Redeemer Ministry School

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and answers to them are listed below; however if you do not find the answer to your question feel free to contact us.

GENERAL

ADMISSIONS

STUDENT LIFE

CLASSES

APPLICATION

GENERAL [Top]

  • What is RMS?
    RMS is a church based place of learning which develops an academic knowledge of, and experiential relationship with God. RMS has three primary aims for our students:

    • To know God as a whole person
    • To know their own identities in Christ
    • To know how to participate in advancing Jesus’ Kingdom.

  • How did RMS begin?
    For some time, Pastor John Piippo and the Redeemer staff had been seeking God’s heart about the possibility of starting a ministry school. In early winter of 2007, while sharing dinner with his Redeemer home group, Pastor Piippo felt that God said, “Start the ministry school.” John wrote this down, showed it to his wife Linda and friend Jim Collins, and they all agreed that it was a God thing. When John shared this vision with Redeemer staff and elders, they felt that they were to move forward in making this idea a reality.

  • What church is RMS affiliated with and what are their core beliefs?
    Redeemer Fellowship Church. You can find our core beliefs here.

  • What is expected of a full-time RMS student?

    • RMS students are expected to attend the morning worship time preceding classes.
    • RMS students are expected to be on time.
    • RMS students are encouraged to work hard at all they do, and to throw themselves completely into their work, study, and the RMS community.
    • We want RMS students to have a passionate heart for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. RMS is not intended to be a school for rehabilitating non-committed people.

  • Are there different schools within Redeemer Ministry School (i.e. school of worship, evangelism, media, etc.)?
    No—RMS is comprised of only the core school. All students will attend the same classes together throughout the year. In one year we cover many topics, giving a wide and deep overview of living in God’s heart.

  • When does RMS begin and end?
    RMS begins the second week of September and ends with our graduation ceremony on the first or second Sunday in June. RMS follows a trimester schedule and tends to coincide with the local college as far as breaks and holidays are concerned.
    For start and end dates, see the calendar for the current year.

  • Is this a school only for people looking to work in full-time ministry careers?
    RMS is a school for anyone looking to deepen their relationship with God. We consider all followers of Jesus to be in “full-time ministry.” RMS intends to equip students to live out the Gospel of the Kingdom of God wherever they go.

  • Do you have information I can give to my pastor and parents about the school?
    We are working on brochures and informational DVDs to be able to send out, but for the moment, the website contains all of the information we have about RMS. Students and parents may also contact John Piippo, Josh Bentley, or Holly Benner for more details.

  • How can I help support the school/students?
    A person can support RMS and the students by:

    • Welcoming them
    • Loving them
    • Interacting with them
    • Praying for them
    • Praying for jobs for the students
    • Donating food to the RMS student house
    • Calling our offices to inquire about more specific or current needs
    • Giving financially towards RMS and its expenses
    • You can send checks or money orders to:
      Redeemer Fellowship Church
      Redeemer Ministry School
      5305 Evergreen Dr
      Monroe, Mi 48161

ADMISSIONS [Top]

  • What are the prerequisites for attending RMS?

    • High school graduate
    • Passionate follower of Jesus
    • Sensing God’s call to attend RMS

  • Do I have to become a member of Redeemer Fellowship Church?
    You do not have to become an official member of RFC, though you will be asked to participate in some events that take place at the church, as well as attend Ab Initio, the Friday night group associated with RFC.

  • How do I apply?
    You can find the application forms here. Once filled out, mail them to:

    Redeemer Fellowship Church
    Redeemer Ministry School
    5305 Evergreen Dr
    Monroe, Mi 48161

  • What is the cost of tuition?

    • $3200 for full-time students living in the RMS house
    • $1600 for full-time students who do not live in the RMS house
    • $150/class for persons wanting to take one class or more

  • What does tuition cover?
    Tuition covers books for the whole year, class cost, rent (if you live in the provided housing), any admissions costs for conferences at RFC that you will be asked to participate in, and occasional group outings (meals, coffee, etc.).

  • Do you offer scholarships?
    Generally, no, although. On a case-to-case basis, we will prayerfully consider this.

STUDENT LIFE [Top]

  • Where do RMS students live?
    Redeemer rents a private house to provide practical living arrangements for students. This environment fosters physical and spiritual community and encourages fellowship among our student body. There are occasional exceptions for students to live outside the RMS house. If you have questions regarding your personal situation, please contact the staff.

  • Even if I’m single, can I live outside of the RMS house?
    We strongly encourage all single RMS students to live in the RMS House. We are finding that students who do so learn many valuable, life-long lessons about living together in community. There are occasional exceptions for students to live outside the RMS house. If you have questions regarding your personal situation, please contact the staff.

  • Are pets allowed in the housing?
    No pets of any kind are allowed at the house.

  • What are the average living costs outside of what tuition covers?
    Students pay for their own food, gas, etc. There are occasional gifts of food donated to the RMS house.

  • Will internet be provided in the RMS House?
    Internet is not automatically set up at the house nor is it covered in tuition. Each year, the house residents will decide if they want to set up and pay for cable, internet, etc. There are also a few places within walking distance (cafes, bakeries, libraries, etc.) that offer free wi-fi.

  • What would a typical full-time RMS student’s schedule look like?
    4 courses per week, Tuesday through Friday. Each course is three hours long for 12 hours total in-class time. 10 hours, minimum, of weekly study and preparation time for classes. 3 hours on Friday nights at Newport Beach Café. Sunday morning services at Redeemer (unless otherwise indicated).

  • If I don’t have a car, what kind of transportation is available for me to get to classes?
    RMS does not provide transportation, but we will work with you to find a way to get to classes if you are in the Monroe area. For example, RMS students living in the Student House can car pool. Lake Eerie Transit offers public transportation for a small fee, including “Dial-a-Ride” services which pick you up at your front door. You can visit their website or call them at (734) 242-6766.

CLASSES [Top]

  • Where can I find a list of the RMS class schedule?
    Right here.

  • Can I choose to take only one or a few classes?
    Yes; the cost per class is $150

  • Is RMS an accredited school?
    At the moment RMS remains unaccredited.

  • What supplies will I need for my classes?
    Books are provided for you. You will need to supply yourself with any note taking devices, be it paper and pencil or a laptop. There may be projects that require you to purchase materials; a list will be provided you by the professor.

  • Are printers available to students?
    Printers are not provided at the house, but RMS students may use our church’s Xerox machine and printer for class purposes.

  • Is child-care available during classes?
    There is no child-care provided for students during class time.

APPLICATION [Top]

  • What if I haven’t known my Pastor or been attending the same church for very long?
    Students who are in this situation will arrange for personal interviews with one or more of the RMS Staff members.

  • If my relationship with God is less connected than I feel it should be, can I still apply?
    Yes, especially if you want this to change.

  • If I am currently or have been involved with tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, heterosexual sin, homosexuality, pornography, the occult, have had suicidal thoughts or have been convicted of a crime in the past year, can I still apply?
    Yes. Students who are in this situation will arrange for personal interviews with one or more of the RMS Staff members.