THE FOUNDERS FUND

AN ENDOWMENT-TYPE RESERVE AND OPPORTUNITY FUND

A reasonable reserve fund is the hallmark of a strong institution. An -endowment-type reserve and opportunity fund will allow RTS to respond to any pressing needs as determined each year and it will allow us to serve a greater number of the future leaders of the church by allowing us to take advantage of special opportunities to establish new programs.

The founders of RTS earnestly and fervently prayed that we will always trust in the Lord and rely on the church and its people to provide for the cost of preparing its leaders. As the Lord’s people gave, the founders sought to put those funds to work by expanding available ministry preparation to accommodate the needs of students. They were concerned not to allow too much money to sit in an account for future use when it was needed for current ministry in Christ’s kingdom. The founders determined to use available funds to take advantage of ministry opportunities as doors opened and before some of those unique open doors might close.

They also desired that the seminary never have such an unusually large endowment and reserve fund so as to undermine dependence on the Lord and the current support of the Lord’s people. Because of huge endowments, some formerly theologically conservative institutions are no longer accountable to anyone. The endowments, funded by earlier generations of conservative donors, are used to promote liberal, unbiblical theology.

On the other hand, the founders of RTS were concerned about assuring the core operating capacity of the seminary and its ministry. They wisely understood that normal cycles occur in the economy over the years. To be good stewards, as Joseph was for the people of Egypt, they knew RTS required a strong financial foundation to be prepared for periods of scarcity and to assure a basic stability for its ministry. With this in mind, the seminary has always sought to maintain a “reasonable” financial reserve.

RTS has grown so significantly in recent years that it is wise now to seek additional reserve funds so as to provide adequately for future ministry. A reasonable reserve will enable RTS to be prepared for unexpected needs as they arise and for special windows of opportunity requiring quick response. The Founders Fund will provide for both.

Normally, only the interest from such a fund would be available to be used. But for maximum flexibility, this Founders Fund is being established so that the principal can also be used to meet an unusual unbudgeted need or opportunity. And in case of economic downturn, the flexibility built into the fund would be extremely important.

Over the many years of RTS’ existence, especially during the early years, the founders reached into their own pockets to cover unexpected needs or take advantage of unique opportunities. It would be difficult now for any one, or even a few people, to supply quickly the funds required for these special occasions. In honor of those early pioneers who sustained the seminary for so many years, the Founders Fund is being established.

Seven million dollars has been received or pledged toward the ten million dollar goal of this fund.