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By Maria Ignas (BA 25)

Tim and Crystal Rapp of Kingman, Arizona, know that spiritual life is formed when biblical knowledge meets a heart on fire. The two, who are earning their degree at ���Ĵ�ý Theological Seminary, are obeying the command to make disciples.

The Rapps met in 2019 through working in community mental health. After earning certificates in ministry, the couple, who also lead a church ministry for those recovering from difficult life circumstances, felt called to further their education. After weighing several online programs, they found GTS was the best fit. So they enrolled in the fall of 2023.

The couple began with what they consider their most formative class, Methods of Discipleship, taught by program director .

“It changed my whole perspective on how I view ministry and live out the Great Commission,” said Tim. “We got our teeth into discipleship, and it just sparked something in us.”

The couple also found that Associate Dean Dr. Tiberius Rata’s Old Testament survey class animated the former half of the Bible in a way they hadn’t experienced before.

“I’ve skimmed around the prophets, I love Psalms and Proverbs, and I know about the Torah, but I never really dove into it,” said Rapp. “Dr. Rata did an amazing job bridging the gap from the Old Testament to the New Testament, which created a solid foundation for the Gospel.”

Even though the Rapps live almost 2,000 miles away from campus, they’ve found that professors are responsive in answering questions, and they regularly reach out to the couple to offer prayer, encouragement, and guidance.

According to Tim and Crystal, one of the most special aspects of their experience is that they’re completing the program together. Being classmates has formed a unique dynamic for the married couple. 

For example, because Crystal prefers a loud learning environment and Tim a silent one, Tim converted their outdoor shed into his personal office. That doesn’t stop Crystal from knocking on the door when she needs to verbally process something.

“I’m constantly disrupting him,” joked Crystal. “It’s great to scare him by coming in with a force and asking him questions.”

“When I’m deep in thought and she comes flying in, it’s always fun,” said Tim. “I love that we get to do this together. And that we are not only growing in our relationship with Christ and our knowledge, but we’re growing together.”

The Rapps are already using their training to minister to others. Crystal’s concentration in women’s leadership helps her guide and support women in her church and ministry who struggle in their theology and perception of God.

“My goal is to lead women when they have these difficult questions about the Bible and God or are struggling in their personal life,” said Crystal. “I want to have a non-biased, Bible-based answer. I’ve already seen fruition in that.”

According to Tim, the program is equipping him to make theology accessible and practical for those in his church who don’t have the same training, and through that, fostering spiritual transformation.

“I really want to help others find their way,” said Tim. “Whether I’m teaching or preaching, I want to be able to point people toward practical application.”

The Rapps’ advice to anyone considering seminary? You can do it.

“As someone who hasn’t been in school since 1998, I found it a little intimidating,” said Tim. “But this is an amazing program and an amazing opportunity to grow in your walk with Jesus and help others transform their lives.”

If you’re looking for a seminary that will partner with you in your calling to ministry, GTS just might be the best fit for you.

Learn more about an online at ���Ĵ�ý Theological Seminary, and explore ���Ĵ�ý’s other .