Academic Excellence Under the Authority of the Local Church
RTS believes that the local church is responsible for training leaders (Titus 1:5) and that separating theological study from church life is detrimental. Therefore, the Pastoral Course aims to train men at the highest theological, exegetical, and ministerial level under the authority and supervision of the local church.
With a focus on exegesis (Greek and Hebrew) and Pastoral Ministry, students will receive all the necessary tools to serve as pastors and apply RBC’s Philosophy of Ministry in their local communities.
- In-person course in São Paulo (Redemption Baptist Church).
- Bachelor’s degree (not accredited by Brazil’s Ministry of Education).
- Duration: 4 years (8 semesters).
- Ministerial curriculum alongside academic training.
- Classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7 PM to 10 PM.
Ministerial Curriculum
Additionally, in line with the principles of classical education, students will take part in extracurricular meetings dedicated to discussing pastoral praxis—an essential component of RTS’s training, as the program is fully developed under the guidance of the local church.
Additional Distinctive Features of the Pastoral Course
Qualified Faculty
In addition to the local faculty of Redemption Baptist Church, RTS benefits from the support of both national and international professors who teach specific subjects and classes.
Emphasis on Exegesis
More than 30% of the Pastoral Course curriculum is dedicated to classes in Exegesis and Hermeneutics, equipping students to faithfully and accurately proclaim the Word of God.
Theological Position
RTS upholds a vision of dispensationalism, premillennialism, cessationism, and Calvinist soteriology.
Academic Curriculum
- Hermeneutics – 3 Cr
- Greek 1 – 3 Cr
- Greek 2 – 3 Cr
- NT Exegesis 1 – 3 Cr
- NT Exegesis 2 – 3 Cr
- Hebrew 1 – 3 Cr
- Hebrew 2 – 3 Cr
- OT Exegesis 1 – 3 Cr
- OT Exegesis 2 – 3 Cr
- Dispensationalism – 3 Cr
- Training in LOGOS Bible Software for Personal Study and Sermon Preparation – 1 Cr
- OT Survey – 3 Cr
- NT Survey – 3 Cr
- OT Biblical Theology – 3 Cr
- NT Biblical Theology – 3 Cr
- Deuteronomy – 1 Cr
- Romans – 1 Cr
- Daniel/Revelation – 1 Cr
- Systematic Theology 1 (Bibliology and Theology Proper) – 3 Cr
- Systematic Theology 2 (Christology and Pneumatology) – 3 Cr
- Systematic Theology 3 (Hamartiology and Soteriology) – 3 Cr
- Systematic Theology 4 (Angelology and Eschatology) – 3 Cr
- Theology of Pastoral Ministry – 2 Cr
- Philosophy and Practice of Pastoral Ministry – 2 Cr
- Applied Ecclesiology – 2 Cr
- Homiletics – 2 Cr
- Biblical Counseling – 2 Cr
- Evangelism in Public Settings and Hospitals (Chaplaincy) – 1 Cr
- Institutional Management, Legal and Administrative Training (establishing and legally protecting the church, as well as handling administrative and financial matters) – 1 Cr
- Basic Health and Medical Care (support for hospital visitations and chaplaincy) – 1 Cr
- Church History 1 – 3 Cr
- Church History 2 – 3 Cr
- Contemporary Theology 1 (Liberalism, Prosperity Theology, Social Gospel, and Coaching Theology) – 2 Cr
- Contemporary Theology 2 (Pentecostalism and the Charismatic Movement) – 2 Cr
- Presuppositional Apologetics – 1 Cr
- Concepts of Science and Creationism – 1 Cr
- Thesis – 3 Cr
Tuition, Fees, Application Process, and Enrollment
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The monthly tuition for the Pastoral Course is BRL 499.90. Payment is made via bank slip, due on the 10th of each month.
- The application process takes place every two years and can be completed following the instructions provided on the respective page.
- The enrollment fee is BRL 150.00 (non-refundable). Payment is made only after approval in the application process, via bank slip. Failure to pay the enrollment fee will result in the cancellation of the application.
FAQ
No. The Pastoral Course is open to men from other churches. However, students will regularly participate in the ecclesiastical life of Redemption Baptist Church, meaning that, in practice, they will attend RBC regularly. Yet this does not require them to disaffiliate from their home church.
It is important for students in the Pastoral Course to regularly attend the activities at Redemption Baptist Church, as this is an essential part of the training program. Therefore, as long as attending their home church does not conflict with the course schedule, there are no restrictions.
No. Graduation from the Pastoral Course does not automatically lead to ordination, nor does it guarantee a pastoral or leadership position, whether at Redemption Baptist Church or any other church.
No. Costs related to equipment (such as tablets and computers), books, and other academic resources (such as software) are the students’ full responsibility. RTS may occasionally offer partnerships and provide access to resources within its infrastructure, such as the library.
A leave of absence may be requested through a formal petition to the RTS Council. Each request is evaluated individually.
Due to the structure of the classes and the ministerial curriculum, it is not possible to complete the course in less than four years. However, in specific cases, an extended completion time may be arranged with RTS personal advisors.
RTS does not offer scholarships during the first year of the Pastoral Course. Discounts and scholarships may be available starting in the second year, based on specific criteria and for a limited period.