JACKSON, Miss. — Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson will host a unique preview day event on February 27, 2023. The spring preview day marks the first RTS Jackson preview event since the relocation of the campus was announced in 2022.
Potential MDiv, MABS, and MATS students will experience the academic and community life of RTS Jackson for a day, culminating in a trip to the new campus property, where attendees will be among the very first prospective students to receive a tour of the facilities.
The event will begin on RTS Jackson’s historic campus, where guests will sit in on two classes: Covenant Theology with Dr. Ligon Duncan and Gospels with Dr. Ben Gladd.
“Afterwards, Dr. Duncan is going to spend a good, solid hour with all of our prospective students, just talking about the RTS Jackson experience and answering questions,” said CL Pearce, Director of Admissions for the campus. “From there, we’ll transition to Cultivation Food Hall, which is close to our new space.”
At the restaurant, guests will eat lunch with and hear from current students and professors in a panel discussion. Pearce will share advice on how to financially prepare for seminary and discuss financial aid opportunities. From the food hall, the group will shift to the new RTS Jackson campus, where prospective students will see the new facilities firsthand.
“We couldn’t be more excited for our students about the new space,” said Pearce.
The relocation of RTS Jackson’s original campus was announced in June 2022. Since then, the new facilities, located near the intersection of Interstate 55 and Meadowbrook Road, have undergone a total interior renovation. Once home to law and accounting firms, the site is nearing completion as a place that will facilitate deep study of the Word of God.
Jermaine Van Buren, RTS Jackson admissions counselor, said that he hoped prospective students would get a sense of what their lives could look like in Jackson amid the community fostered by seminary.
“I want them to leave with a clearer vision for where God is calling them,” said Van Buren.
Pearce and the RTS Jackson admissions team work hard to give potential students an idea of the care and support that the seminary community provides: “You never know who’s going to show up at a preview day like this. You could be meeting a longtime ministry friend for the first time.”
Everyone who attends the preview day will also receive a copy of A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament, edited by Dr. Miles Van Pelt, and an RTS Jackson water bottle. Registration for preview day can be completed online.
On the whole, Pearce said, the event promises to be an extremely unique opportunity: “There won’t be another preview day like this. For those interested in spending time on the historic campus and getting to see the new space, this will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity.”
Van Buren said he hoped the event would speak to both thankfulness for the past and expectations for the future.
“I think it will be good for the students to see the legacy that RTS is leaving behind and is moving into. This historic location just represents the works of some faithful men and women who saw the vision of RTS,” he said. “The fact that it has endured into the present day is just a really cool story to see, so I’m really glad that we’re able to see both of those stories.”
For Pearce, the significance is two-fold. As important as the relocation is for the future of the campus, the admissions team is most excited to be able to see the next generation of those being called to ministry.
“It’s a ‘both/and,’” said Pearce. “I’m excited to invite people into the future of RTS Jackson.”
More information about Spring Preview Day, including a schedule of events, can be found on the online registration form.