Restorers of God’s Creation.
About Us
RPS operates fundamentally as a “church school”—our purpose and goals are inseparable from the church. We believe the mission of the church is the mission of Jesus Christ: to make disciples, restore brokenness, and gather a people belonging to God.
Our calling is to equip these disciples. Through rigorous theological education, spiritual mentorship, and life-on-life discipleship, we train leaders who will faithfully preach the Word, administer the sacraments, and shepherd Christ’s flock across Nepal.
Our History
RPS was established in January 2000, originally named the Evangelical Presbyterian Theological Seminary (EPTS). Founded by Rev. Yeon Jeong (Yakub) Kim and Pastor Falgun Sunuwar, the seminary began with an initial enrollment of thirteen students. In its earliest days, the school offered evening classes for its three-year Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) program, specifically designed to equip ministers and church leaders already actively serving within the Kathmandu Valley.
A Broadening Vision (2002–2003) By 2002, the institution’s vision expanded significantly. The seminary formed a board of trustees, launched a day-scholar program, and officially aligned with the newly formed Nepal Presbyterian Alliance (NPA). This alliance brought together leaders from four major Presbyterian bodies:
- Presbyterian Churches of Nepal (PCN)
- Aashis Presbyterian Church (APC)
- Nepal Presbyterian Church (NPC)
- Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Nepal (EPCoN)
- Nepali Reformed Church (NRC)
Recognizing the urgent need for trained evangelists and church planters, these church bodies united to govern and teach at the seminary, with Rev. Yakub Kim serving as the founding chairman of the board. The seminary opened its hostel to house students recommended by these churches, cultivating a rich, unified community. In May 2003, the seminary celebrated its first graduating class.
Growth and Accreditation (2004–2009) In 2004, Rev. Arbin Pokharel joined as Principal, providing vital leadership while Rev. Falgun Sunuwar took educational leave. Alongside the return of Rev. Yakub Kim from his studies in the USA, this period marked rapid development in administration, academics, and campus facilities. This sustained growth led to associate membership with the Asia Theological Association (ATA) in 2007, culminating in the full accreditation of the B.Th. program in 2009.
Vision, Mission, & Motto
Our Vision We see Nepali communities flourishing in the fruits of the Gospel through the labor of disciples yoked to Christ.
Our Mission To provide Christ-centered training to equip godly leaders for Christ’s church among Nepali people, who are authentic in Christian character, competent in theological knowledge, and equipped for ministry.
Our Core Values
We seek to glorify God by upholding these ten foundational values in all our academic and spiritual endeavors:
- Reformed World and Life Perspective: All of life and the world belongs to God, and therefore must be reclaimed under the Lordship of Christ.
- Christ-Centered Education: Theological education par excellence that is centered on Christ, His Word, and His thoughts for His church and Kingdom.
- Missionary Spirit and Zeal: Reflecting the missionary nature of God, we are blessed through His Word and Spirit to be sent out to bless our neighbors wherever God places us.
- Gospel-Transforming Communities: Knowledge and spiritual practices must foster whole-life transformation that overflows into the community, bearing tangible Gospel fruit.
- Nurturing with Nepali Resources: God appointed us as stewards in Nepal; we strive to be a dignified people, faithful with the resources—inherited, earned, and gifted—entrusted to us.
- Network of Christian Leaders: Deep relationships with local churches, pastors, and board members who mentor students during internships and weekend ministries are essential to nurturing future leaders.
- Covenant Spirituality: Spiritual disciplines formed both individually and in communities called into a covenant relationship with God.
- Servant Leadership: Christ-like, shepherding leadership committed to self-denial for the sake of building others up.
- Whole-Person Development: Recognizing that a minister in training is a complex being in need of love, nurture, and holistic care.
- Field Training for Vocational Ministry: Christian ministry is a high calling and a covenant duty, uniquely entrusted by God through spiritual gifts.
Restoring God’s Creation: Our Theological Foundation
According to the biblical worldview, the Fall brought pervasive depravity—pain, pollution, corruption, and death. Human beings rebelled against their Creator, fracturing the world. Yet, God’s vision for His creation reaches beyond the Fall.
The biblical prophets called this restored vision Shalom—the webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight. Jesus Christ is God’s definitive way of restoring human beings to this state of shalom. When we are united with Christ in His life, death, and resurrection, we become a new creation and ambassadors of this hope. We are called to be Restorers of God’s Creation.
Our Vision Realized One RPS graduate went to plant a church in an unreached village in Gorkha. He shared his life completely with the villagers—sharing their kitchens, farming their lands, and mourning their losses. A year later, he helped them build a humble church from tree trunks, mud, and bamboo. Today, a congregation of over 50 members gathers regularly, where he continues to faithfully preach the Word, administer the sacraments, and shepherd his flock. This is the heart of RPS.