New pathways to theological education provide flexible degree completion options for students in the Midwest and Southeast.
Jackson, Miss. – Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) announces the launch of its newest extension site in Chicago and the expansion of course offerings at its Nashville extension site. These developments, made possible through strong partnerships with local churches, respond to the demonstrated need and desire to deepen theological education offerings within these vibrant communities. The extension sites provide students in key metropolitan areas with accessible pathways to pursue rigorous theological education while maintaining connections to their local communities.
The Chicago extension site, located in the heart of the Midwest, began operations with its inaugural course, “Introduction to Pastoral and Theological Studies,” taught by distinguished faculty including Drs. Ligon Duncan, Scott Redd, and Mike Park. Dr. Tommy Keene will teach the next course, Gospels, this October.
“We are thrilled to celebrate both the launch of our Chicago extension site and the expanded offerings in Nashville,” said Dr. Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary. “These developments represent a significant expansion of RTS’s reach and our commitment to making excellent theological education accessible to students where they are. The strong partnerships we’ve formed with local churches in both Chicago and Nashville have shown us the deep desire for quality theological education in these communities, and we’re excited to respond to that need with these new on-ramps to RTS education.”
Through partnerships with local churches, the Chicago extension site brings Reformed theological training to the heart of the Midwest. Students engage deeply with the local church community while building meaningful connections with fellow learners. This model allows RTS to offer its rigorous academic training in a flexible format—an ideal starting point for those beginning or continuing their theological journey.
Simultaneously, RTS is expanding its presence in Nashville, where the extension site continues to serve the city’s growing theological education needs. Students at the Nashville extension site can complete up to 32 credit hours while benefiting from the same academic rigor and biblical fidelity that characterize all RTS offerings.
“The Nashville extension gives us an opportunity to come alongside churches in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation in order to train pastors and strengthen Christian leaders,” said Dr. Guy Richard, President of RTS Atlanta and Executive Director of the Nashville Extension Site. “We are excited by the level of support we have received in Nashville and by the opportunity our expansion provides churches in the Nashville area and beyond.”
The Nashville extension site classes are held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 33 Burton Hills Blvd, Nashville, TN 37215. The next class will be Christ, Culture, and Contextualization, which will be taught by Dr. Josh Malone this summer, beginning in July.
As students advance in their studies at either extension site location, they have multiple options to complete their degrees, including RTS Global online courses, RTS Washington, D.C. Flex-Residential courses, transfer to RTS Atlanta or any residential campus, or participation in the Hybrid MDiv program at RTS Orlando.
Students interested in beginning their theological journey at an RTS Extension Site can apply online at rts.edu/apply and select their local extension site as their initial location. Admissions counselors are available to discuss educational goals and degree pathway options.
For more information, visit rts.edu/extensionsites.