Academic Bulletin

Welcome to Geneva Reformed Seminary

Paul admonished Timothy, his son in the faith, “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 Tim. 2:1). In the Free Presbyterian Church of North America we have always taken seriously the need to train our men for the ministry. We live in “perilous times” (2 Tim. 3:1), and we are facing the difficulties of ungodliness and theological perversity such as Paul describes in 2 Tim. 3:1–9; 4:3–4. The apostle’s threefold stress for Timothy’s instruction of faithful men forms the basis of the educational emphasis at GRS as we seek to prepare men for ministry in the twenty-first century.

First, Timothy was to “turn away” from false teachers (v. 5). Our seminary has always understood the need to identify and repudiate the heretical teachers and corrupters of godliness in our generation. Along with the apostle Paul, our seminary identifies both ancient and modern corrupters of the truth, and our apologetic courses equip students to grapple with the abundance of errors flooding the modern church.

Second, Timothy was to emphasize a godly life that was patterned after Paul’s own zeal and behavior (2 Tim. 3:10–14). John Owen asserted, “No man preaches his sermon well to others if he doth not first preach it to his own heart.” GRS repudiates the ungodly lifestyle of the philosophers and entertainers that plague the Church. At the same time, we exhort our students to godliness with Paul as the great example of this behavior. Our study of church history helps to illustrate what happens to a church that has left the manner of life exhibited by Paul, as well as the great blessings that come to the people of God when they walk in holiness of life.

Third, Timothy was to “preach the Word” (2 Tim. 4:2). With the eye of a prophet, Paul warned of a future time when men would “turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Tim. 4:4). The solution to such an evil age is to preach the whole counsel of God’s Word with an emphasis on its central theme of Jesus Christ.

GRS has always had as the foundation of her curriculum an emphasis on the preached Word. While this stress on preaching includes courses in homiletics, it also necessitates that each ministerial student study English Bible, hermeneutics, theology, and practical theology. The full-orbed teaching of God’s Word is able to meet the complex needs of men in this difficult age, and it is able to build the church of Christ. It is the Scriptures that “are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15). Again, it is the Scriptures that sanctify the life as that profitable Word is taught “for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). It is also the Scriptures that are sufficient to make a minister “throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:17) so that the man of God need not run to the broken cisterns of this world’s failed educational system.

Preaching the Word means that the gospel of Christ will be set forth and heralded throughout the land. The very act of heralding forth the gospel implies the sovereignty of God in empowering the message to the hearer, and it is the means God has chosen to use in evil days. Therefore, our seminary desires not only to communicate the truth of Scripture to the heart of the preacher but also to give the preacher the tools necessary to proclaim Christ to the people.

Geneva Reformed Seminary has always been separated from apostasy and worldliness, orthodox in her creed, Protestant and Reformed in its theological distinctives, and strongly evangelistic in an unbelieving world. As an earlier president of our seminary put it, GRS has “an unapologetic and uncompromising commitment to a Reformed theology that is Christ- centered, biblical, evangelistic, and separatist.” It our seminary’s prayer that our students will not be intimidated by the evil age in which they minister, but will take the knowledge of biblical truth and couple it with a burning heart to know Christ and to make Him known.

Flexible and Accessible Education

Geneva Reformed Seminary offers a blend of on-campus, online, and Zoom-based instruction, providing flexibility for students in different locations and circumstances.

While we would prefer students were located on campus for in-person interaction, this has its challenges. As such:

• Many courses are available entirely online.
• Select classes are conducted live via Zoom, enabling interaction with faculty and peers from anywhere in the world.

This hybrid approach ensures that students can access a rigorous theological education wherever they are located.

Admission Information

Admission Policy

Geneva Reformed Seminary admits students of any race, color, national, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, loan programs, and other school administered programs.

Geneva Reformed Seminary, the theological seminary of the Free Presbyterian Church of North America, operates under the authorization of the Commission of Presbytery to award the following degrees:

• Certificate of Religious Studies (laymen)
• Bachelor of Divinity (BD)
• Master of Religious Education (MRE)
• Master of Divinity (MDiv)

While not accredited, Geneva Reformed Seminary is dedicated to providing rigorous theological education, equipping students for faithful and effective ministry within the FPCNA and like-minded churches. These degrees are primarily designed for ministry preparation and, as non-accredited programs, may not meet the requirements for admission to certain accredited institutions or programs.

Academic requirements

Certificate of Religious Studies: The Certificate of Religious Studies is a non-degree program designed for Christians (male or female) who desire formal training in the Scripture. A baccalaureate degree is not necessary. This program can be completed in one year of full-time study and may be completed entirely online. This program does not qualify for international students studying in residence.

Bachelor of Divinity: The Bachelor of Divinity degree is for those who may not have earned a baccalaureate degree but who have completed a minimum of sixty hours of undergraduate credit. The presbytery reserves the right to waive this requirement under limited circumstances for mature men who otherwise meet the criteria for admission. This is a professional degree designed for prospective ministers or those pursuing a career in Christian service and is not equivalent to a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for the BD are the same as for the MDiv, and candidates must, demonstrate ability to do seminary-level work. This program can be completed in three years of full-time study.

Master of Religious Education: The Master of Religious Education is designed to equip non-ministerial Christian workers, both men and women, to better serve the church as ruling elders, Sunday school administrators and teachers, or Christian school educators. A baccalaureate degree from a reputable undergraduate program is required. This program does not qualify for international students to study in residence. This program can be completed in two years of full-time study and may be completed entirely online.

Master of Divinity: Candidates for the Master of Divinity degree must have a baccalaureate degree from a reputable undergraduate program. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission. The MDiv is a professional degree for prospective ministers or those pursuing a career in Christian service.

Personal

In keeping with the New Testament’s emphasis on the personal character and testimony of qualified ministers and with the seminary’s purpose to prepare preachers, the character and testimony of students is a major concern. All students must give a credible testimony of personal faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior. In addition they must give evidence of spiritual maturity that reveals an overall commitment to Christ and His Word. We furthermore expect students to submit to the moral standards reflected in the Free Presbyterian Church substandards.

Prospective candidates for ministry in the Free Presbyterian Church will be required to have an endorsement from their local session after maintaining communicant membership in a Free Presbyterian church for a minimum of one year. In addition they will stand before the Commission of Presbytery to testify both to their call to the ministry generally and their call to the Free Presbyterian Church specifically. Students who meet this requirement will come under the care of presbytery.

All students will be required to have personal recommendations from their home church and minister.

Veterans

Geneva Reformed Seminary is approved for veterans benefits by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education for training veterans and dependents under Title 38 of the US Code of Federal Regulations. Veterans who are eligible for this benefit should notify the administrative assistant at the time of their application to the seminary.

Non-degree students

Certain classes will be open for those not enrolled in either the certificate or degree programs. These classes will be offered on either a credit or audit basis. Academic requirements will be waived for audits.

Online students

GRS offers some courses online. These courses can be taken for either credit or audit at the same per credit cost as those taken in residence. Those taking the courses for credit must submit the same application information as resident students, and the same academic requirements apply regarding the degree programs. Up to 40 credits toward a degree at GRS may be earned online; the rest of the program must be completed in residence. For enrolling in online courses, contact our office.

Procedures

1. Submit a completed application form.
2. Submit a written personal testimony of your conversion and, if applicable, your call to the ministry.
3. Submit letters of endorsement from your local session, church, or minister.
4. Submit official academic transcripts and records.
5. Students who are not Free Presbyterians must supply contact information and three references (name, address, phone number, email).
6. Students who are Free Presbyterians and who desire to enroll as a student under care of presbytery must complete the application supplement that can be obtained from the clerk of presbytery and must be interviewed by the presbytery.

Applications may be secured

1. By writing the seminary directly at this address:
   Geneva Reformed Seminary
   1207 Haywood Road
   Greenville, SC 29615
2. By calling the seminary at 864.268.7071.
3. By downloading the application.
4. By emailing a request to info@grsonline.org.

Application supplements may be secured by contacting

Dr. Stephen Pollock
Clerk of Presbytery
1207 Haywood Road
Greenville, SC 29615

fpcnaclerk@outlook.com

Tuition

• Tuition fees per credit hour for students not under care — $150
• For students under care — $125
• Audit fees per hour — $75
• Graduation and diploma fee — $50

Fees are subject to change.

Payment Plans

Students should plan on full payment of all fees at the beginning of each term or in equal installments with full payment by the end of the term. Requests for alternative payment arrangements must be approved by the president of the seminary. The seminary does not desire that any student be forced to interrupt his study for financial reasons and will do what is possible in terms of payment schedules. From time to time, funds are available for student assistance. Inquiries for financial assistance should be made directly to the president of the seminary.

Refund Policy

Tuition fees will be refunded to those who withdraw from a course as follows:

• 1st week — Full refund
• 2nd week — 90% of tuition
• 3rd week — 75% of tuition
• 4th week — 50% of tuition
• 5th week — 25% of tuition
• After 5th week — No refund

Academic Information

Grading Policy

Letter Grade	Percentile	Quality Points	Significance
A	95–100	4.00	Outstanding
A-	90–94	3.67
B+	87–89	3.33	Good
B	84–86	3.00
B-	80–83	2.67
C+	77–79	2.33	Acceptable
C	74–76	2.00
C-	70–73	1.67
D+	67–69	1.33	Minimal
D	64–66	1.00
D-	60–63	0.67
F	0–59	0.00	Unacceptable
I	Incomplete	0
W	Withdrawn	0
P	Pass	0
U	Unacceptable	0
AU	Audit	0

Incomplete Work: A temporary grade of “Incomplete” will be given at the professor’s discretion when the student’s situation warrants it. An “I” may not be given if the student simply fails to complete assignments due to negligence. The student must complete the work by the midway point of the next academic term or the “I” will be changed to “F.”

Withdrawal: Withdrawal from a course can only be by permission of the seminary president. Withdrawals before the midway point in the term incur no academic penalty.

Pass: This grade is assigned to satisfactory work in non-credit deficiency or remedial courses.

Unacceptable: This grade is assigned to unsatisfactory work in non-credit deficiency or remedial courses.

Audit: This grade is assigned for non-credit enrollment in a credit class. Attendance in class is the only requirement. Note that once audited, a class cannot be taken for credit.

Academic probation

Candidates for both the B.Div. and M.Div. must have a 2.00 GPA for graduation. Failure to maintain that overall GPA at any point during the program will place the student under academic probation for the following term. If the GPA is not raised to the minimum after the next term, the student’s candidacy will be terminated.

Grade reports, transcripts, and diplomas

Students will receive a printed report of grades at the end of each academic term. Grade reports will be withheld from students whose accounts are not in order. Arrangements can be made with the president to establish an orderly payment schedule and thus insure the release of grade reports. Transcripts will be released upon request by the student to another institution at no charge, provided the student’s account with the seminary is settled. Diplomas will be issued when all academic requirements have been satisfied and when the student’s account with the seminary is settled.

Graduation requirements

To receive either the Master of Divinity degree or the Bachelor of Divinity degree, the student must complete 96 credits of work while maintaining a 2.00 grade-point average based on a four-point scale. The 96 credits translate into 1280 clock hours of class time. The Master of Religious Education requires 60 credits of work while maintaining a 2.00 GPA. The 60 credits translate into 80 clock hours of class time.

Upon completing the Master of Divinity or Bachelor of Divinity, candidates for ministry in the Free Presbyterian Church will be required to complete a year’s internship as determined by the presbytery.

General course requirements

The typical school year operates on a trimester schedule, consisting of three ten-week terms with a three-week modular course after the fall term. Not every course will be offered every year, but a schedule of classes will be offered each term to accommodate as many students in each class as possible. However, classes will be offered on such a cycle as to insure each student a full load every term and to insure every student the means of fulfilling degree requirements within three years. The academic program consists of studies in five major departments. Each department has core, required classes as well as electives. Depending on student needs and special course offerings, substitutions are possible.

Academic load

Each trimester includes 10 weeks of classes followed by a week of exams. A full-time load for a trimester would consist of 9-12 credit hours. A credit hour consists of 80 minutes of class time per week for the 10-week session. Modular courses involve an equal amount of class time even though they do not extend for the 10-week period. In order to meet course objectives, students should expect to spend on average a minimum of two hours outside the classroom for every hour spent in the classroom.

Library services

GRS has a continually expanding library, consisting currently of over 8,000 volumes. In addition, a local university with approximately 300,000 volumes has extended GRS students full library privileges. GRS also has computer stations with Internet access available for student use.

Oversight

Geneva Reformed Seminary is the educational arm of the Free Presbyterian Church of North America and is under the authority of the presbytery. It is governed directly by the Seminary Committee, consisting of ministers and elders appointed by the presbytery. The daily administration of seminary business is under the direction of the president, who is not a member of the Seminary Committee but is directly answerable to it.

Seminary Committee

• Rev. Geoff Banister, Chairman, Minister of Indianapolis FPC, Indianapolis, IN.
• Rev. Jason Boyle, Minister of Mexico City FPC, Mexico City, Mexico.
• Dr. Ed Dunbar, Elder in Faith FPC, Greenville, SC.
• Mr. Timothy Farr, Elder in Faith FPC Greenville, SC.
• Mr. James Frazer, Elder in Toronto FPC, Ontario.
• Rev. Ian Goligher, Retired Minister, Cloverdale FPC, British Columbia.
• Rev. John Wagner, Itinerant Minister, FPCNA.

Seminary Faculty

Classes are taught or proctored by a range of Free Presbyterian ministers and qualified educators who bring decades of real-world ministry experience into each class.

Geneva Reformed Seminary is dedicated to equipping men and women for faithful gospel ministry. Through a blend of rigorous academics, practical training, and flexible online learning options, GRS prepares students to serve Christ with knowledge, godliness, and a passion for proclaiming His Word.