Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

If you want to take graduate-level courses without enrolling in a full degree program, our Graduate Theological Studies Diploma (GTSD) is for you! The courses you take to gain this diploma are for credit and may be applied toward one of our master’s degrees in the future if you would like to continue your education.

This program is specially designed for part-time students but can be completed in one year when taken full-time. Come study with us to deepen your understanding of the faith and be equipped for service in the church!

"The most persistent, misguided conclusion in the history of Reformed churches is this: If only the elect can be saved, then the gospel should be preached only to the elect. In contrast, predestination should propel the church to offer the gospel freely to all."

Dr. Barry J. York, President

We were blessed to celebrate the graduation of 17 men and women from RPTS! Dr. Calvin Troup, President of Geneva College, delivered the commencement address. After the ceremony, we enjoyed a time of fellowship with the graduates and their families and friends.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

Due to the persecution of Christians in their home countries or countries where they will be ministering, four of our graduates cannot safely share their names or photos online. However, we still want to publicly congratulate them on completing their studies with us! Please keep them in prayer as they enter this next stage of life.

Introducing the graduating class: Yongjun Zhang (GTSD '26)

Yongjun serves as an elder at Pittsburgh Chinese Church Oakland and plans to partner with his pastor to plant a campus church serving the Chinese community in the South Pittsburgh area after graduation.

He believes RPTS prepared him for ministry by “expanding my understanding across many areas—biblical theology, church history, counseling, and more. At the same time, it has deepened my faith in Christ and strengthened my commitment to caring for souls and serving the community.”

In addition to a bachelor’s and master’s from Zhejiang University in China, Yongjun has a PhD from the University of Delaware.

He heard about the seminary from pastors and coworkers who are RPTS alumni.

Introducing the graduating class: Cherie Xi (MTS '26)

Cherie heard about RPTS from a friend. “RPTS has given me a deeper love for Scripture and a more disciplined way of thinking theologically,” she said. “It taught me to read the Bible carefully and reverently.” One fond memory of her time at RPTS was “asking difficult and sometimes unconventional questions about Scripture and being encouraged by professors who welcomed honest wrestling with the text.”

After graduation, Cherie hopes to continue to closely study Scripture and care for people. She grew up in China, but currently calls Pittsburgh home and
worships at First Reformed Presbyterian Church, PCA, in Penn Hills.

Introducing the graduating class: Brogan Kohle Shick (MDiv '26)

A native Pennsylvanian, Brogan holds an AA from Westmoreland Community College and a BA in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. After graduation, Brogan hopes to follow the Lord’s calling, whether that means preaching and teaching or something else. Brogan greatly appreciated the fellowship he found at RPTS, as well as growing in his love for the Lord.

“The time I have spent at RPTS has been worth every second. It has not been easy, but I have enjoyed learning about the Lord by studying His Word every day. It has been a blessing to be immersed in the Word of God on a daily basis, and to grow in my love for the Lord Jesus. My life will not be the same because of RPTS, and I thank the Lord for that!”

He came to RPTS at the recommendation of Dr. Stivason. Brogan said he fell in love with RPTS because it felt like a big family.

Introducing the graduating class: Harley J. Schwartz (MDiv '26)

Jake grew up in Grand Rapids, MI, and earned a BBA/MBA with an accounting concentration from Davenport University. As a member in the RPCNA, RPTS seemed like a natural choice when considering a call to the ministry.

While at the seminary, Jake especially appreciated being able to fellowship with Christians from other parts of the world and witness their courage. Jake said his time at RPTS “challenged my depth of study, opened new worlds of thought to me, sharpened my preaching, shaped my thinking on what the pastorate really is about, and has been a fantastic means of getting to know the broader RPCNA.”

His current plans post-graduation include assisting in the ministry at the Southfield Reformed Presbyterian Church in Southfield, MI, while laboring to launch a ministry to the Japanese population in the Detroit metroplex.

Introducing the graduating class: Trevor J. Pattillo

TJ is a member at Atlanta Reformed Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA, and has enjoyed providing pulpit supply at other churches.

Raised in Auburn, GA, TJ obtained a BTh from Metro Atlanta Seminary. Two pastors recommended RPTS to him, and he said that his time in seminary “challenged me and help me understand what it means to be called pastoral ministry, narrow my focus, and help me be a more effective shepherd in my home, church, and community.”

The summer church-planting class was one of his favorite memories from his time at RPTS. After graduation, TJ plans to “continue presbytery exams, supply pulpits in the RPCNA as allowed and when needed, and try to find ‘secular’ employment till I am eligible and receive a call."

Introducing the graduating class: Jacob Allen Neiderhiser (MDiv '26)

Jacob currently serves as the pastoral intern at Pioneer PCA in Ligonier, PA, his hometown. He received his BS in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Psychology from Geneva College. During his time there, he attended College Hill Reformed Presbyterian Church, where he was encouraged by Pastor Titus Martin to attend RPTS.

It was during his studies at RPTS that Jacob married his wife, Cara. “When I first began at RPTS we were only dating and she visited, then after we got engaged, she came with me to class and chapel, and then once again after we got married, she has gotten to visit. It has been incredible to spend one of the most important periods of our life at RPTS and to have gotten to share it with our RPTS family. This is a place that is very sweet to us, and we will not soon forget how kind the Lord has been to us here.”

Jacob summarized the impact RPTS had on him in these words: “I believe in my time at RPTS the Lord has worked through the staff and professors to prepare me for pastoral ministry. I believe that my education has been excellent, which was proven by passing my licensure exams. But far more than just intellectual preparation, I believe that I have been challenged constantly to grow in my love for Jesus and his people.

“I can honestly say that I have never felt more inadequate to be a pastor,
but I have never been more sure that it is exactly what I should do.”