Contact: Lyn Perez, Reformed Theological Seminary, 407-366-9493
ORLANDO, Nov. 6, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Reformed Theological Seminary Orlando (RTSO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Barry Peterson (photo, hi-resolution available) as the interim director of the Nicole Institute of Baptist Studies effective November 4, 2012. This institute, established in 2011, exists to impart the riches of reformed theology and piety to students while also conveying a robust Baptist vision of the church in its ministry.
Academic Dean Dr. Scott Swain said, "Barry's strong relationships with various Reformed Baptist networks in Florida put him in an excellent position to serve the Nicole Institute's vision of cooperating with confessional Baptist churches in training future ministers of the gospel. We are grateful to have him on board."
Peterson was ordained through the Christian Ministry Alliance and has 12 years of ministry experience. Peterson is currently the pastor at Maranatha Fellowship Church in Winter Park, Fla., and has a Master of Divinity degree from RTSO.
When he was on the pastoral staff of a Baptist church in South Florida, Barry "impressed me as a man of integrity and ministerial competence," said Rev. Thomas Ascol, pastor of Grace Baptist Church and president of Founders Ministries. "I am excited about the Nicole Institute and have prayed that the Lord will use it in a significant way to further the teaching of His Word through the legacy of a faithful servant."
In this first year of the institute, RTSO will offer the class, Baptist Confessions, January 14-18, and John Piper will present the inaugural Spurgeon Lecture on April 10, 2013, at 7pm in the Pamplin Chapel.
Peterson, who earned an M.Div. degree from RTSO, grew up in the Orlando area where he has made his home for over 40 years. Before attending RTSO, Peterson pursued careers in sales, marketing, teaching, and coaching basketball. Peterson and his wife Jody have been married for 23 years; they have two girls, Claire (11) and Molly (9). Peterson is in the process of writing a book on the topic of family worship.
The RTS Orlando Campus, a graduate theological school, was established in 1989 in Maitland and moved to its permanent location on 65 acres on Long Lake in Oviedo, Fla., in 1999. It is one of several campuses in the RTS system, which was founded in 1966. RTS is one of the largest seminaries in the country with campuses in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Jackson, Memphis, and Washington D.C. in addition to a virtual campus offering online classes.
