The President's Welcome

For more than 27 years now, Reformed Theological Seminary in Atlanta has been training pastors, missionaries, church planters, Bible teachers, and lay leaders in the church. We have developed a track record for winsomely equipping men and women for Christian service by means of a curriculum that is grounded upon the authority of the inerrant Word of God.

Our faculty is comprised of pastor-scholars—many of whom are serving locally as pastors and all of whom embody what RTS aspires to see in our students, namely, a mind for truth, a heart for God, and a life for ministry. And we have the privilege of doing all this in one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the world.

If you believe the Lord is calling you to pastoral ministry, or if you are interested in serving the church more effectively as a Sunday School teacher, officer, staff person, or lay leader, or if you are just hungry to grow more in your knowledge of and love for the Lord and His Word, then we would count it a privilege to help you on your way.

As you begin to think through what you are looking for in a seminary, let me encourage you to focus upon three main things:

1. Faculty

Without a doubt, the number one influence upon students during their time in seminary is the faculty. This means that you will need to make sure that the seminary you choose to attend will have a faculty who love the church and have pastor’s hearts. Academic qualifications and achievements are important, no doubt. But that is only part of the equation. If you are training for ministry, you need professors who understand ministry up close and personal. At RTS Atlanta, our professors are all either currently serving or have served in the context of the local church. They are gifted scholars who understand the dynamics of ministry, and their class lectures reflect it.

2. Curriculum

At RTS, we are committed to the authority of the inerrant Word of God, and we stand squarely within the tradition of the 16th century Reformation. We love the historic creeds and confessions of the church, most especially the Westminster Confession of Faith. All of our courses are built upon these commitments and passions and seek to communicate them winsomely and relevantly. At RTS Atlanta, we want to challenge you intellectually and spiritually, in such a way that you leave seminary not only with a better grasp of the Bible, theology, and history but with a greater love for Christ and a deeper desire to serve Him as well.

3. Community

The city of Atlanta is known for its dynamic growth, its Southern hospitality, and its many universities. It is a city that offers plenty to do and see. But it is also a city that is incredibly diverse. According to Time Magazine, this sprawling Southern metropolis is home to “the most diverse square mile in America.” More than 100 different languages are spoken in the Atlanta area. This means that you do not need to leave the United States in order to reach the world as a missionary. You simply need to come to Atlanta! There are a wide array of churches and ministry opportunities to choose from in the Atlanta area. Whatever your background or desire, you will discover a way to use your gifts and talents in serving the Lord in this great city. The fields in Atlanta really are white unto harvest (John 4:35).

At RTS Atlanta, we believe that God is at work in our city. We are excited to be a part of it. And we invite you to consider joining us as we labor together for the glory of the Lord. If you would like to learn more about the admissions process or if you would like to schedule a campus visit, please contact our director of admissions.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve side by side with you for the glory of our great God and King!

In Christ,
Guy Richard
President and Associate Professor of Systematic Theology