RBC Spotlight: Dr. Christopher Cleveland, Associate Professor of Christian Thought

Posted On August 08, 2022

Dr. Cleveland brings extensive teaching and ministry experience to RBC as our new associate professor of Christian thought. He most recently served as a humanities teacher at Veritas Academy in Savannah, Georgia, and he has taught several courses at RBC as an adjunct professor. His experience in the classroom and education has equipped him for teaching courses in philosophy, literature, and historical theology.

We recently sat down with Dr. Cleveland to ask him about his life, faith, and work at RBC.

When and how did you come to faith in Christ?

I was raised in a Christian home. When I was four, I asked my mother, “Mommy, am I saved?” and she proceeded to explain the gospel to me. I said, “Well I’m going to do that right now.” And so, I prayed to receive Christ. I believe that the Lord blessed that prayer and was sovereignly leading me to faith in Him at an early age. My faith is in Jesus Christ and what He has done for me. I trust in His work on the cross and His resurrection life on my behalf. I am thankful that He has died for my sins and clothed me in His righteousness.

What’s your favorite book of the Bible or favorite author?

Hebrews, because of the rich portrait that it presents of our Savior Jesus.

Have you traveled overseas for missions? If so, where?

I have not traveled for missions. However, I did live in Scotland for three years while studying for my Ph.D. This experience really showed me the need for the gospel that is present in all parts of the world.

What do you have a passion for?

I have a passion for teaching others about Christ and about His Word. I love showing people Jesus Christ and His glorious work on our behalf and the great salvation that He gives to us.

Why do you enjoy teaching at RBC?

I love teaching at RBC for numerous reasons. First, I love it because the whole school is centered around teaching the truths of Reformed theology. We can teach these truths boldly and unapologetically. Secondly, I love it because of the enthusiasm and passion of the students for the truths of Scripture. I have had a wonderful time teaching classes at RBC because of the attitude and excitement of the students.

What book, other than the Bible, has influenced you the most?

If I can say two of them, Dr. R.C. Sproul’s The Holiness of God and John Owen’s The Glory of Christ.

How do you serve at your local church?

In recent years, I have served as a pastor, taught Sunday school, taught a college and career class, and led Bible studies in my local church. These are all ways that the Lord has allowed me to teach others about Jesus.

If you weren’t a professor at RBC, what would you be doing?

I would be seeking some way to teach others about Christ and the great salvation we have in Him. I would most likely be seeking to preach and teach in some fashion to proclaim the glorious truths of our triune God.

What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes?

I love to read most of all, but I also enjoy art and music. I draw and play classical guitar. I also love working out and exercising.

Do you have a favorite sports team or athlete?

Oklahoma Sooners football.

How long have you lived in Florida?

I was born and raised in Florida and have lived in several different places since I graduated from high school. I am happy to be coming back home.

What activities do you enjoy doing in Florida?

I love going to the beach, going to the theme parks, and being outside in the sun.

How were you first introduced to Dr. Sproul’s teaching?

My father studied under Dr. Sproul at RTS Orlando when it first opened. He would learn all that he could in class, and then he came home and taught us what he learned. When I was a teenager, I read The Holiness of God and watched the Ligonier video series Dust to Glory, which went through the whole Bible. All of these teaching resources made a profound impact upon me and shaped my life.

What books would you recommend to students starting at RBC?

I would recommend The Holiness of God and Knowing Scripture by Dr. Sproul, the Westminster Confession of Faith and the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, and The Glory of Christ by John Owen (I have to get John Owen in there).

What is something you wish you knew before going into seminary?

I wish that I had held a better appreciation for how important every part of the seminary curriculum was—Bible, philosophy, history, and systematic theology all should work together. They shouldn’t be opposed to each other. You can’t just focus upon one to the exclusion of the others. Some of us are called to focus upon different aspects of these things more than others, but all of them are important. All of them come together in the teaching of God’s truth to the church.

How and when did you know you wanted to be a professor?

When I was first in seminary, and then even more so during my Ph.D., I realized how much I loved researching, studying, and teaching others about what I was learning. That was when I really felt the desire to become a professor.

What most excites you about becoming a professor at RBC?

I think that I am most excited to be a part of the legacy that Dr. Sproul began of teaching others about the majesty and glory of our triune God. That is something that is truly exciting to be a part of and a job which I hope will have an eternal impact. I am truly thankful for this opportunity to teach students about the truths of the Christian faith.