Best Seminary Grand Rapids Near Me

Josef Urban: I am a 2022 alumnus of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary (PRTS). It took me four years to complete my MDiv (full-time), and every bit of it was an amazing experience: the classes, the resources at the William Perkins library, the Puritan Resource Center (full of antiquarian as well as recently reprinted Puritan writings), the access to academic databases around the world, the professors, the fellow seminarians, etc. To summarize its strengths, I appreciate this seminary because it is (1) biblical, (2) Reformed, (3) confessional, (4) Puritan-oriented, and (5) experientially pietistic yet grounded in spiritual realism.(1) Biblical. PRTS stands under the authority of the Bible. The faculty unanimously affirms the infallibility and inerrancy of the Bible. Every class begins with Scripture reading and prayer. The MDiv program put us through five semesters of Hebrew and five semesters of Greek (overlapping), focusing on grammar, translation, exegesis, using the tools, and going from text to sermon. They take the Bible in its original languages seriously and demand rigorous work in the languages.(2) Reformed theology. In many seminaries today, theology is put on the sideline and professors who have a penchant for novelty propagate views that do not accord with what our Reformed forefathers taught in past centuries. PRTS honors historic Reformed theology as the “Queen of the Sciences,” as necessary to make sense of life and the world, and as foundational to a comprehensive world-and-life view. The MDiv curriculum has a strong focus on systematic and historical theology as foundational to pastoral ministry, the church, and all of life. Yet my professors also taught in the spirit of Reformed catholicity, always being respectful to the broader church outside of their tradition.(3) Confessional. We were taught in accord with the great Confessions of the past, in harmony with the Three Forms of Unity and the Westminster Standards. I got to know the professors through the years and I can testify that their commitment to the Confessions is (1) not blind, for it is a commitment which holds the Confessions in conscious, learned subordination to the Bible; and (2) integral, meaning that their subscription does not consist in mere lip-service but in knowledgeable, sober, genuine heart-commitment.(4) Puritan-oriented. I need not say much about this because the President, Dr. Joel Beeke, is one of the foremost promoters of Puritan theology and writings in the world today. I was privileged to have him as my Systematic Theology and Homiletics teacher, in addition to being a mentor for me during my studies. A life-transforming experience. PRTS bears the stamp of his indelible influence through and through.(5) Experientially pietistic yet grounded in spiritual realism. One of the distinctives of PRTS is its Reformed experiential emphasis, which means that theology should touch and transform human experience in every sphere of life, i.e., personal life, family life, church life, societal life. John Calvin said, “The only legitimate recommendation that can be given to doctrine is that it teaches reverence and the fear of God. Thus we are reminded that the best disciple of Christ is one who has made the greatest progress in reverence; and he alone is to be considered a true theologian who builds up the consciences of men in the fear of God” (comm. Titus 1:1). PRTS thus trains men to be “true theologians” faithfully in agreement with this theocentric emphasis on the life of practical piety. The faculty was exemplary in shepherding the hearts and souls of students and not just the intellect.I continue to pursue doctoral studies at PRTS, and I can say that the academic rigor is scaled proportionately between the programs. In doctoral studies, we are made to engage in serious critical thinking and to interact with a plethora of sources from different schools of thought. If you desire to be trained as a pastor-theologian, PRTS strikes an excellent balance and provides the resources to make that possible, if the Lord be willing.

Cagdas Coskun: Experiential preaching is a life-changing preaching both for the preacher and the congregation. You will have lots of opportunities to learn how to be a good Reformed experiential preacher from the bests!

Taylor Rollo: A first-class reformed seminary. It is not larger, but the education you get will rival any large seminary. Furthermore, it is not just theological education but pastoral as well. The professors are or have been pastors, so you get both academic and pastoral education and guidance with high standards. They also work graciously with working pastors, certainly expecting excellence but also knowing that ministry emergencies come up, which they helpfully accommodate when needed. They also provide good distance options and intensive classes for in-person requirements. I am glad I went with PRTS for me ThM. I recommend their programs to anyone.

Benjamin Scott Campbell: 2022 alumnus here, MDiv. I'll say it up front: I love this place.Why? Five reasons: Excellent Academics; Model Faculty; Lifelong Fellowship; Global Reach; and Founded on Christ.Excellent Academics: Puritan is the seminary of choice for students planning on serving Christ's church, whether in the pastorate, teaching, or postgrad studies. Are you looking for rigorous preaching experience, in-depth exploration of the rich Puritan-Reformed heritage, or robust theological training? Puritan excels in them all.Model Faculty: No seminary is better than its faculty and staff, and Puritan is no exception. They are both passionate and humble. The men and women who serve here are nothing less than devoted experts, but they are also servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. (For example, the librarian, Laura Ladwig, is an indispensable treasure to Puritan.)Lifelong Fellowship: Seminary is very hard. To go through that crucible with anything less than the heart-friendships we made in this place, in the joy and the pain, would be unthinkable. On campus housing, and the fellowship resulting from it, was the highlight, the backbone of my seminary training. These families, though going separate ways, share with us a bond of peace that I trust extends our whole lives through.Global Reach: When I began at Puritan in 2018, our incoming class was the largest the seminary had ever seen. Among the countries represented were China, Turkey, Lithuania, Canada, Brazil, and more. Today, these men have gone out into the far corners of the world to establish churches, seminaries, and equip the saints in every place for the coming of Christ. I trust and pray Christ upholds Puritan's legacy of training up men and women from the nations and for the nations.Founded on Christ: All of this founded upon a devoted service to our King, our Savior, Jesus Christ and the expansion of his Church until he comes again in glory. Maybe you're not Reformed, or maybe you see the word "Puritan" and get images of dour, heartless folk in your mind. But at PRTS, it isn't about the Puritans themselves, but about the God they worshipped. What else could we desire as students of the Word than to learn better how we might worship him purely, in "spirit and in truth"? I can imagine nothing better.This is my heart spilling over for Puritan, what it represents and the people who represent it. Insofar as God keeps them faithful, I will continue to recommend PRTS to anyone seriously considering seminary training.An unequivocal and unfeigned five stars.

Heleno Montenegro Filho: If you are looking for a solid Reformed education, that is where you can find it. The professors know how to bound piety and learning. In addition, there is a powerful library with many primary and secondary sources, with the latest book releases. The staff is friendly and ready to help you with any question.

Caique Büll: I thank Jesus for the privilege to study under PRTS!Its professors, structure and goals are all set to glorify God above all and to edify His church through the training of men to serve His kingdom.

Hao Xue: A great school with faithful, practical, and experiential teaching.

David Bereso: Solid, reformed, and conservative seminary. Highly academic with experiential and spiritual emphasis.

Sherif A. Fahim: Solid, Reformed, Faithful with High Academic standards seminary training ministers of the gospel for countries all over the globe.

Arjun Tamang: The best seminary in the world. I highly recommend to those who are seeking to go for theological study. May God bless PRTS abundantly.

Andy Gruswitz: If you are looking for a seminary that will steer you right, with its foundation securely rooted in Christ and His Word, I cannot more highly recommend PRTS. God has given this institution not just some of the best staff and faculty they could possibly want, but in those same people you will find a living Christian witness that will edify, strengthen, and challenge you in ways that will grow you spiritually in ways you may not have previously. I know that has been true for me.

Franklin Bumgartener: Reformed & Faithful... a great seminary with a scholarly faculty.

Ruth Ymker: The best conservative seminary in our state

Giselle Huang (Giselle Gmail): One of the best seminaries. Praise the Lord! May He keep her faithful and loyal to Him.

Bilbo T Laggins: This is now called Samaritas. Which is a very nice and secure apartment complex.

Louis Wilbon: Excellent living environment Very good staff

Isamarie Montañez: Great activities at the CIC

Keith Longhurst: I go to the infusion center. Always clean open nice security staff.

Kimberly Walters: I have been there a few times as a guest for classes and events. The staff is very helpful and the events they have and classes they offer are free of charge. I encourage anyone to go to a class or event to grow in your faith as a Catholic or of another faith. You will leave there happy that you did. The Cathedral of St. Andrew is a couple doors down and has Mass times that are convenient for just about any schedule.

Diane Beckwith: Was there to pick up an order at the bookstore. Always friendly and courteous staff.

Heather S.: I don't know much about it.

Mike Henry: Very kind mother was in hospital. Father Robert's kindly went in a moment's notice but spectrum denied him from seeing my mother in hospice care.

Deborah Williams: Great place to visit. All business greapt service

Martín Roldán: Ubicación, muy limpio, muy buenas enseñanzas

Nate: Easy parking area and excellent conference rooms. Beautiful building inside and out. Lots of interesting art as well.

Lindsey K: Beautiful building. Great conference set up and catering.

Heather Sosnowski: This A Beautiful, Uplifting, Positive Area In The Inner City Area. It Brings Light, Hope, Faith & A More Positive Glow To The Atmosphere That Area Of Grand Rapids. It's By Far The Most Holy Architectural Structure In A Mile Radius

Katrine Coleman: Awesome very welcoming environment friendly staff

William Cook: Mav

Rosa Suarez: Es un lugar donde puedes ir a aprender de Bendiciones y muchas cosas de Dios de la vida como debe uno vivirla y los sacerdotes son muy amables y atentos espiritual mente te sientes muy bien y el lugar es muy tranquilo

Bob Reichert: Nice place.

Guero Rodriguez: The security guard is wonderful!

Lindsey Kooiker: Beautiful space.

Tania Castilhos: Very nice environment. Lots of space for meetings and training.

Billiam VanderVliet: For a place of Christ your security is incredible rude and disrespectful. I was lost in hope of finding Gods Kitchen, was told I was on private property, told him I’d gladly leave but asked if he could direct me towards Gods kitchen, he told me it was blocks down the street (it was across the street) so I said “isn’t that it across the street? I thought maybe this was the parking lot for it.” He begins to tell me I’m being an “ass” for not leaving and calls on his radio to “call grpd, we have a trespasser” and begins to take pictures of my vehicle. If somebody in charge could please get back to me id like to have a conversation with somebody in charge.

Deborah Kassuba: A beautiful cathedral. The 10 a.m. mass has the choir. Fr. Geaney is a great homilist.