In June, Reformed Theological Seminary launched its newest extension site in Chicago, marking another important entry in the institution’s commitment to making ministry accessible to students across the country.
The site’s first course, Introduction to Pastoral and Theological Studies, ran from June 12-16 and was taught by Scott Redd, Mike Park, and Ligon Duncan, who is RTS’ chancellor and CEO. Ten students attended the class, including one who is also taking weeklong RTS courses in Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, and Houston this summer, before returning to his native Brazil.
“He’s taking advantage of modular (week-long) courses on multiple campuses to complete more than a full semester’s worth of in person theological education in about six weeks,” Duncan shared on X. “RTS is the only place that anyone could do something like this.”
This fall Tommy Keene will teach a course on the gospels in October, and RTS plans to offer more courses — Personal Sanctification (taught by Dane Orlund) and Joshua-Esther (taught by Peter Lee) — early next year.
Students can complete up to 14 credits in-person, laying a foundation for students earning a master of arts degree to continue at a residential campus or online via RTS Global. Master of Divinity students can also opt for a hybrid model, traveling to RTS Washington D.C., or Orlando for intensive courses and taking others online, all the while living in the Chicago area.
RTS held a kickoff event on June 9 at Boulevard Presbyterian Church in Oak Park, Illinois, featuring remarks from Duncan and Niel Nielson, former president of Covenant College. Local pastors, church members, and prospective students gathered for worship, prayer, and celebration.
Partnership with local churches is integral to the launch of RTS extension sites. Rather than drawing students away from ministry in their home churches, the extension model embeds learning within their existing communities. Students practice new skills as they serve their congregations, a feedback loop that benefits both church and seminary.
RTS is also expanding course offerings at its Nashville extension.
“We are thrilled to celebrate both the launch of our Chicago extension site and expanded offerings in Nashville,” said Duncan. “The strong partnerships we’ve formed with local churches in both [cities] 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.”
Chicago has long been a vital metropolitan center for theological engagement, and RTS’s presence there reinforces that history by providing training to future pastors, missionaries, and lay leaders. Whether a prospective student is sensing a call to vocational ministry or simply looking for deeper biblical understanding, the Chicago extension site offers next steps.
Those interested in learning more, exploring upcoming courses, or applying can visit rts.edu/extensionsites.