From the Reformed Quarterly Spring 1988 Bulletin.
Are you a high-tech wizard? By high-tech wizard I mean one who takes apart his VCR on a Saturday afternoon — just to see how it works? Or one who thinks the IBM Computer Disk Operating Manual is light reading? If not, then this article is definitely for you!
You should know, at the outset, that you don’t have to be a technical genius to enjoy the use of an increasing number of computer and video capabilities available today. At RTS we’ve taken the plunge. We’ve found that technical capabilities not only make teaching easier, but also enhance a student’s ability to learn. And we are no high-tech wizards; we’re just Christians seeking to use the best of technology to further God’s kingdom.
We’d like to tell you about some of our work at RTS. Perhaps you’ll see some ways your church can benefit from the world of high-tech.
COMPUTERS: MAKING US MORE PRODUCTIVE
Perhaps the most exciting development at RTS has been our entrance into the world of computers. These marvels of efficiency allow us to do more in less time, enabling us to increase our range of projects dramatically.
One of our newest additions is a Computer Bulletin Board, available to anyone with a computer and a modem (hardware which allows your computer to talk to another computer over phone lines). To access the Board, call 601-924-0463.
“We are trying to build a library of computer program resource that’s accessible to anyone through the telephone,” says RTS Development Director Lyn Perez. “Pastors may copy our public domain software, which includes word processing programs, databases, church membership programs, spreadsheets, computer concordances, Bible search programs, even desktop publishing programs.”
Alumni find the board very useful. RTS grad Jose Ortega, who works for Reformed University Ministries in Miami, accesses it regularly to keep up with alumni, to read the latest in theological works (transferring some of them to Miami boards), and to monitor the ongoing discussions between believers and non-believers.
The computer has also revolutionized the Marriage and Family Counseling Department at RTS. In a field where research is highly important, a bank of computers gives students the practice needed to develop a level of competence for acceptance into the very best doctoral programs.
Computer graphics has become a favorite medium for several of our students and professors. Middler Bill Appleton has even created computer slide show presentations as part of his assigned research projects. Dr. Willem VanGemeren, Chairman of the Old Testament Department at RTS, uses computer graphics regularly in his classes. Because he believes people are more visually oriented today, he urges his students to use their computers to generate graphics for use in sermons and Bible studies.
Computers are a large part of the future for productive, growing churches. We are committed to training our students in their use, enabling RTS graduates to leave with a useful tool for ministry. The third-year curriculum in our pastoral training program will provide on-campus computer classes for our future ministers.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
RTS is also reaping the benefits of video technology. This year we produced our first classroom video, which will afford M.Div. students the instruction of a top management consultant. It is the first of many more planned video courses.
In addition to last year’s local cable airing of professor R.C. Sproul’s “Holiness of God,” this year we are introducing the first of our “Video Teaching Series” for churches. Already available are ten one-half-hour lectures by Richard Pratt reflecting the teaching in his book, “Every Thought Captive.” In progress is Pratt’s most recent book “Pray With Your Eyes Open,” and another is underway with James Hurley. Our goal is to have three different video series available to churches by the end of the year.
A private video viewing room in the main library facility gives students the opportunity to view tapes on a variety of topics by people like R.C. Sproul. The library also has an extensive collection of audio tapes by excellent speakers. Some video and audio tapes are available to churches and the general public.
An exciting new venture by RTS is the Extension Study Program. These audio-taped courses enable those who cannot attend classes as resident students to study theology, Bible, and related subjects — and receive academic credit on the graduate level. The program has found wide acceptance largely because busy people may fit study time into their own schedule.
These are only a few of the changes RTS is making. Why are we doing this? Because we want to take advantage of every single opportunity to spread the gospel faster and more effectively. Perhaps Bill Appleton said it best: “We have print, radio, television, computer bulletin boards — all of these media are waiting to be explored by the Christian minister for the Kingdom of God. We as Christians must seize these avenues of communication and set the pace in applying technology to Christian life. If we don’t set the pace, the pagans will do it for us.”