About

Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary (PRTS) began in 1995 with the acceptance of four seminary students from the Heritage Reformed Congregations (HRC). Classes officially commenced on August 9, 1995, under the leadership of the president, Dr. Joel R. Beeke. The vision of PRTS was to provide a high quality, four-year seminary program for men accepted by the HRC to train for pastoral ministry. After one year, that vision broadened to include training men from other denominations. In 1998, the Free Reformed Churches of North America (FRC) chose to train their theological students at PRTS, at which time Dr. Gerald M. Bilkes became the second full-time professor, teaching Old and New Testament Studies.

Within five years, PRTS had outgrown its building. Receiving degree-granting status from the State of Michigan and several other approvals were contingent on a new facility as well. Construction began on the current facility in Grand Rapids and the doors were opened in November of 2004. In October of 2005, they opened and dedicated the Puritan Resource Center, a unique part of the library intended to allow people around the world access to a wide variety of Puritan literature and to gain a deeper appreciation for the Puritan tradition. Since 2007, Dr. David P. Murray joined the full-time faculty as Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology, Dr. William VanDoodewaard became Professor of Church History, Dr. Michael P. V. Barrett joined as Academic Dean and Professor of Old Testament, and Rev. Mark Kelderman as Dean of Students and Spiritual Formation. In 2016, Dr. Adriaan Neele joined the full-time faculty as the Director of the PhD Program and Professor of Historical Theology, as well as Dr. Stephen Myers, Professor of Historical Theology. In 2017, Mr. Greg Salazar (PhD Candidate) joined the full-time faculty as the Assistant Professor of Historical Theology. In the same year, PRTS was awarded full accreditation for its doctoral program by The Association of Theological Schools (ATS). Currently, over twenty visiting professors/instructors round out our faculty.

The faculty is also supported by a growing administrative staff. Currently, Mr. Darryl Bradford, Jr. serves as Video Producer and Editor, Mr. Jonathon Beeke serves as Registrar and Director of Admissions, Mrs. Ann Dykema serves as Faculty Administrative Assistant and Finances, Miss Kim Dykema as Assistant librarian, Mr. Chris Engelsma as Director of Distance Learning, Mr. Chris Hanna as Director of Marketing and Development, Mr. Seth Huckstead as IT Director, Mr. Henk Kleyn as Vice President for Operations, and Mrs. Laura Ladwig, Librarian, Mr. Corney Les, Development Coordinator (CAN), Kim Postma, ESL Tutor, and Dr. Fred Sweet as theological librarian.

From 1995 until the present, PRTS has graduated over one hundred students; many other part-time and non-program students have attended throughout the years. Alumni are serving the church in various ways: pastoring, preaching, teaching, pursuing further education, international missions, domestic missions, and more.

Reformation Heritage Books

Reformation Heritage Books (RHB) is a publisher and bookseller whose mission is, by the Spirit’s grace, to aim for the conversion of unbelievers and equip the saints to serve Christ and His church through biblical, experiential, and practical ministry, via books, tracts, and other resources. RHB aims that reading material be God-glorifying and be in accord with the Scriptures and historic Reformed creeds for the promotion and defense of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that this purpose is well-served by providing instruction and training that develops knowledge and skills as well as the personal piety and Christian character that is essential for a faithful and growing life in Christ.

RHB was founded in 1994 with the purpose of distributing sound, Reformed, experiential literature. Since 1994, the Lord has blessed the ministry and given a faithful staff and able board of directors.

RHB’s first publication was the reprint of Robert Hawker’s The Poor Man’s Morning and Evening Portions in 1995. Since then, they have published or reprinted approximately 150 titles. In 2008, RHB acquired the Soli Deo Gloria inventory from Ligonier Ministries, which added another 120 titles to the list. They also acquired all remaining Old Paths publications in 2012. As the Lord provides, RHB hopes to continue to publish or reprint 30-40 new titles per year. In addition to the books RHB has published, they distribute another 3,500+ titles from other Reformed and Puritan publishers from around the world. They offer edifying Puritan and Reformed books for children through adults, for the new believer and for the pastor or scholar. All proceeds from the sale of these books are returned to the fund for the publication of Reformed materials.