Redeemer Theological Academy
The vision for Redeemer Theological Academy is to bring theological education into the context of the local church for the purpose of equipping our church members to better serve Jesus Christ in the midst of this confused and chaotic world. We will be offering college-level classes in Biblical studies, Theology, Church History, Apologetics and Ministry skills. During this time of cultural disengagement with Christianity, it is paramount for believers to root themselves in Biblical truth and in the time-tested doctrines of the Protestant Reformation. Throughout all of our courses, we will be guided by the Bible and by the Westminster Confession of Faith, which we believe is an accurate summary of all that the Bible teaches.
Classes are open to Men and Women of all ages. Classes are free of charge but students are responsible for their own books, text books, and classroom supplies.
Students may audit classes with no exams or research papers required, or they may apply to earn a Certificate of Theological Studies. The certificate program requires the completion of six semester classes (with exams and research papers), plus passing a comprehensive exam at the conclusion of your studies. Our Certificate of Theological Studies is authorized by the Session of Redeemer Presbyterian Church and the Director of the Academy.
2025-2026 Classes
“Ecclesiology & Eschatology” (Systematic Theology III) — This class will be taught by Marcus Serven and meet on Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Besides the weekly lectures and handouts, we will read The Glorious Body of Christ by R. B. Kuiper and Christ and the Future by Cornelis Venema.
“The Old Testament Scriptures” (Biblical Studies I & II) — This class will be a survey of all 39 books of the Old Testament including their authors and key themes. The class will be taught by Max Smith with readings given out each week from your Bible and from various websites. It will meet on Thursdays from 12:30-2:30 p.m.
About the Instructors
Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Serven is a dedicated teacher of the Bible, Reformed theology, and the history of Christ’s Church. After a lengthy pastoral career of serving Presbyterian churches in California and Missouri (1980-2016), Marcus and his family relocated to Austin, Texas in order to retire—but God had other plans! He now serves as the Pastor of Christian Discipleship here at Redeemer Presbyterian Church and is the Director of Redeemer Theological Academy. Marcus has earned degrees from the University of California at Davis (BA), Fuller Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Covenant Theological Seminary (ThM and DMin). He is a longtime member of the Evangelical Theological Society. Marcus is married to Cheryl and they have nine adult children, plus twenty-five grandchildren.
Mr. Max Smith, a Redeemer member since 2020, has retired from three different fields after more than 30 years in each. He retired as a Colonel from the US Army, both Active and Reserve, an administrator and math/physics teacher in Christian High Schools, and an elder, both ruling and teaching, in several Reformed churches. Max has earned degrees from Texas A&M University (BS); and Reformed Theological Seminary (MCE and MDiv). His particular areas of interest are Biblical exposition and Church History. Max is married to his lovely wife, Ann and will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2025. He has two sons, two daughters, and eleven grandkids. He is a dedicated student of the Bible and enthusiastically communicates his love for Jesus Christ in all of his classes.