Professor Emeritus of Systematic T heology,
Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary,
Pittsburgh, PA

Presentation: "The Westminster Assembly and Preaching "

The lecture will include a description of Puritan "plain-style" preaching; investigation of the theology and practice of preaching as set forth in the Assembly's documents; and an analysis of sermons preached by members of the Assembly.

Dr. Spear has trained an entire generation of pastors in the field of systematic theology with great knowledge, humility, and clarity.  He is one of the most influential mentors and examples in the faith of the Seminary’s denomination.  Although officially retired, he continues to serve RPTS with the heart of a pastor:  I have known my students personally and count them as friends.

Dr. Spear has authored Talking to God: The Theology of Prayer; Faith of Our Fathers: A Commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith; “The Westminster Confession of Faith and Holy Scripture,” in To Glorify and Enjoy God (Co-author); “Augustine’s Doctrine of Biblical Infallibility,” in Inerrancy and the Church; and, “The Westminster Assembly’s Directory for Church Government,” in Pressing Toward the Mark (Co-author).  His representative articles include, Thirty-three Articles on the Westminster Confession in Covenanter Witness of Scotland and Ireland; “William Whitaker and the Westminster Doctrine of Scripture,” in Reformed Theological Journal; and, “The Westminster Assembly and Biblical Interpretation,” in Book of Books (Festschrift in honor of J. G. Vos).

Pastoral Experience:

• Lake Reno Reformed Presbyterian Church, Glenwood, MN – Pastor, 1960-1963
• San Diego Reformed Presbyterian Church, San Diego, CA – Pastor, 1964-1966
• Christ Church RP, Indianapolis, IN – Interim Pastor, 2005

Education:

• B.A., Geneva College
• Diploma of Theology, Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary
• Th.M., Westminster Theological Seminary
• Graduate studies, San Diego State College, Princeton Theological Seminary
• Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Example Lecture :

• RP Church History Lecture 1