News

PRC Theological Seminary

Theological School of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America

4949 Ivanrest Ave SW
Wyoming, MI 49418

Phone: 616-531-1490 ~ Fax: 616-531-3033

Prof. Ronald Cammenga, Rector (cammengaThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Charles Terpstra, Registrar (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Valerie Kleyn, Secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Judi Doezema, Denominational Secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

sem front May 2022
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses,
the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
2 Timothy 2:1,2

Other Special Information and quick links:

Special Summer 2023 Class on Church Discipline: The Seminary sponsored another special course for the public last summer.  Prof. Gritters taught regarding the important topic of Christian Discipline.  Because all members participate in discipline, the course is important to officebearers as well as members of the church.  Classes were held in Hudsonville PRC on Wednesday evenings from July 12 through August 9. For a detailed outline of the subjects to be taught, click on this link.  

The video links for each class are posted here. You may also find a convenient link to all the videos and outlines on Hudsonville PRC's website.

First Class - July 12, 2023 - The Church Order on Discipline (Outline)

 Second Class - July 19, 2023 - The Proper Objects of Discipline (Outline)

Third Class - July 26, 2023 - The Act of Discipline According to Matthew 18 (Outline)

Fourth Class - August 2, 2023 - The Act of Discipline, from the Elders' Bench (Outline)

Fifth Class - August 9, 2023 - Sufficient Evidence of Repentance (Outline)

Answers to remaining questions (Prof. Gritters's written responses to some questions that were not answered in the classes)

PRTJ cover Nov 2023 3

The Fall 2023 issue of the Protestant Reformed Theological Journal is now available - both in print and in digital forms! Digital editions are available on the PRTJ webpage and print copies were mailed today to those on our mailing list. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy at the seminary, contact Sharon, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

The seminary's special conference on preaching was held on Oct.28-29, 2021 at Trinity PRC. If you were unable to attend and would like to listen to the speeches, they are available here and here. The videos have also now been posted to the seminary YouTube channel.

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A Blessed Conference!

The PRC Seminary's 2019 Dordt400 Conference is now history. Held Thursday, April 25 - Saturday, April 27 at Trinity PRC in Hudsonville, MI, the conference had edifying speeches, blessed fellowship with believers from all over the country and world, and plenty of Dordt resources to browse.

The videos are posted on the seminary's YouTube channel and the audio on Trinity PRC's Sermonaudio channel.

For pictures taken at the conference, visit the main PRC website or the blog on this website.

 

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*A new seminary website has been developed and published! There are many new features and updates, including a blog. Visit the site and check out the various pages - and sign up to receive seminary news by email!

PRTS Faculty/Staff

PRTS Catalog

PR Theological Journal (most recent and archived)

News/Events

PRTS YouTube channel

PRC Seminary's Google calendar


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Link to Online Library Search Program

PRC Seminary Graduation 2014 - Joshua Engelsma

The PR Theological School (Seminary) held its graduation ceremony Thursday evening in Hope PRC, Walker, MI. Senior Joshua D. Engelsma (now Candidate J.Engelsma) was this year's graduate, having sustained his oral examination before Synod June 10-12

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Above is the program for the evening (also attched in pdf form) and below are a few pictures taken by Mr. Don Doezema. The video of the entire program is also now available on the Seminary's YouTube channel (see link here of imbedded below).

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Rev.K.Koole, TSC President, presenting Josh E. with his diploma.

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Josh E. receiving congratulations by Prof.R. Cammenga, rector.

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Graduation speaker, Prof.R.Dykstra, who addressed Josh and the audience from Exodus 3:1-15 and 4:10-15: "Sent by the Great I AM."

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Josh, Courtney, and children.

Seminary Update: May 2014

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As we get close to the mid-point of May already, we can mention a few updates from "Seminary hill":

1. The students are currently taking their final exams this week (May 12-19). This is always a busy and somewhat stressful time for them, especially for the first year men. Pray for them, that they may hold up well, physically, mentally, and spiritually, so that they may give a good account of themselves to the Lord.

2. Senior Joshua Engelsma has completed his two written exams and now awaits his oral examination before the 2014 PRC Synod, beginning June 10 in his home church, Hope PRC, Walker, MI.  Remember him in prayer in a special way as he prepares for this, and then awaits a call from the churches, D.V.

3. Junior Ryan Barnhill eagerly awaits the start of his Seminary internship as part of his final year at Seminary. His internship is planned for July 1-December 31 in Edgerton MN PRC. He and his wife Miranda and daughter Mya plan to move there the end of June. Bring their needs too to the Lord as they prepeare for this significant part of his ministerial training.

4. Besides wrapping up their class instruction for this semester, the professors have also kept busy with preaching this past month, including some out of town assignments. Prof. R.Cammenga has recently preached in both Hope PRC in Redlands, CA and Loveland PRC, Loveland, CO. Prof.B.Gritters spent this past weekend and Lord's day in Pittsburgh preaching for Missionary-pastor W.Bruinsma who gave a lecture on Calvinism in the area. And Prof.R.Dykstra, who has been doing the Heidelberg Catechism preaching for Faith PRC during her vacancy, is preparing to spend part of his summer in Singapore preaching and speaking for Covenant ERC once again.

5. We extend special congratulations to Prof.B.Gritters as he marks thirty (30) years in the ministry on May 14 (ordained May 14, 1984)! We give thanks to God for enabling him to serve the churches as pastor of two congregations (Byron Center PRC from 1984-1994 and Hudsonville PRC from 1994-2003) and as Professor of Practical Theology and NT Studies since 2003. May God continue to bless him in his labors in the Seminary and in the churches.

6. The Theological School Committee recently approved the purchase of emeritus Prof.David Engelsma's library. This is being packed and brought to Seminary this week by our librarian and will make for a wonderful addition to our holdings. It will also give Mr.C.Terpstra plenty to do this summer, as he also completes work on the Letis collection of books and materials.

7. The Seminary grounds are once again looking good and showing their Spring beauty (See the picture from today, May 13). Thanks to Oomkes Landscape for re-seeding after a rough snowplow season, to Kregel's Landscape for some new trees up front and fertilizing, to Don and Judi Doezema for flower replanting, and to our lawn service man, Brad Gritters, the grounds have recovered from a harsh winter and are back to life.

April 2014 Seminary Journal - More on the Heidelberg Catechism!

Cover 3 Page 1The April 2014 issue of the Protestant Reformed Theological Journal has just been published and sent out to those on our mailing list! This continues volume 47 (#2) and is once again a special issue, containing the other three speeches given at the October 2013 PR Seminary sponsored conference marking the 450th anniversary of the Heidleberg Catechism (1563-2013). For information on the previous issue and the first three speeches from this conference, visit this news item.

Inside this issue are the Journal-adapted speeches of Prof.B.Gritters, Rev.Carl Haak, and Prof.R.Dykstra. Related to these speeches, Seminary librarian, Charles Terpstra, provides a bibliography of recent books on the "HC" added to the Seminary library. And once again there are a goodly number of book reviews, including a significant review article by emeritus professor David Engelsma (see the cover image to the right for more on the contents).

The PRTJ is sent out free of charge to any who wish to receive it. We will gladly place you on our mailing list if you so desire. Contact the Seminary secretary, Judi Doezema (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you are interested in receiving the Journal this way. We can also send it to you electronically if you wish to receive it in Kindle or ePub formats (Those versions are also now available for this issue - see the Seminary's Journal page linked below.). We also attach it in pdf form here for your convenience.

If you wish to view and read any past issues, they are all archived at the Journal page on the Seminary's website. There you will also find an index for searching these issues.

April Updates from Seminary Hill

SignThe PR Seminary has a few updates to pass along as we enter this month of April, where the Lord's sure signs of Spring appear once again in West Michigan. 

1. Our next Seminary Journal (April 2014) is back from the printer and was mailed out on Friday, April 25. This issue will have the other three speeches from the Heidelberg Catechism Conference of last Fall, plus some significant book reviews. Look for your copy in the mail in the weeks ahead. If you would like to be added to our mailing list (no charge, although we do accept gifts), contact the Seminary office. The digital copies of this issue will be made available on the Seminary Journal page in short order.

2. The Seminary is now on its final month of classes before final exams. "Pray for us", that the professors and students would have strength to complete our labors and grace to finish well.

3. The two upper-class students, Josh Engelsma (senior) and Ryan Barnhill (junior), besides their normal studies, have stayed busy teaching catechism, leading societies, (nearly finished now) and speaking a word of edification in the churches, which sometimes includes going out of town (Doon, IA, Randolph, WI, Chicago area).

4. The first-year students (9) have just finished preparing and delivering their first sermons as part of their Homiletics class. It was their testimony that making a sermon from start to finish (exegesis to full outline to delivery) was a significant learning experience for them.

5. Our professors also stay very busy with their classroom teaching as well as with leading Bible studies, preaching weekly in the churches, lecturing and serving on denominational committees.

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6. The Seminary recently received the annual visit from the 4th grade class of Mrs.Jane Woudenberg from our Heritage Christian School (Hudsonville, MI). This is always a highlight for the Seminary, and once again their visit was appreciated and encouraging (cf. picture to the left).

7. The professors and students will be on Spring Break from April 7-11. Pray for them that they may experience a season of rest and refreshment before the final weeks of school.

8. The staff will be present normal hours during Spring Break, from 8 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., so if you have any needs feel free to call or stop by.

9. Finally, as a Seminary "family" we share in the loss of Mr.John M.Kalsbeek, a godly husband, father, and PR Christian school teacher, who with his wife Judy was also the long-time janitor of our facility.  We thank God for his humble service in our midst and express our sincere sympathies to his wife and family (ten children).

February Updates from Seminary Hill

Having entered the month of February, we can give you a few new updates from snowy Seminary hill.

1. Prof.B.Gritters (professor of missions as well as of practical theology and NT studies) and his wife, along with elder D.Wassink and his wife, arrived home safely from their mission trip to India on behalf of Georgetown PRC. You will remember that Prof.Gritters is on a partial sabbatical this year. During the second semester he is teaching two courses - Homiletics/Liturgics and NT Exegesis, - while continuing his special work in the area of church polity.

ProfBGritters teaching-Jan2014-1

2. In connection with that sabbatical the Seminary also welcomes Rev.K.Koole, pastor of Grandville PRC. Rev.Koole is teaching OT Isagogics (introduction) this semester for Prof.B.Gritters.

RevkKoole-OT Isagogics

3. Also welcomed back the beginning of this new year is senior Seminarian Josh Engelsma. Josh and his wife Courtney and their three children spent last summer and his 1st semester doing his internship in Peace PRC in Lansing, IL. He testifies to it having been a wonderful experience in preparation for the ministry of the Word. As he finishes his final classes this semester, he anticipates his examination before the PRC Synod in June to be held in his home church of Hope PRC, Walker, MI.

4. Following the special study period in January (and a special educational day-trip to Chicago), the PRC Seminary is now a couple of weeks into its second semester schedule (see also the Seminary calendar at the bottom of its homepage). The professors and students have quickly settled into their daily routine of classes and assignments. The two students licensed to speak in the churches also have practice preaching this semester: Josh Engelsma and Ryan Barnhill. But the first year students are also busy preparing their first sermons this semester (to be delivered in class only).

5. We also have a goodly number of auditors (class visitors) this semester, with people from the Grand Rapids area and even from Kalamazoo taking in Prof.R.Cammenga's NT Hisotry and Dogmatics classes, and Prof.R.Dykstra's Church history, History of Dogma, and Reformed Symbols (confessions) classes. It is a delight to have this interest in the Seminary and a joy to have their fellowship.

Let's remember the Seminary in our daily prayers, for the calling is high, the work is great, and the Lord alone has grace to meet the needs of all of us.

P.S. This important note can also now be included here:

Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2014 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 31st.

January Updates from Seminary Hill

PC243796The PR Seminary is currently on a special schedule due to the postponement of the Interim, which would have met from Jan.6-15, 2014. The faculty has designated this a special time of study preparation for the second semester, with students being given some of their special assignments early so they can begin work on sermons, papers and readings. Continue to pray for the faculty and students as prepare for the start of the second semester, set for next Tuesday, Jan.21.

 

Prof.B.Gritters along with his wife Lori and elder Deane Wassink and his wife Donna are finishing up their work in the region of Vellore, India this week. Yesterday Prof. Gritters preached in both the English and Tamil congregations. This week Prof. Gritters will be teaching Classes for Sola Gratia Study on the Covenant and leading Bible Studies. The delegation will visit the Grace Foster Home, Village Outreach Churches, and seek to grow in knowledge and fellowship with the RCCV. Remember this delegation in prayer as they carry out this work, say their goodbyes and return home on Friday, D.V.

English Bible study - DrRonalds-Jan2014

 

Junior Ryan Barnhill has just learned from the faculty that he will be taking his internship the second half of this year (July 1- December 31, 2014) in Edgerton (MN) PRC under her pastor, Rev. Douglas Kuiper. Edgerton's Council has approved this proposal and over the next few months will be making preparations with her pastor for the coming of Ryan, his wife Miranda, and daughter Mya. Besides involvement in all the aspects of the life of the Edgerton congregation, the internship will afford Ryan the opportunity to be a part of the work of the Foreign Mission Committee and the Reformed Witness Committee. Ryan and Miranda are excited about the opportunity to spend the six-month internship in one of the congregations of Classis West.

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And, finally, don't forget the special invitation that has been extended to visitors to attend selected second semester classes! Visit the link for details and contact information. Hope to see you there!

Invitation to Audit 2nd Semester Seminary Classes

SemFront-1Once again the Seminary is inviting those who are interested to attend selected classes this coming school year. 

Prof. R.Dykstra is inviting auditors to Church History, a class in which he will teach about Ancient Church History; Reformed Confessions, concentrating on the Heidelberg Catechism and Belgic Confession; and History of Dogma. 

Prof. R.Cammenga is inviting auditors to Reformed Dogmatics, which will begin with Eschatology, the study of the last things, and New Testament History, a class in which he treats New Testament History from the Passion of Christ through the missionary journeys of the apostle Paul. 

If you are interested in attending any or all of these classes, please call the Seminary at 616-531-1490 to find what times they meet (or check the Seminary website for the class schedule) and to “register” for the class(es).  Classes begin on Tuesday, January 21.

Seminary on Christmas/New Year's Break

PC243796The Seminary will be on break for this week and next for the Christmas and New Year's holidays (December 23-January 3).

The Seminary office and staff will keep its regular hours during this time, available from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for the Christmas and New Years days. But please call ahead of time to make sure that someone is there (616-531-1490).

Power was restored to the Seminary late Monday afternoon! We plan to be open most of the day Tuesday, and then again Thursday and Friday.

The Seminary faculty, students and staff wish you a blessed Christmas and New Year!

Matthew 1:23: Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

 

Seminary on Exam Schedule This Week

Students in ClassThe PRC Seminary is on 1st Semester exam schedule this week, with exams being held each day Monday through Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m. To view the exam schedule visit the Seminary website and scroll down to the bottom of the home page for the calendar (click on each day's notice for the specific exams).

The Seminary office and staff will keep its regular hours this week, available from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. From December 23 - January 3 professors and students will be on break, but the office will still be open, except on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Let us remember our Seminary students in prayer this week, that they may give a good account to the Lord of their studies and preparation for the gospel ministry.

 

 

 

January 2014 Interim Course Postponed

cammengaThe faculty of the PRC Seminary with the approval of the TSC (Theological School Commitee) announces that the January 2014 Interim session scheduled to be taught by Prof.R.Cammenga ("The Theology of John Calvin") from Jan.6-15 has now been postponed. This decision was made in light of the ongoing treatments Prof.Cammenga's wife Rhonda is receiving for uterine cancer as well as other pressing needs in his family at this time.

Prof.Cammenga does plan to teach this new course in the future, D.V., but there will be no interim course taught next year (January 2014).

Please remember the Cammenga family in your prayers as they pass through this trial.

Isaiah 43:1-2 

1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

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