B. Dogmatics C. Ethics D. Polemics | IV. PRACTICAL A. Homiletics B. Liturgics C. Poimenics D. Catechetics E. Church Order F. Missions |
Object: the Bible as such |
Object: the church in
historical manifestation | Object: Christian doctrine and
dogma | Object: the Church as the agency
for propagating the Word |
The master curriculum plan which follows endeavors to provide all the necessary courses to complete a thorough study of the science of theology as described in the above encyclopedia of theology.
2. The Master Curriculum Plan
REFORMED BAPTIST SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
[COMPLETE LIST OF REQUIRED COURSES]
INTRODUCTION:
EXEGETICAL THEOLOGY: __42 HOURS
HISTORICAL THEOLOGY: __10 HOURS
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY:__31 HOURS
PRACTICAL THEOLOGY: __ 22 HOURS
_________________________________
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED: 105 HOURSEXEGETICAL THEOLOGY
COURSE LENGTH BIBLICAL INTRODUCTION 2 HOURS HERMENEUTICS 2 HOURS GREEK GRAMMAR 1 4 HOURS GREEK GRAMMAR 2 4 HOURS INTERMEDIATE GREEK 2 HOURS HEBREW GRAMMAR 1 4 HOURS HEBREW GRAMMAR 2 4 HOURS INTERMEDIATE HEBREW 2 HOURS DEUTERONOMY* 2 HOURS ISAIAH* 2 HOURS ACTS * 3 HOURS ROMANS * 3 HOURS OLD TESTAMENT BIBLICAL THEOLOGY 1 2 HOURS OLD TESTAMENT BIBLICAL THEOLOGY 2 2 HOURS OLD TESTAMENT BIBLICAL THEOLOGY 3 2 HOURS NEW TESTAMENT BIBLICAL THEOLOGY 2 HOURS * EXEGETICAL COURSES ON OTHER BOOKS OF THE BIBLE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED AT THE JUDGMENT OF THE ELDERS.
HISTORICAL THEOLOGY
COURSE LENGTH HISTORICAL THEOLOGY 1 2 HOURS HISTORICAL THEOLOGY 2 2 HOURS HISTORICAL THEOLOGY 3 2 HOURS HISTORICAL THEOLOGY 4 2 HOURS SYMBOLICS (THE CONFESSION OF FAITH) 2 HOURS SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
COURSE LENGTH PROLEGOMENA TO SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
1-INTRODUCTION AND APOLOGETICS2 HOURS PROLEGOMENA TO SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
2-WORD AND CANON2 HOURS GOD 4 HOURS MAN 3 HOURS CHRIST 4 HOURS HOLY SPIRIT 2 HOURS CHRISTIAN LIFE 4 HOURS CHURCH 4 HOURS LAST THINGS 2 HOURS ETHICS 2 HOURS POLEMICS 2 HOURS PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
COURSE LENGTH PASTORAL THEOLOGY 1-HOMILETICS 2 HOURS PASTORAL THEOLOGY 2-HOMILETICS 2 HOURS PASTORAL THEOLOGY 3-HOMILETICS 2 HOURS PASTORAL THEOLOGY 4-HOMILETICS 2 HOURS PASTORAL THEOLOGY 5 2 HOURS PASTORAL THEOLOGY 6 2 HOURS PASTORAL THEOLOGY 7 2 HOURS PASTORAL THEOLOGY 8 (OVERSIGHT-COUNSELLING) 2 HOURS PASTORAL EPISTLES 1 2 HOURS PASTORAL EPISTLES 2 2 HOURS
3. Detailed Course Descriptions
Exegetical Theology:
Biblical Introduction—Biblical Introduction provides an introduction to the books of the Old and New Testament including their dating, authorship, and major themes. Special attention is given to the defense of those positions to which the doctrine of biblical inerrancy and infallibility commits the evangelical theologian and the exposure of those critical positions which articulate a lack of faith in biblical authority.
Hermeneutics—Hermeneutics is an introduction to the principles of biblical interpretation which grow out of the unique identity of the Bible as a divine-human document. Special attention is given to common hermeneutical fallacies.
Greek Grammar 1 and 2—Greek 1 and 2 are intended to thoroughly acquaint the student with the entirety of Machen's Greek Grammar and to introduce the student to further Greek studies.
Intermediate Greek—The goal of this course is to attain comprehension in the application of Greek syntax to the task of New Testament exegesis. The method of instruction involves a systematic study of syntax as well as inductive exercises consisting of the translation and exegesis of portions of the Greek New Testament.
Hebrew Grammar 1 and 2—These courses are designed to teach the fundamentals of Hebrew grammar and a basic vocabulary. Included is a considerable amount of translation from Hebrew to English.
Intermediate Hebrew—The goal of this course is to attain competence in the application of Hebrew syntax to the task of Old Testament exegesis. The method of instruction involves a systematic study of syntax coupled with the translation and exegesis of selected portions of the Hebrew Old Testament.
Deuteronomy—This course consists of an in-depth survey of Deuteronomy. Its goals are to deepen the student's knowledge of Old Testament theology as it comes to expression in Deuteronomy in the Mosaic period and to sharpen his ability to do Old Testament exegesis.
Isaiah—This course consists of an in-depth survey of the 66 chapters of Isaiah. Its goals are to deepen the student's knowledge of Old Testament theology as it comes to expression in Isaiah in the prophetic period and to sharpen his ability to do Old Testament exegesis.
Acts—Acts is an exegetical treatment of the Acts of the Apostles with special attention given to its teaching regarding the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the missionary task of the church, and the work of the pastor/elder/teacher of the local church.
Romans—Romans is an exegetical treament of this major New Testament epistle. It includes an introduction to the letter, a detailed exegesis of major portions of the letter, and special emphasis on Paul's soteriology.
Old Testament Biblical Theology 1 and 2—These courses include an introduction to the discipline of Biblical Theology, a survey of redemptive history from Creation to the Davidic Covenant, with special emphasis on the covenant concept in the Old Testament.
Old Testament Biblical Theology 3—This is a study of the role of Old Testament prophecy in redemptive history. The following questions are treated: What is prophecy? Who were the prophets? What relation did they sustain to the Old Covenant theocracy? What principles regulate our interpretation of Old Testament prophecy? What was the theology of the Old Testament propehts?
New Testament Biblical Theology—This is a study of redemptive history in its relation to the establishment of the New Covenant. Special consideration is given to (1) Jesus' identity and public ministry; (2) the features of the New Covenant; (3) the significance of Pentecost; (4) the apostolic gospel; (5) the identity of the church, and (6) New Covenant eschatology.
Historical Theology:
Historical Theology 1-4—Historical Theology 1-4 are intended to acquaint the student with the history of the church with special reference to its growing ability to understand and articulate the truth through its doctrinal development. Historical Theology 1 deals with the Early Church period with special emphasis being given to the growth of the church during that period, the philosophical background to its theological development, the theology of the Apostolic Fathers, the development of the New Testament canon, and the development of the doctrine of the Trinity. Historical Theology 2 includes an extended discussion of the life and theology of Augustine with special attention given to the Pelagian controversy and an overview of the Medieval period with special attention given to sacramental developments in Roman Catholicism and the heretical movements of the Medieval period. Historical Theology 3 focuses on the different historiographical approaches to the Reformation period, the life of Calvin, and the development of Reformation soteriology in earlier and later stages. Historical Theology 4 focuses attention on Puritan developments in Britain and America which led to the rise of the Particular or Reformed Baptists.
Symbolics—This course offers an in-depth introduction to the historical background and doctrinal content of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith. It also includes a survey of the background and content of the Canons of Dort.
Systematic Theology:
Prolegomena to Systematic Theology 1 and 2—Prolegomena to Systematic Theology 1 and 2 includes an introduction to systematic theology, the history of and a biblical approach to apologetics, and the doctrine of the Word of God including a systematic treatment of the doctrine of the canon. It is intended to provide an introduction to and an epistemological basis for systematic theology.
The Doctrine of God—This course includes in-depth treatments of the existence, incomprehensibility, and knowability of God, as well as the attributes and names of God, the doctrine of the Trinity, and the decree of God.
The Doctrine of Man—Included here are treatments of creation and providence; the origin, identity, and constitution of man; free agency; man's original relationship with God and integrity before God; the creation ordinances; the Fall; actual, original, and imputed sin; the consequences of sin; and common grace.
The Doctrine of Christ—This course treats the plan of salvation; God's covenants; the person of Christ--His deity; incarnation, and messianic office; the work of Christ--His humiliation and exaltation, His representative obedience, the atonement, etc.
The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit—This course treats the deity of the Spirit; the personality of the Spirit; the office and work of the Spirit; the coming of the Spirit; and the gifts of the Spirit.
The Doctrine of the Christian Life—Included in the content of this course is the ordo salutis and an overview of the application of salvation. Treated also are the cardinal blessings of salvation: calling and regeneration, repentance and faith, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance and preservation, assurance, spiritual gifts, and glorification.
The Doctrine of the Church—This course aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the Church of Jesus Christ, including its nature and identity, its origin and institution, its authority and government, its mission, tasks, and ordinances, its relationship to other divine institutions (the family and the state), its ultimate goal and destiny.
The Doctrine of Last Things—This treatment of eschatology begins with a survey of eschatological thought in the history of the church. The major, structural considerations for an understanding of redemptive history, and especially its last phases, are then considered. Finally, special questions related to eschatology are treated including issues related to the gospel age, the imminence of Christ's second coming, the resurrection, and the eternal state.
Ethics—Ethics is dealt with by means of lectures dealing with prolegomena to and systems of ethics and then by the consideration of water-shed issues in Christian Ethics today. The doctrine of the Lord's day and the issue of women in the church are dealt with as displaying the basic contours of a biblical and Reformed approach to ethics.
Polemics—Polemics addresses and critiques certain of the most pressing errors of our day. Polemics begins with a biblical approach to polemics and proceeds to address particular errors in our day. Among the errors addressed are Roman Catholicism, the Charismatic Movement, Theonomy, and several of the cults.
Practical Theology:
Pastoral Theology 1-4 (Homiletics)—These courses provide an in-depth treatment of the major issues which enter into effective, pastoral preaching. Included are detailed treatments of issues related to the preacher himself and the preparation and delivery of the sermon.
Pastoral Theology 5-7—These courses provide detailed treatments of other issues related to pastoral theology: the call to the ministry, public prayer, the regulative principle of worship, inter-church communion, the public reading of Scripture, church discipline, evangelism, private, pastoral prayer, and the conduct of other meetings which pastors are occasionally called upon to lead.
Pastoral Theology 8—This course provides a defense and practical approach to pastoral oversight. It then proceeds to open up the essential issues related to biblical counselling today.
Pastoral Epistles 1 and 2—These courses provide an in-depth treatment of the content those epistles which are rightly called pastoral. The goal of these courses is to provide the student with an in-depth knowledge of some of the crucial, biblical data related to pastoral theology.
4. Main Instructors
The main instructors in the Reformed Baptist School of Theology are vocational pastors in the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids.
Pastor Sam Waldron was converted during his youth. He has been a pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids since 1977. He received his Bachelor of Religious Education from Grand Rapids Baptist College (1973), is a graduate of Trinity Ministerial Academy (1981), and holds a Master of Theology from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary (1987). His Th. M. Thesis is entitled "Political Revolution in the Reformed Tradition: An Historical and Biblical Critique." Pastor Waldron teaches courses in Historical and Systematic Theology and acts as Principal of the School.
Pastor Greg Nichols was converted in 1971 during his college years. He received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of South Florida and worked for several years as a chemical engineer before pursuing the ministry, to which he was ordained in 1978. He completed his course of study at Trinity Ministerial Academy in 1980, and was called that year to serve as a pastor of Trinity Baptist Church and instructor in the Trinity Ministerial Academy. He served in these capacities until 1992 when he and his family relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has served as a vocational pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan since 1994. Pastor Nichols teaches courses in Systematic Theology.
Pastor Dave Merck came to know the Lord during his youth. He received a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from Iowa State University (1974) and then served for three years in the United States Navy as a Supply Corps officer. He next received a Master of Science in Crops and Soils from Michigan State University (1980), and then worked for several years as an Agricultural Extension Agent while beginning doctoral studies in agriculture. Since completing studies at Trinity Ministerial Academy (1987), he has served as a vocational pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids Michigan. Pastor Merck teaches courses in Exegetical and Systematic Theology. Since RBST seeks to conduct its ministry in cooperation with other churches, a number of courses are or will be taught by proven pastors of sister churches.
E. The Academic Standards for Such Aspirants
No student will be deemed to have successfully completed the work in any course who does not achieve a cumulative grade of 75 or above for his course work. No individual test, project, or paper will be accepted which does not achieve a score of 71 or above. The letter equivalents for the percentile grades assigned are as follows:
| A — 96-100 | B- — 81-84 |
| A- — 91-95 | C+ —78-80 |
| B+ — 88-90 | C — 75-77 |
| B — 85-87 | C- —71-74 |
If a student is unable to complete an assignment by the due date, he is to contact his instructor at his earliest convenience. Late assignments will be penalized by the instructor at his discretion.
F. The Annual Live Courses for Such Aspirants
As articulated above in the discussion of the methodological approach of RBST, the Reformed Baptist School of Theology is committed to having a number of courses each year taught in person (or live) by pastoral instructors. These may be either semester-length or concentrated, modular courses.
G. Correspondence Courses Available
As indicated in the following section, many of the courses taught in RBST are available in correspondence form by way of audio or video tapes. It is the goal of RBST to compile a complete correspondence library of all the courses in its curriculum with the exception of the courses in the biblical languages. Most of these courses are now available.
A. Taped Course Availability
The taped courses of RBST are available to any individual or church. A detailed and informative list of the courses currently available may be obtained upon request from RBST.
B. Correspondence Courses
The taped courses may be used as correspondence courses for the purpose of being given credit toward the completion of the curriculum of RBST. These courses may be taken for credit only by pastors or aspirants to the Christian ministry who have the approval and permission of their pastors. Those who wish to take the courses for credit in the correspondence school should follow the procedures outlined on pp. 18 & 19 in section IV. A. of this prospectus. Please address all correspondence to
The Reformed Baptist School of Theology
c/o The Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids
3181 Bradford NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525
The telephone number is (616) 940-0554.
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