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June 2018 Financial Update

Next week, we will be gathering together with dear saints in the PCA, OPC, and URCNA for the annual meetings of those denominations. We had the privilege of witnessing an historic moment at the ARP’s General Synod this week. These meetings remind us of the great task we have to equip ministers for Christ’s church.

During the month of May, we brought in $127,669. For the month of June, we are hoping to raise another $222,331 to meet our $350,000 goal for this year’s Spring campaign. Every gift makes a difference, and we are thankful for the blessing of an expanding donor base this year.

If you can make a financial gift to the Seminary, you may do so either online at gpts.edu/donate or by mailing a check containing your gift to GPTS, PO Box 690, Taylors, SC 29687. Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a registered 501( C )(3) charitable organization, and all gifts are tax-deductible. Thank you for your generous support! Ω

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Veteran Board Member Mr. John Van Voorhis Granted Emeritus Status, Endowed Scholarship Established

After 24 years of service as an active Board member, Ruling Elder Mr. John Van Voorhis has graciously joined Dr. George W. Knight III and Pastor Randy Riddle as an Emeritus Trustee. Mr. Van Voorhis has been one of the Seminary’s strongest proponents for many years, serving on the Board since 1994 in several capacities. He has served as both Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board for over two decades. He has also consistently and sacrificially served on the Administrative Committee of the Board, which is responsible for recommending strategy and personnel-related decisions to the Board as a whole.

Mr. Van Voorhis is the first graduate of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary’s Master of Ministry for Ruling Elders (MMRE) program, and he currently serves on the Session of Covenant Community Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Taylors, SC. However, his history of Presbyterian churchmanship and involvement in Christian education goes back 57 years, to 1961.

In 1961, Mr. John Van Voorhis took vows and was ordained as a Ruling Elder in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church at Knox OPC, and immediately went to his first General Assembly. That year, Professor John Murray served as Moderator of the Assembly. Within ten years, Mr. and Mrs. Van Voorhis were involved as one of four founding families in the formation of Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Burtonsville, MD. He served as an elder in the Burtonsville congregation from 1968 to 1970, before moving first to Charlotte, NC, and then to Philadelphia, PA. In both Charlotte and Philadelphia, Mr. Van Voorhis served as a Ruling Elder in the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod (RPC-ES). From 1970-1973, he served on the Session of Faith Church in Charlotte, and from 1973-1980, he served on the Session at Christ Church in Oreland (outside of Philadelphia).

During the Van Voorhis’s time in Philadelphia, Mr. Van Voorhis served as Vice Moderator of the Philadelphia Presbytery for two years, Moderator for two years, Chairman of the Permanent Judicial Commission, active member of the Board of National Presbyterian Missions, and member of several synodical committees. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Philadelphia-Montgomery (Phil-Mont) Christian Academy in suburban Philadelphia, and as a member of the Board for The Presbyterian Guardian.

From 1983 to 2005, Mr. Van Voorhis served as a Ruling Elder at the Second Presbyterian Church (PCA) of Greenville, SC. In that time, he served twice as Moderator of Calvary Presbytery and from 1996 to 2000 as an active member of the Standing Judicial Commission of the Presbyterian Church in America’s General Assembly.

In 2006, Mr. and Mrs. Van Voorhis were involved as one of the founding families of Covenant Community Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Taylors, SC, where he currently serves as a Ruling Elder. Reflecting on his vast and varied experienced as a Presbyterian churchman, Mr. Van Voorhis testifies, “I have found, to no one’s surprise, that no denomination is perfect, but it has been a great joy to serve in Christ’s Kingdom for 57 years as an elder, and for 25 years on the Board of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.”

When asked for a statement of reflection on his time of service to the Seminary, Mr. Van Voorhis warmly recalled,

“It has been a tremendous blessing and encouragement to me to sit under the instruction of Dr. Morton Smith and other good men, and then to become a part of a Board which has been fully committed to the Reformed faith since Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary had its onset. As I leave my active participation on the Board, I am greatly encouraged by the godliness and quality of my fellow Board members, in whose hands I feel confident of God’s continued blessing in future years.”

In honor of Mr. Van Voorhis’s many years of service to the Seminary, the Board of Trustees voted to establish the John & Mildred Van Voorhis Endowed Scholarship to fund one full-tuition scholarship ($7,000) per year. Details about the endowment and scholarship are forthcoming, and additional announcements will be made in coming weeks. Ω

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Announcing a Strategic Cut in Tuition Rate Alongside Creation of New Scholarship Opportunities

Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary students graduate with a burden for the Lost, a burden for preaching the Gospel, and a burden for serving Christ and His church – NOT a burden of student loan debt. At this Spring’s meeting of the Seminary’s Board of Trustees, the Board voted to reverse the planned tuition rate increase, and to implement a cut. Not only is this cut representative of the Seminary’s commitment to affordability, but it is an expression of confidence in the Lord as the student body continues to grow.

The tuition relief accompanies the creation of a number of new scholarship opportunities, including the Student Ministry Fellows Awards and the John & Mildred Van Voorhis Full Tuition Scholarship. These opportunities for men called to preach God’s Word and pastor Christ’s church are intended to accomplish two pressing goals. First, such scholarship opportunities strengthen local churches by providing them with candidates for the ministry who are free from any Seminary-related tuition debt. Second, they energize men with confidence that the Lord will provide for their needs as they seek His glory.

If you would like more information about these scholarship opportunities, and how to help to sustain them, please contact the Seminary Advancement Office at advancement@gpts.edu, or by calling 864.322.2717 and asking for Advancement. Ω

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Board Dispatch: Spring 2018

The Trustees of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary stand for a picture after the Seminary’s 29th Commencement Exercises, recognizing the Class of 2018.  Back row (left to right): TE Travis Grassmid (Zion RCUS - Menno, SD), TE Jeff Kingswood (Grace ARP - Woodstock, ON), RE Gary Flye (Redeemer OPC - Charlotte, NC), RE David Bragdon The Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville), TE Carl Robbins (Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church), TE Cornelius Johnson (OPC Navy Chaplain), TE Daniel Jarstfer (Christ Our Hope PCA - Providence, RI), and RE Frank Aderholdt (First Presbyterian Church (PCA) - Hattiesburg, MS). Front row (left to right): TE Dr. Ian Hamilton (Evangelical Presbyterian Church of England and Wales - Inverness, Scotland, UK), TE Dr. Kevin Backus (Bible Presbyterian Church of Grand Island, NY), TE Dr. David B. McWilliams (Covenant PCA - Lakeland, FL), RE Mr. C. Fredric Marcinak (Woodruff Road PCA - Simpsonville, SC), RE Mr. John Van Voorhis (Covenant Community OPC - Taylors, SC), RE Mr. Jim Higgins (Reformation OPC - Virginia Beach, VA), RE Dale White (Immanuel PCA - Norfolk, VA). Not pictured: RE Mark Bube (Calvary OPC - Glenside, PA), RE Thomas Warnock (Franklin Square OPC - New York City, NY), RE Dr. Larence "Del" Bailey (Westminster PCA - Kingsport, TN), RE Joseph Fowler (Grace PCA - Douglasville, GA), REBruce Vrieling (Hope URCNA - Brampton, ON), and TE Tim Worrell (Presbyterian Reformed Church)

The Board of Trustees of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary held their annual Spring meeting on May 17-18, in the run-up to the Seminary’s 29th Commencement exercises. This year, the makeup of the Board changed as new officers were elected, and as the Board recognized the retirement of Ruling Elder Mr. John Van Voorhis of Covenant Community Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Taylors, SC from active participation, granting him Emeritus status (see article, Veteran Board Member Mr. John Van Voorhis Granted Emeritus Status, Endowed Scholarship Established).

Commenting on the move, Mr. Van Voorhis optimistically said, “As I leave my active participation on the Board, I am greatly encouraged by the godliness and quality of my fellow Board members, in whose hands I feel confident of God’s continued blessing in future years.” Mr. Van Voorhis has served on the Board of Trustees for Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary since 1994, and it is with deep appreciation that the Board granted his request to join Dr. George W. Knight III and Pastor Randy Riddle in Emeritus status. The Board elected Ruling Elder Mr. Joe Fowler of Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Douglasville, GA to step into the role of Vice Chairman. Mr. Fowler commented, “The heartbeat of the Board, faculty, and staff of Greenville Seminary is to equip and train Godly men to boldly and faithfully proclaim the Gospel to a world that is increasingly alienated from the Creator. Being a part of that mission is a privilege. Join all of us in supporting the Seminary with your influence, resources, and energy.”

Among other developments, the Board elected Ruling Elder Mr. C. Fredric Marcinak III of Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Siimpsonville, SC to succeed Pastor Jeff Kingswood of Grace Presbyterian Church (ARP) in Woodstock, ON as Board Chairman. Pastor Kingswood will continue to serve as an active member of the Board of Trustees. He is also a Member of the Board of Trustees for the Banner of Truth Trust.

Pastor Kingswood shared this parting reflection, upon request:

“As I relinquish the role of Chairman of the Board at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, I am greatly encouraged for the future. The last several years, and this Spring meeting in particular, have set the stage for a new and exciting chapter in the life of the seminary. Changes to our By-laws and governance structure are in place that will give our Board of Trustees more active oversight of every aspect of the life of the seminary. Working with Dr. Pipa, we are looking forward to developments that will enable us, by God's grace, to equip men to minister in our rapidly changing cultural context with the historic confessional truths that have been the hallmarks of biblical Christian ministry through the ages. I am excited that Mr. Marcinak has agreed to assume the role of Chairman of the Board. Under Fred's able leadership, I anticipate continued efforts in the same direction and a close partnership between Board, President, and Faculty as we seek the Lord's will for the future of the Seminary. Our faithful supporters’ continued generosity enables this important work to continue. We have been encouraged as time and again the Lord has met the financial needs of the Seminary and allowed us to grow to this point. We thank the Lord for His gracious provision.”

Mr. Marcinak commented on the transition, “I am thankful for the support of my colleagues in selecting me for this new role at the Seminary. Jeff Kingswood led our Board with diligence and with grace. I hope to follow his example as we continue the vital work of equipping ministers of the gospel.”

Ruling Elder Mr. Mark Bube of Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Glenside, PA will continue to serve the Board as Secretary. Since 1991, Mr. Bube has served the OPC as General Secretary of its Committee on Foreign Missions. Ruling Elder Mr. Dale White of Immanuel Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Norfolk, VA will continue to serve the Board as Treasurer. A full listing of the Board may be found in the caption to the picture in this article. Ω

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May 2018 Financial Update

With our 29th Commencement exercises behind us, we are preparing for the Fall. Part of our preparation this year involves raising $350,000 in the months of May and June. Last year, we received over 20% of our annual income in these two months, and those revenues sustained us through the Summer and early Fall.

Looking at the financial report for this fiscal year through April, we are thankful for the great generosity of our support network. We praise God for keeping our net income positive thus far this year. Due to the designation of certain significant gifts received in March and April, we need to reach our goal for May and June in order to stay on top of recurring monthly expenses between now and the Fall.

We are at a crucial juncture right now as we prepare to welcome to the Seminary another larger-than-average class of students from around the United States. We also have several international students joining us this Fall.

Our total income for the four weeks of April, including donations and other sources, was $125,188. Unrestricted donation income was under budget by $12,377, but total income was over budget by $9,671 due in part to higher-than-anticipated tuition revenue and a large restricted donation to be applied toward our outstanding mortgage on the “Old Taylors High School” building. It is important that we meet our goal for May and June in order to stay on top of operational and personnel expenses.

If you can make a financial gift to the Seminary, you may do so either online at gpts.edu/donate or by mailing a check containing your gift to GPTS, PO Box 690, Taylors, SC 29687. Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a registered 501( C )(3) charitable organization, and all gifts are tax-deductible. Thank you for your generous support! Ω

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The Class of 2018

On Friday, May 18, the Board of Trustees and Faculty of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary will confer 15 degrees upon 14 graduates from 6 countries and 8 denominations.

The Commencement ceremony recognizing Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary’s Class of 2018 will take place at Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church on Friday, May 18, 2018, beginning at 6 PM. The ceremony is open to the public, and childcare is available. Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony itself.

Dr. Jon Payne of Christ Church Presbyterian (PCA) in Charleston, SC will deliver the Commencement address, “Godly Ambition: Faithfulness, Not Success.” The individuals making up the Class of 2018 are listed below.

ThM

Roland C. Mathews, IV (USA) - Associate Pastor of Drapers Valley PCA

MDiv

Richard Alan Appleton (USA) - PCA

Martin Timothy Dendekker (CAN) - ARP

Nathan John Hilton (UK) - EPCEW

Drew Charles Pressoir (USA) - PCA

Andrew R. Wann (USA) - BPC

MAR

Isaac Ahangba Koko (NIGERIA) - NKST

Jessie Wai Yi Kong (CHINA) - Independent

Stephen Theodore Richman (USA) - PCA

BDiv

James Ward Clark (USA) - OPC

Jon Paul Dorton (USA) - PCA

Stephen Theodore Richman (USA) - PCA

Anthony Joseph Rogers (USA) - PCA

BTh

Steven Cliff (NZ) - Reformed Baptist

For more information about this year’s Commencement ceremony, please visit our event page, here.

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April 2018 Financial Update

We saw a much stronger March this year than last year, which is largely due to generous gifts toward reducing our mortgage. Though such gifts do not help us to keep up with current operating and personnel expenses, they are a great encouragement to us as we seek to pay off the remaining balance (now about $392k) that we owe on the “Old Taylors High School” building. Thank you for your generosity!

Our total income for the four weeks of March, including donations and other sources, was $111,299. Individual giving was down, but other income sources carried us into “net positive territory” this month. Looking ahead, we need to raise significant revenues as part of our Spring Campaign before the close of our fiscal year (ends June 30).

If you would like to make a financial gift to the Seminary, you may do so either online at gpts.edu/donate or by mailing a check containing your gift to GPTS, PO Box 690, Taylors, SC 29687. Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a registered 501( C )(3) charitable organization, and all gifts are tax-deductible. Thank you for your generous support! Ω

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In Memoriam | Dr. Paul Settle (1935 - 2018)

When two young men approached a handful of elders at the Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville in 1986 with the idea for a Presbyterian Seminary in the South Carolina Upstate, Pastor Paul Settle was there to offer his wisdom and support to the project. He was no stranger to ambitious endeavors in service to the Lord, having been one of the founding Teaching Elders of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and first coordinator of the PCA’s Christian Education Ministry.

The original steering committee for a seminary based in the South Carolina Upstate formed in 1986, and consisted of Teaching Elders Paul G. Settle, John C. Neville, Jr., and Morton H. Smith, and Ruling Elders J. Ligon Duncan, Jr. and C. Stuart Patterson. In March 1986, Rev. Settle, acting on behalf of the Steering Committee, sent a letter to selected Ruling and Teaching Elders of the PCA announcing the establishment of the Seminary. In the Fall of 1987, the first class of students began studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Pictured here are some of the men involved in the founding of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, including Dr. Settle (third from the right, in the back), Dr. Morton Smith (third from the left), and Mr. J. Ligon Duncan, Jr. (center, right).

Dr. Settle served on the Board of Trustees for a brief time, and remained close to the seminary and its leadership over its first 31 years of existence. He is today remembered fondly by the faculty, trustees (past and present), students, and alumni who knew him.

“Paul Settle became a close friend in the days leading up to the formation of the PCA,” remembers Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr. “He was traveling around to churches, presenting the case for the Continuing Church. His presentation led my congregation in Tchula, Mississippi to vote to join the new denomination. He was always the exemplar of a Christian gentleman, and did much to lay the foundation for the denomination’s commitment to Christian education.”

After having served eight Presbyterian congregations, several seminaries and denominational bodies, and written numerous books and articles, positively influencing the spiritual lives of thousands of people, Dr. Paul Settle has entered into his eternal rest. He was 82 years old, and is survived by his wife, Mary B. Aiken Russell Settle; son, Paul David Settle; daughter, Jo Lynne Sprouse, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step sons, and their families. He was predeceased by his first wife, Georgia Brown Settle.

A service of thanksgiving to God for the life and service of Dr. Settle was held at the Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville on March 24, 2018. The family indicated that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Second Presbyterian Church or Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. We thank God for the life and ministry of Dr. Paul Settle, his significant contribution to American Presbyterianism, and his example of grace and godliness.

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Thanking Christ for One of His Faithful Servants | 20 Years of President Pipa

“Wow. That’s going to shake things up.” Those were the words of Sinclair Ferguson upon receiving the news from Ian Hamilton that Dr. Joseph Pipa had accepted the invitation to come to Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary as its first President in 1997. By his own admission, Dr. Hamilton reports, “I had no idea what he meant then, but I know what he meant now.”

During our annual Spring Scholarship Banquet, we recognized Dr. Pipa’s 20 years of service to Christ as President of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and the snippet above is taken from the beginning portion of Dr. Hamilton’s remarks. The entire program is available for viewing at www.sermonaudio.com/gpts, www.youtube.com/gpts, and www.gpts.edu/banquet.

We also enjoyed words of congratulations, reminiscence, and gratitude from Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn (on behalf of Reformed Theological Seminary and Westminster Theological Seminary), Pastor Arie Van Eyk (of Providence Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, NC), Pastor Jeff Kingswood (Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Pastor of Grace Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Woodstock, ON), the Puritan Project of Brazil, and Mr. Zachary Groff (Director of Advancement & Admissions).

Over 165 guests enjoyed a lovely evening of fellowship and thanksgiving in the Pearis Ballroom of downtown Greenville’s Commerce Club, overlooking the city. Over $33,000 was raised in support of our Student Scholarship fund.

Dr. Pipa closed the evening with remarks expressing thanksgiving for God’s grace, the faculty, the Board of Trustees, and the students, past and present. Expressive of the sentiment of the whole of his remarks, he reflected, “Friendship is a wonderful gift of God, and it is great to have so many friends here.”

We thank God for the many generous gifts and pledges received during this year’s banquet, the total of which exceeds previous years’ banquet-related contributions.

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Summer Institute 2018 | Pastoral Family Counseling

Board Member Dr. Kevin Backus (Grand Island Bible Presbyterian Church) and Adjunct Faculty Dr. George Scipione (Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary) are collaborating to team-teach this year’s Summer Institute. The topic is Pastoral Family Counseling, and will take place in Intensive format over the course of a week from the afternoon of July 23rd through the morning of July 27th.

The course will be conducted on the Seminary’s Taylors campus, and is open to seminarians and non-seminarians alike. It is geared to ordained elders (teaching and ruling) who are wanting to pursue continuing education to develop their competencies in counseling situations.

The course description reads:

The family as a creation ordinance is the God-given bedrock of human society, culture, and relationship. It is through the family that Reformed churches have historically passed on the great truths of the Christian faith. However, it is through the family that sin, the flesh, and the devil have made their most violent attacks upon Christ’s bride, the church. In this intensive course on pastoral counseling for families, you will receive a systematic survey of the theology of the family. You will learn to articulate the theological importance of the Christian home, including the covenant family relationship. You will also learn how to think through and properly counsel your flock in matters like courtship and dating, premarital and marriage counseling, issues of divorce, and how to rebuild the marriage relationship after crises like adultery, abandonment, and other forms of abuse. Above all, you will leave this class equipped with a model of family counseling that seeks the glory of God through the proper application of biblical truth to those you are called to pastor in your congregation.

To enroll in the Summer Institute, a completed registration form with payment must be received by the Seminary’s Business Office no later than the Friday prior to the class date (July 20th). Non-GPTS students who would like to take the course for graduate-level course credit must register by June 30th. Tuition for the Summer Institute is $225 for non-students and $468 for students taking the course for graduate-level credit. Tuition charges are inclusive of any related fees.

For more information, or to request the registration form, please contact Mr. Zachary Groff (Director of Advancement & Admissions) at zgroff@gpts.edu or Mrs. Kathleen Curto (Registrar) at registrar@gpts.edu.

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Announcing the RUF & Student Ministry Fellows Awards Program

In the early years of Greenville Seminary, every student was awarded a “full tuition scholarship,” including men who were involved in various college ministry groups before launching their seminary studies. Today, we are pleased to announce the introduction of the Student Ministry Fellows Awards program for MDiv students with college ministry backgrounds.

“The future preachers of Christ’s Kingdom are right now announcing and demonstrating the words and work of Jesus as student leaders on college campuses around the world,” says Admissions Director Zachary Groff. “For a long time, Greenville Seminary has been a powerhouse for the worldwide reformation of the church, largely due to our supporters’ generosity to foreign students. Our Student Ministry Fellows Awards program is built to duplicate domestically what we are doing so effectively for the global Reformed church.”

Each year, twenty Student Ministry Fellows Awards will be made available to incoming MDiv students who have served as student leaders and/or interns with Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) or another college ministry group for at least one academic year. Eligible candidates for these awards must be applying to enroll as full-time resident students in the MDiv program. Formal recommendations from both a campus staff person (or supervisor) and the session/consistory of a local Presbyterian or Reformed congregation are also required from all applicants.

Student Ministry Fellows must maintain full-time status through to completion of their degrees, remain in residence for at least three years of the program, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA throughout the award period, and come under-care of an approved church court within the first year of study.

The first class to be considered for the awards will matriculate in the Fall of 2018. Ten awards are reserved for applicants with a background in RUF, and will include a full tuition scholarship for recipients (an average of $6,710 per year). The remaining ten awards are available to applicants who were involved in a student ministry named in the 2010 Chicago Agreement, and these awards will include a 50% tuition scholarship for recipients (an average of $3,355). The total average value of the twenty Student Ministry Fellows Awards is $100,650 per class per year.

Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr. commented, “Along with Mark Lowrey and Bebo Elkin, I had the privilege of being part of the origin of Reformed University Ministries (now, RUF). Our goal was to have a local congregation-based campus ministry. The ministry has multiplied throughout the nation. It is now our privilege at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary to provide scholarships for men who have grown up in and through campus ministry.”

For more information about applying for or supporting the Student Ministry Fellows Awards program, please contact Mr. Zachary Groff (Director of Advancement & Admissions) at zgroff@gpts.edu, or call the Seminary at (864) 322-2717, ext. 324.

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2018 Spring Theology Conference in Review

“This is an assertion of glory,” Dr. Pipa declared as he preached on Christ as King during the Wednesday evening session of this year’s Spring Theology Conference. “Because Jesus Christ eternally rules over us and all things in majesty, power, and victory, we then are to serve Him in holiness according to His Word,” he continued as he proposed the main idea of his selected text, Psalm 93.

Through the course of ten main sessions, two panel discussions, one pre-conference lecture, and a multitude of small gatherings and individual interactions, the glories of Christ were extolled, and His Name was exalted among over 370 conference attendees. Preachers and teachers from a selection of faithful churches and premier seminaries expounded upon various aspects of Christ’s Person and Work.

Dr. G.K. Beale and Dr. Jonathan Gibson of Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania presented the full humanity of Christ in His Incarnation and Humiliation. Dr. Joel Beeke and Dr. Michael Barrett of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan showed forth the perfection of Christ in His Deity and Beauty. Dr. Richard D. Phillips of Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville, South Carolina touted the impeccability and obedience of Christ as the spotless Lamb of God.

Dr. Ian Hamilton, Greenville Seminary Trustee and pastor in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of England and Wales preached two sermons, one on Christ as Prophet, and another on His Resurrection. Pastor Ryan Speck (MDiv ’05) of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Columbia, Missouri proved the significance of Christ’s Ascension and Session to sit at the right hand of God the Father in Glory. Joseph Pipa and Ryan McGraw preached on Christ as King, and on His promised return, respectively.

During one panel discussion, a question was raised as to the necessity and benefit of seminary experience for young men aspiring to pulpit ministry. Nearly ever participant of the seven-member panel provided an answer to the question! Dr. Benjamin Shaw (Hebrew & Old Testament, Greenville Seminary) pointed out, “Your time in seminary is part of forming you for ministry – it’s part of who you are.” The other members of the panel echoed the sentiment, which exemplifies our emphasis on cultivating experimental piety – that is, truth applied to all of life – as part of the ministerial formation of our students.

Faculty, students, and staff were deeply encouraged to see so many alumni returning to the South Carolina Upstate to be a part of the conference this year. During the annual Alumni Association meeting, Association President Jim Stevenson (MDiv ’12), who pastors Providence Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, exhorted his fellow alumni to refer aspiring ministers to Greenville Seminary, saying, “Send people here because the church needs biblical and faithful pastors and preachers.” During the three-day midweek conference, the experience that produces such ministers was made available to hundreds of guests from around the world.

In addition to guests from across the United States and Canada, the Seminary community welcomed visitors from John Wycliffe Theological College in Randburg, South Africa, which serves as an extension campus for the Seminary. There were also attendees from South Korea and Great Britain (in addition to Dr. Hamilton), not to mention the foreign students enrolled at the Seminary this semester. The Admissions Department was pleased to host a group of prospective students for the GPTS Explore Open-House during the week, as well. Fifteen organizations took part in the conference as vendors and exhibitors: the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, the Biblical Worldview Student Conference, Erskine College, Frontline Ministries, the Geneva Institute of Christian Thought, Ligonier Ministries (Reformation Bible College), Lutheran Hospice, Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship, Providence Christian College, The Rafiki Foundation, SermonAudio, Wrath & Grace, Mission to Italy, Banner of Truth, and Reformation Heritage Books.

By the final message on Thursday, the gathering received gladly from Dr. McGraw a word of encouragement relating to Christ’s Return: “We have a great hope to impel us forward.” As we fix our eyes on Christ, and meditate upon His goodness toward us, the God-given sense of that hope is intensified. If you would like to purchase audio or video recordings of any (or all) of the messages, please contact Mr. Andy Wortman at awortman@gpts.edu for ordering information.

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March 2018 Financial Update

The month of February brought a slow-down in our unrestricted donation revenue, though other income sources (i.e. Spring Scholarship Banquet, Spring Theology Conference registration, tuition, book sales, etc.) picked up a bit. We are grateful to have closed our books on the month of February in a positive financial position against our actual expenses for the fiscal year, though revenue continues to fall short of our budget. We have witnessed a continued broadening of our support so far this fiscal year as more individuals and churches have responded positively to our appeals, and for this we are extremely thankful.

Our total income for the four weeks of February, including donations and other sources, was $94,515. That is only $339 short of February 2017 income. We are thankful for our regular supporters, for steady giving is helpful to us as we make plans for the rest of the year.

If you would like to make a financial gift to the Seminary, you may do so either online at gpts.edu/donate or by mailing a check containing your gift to GPTS, PO Box 690, Taylors, SC 29687. Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a registered 501( C )(3) charitable organization, and all gifts are tax-deductible. Thank you for your generous support! Ω

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Faculty Book Release | The Ark of Safety, by Dr. Ryan McGraw

Description

This book explores the Westminster Confession of Faith’s claim that “there is no ordinary possibility of salvation” outside of the church by asking what it means, whether it is biblical, and why it is important. The author concludes that the Westminster Confession rightly stresses the role of the church in bringing people to salvation without making this claim absolute. We should love the church because Christ loved it and gave Himself for it. He died for the church so that we might live in and with it. Let us study this subject with our Bibles in our hands, the Spirit in our hearts, prayer on our lips, and our forefathers helping us along.

Table of Contents

Part One History—What Does WCF 25.2 Mean?

1. Reformation and Early Reformed Background

2. The Westminster Confession of Faith and Beyond

Part Two Theology—Is WCF 25.2 Biblical?

3. The Church in the Old Testament

4. The Visible Church in the New Testament

5. The Invisible Church in the New Testament

Part Three Practice—Why Is WCF 25.2 Important?

6. The Ordinary Necessity of the Visible Church for Salvation

Endorsements

“Among the many teachings of Scripture that the Protestant Reformation recovered was a right understanding of the importance of the church to the Christian life. In The Ark of Safety, Ryan McGraw deftly reacquaints us with the rich heritage of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Reformed reflection on the church and rehearses its biblical foundations with clarity. I warmly recommend this book to any reader who wants to know better what the Bible says about the 'apple of [God’s] eye' (Zech 2:8).” - Guy Prentiss Waters (RTS-Jackson)

“For many years I have sought a theologically reliable, reader-friendly, and imminently practical work to address the vital relationship between 'the roll called up yonder' and the local church. My search has come to a delightful halt. In this brief treatment, Ryan McGraw expertly crafts persuasive answers to the pressing questions concerning personal faith and church membership. As he compellingly contends, every true believer is not only of the church invisible but must be in the visible church visibly! May our church rolls increasingly reflect the roll to be called up yonder!” - David B. Garner (WTS-Philly)

For more information, or to order the book, visit Amazon.com.

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2018 Spring Scholarship Banquet to Celebrate 20 Years with Dr. Pipa

Each year, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary holds a Spring Scholarship Banquet to raise funds for our student scholarship fund. One of Dr. Pipa’s favorite slogans is, “We want our men to graduate with a burden for the Lost, not a burden of student loan debt from Seminary.” Thus, it is only fitting that we would theme this year’s Spring Scholarship Banquet around a celebration of Dr. Pipa’s 20th Anniversary as Seminary President.

This year, the Banquet will be held at the Pearis Ballroom of the Commerce Club in downtown Greenville. Please consider joining us, and RSVP soon, as space is limited (and running out)! More information (including on how to RSVP) can be found at gpts.edu/banquet.

We want our men to graduate with a burden for the Lost, not a burden of student loan debt from Seminary. - Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr.

[gptseminary]

Winter Dinner 2018

At the beginning of this month, the Matthew Baugh Commons at the Seminary transformed into a festive banquet hall as we enjoyed an evening together as a seminary community. Our annual Winter Dinner features a low-key talent show, a hybrid potluck meal (mail entree provided by the Shaws; sides and desserts provided by faculty, staff and students), and expressions of gratitude for our volunteers who help us to keep our doors open and operating expenses down.

Enjoy these few pictures taken throughout the evening.

Dr. McGoldrick shares a series of highly quotable impersonations of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and Winston Churchill.

Student Body Association President Stephen Richman (MDiv ‘18, anticipated) served as our illustrious host for the evening.

The food was filling, and the fellowship was sweet.

Zack Groff (Director of Advancement & Admissions) provided accompaniment for two hymns of thanksgiving, and played a couple of original songs as well.

(from left to right) Jocelyn Groff, Erika Grasso, and Abby Wann are each expecting new little ones this year!

Judah Clark (son of James & Ella Clark) recites St. Crispin’s Day Speech from Shakespeare’s King Henry V.

(from left to right) Judah and Abby Groff (two youngest children of Zack and Jocelyn) are all smiles at the end of a long night!

[gptseminary]

The Person & Work of Jesus Christ, the King of Glory

Our annual Spring Theology Conference is right around the corner (March 13-15), and our excitement is growing day-by-day. We are expecting more conference attendees than ever before, and the subject matter of the conference is feeding our rising anticipation as we approach March 13th.

Dr. Ryan McGraw (Professor of Systematic & Historical Theology) has composed a brief statement of the importance of our subject this year: The Person and Work of Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory. We have published it below for your consideration. We hope that you will join us for the conference!

Christology is the lifeblood of Christian faith and practice. John Owen (1616-1683) noted that meditating on the glory of Christ was the key to becoming like Christ and that failing to do so was a sign of Christians becoming “carnal.” One of the greatest needs of the church in every age is to contemplate, know, and love the glory of Christ in order to promote the spread of the gospel and the holiness of God’s people.

Yet this all-encompassing vision of Jesus Christ in Christian faith and life is not always common and is often missing today. For this reason, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary has invited a team of excellent scholars and pastors to unfold the unsearchable riches of Christ for the edification of today’s church at their 2018 Spring Theology Conference.

This year’s conference will include a series of addresses which attempts to provide a glimpse into the full breadth of Christology in a relatively short period of time. The conference speakers will be aiming at a broad audience. The talks will include a mature mix of biblical theology and systematic theology, as well as heart-oriented application. This conference seeks to provide attendees with a window into Christology that will stretch their thinking, bolster their faith, enrich their preaching, and warm their affections for the Savior.

This year’s conference will provide pastors and church members with the key ideas surrounding the person of Christ. As the Puritan Isaac Ambrose (1604-1664) wrote in Looking Unto Jesus (1658), “The most excellent subject to discourse, or write of, is Jesus Christ....Indeed all we say is but unsavory, if it be not seasoned with this salt.” Jesus Christ is also the most excellent subject to read and to prayerfully savor and meditate on. Doing so is the true path to the blessedness of the world to come and of joy and personal holiness in this life. Every glimpse we have of Christ on earth brings heaven down to us so that we might long to appear in heaven where Christ is seated.

All of us at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary hope that you can join us for this year’s Spring Theology Conference on March 13-15! For more information, please visit www.gpts.edu/conference/