Resources on RTS Jackson
A highlight of this semester has been reading and discussing these books with four students at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson. With the exception of Southern Presbyterian Leaders, we read all books in their entirety. Rereading David Calhoun’s two-volume history of old Princeton was especially rewarding. The piety of its professors, the plan of the seminary, and its commitment to preparing theologically minded and biblically grounded pastors makes its history timely for anyone who cares about the future of the Presbyterian church in the United States. At various time, students mentioned various publications of Log College Press. I am grateful for its efforts to keep in print notable works by Presbyterians of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
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I will be adding Theology for Ministry: How Doctrine Affects Pastoral Life and Ministry to my required reading list for students. Twenty-six pastor-theologians, touching upon every major area of ministry, winsomely demonstrate how theology gives shape to a godly pastorate. That this book honors Sinclair Ferguson is especially appropriate — his books, lectures, and sermons mine God’s word and Reformation theology, and set their riches before God’s beloved church. I can think of no better model of ministerial work. Since 2017 Sinclair Ferguson has served as Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary.
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Amanda Bailey’s beautiful legacy continues to bless Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson students. From her library, the three volumes of The Westminster Confession into the 21st Century were given to Foster and Laura Gullett. During the summer, they will return to continue their church planting work in Milan, Italy. Foster expressed their appreciation, observing: “The Westminster Confession has served for centuries as a beautiful synthesis of Reformed doctrine. Our prayer is to plant a church based upon that doctrine and hopefully impart its wisdom in a city and country that has largely been untouched by the effects of the Reformation.” First Presbyterian Church of Yazoo City enjoys its partnership with the Gulletts.
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Amanda Bailey (1938-2020) loved Reformed Theological Seminary and its students. Both a serious reader and student of God’s word, she wanted her theological library to be distributed to Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson students. Graduating senior Zach Byrd has received calls to serve Raymond Presbyterian Church and Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Edwards. From Mrs. Bailey’s library, he has been given The Complete Works of Edward Payson. These books are especially meaningful to Zach because of his studies of the life and ministry of 19th century southern Presbyterian minister, Daniel Baker. Baker served at Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, Georgia. “His ministry was at a lull,” Zach notes, “and Payson’s Memoir revitalized his ministry. I pray that it does the same for…
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1.Don’t procrastinate. Become a candidate for ministry in your denomination as early as possible. Follow your Candidates and Credentials Committee’s instructions to a tee. Don’t put off candidacy and its prerequisites until the end of your seminary career. If you do, you will complete your degree, but be unable to accept a call because you’ve failed to follow your denomination’s requirements. That may mean you are months away from accepting a call. Show respect for your denomination and love for your family by staying on track. PCA students need to keep in mind the following: You must be a member for at least six months of a church in the presbytery where you want to come under care. You must…
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Course syllabi in a moment. But first a word about calendars. Calendars do more than remind you about upcoming events. They are an essential part of planning and the effective use of time. At RTS, I want you to learn how to make your calendar an ally in completing your studies. A good place to begin is your course syllabi. When you access a syllabus for the first time, review it carefully. Then go to your calendar. Add each class session to your calendar. For example, last spring my Classics of Personal Devotion class of met on these dates: 2/3, 3/2, 3/23, and 4/20. Add all work due on the date it’s due. That includes all quizzes, tests, and…
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