Board Appoints Pastor Virgil Hurt Next President

Pastor Hurt takes office July 2026,
upon Dr. Atwood’s retirement as President Emeritus

President-Elect Virgil Hurt

Pastor Hurt has decades of experience in pastoral ministry and Christian leadership. He planted Providence Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, VA, in 2000 — a congregation that has since grown to be one of the largest in the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC). He has twice served as the CREC’s Presiding Minister of Council. He was elected as an inaugural member of the Seminary’s Board of Directors in 2023.

The Chairman of Reformed Evangelical Seminary’s Board of Directors, Timothy van den Broek, made the following announcement at the Seminary’s Third Convocation Ceremony, Friday, August 29.

The Board of the Reformed Evangelical Seminary (RES) is delighted to announce the appointment of Pastor Virgil Hurt as our next President.

Pastor Hurt will assume this role on July 1st, 2026, at which time our organizing President, Dr. Roy Atwood, takes on the role of President Emeritus. Until then, Pastor Hurt will hold the position of Development Director, working alongside Dr. Atwood for a smooth leadership transition, while building our relationships with Church Partners and other supporters in preparation for the next stage in the Seminary’s mission.

Pastor Hurt has several decades of experience in pastoral ministry and Christian leadership. He planted Providence Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, VA, in 2000 — a congregation that began as a home Bible study and has since grown to be one of the largest in the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC). He has twice served as the CREC’s Presiding Minister of Council and is widely respected across the Communion for his kingdom vision and pastoral wisdom.

Since its founding in 2023, RES has developed three degree programs with nearly 40 students enrolled, including 27 students in our flagship M.Div. program. Hundreds of other members and officers from CREC congregations participate each term in our Church Enrichment courses.

We are deeply thankful to Dr. Atwood for his kingdom centered efforts as he has capably led the establishment and operations of RES since its inception. The foundations he has laid will endure for many years. RES is overseen by a board comprised of seven CREC Pastors and Teaching Elders.

We thank God for his provision of Pastor Hurt as our next President and look forward to continuing our mission to assist the Church to equip pastors and leaders by providing high quality, church-centered, place-based training for men preparing for pastoral ministry.

For the RES Board,
Timothy van den Broek
Chairman