CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Reformed Theological Seminary gives thanks for the faithful service of Dr. Rod Culbertson and is pleased to announce his transition from full-time faculty service to Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology Emeritus beginning in June.
Dr. Culbertson has served RTS since 1994 and currently holds the roles of Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Dean of Student Development at the Charlotte campus. Through decades of teaching, mentoring, and leadership, he has shaped generations of students for ministry and helped strengthen the life of the seminary.
In his emeritus role, Dr. Culbertson will continue contributing to the RTS Charlotte community through elective teaching and serving the Center for Campus Ministry, extending a legacy of service that has long marked his ministry.
“Dr. Culbertson’s decades of service to Reformed Theological Seminary reflect a life devoted to Christ and the church,” said Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO of RTS. “Through his teaching, leadership, and personal investment in students, he has helped shape generations of pastors and ministry leaders. We are grateful that, even as he transitions to emeritus status, his wisdom and influence will continue to bless RTS and the broader church.”
Before joining RTS, Dr. Culbertson spent a decade ministering to college students through Reformed University Fellowship at the University of Florida and later planted a church in Clearwater, Florida. His commitment to campus ministry has spanned more than forty years, including helping launch and support RUF ministries across Florida.
At RTS, his leadership has extended well beyond the classroom. Over the years, he has served as Director of Admissions, Dean of Students, Vice President of Student Development, interim Academic Dean, and Executive Director of the Charlotte campus, helping shape both the student experience and the institutional life of the seminary in meaningful ways.
“When I came to RTS Charlotte as a student, Rod was my first contact on campus,” said D. Blair Smith, President of RTS Charlotte. “He has embodied what we hope every RTS graduate becomes—a shepherd who loves Christ, invests deeply in people, and labors faithfully for the good of the church. We are grateful this transition allows his gifts to continue serving our students and campus in meaningful ways.”
In addition to his work as a professor and administrator, Dr. Culbertson is an author whose writings on discipleship and Christian growth have served the church broadly. His books, including The Disciple Investing Life: Helping Others Grow in Their Relationship with Christ and Do I Love God? The Question That Must Be Answered, reflect the same relational, gospel-centered ministry that has characterized his life and teaching.
His influence at RTS has often been felt as much through personal investment in students as through formal instruction. Countless graduates have benefited from his counsel, encouragement, and example of pastoral faithfulness.
As Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology Emeritus, Dr. Culbertson will continue investing in students and supporting the mission of RTS while the seminary honors a legacy of faithful leadership, deep relationships, and enduring gospel ministry.