Everything is bigger in Texas. At least, that is how the saying goes. Not surprisingly, there are some Reformed Presbyterians in Texas with some big ideas on proclaiming the truth of the gospel.
Rarely do three men from the same congregation enter seminary in the same year. Christopher Manfreda, Romesh (Rom) Prakashpalan, and Thomas Rowell Jr., members of Dallas, Tex., RPC, all began studies at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (RPTS) in the past year. And it was one year ago that the RPTS president, Dr. Jerry O’Neill, challenged the readers of this publication to consider the calling of pastoral ministry.
As distance learning students, these men are conducting their studies online while continuing to work and live in the Dallas area. Their pastor, Mark Koller, appreciates the great benefit of having these men apply what they are learning to the life of the church. Chris is a deacon; Chris and Tom are part of the teaching rotation for the adult Christian education classes; and Rom, as a ruling elder, is using what he is learning in the shepherding of the flock.
Pastor Koller notes, “The guys are very excited about their subjects, and they have started a Facebook group to share thoughts and questions on their work.” The students keep him abreast of where they are in their studies and show him their work after they submit it for grading.
Recently, two of them, with their pastor in tow as a proctor, took their final exam for Theological Research and Writing at the library of a Dallas-based seminary. Pastor Koller wonders if the work of these men might be the very early seeds of church planting in the greater Dallas area. “These men are all very different in learning styles and backgrounds,” says Pastor Koller. “The course work really seems to support their varied skills and gifts.”
Each of the men has some flexibility in his work life, which enables him to balance the demands of study, family life, church responsibilities, and barbecue—a favorite pastime of many from this congregation. Rom is an independent software developer; Chris, who is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, owns a window-washing service; and Tom is a surgical technologist at a local hospital. Each man brings a unique perspective of life into his studies, equipping him for future service.
“It is important to me to be able to go to our denomination’s seminary,” says Rom. “I believe that a church should have oversight of the instruction of its future ministers. I also wanted to receive further teaching in RP distinctives, specifically the mediatorial kingship of Christ and application of the regulative principle of worship.” Rom values the opportunity to get firsthand experience in better understanding his responsibilities as an elder. Rom has been married to Maegan for 12 years, and they have 4 children ranging in age from 5 to 11.
Chris is greatly encouraged by the online classes. “I feel that I am truly part of the class. I appreciate singing a psalm at the start of every lecture from Prof. Barry York. I am enjoying outlining books of the Pentateuch with Prof. C. J. Williams. Prof. Richard Gamble’s humor is quite helpful in systematic theology, and Prof. Tom Reid is really helping me to become a better writer.” Chris actually does sing psalms along with his digital classmates, occasionally posting these psalm references in his Facebook feed. Chris and Amanda have been married for 16 years and provide foster care for children.
Having friends working on the same material has been very helpful for Tom Rowell. In addition to being able to talk over difficult passages and concepts, Tom notes, “My own faith has grown as Jesus Christ continues to be revealed in the Scriptures. Having a clearer understanding of God’s Word and covenant theology is a huge asset when speaking with people outside of the Reformed faith. I also find myself referring to topics covered in class during family worship.” Tom and his wife, Amy, have been married 17 years and have sons ages 15, 13, 10, and 9.
The men all affirm how seminary training enriches their times with their families. Personal time in prayer and the reading of God’s Word continue to deepen for each of the men.
Tom has been very humbled and inspired by the support and kindness of the staff at RPTS. “The staff has been very patient with me and my constant questions,” reflects Tom. “I was very intimidated when I first looked into applying to the seminary but my anxiety was quickly laid to rest by the people who facilitate the day-to-day operations at RPTS. Lord willing, as a servant in the kingdom, I should have the same heart to serve, help, and encourage others.”
Suggestions for Others
The men are united in their encouragement of others considering the RP Seminary. “The insight and instruction that you will receive will bless you and deepen your understanding of God’s Word, even if you are not pursuing a seminary degree,” says Tom. Rom adds, “You learn more about your Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer, who alone is worthy of all praise. He is all at once beautiful, awesome, majestic, and terrible. You study Jesus Christ. You study about His bride, the Church. Where else would you get to pour yourself into the study of the object of your affections? It is a remarkable thing to be challenged in your understanding of the Word of God, and a tremendous joy to receive wisdom from men of God who have spent a lifetime in His service.”
Online coursework is very flexible. The classes are prerecorded, so the student may view the content when it fits his schedule. “Having a career and a family makes it tough to go to school solely in the traditional way,” says Rom. “I can get up at five o’clock, view my lectures for the day, and be ready for a full workday by eight.” It is important for Rom to watch his four children grow, and he notes that it would be irresponsible of him to neglect his own children’s education and growth in faith while he prepares to lead others to Christ. Online courses afford him the ability and joy to do both.
Tom, Rom, and Chris are very appreciative of the support of their families who labor alongside them. Frequently, life is rearranged around the writing of papers, the taking of exams, and study. Flexibility is the general order of the day. They have also been greatly encouraged by Dallas RPC, their pastor, and the Midwest Presbytery. All of these provide inspiration and motivation when class deadlines approach and daunting reading lists weigh heavily upon their thoughts.
The Distance Learning Program
RPTS permits Master of Divinity students to complete one year of studies via distance learning. In special circumstances, a student may complete a second year with the close supervision of their session, presbytery, and pastor. Because of the irreplaceable benefits of studying shoulder to shoulder with RPTS’s gifted pastor/scholars, men are required to make their way to Pittsburgh.
“Lord willing, I am looking forward to taking classes in person in a few years and to be at the seminary in person,” reflects Rom. “Watching the classes makes me yearn for the personal interaction with the other students and my professors.”
The Master of Divinity is a practical, advanced degree involving a high level of one-on-one training in areas such as preaching, apologetics, discipleship, and evangelism. After all, you cannot study evangelism in your pajamas from your basement. You must get out into the neighborhood, and Dr. O’Neill personally takes every student in the evangelism classes door-to-door in the communities near the RP Seminary.
In contrast, students in the Master of Theological Studies program can do their coursework entirely online, as this course is considered academic in nature and content.
The RP Seminary board studied the question of a distance learning program for some time, looking for an appropriate balance of remote study and face-to-face shepherding. Several years ago, RPTS was able to secure funding from several foundations to aid the design and implementation of such a program. Students from around the world are able to benefit from the pastoral teaching of this denomination’s seminary professors. Many men are able to stay in their home churches a bit longer, serving their congregations, continuing their careers, and, in some cases, reducing debt from college loans.
The seminary uses an online learning program, Moodle, to deliver materials to students. Students in regular classes at RPTS also have access to Moodle, where many professors place the content of their lectures and other helpful articles. Dr. Jack Kinneer has totally reworked his approach to teaching Greek, now using a highly interactive method that gives students very strong tools to aid in the building of vocabulary and grammar.
As carefully structured as the distance learning program is, the crux is how helpful it is in fulfilling the seminary’s mission in students’ lives. Often on the Lord’s Day afternoon, Tom, Chris, and Rom, surrounded by their family and friends, consider Pastor Koller’s sermon as it relates to their studies at RPTS. Between mouthfuls of succulent barbecue, the men ponder the deep truths of God’s Word and look to apply it to their lives. What a delightful way to spend an afternoon!
Mark Sampson is director of institutional advancement and chief administrative officer at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary.