In 1999, a group of nine young RPs gathered for the inaugural Theological Foundations for Youth (TFY) program at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (RPTS) in Pittsburgh, Pa. In 2012, a group of 110 young and not-so-young RPs met for a TFY reunion at the RP International Conference. As the alumni collected their official T-shirts, they quickly coalesced into their original groups and enjoyed an evening of pizza, recollections, and reconnections. As you can imagine, it was a lively evening capped off with psalm singing (which can be found on YouTube by searching under “TFY reunion 2012”). Many of the TFY alumni shared their reflections on life after TFY.

“Please let the TFY committee know that I appreciate the opportunities that were presented, and I am putting to use the knowledge that I learned from the classrooms and the church home I visited. It has only been my second week at college and already I have been a witness. Please tell all the professors, the pastors, the staff, the cooks and everyone else, that the TFY program has blessed me and in turn it has helped me bless others” (Thomas Planalp, 2012).

Thomas’ comments reflect a common theme from TFY alums. TFY is a theological boot camp for RP high school juniors conducted for three weeks every summer at the RPTS campus. Seminary professors deliver in-depth lectures on a wide variety of topics including eschatology, the sacraments, missions, apologetics, and RP distinctives. The students then get to participate in what usually ranks as their most feared and loved activity, world view surveys at the University of Pittsburgh. These evangelistic conversations with Pitt students give TFYers an opportunity to share the gospel in real time.

The students also typically spend a week with one of the RP congregations in the Western Pennsylvania area for additional time of fellowship, learning, and service. So how has the Lord used this program to bring glory to His kingdom?

The Kingdom and Life

Drew McKelvy (1999) said of TFY, “It started me toward a broader perspective on who and what the church is. It also introduced me to some great Christian and Reformed books that I had never encountered before and might not have encountered at all on my own.” Molly Lyon (2006) noted how TFY further rooted her identity in Christ as preparation for the future. She became convinced that a solid Christ-centered education, an RP church home, and supportive friends were essential in preparing for life after high school. “At TFY I became confident in my faith and in sharing the gospel and received a clearer sense of where God was calling me.”

“I still find myself referencing things I experienced and learned at TFY,” said Anastasia Finch (2007). What about the generational impact of the program? Megan (Elder) Fisher (1999) recognized that even after 13 years and 4 babies, TFY has been pivotal in a life founded in Jesus. “The lessons I learned are ones that I continue to pass on to my children.”

Worship and the Church

Many of our denomination’s youth have never worshiped outside of their home church. The comments on the visit to local congregations indicate that, for many, there was great surprise and delight to worship and fellowship with other church families. A very common theme focuses on Sabbath keeping. One student remorsefully noted that prior to TFY, Sunday was “just like another Saturday.” Now this young man finds different ways to honor God on the Lord’s Day. God uses these times to call our attention away from ourselves and toward Him. “I was from a very small congregation, and one of the biggest joys of TFY was meeting people from across the nation who were of the same mindset,” said Laura (Pol) Wallace (2009). “Additionally, I needed a push to step out of my comfort zone which especially came through street evangelism.”

Caleb McCracken (2011) noted, “Of the many ways TFY impacted my life, the most dramatic example has to do with how I view the doctrines of the church. No longer are the ‘RP distinctives’ a set of rules to follow, but rather a set of wonderful God-given guidelines that enable us to worship, share, and serve God in greater ways.”

Elizabeth Magill (2011) reflected that, “[TFY] has given me a much deeper understanding and appreciation for the worship of the Lord, what it means, and how it should be conducted. It also has helped me understand the importance of Christian friendships and the importance of the Sabbath Day.”

Personal Faith

Janelle Weir (2010) succinctly commented, “TFY taught me why I believe what I believe.” Many participants walk away from the program with a challenge to change their personal devotional time. There are commitments to spending more time in prayer, reading the Bible, and being more intentional about glorifying God in all areas of life.

Joel Wallace (2007) captured the thought that many of his peers recalled, “TFY helped me to be purposeful in my walk with Christ. Before I went to TFY, I did so many things ‘just because.’ Afterwards, I had a better understanding of why I should do certain things, and the importance of knowing my purpose—glorifying Christ.”

Evangelism Joyanna Decker (2012) was very nervous about evangelizing at the University of Pittsburgh. “I dreaded that part because I hated talking to strangers about my faith. Turns out, sharing my faith served as an assurance of my own salvation. I realized that what I was sharing was what I believed, not just what my parents taught me. I think this was the most influential part of TFY for me.”

For over 13 years, this program, funded by a grant from the Lilly Foundation, has enabled many of our denomination’s youth to understand more about living a life for Christ. Under the current leadership of Pastor David Whitla (Southside [Indianapolis, Ind] RPC), and Professor Rut Etheridge, pastor of Providence (Pittsburgh, Pa.) RPC, along with the able teaching of many of the faculty, the program continues to flourish. Lord willing, there will be another TFY Reunion in 2016 with more than 100 new alumni. Can you imagine the new stories of lives focused on the kingdom?

—Mark Sampson is development director at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Photos courtesy of Molly Carson.