Reutlingen School of Theology (RST) is the institution of theological higher education of the United Methodist Church (Evangelisch-methodistische Kirche) in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The student body is diverse and consists of students from various denominations and cultural backgrounds. Women and men are trained theologically and acquire social and personal skills crucial for congregational and missionary work. Spiritual formation is an essential part of the school's community, and a variety of spiritual exercises are offered. Students thus obtain a wide range of competencies for subsequent full- or part-time ministry in church and society.
RST is the only United Methodist institution of theological higher education in German-speaking Europe. In 2005 RST was accredited by the German Federal Council of Sciences to become a recognized University of Applied Sciences. This certification indicates that RTS complies with the national and international standards for research, teaching, and service. In 2008, after a successful accreditation process, the school was renamed as it is now called Theologische Hochschule Reutlingen (Reutlingen School of Theology). The international and interdenominational exchange of students and faculty is part of the heritage of RST as a school embedded in the worldwide connection of the United Methodist Church and its ecumenical partner churches.
Our school offers two courses of study, a three-year Bachelor (B.A.) program in theology and a consecutive two-year Master (M.A.) program in theology. Since these degrees are internationally recognized, additional studies at other higher learning institutions can be easily pursued. The curricula consist of teaching modules based on the classical theological disciplines Biblical Languages, Old Testament Studies, New Testament Studies, Church History, Systematic Theology, and Practical Theology. In both courses of study (B.A. and M.A.) RST offers classes in the areas of psychology, pedagogy, philosophy, sociology, and rhetoric. National and international co-operations with other universities (among them the University of Tuebingen with the most extensive theological library in Germany only ten miles away) give students the opportunity for supplementary studies in specific fields of interest. Besides full-time studies in the B.A. and M.A. programs, we also offer part-time study programs for international students in various forms. International students can approach us by taking their initiative or partake in the existing exchange-program that the Reutlingen School of Theology maintains in all parts of the World.
Theological education and spiritual formation are guided by three principles: sound scholarship, praxis-orientation, and personal faith development. The mission statement of our school is:
- Our theological work is rooted in a faith practiced in the discipleship of Christ. The world-changing love of God moves it revealed in Jesus Christ.
- Our theological work is nurtured by independent thinking. It is in open conversation with the sciences, other cultures and beliefs, and actively engages contemporary issues.
- Our theological work has as its aim Christian love in action. It participates in God's mission for the salvation and welfare of the World, which manifests itself in the proclamation of the Gospel and concrete acts of mercy and righteousness.
