I grew up in the heart of Silicon Valley. My dad and both my grandfathers were Foursquare pastors. In middle school, my dad had to step down from ministry for health reasons, and we ended up in a Calvary Chapel for most of my teenage years. I am very thankful for those who poured into me during my childhood.

After a bout of PK rebellious years in college, I was greatly convicted and was brought to understand what I already knew—that I was solely dependent on God for salvation. God has graciously changed me in many ways since then. I eventually went on to get my Master of Education and was a 5th-grade teacher for several years.

After having our firstborn, my wife and I strongly desired to leave California. We eventually moved to rural Nevada and started attending a church there. While sitting under the teaching, I realized some differences I had with the soteriology being taught. This realization led to some extended conversations with the pastor in which I eventually (after fighting it for a while!) embraced the doctrines of grace.

Shortly after this, I strongly desired to be involved in ministry. This desire led me to leave school teaching and come on church staff as “Director of Student Ministries.” A couple of years later, I was brought on as the “Pastor of Family & Student Ministries.” I began attending Reformed Baptist Seminary around this same time as well.

My time at Reformed Baptist Seminary has been invaluable in helping me develop a Reformed (and biblical) understanding of a variety of subjects. I am incredibly thankful for the men who work hard to run the seminary. I highly recommend RBS to others without any reservations. The teaching at RBS has both been theologically rich and pastorally applicable.

Stephen Duarte