Sterling College

What you have liked about the RP courses you have taken?

I love that I learn. There is never a class I walk into knowing everything or even close to anything as to what I come out with at the end of the semester. Not only am I gaining factual knowledge but also knowledge that is quite applicable for my future.

Erin, graduate

The RP courses that Ihave taken have challenged me to question my assumptions about who God is andhow I ought to relate to Him. They have helped me to understand theperspectives of those practicing other faiths and other denominations of my ownfaith. I have enjoyed my RP courses mostly because of the thoroughthinking that they have required. I've had to struggle to answer formyself some questions that my RP classes have raised: sometimes arriving atsatisfying answers, sometimes just realizing I'm asking the wrong questions andhaving to start all over. Although it's often been a struggle, I'vegained a great deal of insight from the process.

Maria, junior

I really enjoy the way you discover more and more of who God is and his nature in every course. To me that's one of the sweetest joys in life and makes class and most class work enjoyable.

Danielle, junior

The RP courses I've taken have really helped me search out the depths of my faith. In my time at Sterling, I've discovered more about what it really means to wrestle with the tough issues found in the bible and in the world, and mesh theology appropriately with other disciplines, academic or otherwise.

Andrew, senior

One of the things that I liked the most was that I felt that as a student I could explore different ideas about topics and issues in theology and religion.  I never felt pressure to believe what my professors believed.  This sort of freedom is a great environment to learn in and is hard to find among small Christian colleges.  On the flip side of this, my professor never let me belive something just because I wanted to be different.  They wanted me to back up my argument.  This challenged me to make my beliefs my own and really be critical about them.

David, senior 

I
love the classes that are offered because I can relate the subject
material to life.  There are several classes that are offered that
develop very practical skills that will benefit my ministry no matter
where I was serving such as Instructional Bible Study and Christian
Education.  The other classes offered which go deeper into theology and
philosophy have completely opened and molded my worldview.  The subject
matter has come up countless times in all areas of my life and I feel
very grounded in what I believe.  More than anything, the classes I
have taken have challenged me.  I am challenged to ask questions and
look for the answers even though I have learned that I might not always
find the answers to those questions.  I'm not just learning the facts
in the classes I have taken, I am learning how they apply to my life
and I have been changed because of it.

         Melissa, senior

What you have liked about the program?

I love my peers and professors that I have met while being a part of this program. I love relationships that I have developed because of this program and how our common desires and interests have caused me to grow so much intellectually, but also in my faith with the Lord.

Erin, graduate

I would have to say that I enjoy the community I share with the other students in the class room- not only do I feel like my relationship with Christ is growing, but also my relationship with them as well- it's definitely something worthwhile.

Parker, sophomore

The RP program at Sterling really seeks to get into the nitty gritty of the Christian faith, be it intellectually or in practice. The classes I've taken here have given me enough structure to flesh out my own theology and start building a solid, top-notch faith.

Andrew, senior

There is a good variety of classes offered.  The professors work with you if you need to squeeze a class in or make a small substitution.  The other students in the program are my best friends (seriously)  They are the best group of students I have ever met.  We all come from pretty different backgrounds and this gives us all different angles to different topics.  I spend all my time with at least some of my fellow RP majors...I married one of them and work on the Student Government Association with three others!!!

David, senior

I
love the Religion and Philosophy department because I feel that I am
being prepared for my future.  I came into college thinking that I had
things in life figured out.  Through the classes I have taken and the
support of my professors, I have learned that I am far from figuring
life out but that is ok!  I have learned so much more than I would have
imagined, but the more I learn, the more I realize how little I
actually know.  I have been asked hard questions about faith, about
Christianity, and about other cultures.  I have a firm foundation on
 issues that I know will come up repeatedly for the rest of my life.
 The things that I have learned through the program are so intertwined
into who I am now. 

         Melissa, senior

What you have liked about the faculty members?

The faculty members are compassionate.

They all are extremely gifted in the presentation of theology in their classes; they show gratitude and care for their students' development. This was comforting and something I didn't experience in other schools.

The faculty members are easy to approach, and very supportive students. I know that sounds cliché, but I think it's not a reality at many colleges (some of which are even Christian) like it is here. Each of the professors is committed to challenging their students and building them up in the faith.

They are experts!  They care about my life!!!  All my professors were at my wedding!!  One of them officiated!! They want to know me for who God made me and see what gets me ticking.  Their love and wisdom is a rare gem that I will cherish for many years. 

I see them as close friends.  Dr Hank officiated my wedding!  Dr Smith has had me over for dinner several times. The professors are all great and interested in my life.  

I
feel privileged to attend class everyday with the faculty we have
within the department.  The professors we have are brilliant people who
take an active interest in students' lives.  All of the professors are
understanding about what students are going through and will do what
they can to help out the students.  They demand a lot of the students,
but give us the tools we need to accomplish the work.  The professors
are passionate about the material they are teaching which transfers to
the students and makes us want to learn as well.

How this program has prepared you for the future?

It has changed my perspective. I walked into this program thinking I knew a decent amount and what I thought it was going to be like has been completely different than what it actually is; which is rewarding. My perspective on everything has changed. I have learned so much about diversity in the Church and I think that has prepared me more than I could ever have imagined for my future.

Erin, graduate

Having just come back from a seminary visit in which I sat in on several classes, I can honestly say that my years at Sterling have given me the tools I will need to thrive in that environment. Be it Greek class, Church History, different doctrines, or some other area of Theological study, I know that I've been well-trained and prepared for a calling into some kind of ministry.

Andrew, senior

I want to go to seminary.  This program has given me a broad basis of understanding that will help me as I continue on in research and study.  In the area of Greek, this program has put me two years ahead!!  

David, senior

The
program has also encouraged me to pursue education beyond Sterling
College.  I am planning on attending seminary which is something I
would have never imagined myself doing.  I feel prepared for seminary
because I have taken classes that I know will apply to material I will
see again while at seminary (Church History, Ethics, Greek, etc.).  My
professors have affirmed and guided me in this process as well.  I know
that I will have a great advantage while working on my Masters degree,
because of what I have learned at Sterling through the RP department.
   

        Melissa, senior