The 2012 Summer Institute

"Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there will be conflict," at least that's how some are wont to paraphrase the verse. Of course, any careful look at life in the church confirms this to be true. Yet, our Lord says that the world has a right to judge the genuineness of our faith by our love for one another. Conflict, and how we handle it, will therefore, of necessity be an important part of ministry in Christ's church.

Together we'll explore the roots of conflict and focus on methods to deal with it biblically. Preventing unnecessary trouble as well as preparing to handle it personally, pastorally and institutionally will be our focus. We will also examine the principles, attitudes and commitments of Scripture that enable us to be good stewards of the conflicts that God chooses to send our way. Shepherding God's flock through such periods, so that they become periods of blessing and growth, will be our goal. You will be equipped with practical materials and skills to deal with conflict in the church redemptively.

The Summer Institute is scheduled for July 30th - August 3rd at the Seminary. This course is open for public registration for a fee of $225. Enrolled GPTS students taking the course will receive two credits and must pay the regular tuition rate of $360.

For more information, contact Registrar Kathleen Curto at (864) 322-2717, ext. 302 or by e-mail at registrar@gpts.edu.

Dr. Backus has pastored at Bible Presbyterian Church of Grand Island, NY for 30 years. Trained as a Certified Christian Conciliator ^TM by Peacemakers Ministries, he has helped to equip conciliators, counselors, attorneys and clergy in the principles of conflict resolution. A graduate of Shelton College and Faith Theological Seminary, he received his Ph.D. in Nouthetic counseling from Whitefield Theological Seminary. A Fellow of the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors, he has for many years served on its board. He is the professor of biblical counseling at Western Reformed Seminary. He also a guest lecturer in the Doctor of Ministry program for the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Dr. Backus also led in the efforts of the Bible Presbyterian Church in establishing fraternal relations between the Bible Presbyterian Church and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. His conciliation and counseling work includes an international component as he currently serves as the International Field Director for Presbyterian Missionary Union. He is the editor of the Journal of Modern Ministry.

Online Registration

Studies in Presbyterian Theology Summer Class

Location & Lodging

Brochure (PDF)

Tuition for the Summer Institute is $225. You may pay by check or credit card. For the Summer Institute you have the additional option of registering online at www.gpts.edu/pastors. Please register by Friday, June 29th for both the Summer Institute and the Southern Presbyterian Theology Class.

Students who would like to take either course for graduate level (MDiv) credit must register by June 29th. GPTS students must register by May 11. Pastors who take either course are eligible for 30 continuing education units. A certificate will be awarded at the end of the course upon its completion.

After June 29th, a $25 late registration fee will be applied. Take $25 off of additional registrations, should others in your church register to attend with you.

Begins: Monday, July 30 at 6 p.m.

Ends: Friday, August 3 at 12 p.m.