Friends of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and friends of Dr. Jonathan Master are congratulating Dr. Master on being named the next President of the Seminary. We are pleased to publish some examples of congratulatory messages below.
Jonathan, I was overjoyed when I heard the news of your calling to serve as the next President of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. As we have served together the past several years, I have been deeply encouraged by your guidance and leadership. I look, with eager anticipation, to the ways in which the Lord will use you in this new ministry for the advancement of His Kingdom. As you set out to lead this institution and carry out its commitment to train a forthcoming generation of laborers for the harvest, may our God strengthen you, fill you with all spiritual wisdom and knowledge, and equip you for every good word and work in Christ Jesus! Soli Deo Gloria.
Pastor Nick Batzig (BDiv, GPTS ’08)
Assistant Pastor, Wayside Presbyterian Church (PCA)
Associate Editor, Ligonier Ministries
Writer, Feeding on Christ
Lookout Mountain, Georgia
Dear Jonathan, I am thrilled with your appointment to the presidency of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and want to express my best wishes to you and your family. Dr. Pipa and I always worked very well together for the last thirty years, and I’m praying that we can continue that good-working relationship with GPTS under your leadership. Here at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary we view GPTS as the closest seminary to us in the United States, so we truly treasure our friendship. As with Dr. Pipa, we would welcome you also to teach here at PRTS in the future. We trust that you will acclimate well, and extend to you the hearty congratulations of our faculty, staff, and students. If I can be of assistance in any way in the future, don’t hesitate to let me know.
Dr. Joel Beeke
President, Professor of Systematic Theology & Homiletics, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Dr. Jonathan Master will be a wonderful addition to the Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary team! Jonathan brings a pastor’s heart, a scholar’s mind and a churchman’s passion to all he does. The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is proud of Jonathan’s new post and our partnership with GPTS!
Mr. Robert Brady
Executive Director, Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Congratulations to Dr. Jonathan Master and Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. What a joy it was to hear this news! I am thankful for Dr. Pipa’s many years of faithful leadership, and I am looking forward to the years ahead. May the Lord continue to bless the Seminary for the glory of His name.
Dr. Camden M. Bucey
Pastor, Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church
President, The Reformed Forum
Grayslake, Illinois
On behalf of the PCA churches within Calvary Presbytery, it is my delight to welcome Jonathan Master as the new President of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. What an outstanding leader. We appreciate GPTS and its critical role in preparing men for ordained ministry in the Reformed tradition, especially the many that serve here in beautiful Upcountry South Carolina.
Mr. Melton Duncan
Stated Clerk, Calvary Presbytery (PCA)
Ruling Elder, The Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville
Greenville, South Carolina
When the Board and Faculty of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary began prayerfully to turn its thinking to the issue of succession planning for the Presidency of the Seminary, we cried out to the Lord for His wisdom and counsel as we sought the man who would lead us in the years ahead. We believe the cure for the woes of our increasingly secular culture can only be cured one pulpit at a time as faithful, well-trained men proclaim the Word to people desperate for hope, meaning, and redemption. Greenville’s mission is equipping such men to that end. As we look ahead to Dr. Pipa taking up a position as a full time professor, we are convinced that God in His providence has brought to us the exact man we need to succeed Dr. Pipa and continue to lead us in this important undertaking. Pray with us and for Dr. Master as he assumes his duties next July.
Mr. Joseph Fowler, Esq.
Chairman, GPTS Presidential Search Committee
Trustee, GPTS
Ruling Elder, Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA)
Douglasville, Georgia
I’m thrilled to hear that Dr. Jonathan Master is headed to Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in beautiful South Carolina. Greenville Seminary prides itself on producing preachers, and Jonathan has a passion to continue that work. He has many friends who are praying for him and for GPTS, that there will be great days ahead in the Kingdom.
Dr. Liam Goligher
Senior Minister, Tenth Presbyterian Church (PCA)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
For more than three decades now, I have been a grateful beneficiary of the ministry of Dr. Joseph Pipa. So, when I heard he would be initiating a leadership transition process for Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, I like so many others, began to wonder with deep concern: who could possible fill his considerable shoes and carry on his rich legacy? I immediately began to pray. I prayed for the Board of Trustees. I prayed for the GPTS faculty, staff, and student body. And, I prayed for my dear friend, Dr. Pipa. Today, I am so delighted to be able to testify that the Lord has answered my intercessions and resolved my concerns. Dr. Jonathan Master is a worthy and capable successor and, I am convinced, will prove to be a propitious shepherd of the seminary community. It is never easy to follow a great pioneer and leader. But, Dr. Pipa and the Board of Trustees have been very wise in their intentional succession planning—and so I look forward to ever more fruitful days for the seminary in the days ahead. Congratulations, Dr. Master. Kudos, Board of Trustees. And, thank you, Dr. Pipa. You have all modeled for us Gospel servant-leadership.
Dr. George Grant
Senior Pastor, Parish Presbyterian Church (PCA)
Founder, New College Franklin
President, King’s Meadow Study Center
Founder, Franklin Classical School
Franklin, Tennessee
I am thrilled with the recent appointment of Dr. Jonathan Master to become the new President of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Jon brings the rare balance between the academy and the church to train future pastor-scholars. He is an accomplished author, an excellent preacher, a wonderful dad, a committed churchman, and an experienced leader who should provide strong and consistent leadership for GPTS. Congratulations to all for a great appointment!
Dr. David W. Hall
Senior Pastor, Midway Presbyterian Church
Powder Springs, Georgia
I am personally delighted both as a Board member of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and also as an associate teaching Professor, to welcome the appointment of Dr. Jonathan Master as our next President. Jonathan and I have been friends for a number of years and I have come to admire and respect greatly his Christian integrity and the theological and ministry gifts that God has entrusted to him. Jonathan and his wife Elizabeth will be following the richly blessed leadership and godly example of Joey and Sissy Pipa. May it please the Lord to bless abundantly the Masters and their ministry both in GPTS and in the wider Christian community.
Dr. Ian Hamilton
Trustee & Adjunct Professor of Applied Theology, GPTS
Trustee, Banner of Truth Trust
Minister, Evangelical Presbyterian Church of England & Wales (EPCEW)
Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom
As the alumni representative serving on the Board of Trustees, it was my privilege to be appointed to serve on the Presidential Search Committee. All those who know Dr. Joseph Pipa’s gifts and abilities, as well as his contributions to Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, will know that the task before the Search Committee was daunting. We set down rather rigorous criteria by which we would be guided in our search for the next President. We prayed, as did the Seminary Community. God richly blessed the Committee’s efforts and providentially directed us to Dr. Jonathan Master much sooner that was thought possible. It was such a blessing to meet Dr. Master, get to know him, interview him, and examine him. Our excitement grew as God directed all involved, and it soon became very clear that God has provided. So, even as I warmly welcome Jonathan and enthusiastically extend hearty congratulations to him, I must, above all, give praise unto our God who reigns above all, in all, and through all the details of His creatures’ lives as He directs all their actions.
Pastor Daniel J. Jarstfer (MDiv, GPTS ’03)
Pastor, Christ Our Hope Presbyterian Church (PCA)
Trustee, GPTS
Chalestown, Rhode Island
Times of transition are always a combination of danger and opportunity. After much prayer and careful consideration, we have received from the Lord a man who is a proven administrator and academic, but most of all a man who has a demonstrated godliness. For this we are tremendously thankful. I believe that the Lord’s work at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary will be furthered, and I trust that the Lord will lead us into another generation of faithfully preparing men for the ministry. Let us be in constant prayer for Dr. Master that the Lord may hedge him about and enable his gifts to be used for the blessing of Christ’s Church.
Pastor Jeff Kingswood
Senior Minister, Grace Presbyterian Church (ARP)
Trustee, GPTS
Trustee, Banner of Truth Trust
Woodstock, Ontario, Canada
We thank God for so quickly making clear to us the right man to build upon Dr. Pipa’s work. Dr. Jonathan Master has a strong background in pastoral and academic leadership that will greatly benefit our students, faculty, and staff. On behalf of the Board, I can say that we are thrilled to welcome him as our co-laborer in service to Christ at Greenville Seminary.
Mr. C. Fredric Marcinak, Esq.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, GPTS
Ruling Elder, Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church (PCA)
Simpsonville, South Carolina
I am absolutely delighted to learn of the appointment of Dr. Jonathan Master as President of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. On behalf of Edinburgh Theological Seminary, I offer our warmest congratulations. Dr. Master will bring much leadership, experience, scholarship and personal warmth to the staff and student community at GPTS. We pray that as God opens up the next chapter in its history, Greenville Seminary will know His blessing in the important work of preparing students for ministry, mission and gospel service. Greetings in Jesus’ name from the heart of Scotland’s capital.
Principal M. Iver Martin
Principal, Edinburgh Theological Seminary
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
We are delighted to welcome Dr. Jonathan Master to serve as our second President. Dr. Master is capable, warmhearted, godly, and wise, and I am confident that he will build well on the foundation laid by Dr. Pipa. We welcome wholeheartedly both him and his family.
Dr. Ryan M. McGraw
Academic Dean, Morton H. Smith Professor of Systematic Theology, GPTS
Taylors, South Carolina
I am both encouraged and enthusiastic about the Lord’s provision for the Seminary’s next President in Jonathan Master. As a gifted and godly churchman who shares our passion to supply the church with faithful pastors able to preach and shepherd the flock, Dr. Master is a wonderful complement to the school’s mission under Dr. Joseph Pipa. We are excited and praying for the Lord’s abundant blessings as Dr. Master and his family make their way to Greenville.
Dr. L. Michael Morales
Professor of Biblical Studies, GPTS
Faculty Representative to the Search Committee
Taylors, South Carolina
After the long and faithful tenure of Dr. Joseph Pipa as President, the Board of Trustees has chosen an outstanding successor to lead Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary into the future. Many congratulations to Dr. Jonathan Master, the faculty, and the entire Seminary community on this excellent match. May the Lord bless GPTS richly in the days and years to come!
Dr. Jon D. Payne
Senior Minister, Christ Church Charleston (PCA)
Executive Coordinator, The Gospel Reformation Network
Charleston, South Carolina
I am delighted at the selection of Jonathan Master as the new President of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. As a skilled scholar, faithful churchman, and valiant defender of God’s truth, Dr. Master will continue the legacy of faithfulness and advance the cause of Christ-centered Reformed Theology that has so marked the career of his predecessor, Joseph Pipa. Not only Old-School Presbyterianism, but the entire Church will benefit from this new era of spiritual fruitfulness in Greenville.
Dr. Richard D. Phillips
Senior Pastor, The Second Presbyterian Church of Greenville (PCA)
Council Member, The Gospel Reformation Network
Council Member, The Gospel Coalition
Chairman, The Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology
Board Member, The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals
Greenville, South Carolina
Over the past year as I have gotten to know Jonathan, I have been impressed by his breadth of knowledge and experience, his devotion to Christ, his commitment to the Reformed faith as articulated in the Westminster Standards, and his desire to labor for the good of the church. The faculty and I are fully supportive of the Board’s decision to bring Jonathan in as my successor. I have great respect for Jonathan, and I am looking forward to working under him as I continue teaching at Greenville Seminary.
Dr. Joseph A. Pipa, Jr.
President, Professor of Systematic & Homiletical Theology, GPTS
Taylors, South Carolina
Dr. Master – On behalf of the alumni, congratulations on your recent appointment to be Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary’s next President! I look forward to working with you in the future as we seek even greater alumni involvement in the life of the Seminary.
Pastor Jim Stevenson (MDiv, GPTS ’12)
Pastor, Providence Presbyterian Church (OPC)
President, GPTS Alumni Association
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Dr. Jonathan Master possesses a scholar’s acumen, a counselor’s wisdom and a pastor’s heart all of which will make him a useful instrument in the hands of the Redeemer in the service of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. I could not be happier for Jonathan or more thankful for God’s providence in bringing such a Christ-centered man to perpetuate the Reformed tradition at Greenville. Congratulations Jonathan and Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. May the Lord bless your leadership and labors in preparing men to serve in the Church and in fields ripe for harvest!
Dr. Jeff Stivason
Pastor, Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPCNA)
Senior Editor, Place for Truth
Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
I am delighted to hear that Dr. Jonathan Master has been appointed as the next President of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He is a man of conviction and the future of conservative theological education is dependent on the appointment of such leaders if the church is to maintain its witness to the truth of the gospel. I wish him much joy and blessing in his new appointment.
Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas
Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church of Columbia (ARP)
Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic & Pastoral Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary
Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries
Columbia, South Carolina
Jonathan – This is wonderful news both for you and for Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Catriona and I wish you and Liz the very best in this exciting new venture. We will certainly miss seeing you both on our occasional visits to Philadelphia, but Philly’s loss is most certainly Greenville’s gain. Stay humble, stay faithful, stay gracious.
Dr. Carl R. Trueman
Professor of Biblical & Religious Studies, Grove City College
Grove City, Pennsylvania
The Reformed world has been blessed by the writing, teaching and leadership of Dr. Jonathan Master and Dr. Joseph Pipa, both of whom I am privileged to count as my friends. Many congratulations to the Board of Trustees, friends, students, and faculty of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary for securing a second president who will advance the work of the first. Dr. Master’s wonderful combination of gifts as an expositor, historian, and theologian situate him perfectly for the role of a seminary president. Christians who hear of this appointment will thank God and hope for another long and happy tenure.
Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn
Professor of Church History, Westminster Theological Seminary
Director, Craig Center for the Study of the Westminster Standards
Glenside, Pennsylvania
I offer my hearty and sincere congratulations to Dr. Master for his willingness to assume the Presidency of GPTS. Though I have not yet met him personally, I am very encouraged – based on my having heard him both at our seminary’s conference and the Banner of Truth, and the enthusiastic support of mutual friends whose counsel I treasure – about our future. We live in perilous times and I long for the “old paths” and “rest for the souls” of which Jeremiah speaks so eloquently. I assure Dr. Master of my daily prayer support for his ministry in our midst.
The Honorable John Van Voorhis
Trustee Emeritus, GPTS
Elder Emeritus, Covenant Community OPC
Taylors, South Carolina
It is with joy and satisfaction that I have received word that my friend and colleague Jonathan Master has been called to serve at the next president of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Jonathan brings experience as a pastor and as a theological education administrator. Both he and the seminary will benefit from this appointment. Christ will be honored, the Spirit will be at work, and the Father will be glorified.
Dr. Jeffrey C. Waddington
Minister, Presbytery of Philadelphia (OPC)
Secretary, The Reformed Forum
Norristown, PA
I was delighted to hear that Dr. Jonathan Master will be the next President of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Since I came to know Dr. Master in 2006, I have particularly admired the dedication he has shown to his many and varied responsibilities — pastor and preacher, PhD student, theological teacher and administrator, editor and author, podcast host, etc. One of the highlights of my year comes each May when I experience the warm hospitality of the Masters’ home and Jonathan’s fellowship while together we make our annual pilgrimage to the Banner of Truth East Coast Conference. It gives me great pleasure, therefore, to send my warmest congratulations to the Seminary and to its newly elected President.
Mr. Jonathan Watson
Editorial Director, The Banner of Truth Trust
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
I’ve done this in a personal email to Dr Master already, but wish publicly to say, “Congratulations on being the President-elect to succeed Dr. Pipa.” I’m sure Dr. Master will be a welcome addition to the Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary family, and I look forward to working alongside him.
Dr. C.N. Willborn
Pastor, Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA)
Adjunct Professor of Church History, GPTS
Oak Ridge, Tennessee
All of us at Cairn University wish to congratulate Dr. Jonathan Master on this new position and appointment. He is well suited to the task. And while he will be missed at his alma mater, we are confident he will represent us in exemplary fashion and will serve the Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary community very well. I hold Jonathan in high regard personally and know the Lord’s hand is upon him and his family. The seminary is blessed to have him. Godspeed and fair winds my friend.
Dr. Todd J. Williams
President, Cairn University
Langhorne, Pennsylvania
