Resources on RTS Jackson

The dogwood tree at the northwest corner of Grace Chapel is covered with hundreds of periodical cicada shells, making it cicada central at RTS Jackson. Look down and see the holes from which the insects emerged after 13 years of nourishing themselves on the tree’s roots. According to the Mississippi Extension Service “there are only three broods of 13-year cicadas in the world and Mississippi is the only state where all three broods occur” – another marvel that makes our state an endlessly fascinating place to live, study, and work.

The dogwood tree at the northwest corner of Grace Chapel is covered with hundreds of periodical cicada shells, making it cicada central at RTS Jackson. Look down and see the holes from which the insects emerged after 13 years of nourishing themselves on the tree’s roots. According to the Mississippi Extension Service “there are only three broods of 13-year cicadas in the world and Mississippi is the only state where all three broods occur” – another marvel that makes our state an endlessly fascinating place to live, study, and work.

A PCA teaching elder, Seth Starkey is the Reformed University Fellowship’s Campus Minister at Belhaven University in Jackson. Today he spoke to my Theology of Worship class about decisions campus ministers must make about the structure of worship and teaching in RUF large group meetings. Tonight RUF would like to host any and all RTS Jackson students and their spouses at a reception for those interested in hearing more about how God is at work on college campuses. The event is 5:30-7:00pm at The Apothecary in Fondren behind Brent’s Drugs (655 Duling Ave., Jackson). Tuesday, the Coordinators will be on campus meeting one on one with students in Patterson’s Porch who have specific questions about the ministry. Speaking during lunch on that…

Dr. Mike Campbell is one of the Presbyterian Church in America’s most skilled and effective church planters.  Today Mike lectured to my Theology of Worship students on “Worship in a Multi-ethnic Setting.” Since 2004 Mike has served as organizing and then senior pastor of Redeemer Presbyerian Church in Jackson, “a multi-ethnic community of Christians committed to glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ and proclaiming the Good News of His Kingdom in both word and deed to the Broadmoor and Broadmeadow neighborhoods, the city of Jackson, and to the world.”

Ordained in 1961, Pastor Brister Ware has served as First Presbyterian Church’s Minister of Pastoral Care since 1983. Today Brister spoke to my preaching class about pastoral visitation. His lecture was full of godly wisdom and practical instruction, the fruit of a long and faithful life in ministry. Brister is an encouragement to me, and I am thankful for his caring example.

I’ve never taught a more gratifying course than Introduction to Preaching. During the first half of the semester, men prepare their sermons; after spring break, they preach.  Yesterday at Grace Chapel James Ritchey and Martin Antoon preached the first sermons of this year’s class. To watch the next generation of ministers deliver sermons that expound the text, exalt the Savior, and edify the congregation is a tangible reminder of God’s determination to provide his church with faithful shepherds.