Returning Church on Facebook

Facebook? If you're older than 25 that's probably your first reaction. Facebook.com is an increasingly popular social networking site used primarily by our young people (but there are a few seniors poking around too!). A Returning Church facebook group was created and has become an active forum for discussing the issues facing the CRC and the broader evangelical, Christian church - especially among our seminarians. There is a link posted on the right-hand column of this blog. Feel free to check out the Discussion Board there and even join the group yourself.

Responses to FOS Revision Committee

Several church councils and individuals have indicated that they are formulating responses to the Form of Subscription revisions, a.k.a. Covenant of Ordination. Below are a few of them. These do not necessarily represent a completely unified vision but do carry a similar tone and theme. If you have one you'd like to post, please forward a copy to returningchurch@yahoo.com.

1st CRC, Muskegon, MI - Letter from Council
Dr. Randy Blacketer, Neederlandia, AB
Central Avenue CRC, Holland, MI - Letter from Council
1st Byron Center CRC, Byron Center, MI - Letter from Council
Transcona CRC, Winnipeg, MB - Letter from Council

Rev. Stan Scripps of Graafschap CRC, Holland, MI, highlighted some concerns with the FOS Revision Report. You can see them here.

For an OVERTURE regarding the Form of Subscription click here.

There are also some comments on CRConnect

REPORT on Recent Meetings

On September 13 there was a meeting of the Returning Church in Oskaloosa , Iowa , organized by Rev. Marv Leese (Bethel CRC, Oskaloosa) and Rev. Jack Gray (Sully CRC, IA). There were about 85 in attendance, which is a good starting point and a show of God's blessing.

Rev. Leese opened the meeting with a mediation on John 17:20-23 and Jesus' prayer for unity in the church, followed by Rev. CJ denDulk (Trinity CRC, Sparta , MI) speaking on II Kings 22 and Josiah's reforms based on the discovery of God's Word. Unity and God's Word certainly were central themes for the evening.

There was also a Q&A time where various issues and topics were raised, including biblical complementarianism, nurturing our covenant youth, the "Form of Subscription" revisions (see below) and other challenges to ministry. It was noted that the CRC has always sought to be biblical, and that must be encouraged and insisted upon going forward.

The question was asked, "What are you 'returning' to?" That is a great questeion and one that needs to be brought up often. The reply went something like this - we are prone to wander - as individuals, as congregations and as denomination. And recognizing that fact we must return to God every day, seeking Him at His Word. This Returning Church movement is not issue-centered, as some have claimed, but focused on returning us back to God and living for His glory each and every day.

This meeting in Iowa was almost one year to the date of the first Returning Church meeting in Byron Center, MI. God has seen fit to draw many people into the discussion around both the U.S. and Canada . May God answer our prayers and bring genuine revival and reform to the CRC.

The following day, Rev. Henry Reyenga (Family of Faith CRC, Monee , IL ) and Rev. Ben Tol (1st CRC, South Holland , IL ) invited several pastors to meet at 1st CRC in South Holland , IL , to further the discussion about particular issues and to introduce others to the ideas behind this movement. Many expressed a growing need for theological classes – where churches can show their unity in working together without binding their consciences. Again, biblical complementarianism and the "Form of Subscription" were discussed.

We encourage the gathering of pastors and elders in your area and when you do, to stay in contact with us. We will advertise on this blog and also via email, if you'd like. In the meantime, keep our denomination a matter of your prayers. We certainly all need it as we tread these waters and seek to faithfully minister to the congregations and community in which God has placed us.

Covenant of Ordination (f.k.a. Form of Subscription)

The proposed revisions by the synod-appointed committee to the "Form of Subscription" - proposed to be called the "Covenant of Ordination" - has already raised significant discussion (see comments under "Nederhood's Banner Article" post below and the CRC-Voices discussion group). Does the "Covenant" essential end the CRCNA's position as a confessional church or are people over-reacting? Since all office-bearers will sign it going forward and it will guide who leads our church into the future, it is a vital topic to discuss.

Click here for a copy of the report and proposed revision.

Click here for a copy of the current "FOS".

Dr. Raymond Blacketer wrote a response letter which you can find on the CRConnect blog by clicking here.

Nederhood's Banner Article

Most of you have probably read Dr. Joel Nederhood's article "Our Dangerous Journey" in the September issue of The Banner (If not, click here for a link). What are your thoughts? If you have been part of this Returning Church discussion you're probably sensing some level of danger for the current journey of the CRC. Is it possible for the CRC to "move beyond" the women-in-office issue as we stand today? Or has it unfortunately come to define who we are as a church - pro or con?

PK's Reflections on the CRC and "Righting the Ship"

George Pierson is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois and an elder in the Palos Heights CRC. As a PK (preacher's kid), he offers some interesting and provocative reflections on church life and what it takes to "right the ship." Click here to read his thoughts and please leave your comments by clicking below.

Returning Church Meeting in Iowa

On September 13, a group of pastors in Iowa are planning a "Returning Church" meeting. It will be held at Bethel CRC in Oskaloosa and will begin at 7:00 p.m. Revs. Marvin Leese (Bethel CRC, Oskaloosa, IA) and Jack Gray (Sully, IA, CRC) are planning the meeting. In addition, Rev. CJ denDulk (Trinity CRC, Sparta, MI) will be speaking and giving background to this movement. It is hoped that this will be another forum to proactively discuss how the CRC can be a biblical, Reformed and confessional church while at the same time being mission-focused to reach our communities with the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please check back here for more details as they develop. If you have any questions or comments, please email returningchurch@yahoo.com.

Rome's View of the Church

The Vatican issued a statement saying that all non-Roman Catholic Christian churches are not "true churches." This certainly has implications on the discussions we as a Christian Reformed Church have been having with Roman Catholic bishops and theologians in the last several years and Synod 2006's decision regarding Q&A 80 of the Heidelberg Catechism. In a letter to the Vatican, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC - of which the CRC is a part) says, "It makes us question the seriousness with which the Roman Catholic Church takes its dialogues with the Reformed family and other families of the church." To read the CNN article, click here. For the Fox News article, click here.

Vacation Bible School

No doubt many of our churches will be engaging in Vacation Bible School this summer. This is both an important evangelistic tool to reach the children and families of our communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and an opportunity for our covenant children to grow in their faith. With the plethora of VBS curriculums available, what have you found that faithfully represents the Gospel and teaches the Word without getting lost in the hype? Maybe you've found a more effective way to reach children in your community. Your comments would be appreciated here.

Synod 2007

Synod met from June 9-15 this year at Calvin Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They dealt with many issues this year that you can catch up on by clicking here to go to the Synod's homepage. A summary is posted there. We've prayed the God would lead and guide the delegates by His Word and Spirit. It is disheartening when so many things are advanced merely on personal experience and emotion. Continue to pray that God brings sweeping renewal to the CRC and a revitalized heart for His Word as the rule for both faith and life.

"R" Words

Renewal. Reformation. Return. Revitalization. Rejuvenation. Restoration. Restructuring. There are plenty of "R" words to go around. It seems there is a growing tide within many denominations of those concerned with theological, and subsequently spiritual, drift. For your information and our discussion, we are posting links to various efforts in other denominations to call for faithfulness to God's Word and also to maintain integrity to their respective confessions:

RCA Integrity (Reformed Church in America)
Confessing Church Movement (Presbyterian Church USA)
New Wineskins (PCUSA)
American Anglican Council (Episcopal Church USA)
Evangelical Lutheran Confessing Fellowship (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)
Biblical Witness Fellowship (United Church of Christ)

A Broader, Non-Denominational Effort:
Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals

*Note: We do not necessarily endorse any of these groups, but notice some similarities to the CRCNA. Pray that God's Spirit blows the wind of biblical renewal in His Church universally.

If you would like to be added to the email list, please send a message to returningchurch@yahoo.com. Please include your name, church and town/city. Don't worry, you won't be barraged with emails. We send out messages maybe once a month with updates on up-coming various events related to this discussion or other items that may be beneficial for the edification of the church.

Report on April 19 Meeting

On April 19, several members of CRCs in Michigan, the Midwest and Canada met to further the conversation about bringing biblical, confessional, Christ-centered renewal to our congregations and the CRC as a whole. There was an informal agenda that covered two basic areas: position papers and the “Year of Faith Formation.” Also, time was given for more general questions and comments.

First, Rev. CJ denDulk presented a copy of Trinity CRC’s (Sparta, MI) recently adopted “Position Paper” and then Rev. Tom Groelsema presented a draft of the “Elder Covenant” 1st CRC (Byron Center, MI) is considering (Trinity’s document can be found by clicking on this link: “Trinity’s Position Paper.” We hope to add 1st Byron’s “Elder Covenant” soon). Other churches at the meeting indicated that they’ve adopted similar statements and they have served to provide unity for the congregation. It is hoped that documents such as these can lead the congregation into biblical discussion and definition of issues facing our churches and denomination.

Since the CRCNA has declared the 2007/2008 church year to be a “Year of Faith Formation” in conjunction with the denominations 150th anniversary, several discussed how faith was being “formed” in their congregations as an encouragement to others. The importance of catechetical instruction was discussed. Rev. Chad Steenwyk of Central Ave CRC (Holland, MI) presented an after-school catechism program they are looking to implement next year for elementary-aged children. They will be using Great Commission Publications “Kid’s Quest Catechism Club.” While based on the First Catechism, they plan to integrate the Heidelberg Catechism/Compendium into the program. This will also be a program that will actively be opened to the whole community. Rev. denDulk spoke about the existing program at Trinity which includes grades 3-12 every other Wednesday. They catechize 65 kids and have great enthusiasm and support by the elders and congregation. They use various materials, with much of it coming from Inheritance Publications in Sioux Center, IA, as well as some from Faith Alive. For greater detail on their program, click here. Rev. Tyler Wagenmaker presented an “all-ages” catechism program that is being developed in-house at Beaverdam CRC (Hudsonville, MI) with the help of a seminary intern. The hope is to bring the whole community in to the development of faith through learning together. Contact Beaverdam CRC directly for more information.

Rev. Henry Reyenga also spoke about Home Discipleship Ministry which focuses on families and equipping them to be places of faith nurture through the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Scripture reading/memorization and worship. Rev. Reyenga is the pastor of Family of Faith Church in Monee, Illinois. If you’d like to know more about his ministry, go to www.homediscipleship.org.

During the open time of questions and comments, many who were in attendance expressed that they have been greatly encouraged by these meetings and the ability to connect with other members around the CRC. There was a desire to hold additional meetings like this one in places like Chicagoland and the Midwest. It is our prayer that pastors and office-bearers from those areas will step forward and beginning planning such events. We would be more than willing to help out in any way. If you are thinking along those lines, please contact one of us.

We would love for you to interact about things at this meeting or other items you’d like to discuss. Please leave a comment or two.

Growing Interest in Synod 2007

It appears that Synod 2007 is generating a lot of interest around the CRC (and certainly in the West Michigan media). Not only will it be marked with the celebration of the CRCNA's 150th annivesary, several hot-button issues will be discussed, including paedo-communion, women's ordination, the Belhar Confession and so on. From reports of classes, overtures and communications are lining up on all sides of the issues. Please be in prayer for our denomination and pray that God's Word would prevail in all areas. Also pray that the protests and demonstrations that are sure to come will not develop into a power struggle, but that those who are involved will submit humbly to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

To keep folks informed, two groups have formed to promote the deletion of the word "male" from Church Order Article 3 and the seating for women as delegates to synod. You can learn more about these groups by going to www.synodcloudofwitnesses.org and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hearts-aflame/. If you know of other developments on this or other issues for Synod 2007, please post them here to help us all stay up to date on what's happening. Also, any comments on the above are welcome as well.

Upcoming Meeting

Elders and pastors are invited to a meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2007, at First Christian Reformed Church in Byron Center, MI. We hope to continue the conversation about bringing God-centered, biblical renewal to the Christian Reformed Church. There will be discussion of position papers, the “Year of Faith Formation” and also where we go from here. We need your help to broaden the conversation so please prayerfully consider attending. Please R.S.V.P. to returningchurch@yahoo.com or call 616-396-6230.

This meeting is being held just prior to the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology (PCRT) to be held at First Byron from April 20-22 (see next posting on this blog). We strongly encourage you to take in the conference as well.

Further, you would help us greatly by publicizing the event with those you know who might be interested in such a meeting.

Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology

One of the goals of this site is to encourage CRCs and all Christians to stand firmly upon the Word of God. There is coming up soon a conference that will help do just that. The Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology (PCRT) will be held in four sites around the U.S. this year: Sacramento, CA; Jackson, MS; Grand Rapids, MI and Philadelphia, PA. The theme is "The Word: Above All Earthly Powers" - what a fitting topic! Go to www.alliancenet.org for more information and click on "PCRT" on the left-hand side.

Office-Bearers

Churches who end their church calendar in the summer are no doubt beginning the process of nominating new elders and deacons. Has your church had difficulty gathering enough names for office-bearer nominations? Yes, it is a common problem all over North America. Are we just too busy? Have mixed-up priorities? Have our elders and deacons become just "managers" or "board members"? What lies behind the problem and how can we encourage men to faithfully stand up to shepherd our congregations? Click here to see a letter First CRC in Byron Center, Michigan, sent out to its congregation. Let's use it as a springboard for discussion.

History of the CRCNA

Robert P. Swierenga (author of Dutch Chicago and many other historical titles and articles) gave a lecture in 2000 that resulted in an article posted on his personal web-site entitled, "Burn the Wooden Shoes: Modernity and Division in the Christian Reformed Church in North America." It provides an good overview and critical analysis of events in our beloved denomination. Check it out at this link: http://www.swierenga.com/Africa_pap.html.

ADDITION: One of the comments mentions the future of the CRCNA with reference to Rev. Sam Hamstra's March 2007 The Banner article entitled "A Modest Proposal." Rev. Hamstra has also set up a blog for discussion on this at http://www.xanga.com/ACRC. We aren't necessarily endorsing his "proposal," but think it is good for discussion.

Biblical, Confessional, Reformed Worship

We are hoping to provide a forum on a variety of topics as they relate to the Christian life. Certainly central to our lives is worship. What is biblical, confessional, reformed worship? Do those adjectives flow from one to the other or not? Have we been missing the ball somewhere? Or are we more in danger of "throwing the baby out with the bath water"? Anyway, a few questions to ponder. Please - leave your comments.

Redirection in the RCA

Because of our close ties with the RCA it was particularly interesting to see these articles regarding a biblical renewal and redirection effort in that denomination. The face of the conflict in these articles is primarily homosexuality in the church, but there is a common root that stands behind many of the challenges we are facing as the CRC. Maybe there is some wisdom we can glean.

Here is a two-part article that gives some background:
Part I http://www.chalcedon.edu/articles/article.php?ArticleID=1800
Part II http://www.chalcedon.edu/articles/article.php?ArticleID=2296

Here is the renewal effort’s discussion page:
http://rcadialogue.blogspot.com/

We’d love to have your comments – not so much in regard to the RCA (we’ll respectfully and prayerfully let our brothers and sisters in the RCA work through the challenges they are facing in their denomination) – but in light of bringing renewal to the CRC.

[Thanks to the folks on CRC-Voices for drawing our attention here]

Sabbath Observance

A few of us have been getting together once a month to work our way through John Piper's "Brothers, We Are Not Professionals." Chapter 21 lended itself to a great discussion on legalism. In CRC circles, talk of legalism quickly turns to Sabbath observance. We all have our memories of "no bikes on Sunday" or "swimming - but no splashing!" Seriously, even sincere attempts at Sabbath observance are quickly tagged as legalism today. How do you balance the fight between legalism and the call to live holy lives in respect to the Lord's Day?

Please read before POSTING COMMENTS

We welcome your comments to any of the topics brought up in this blog. To keep the dialogue open and honest, we ask that you do not post anonymously. We appreciate if you will indicate your full name and hometown. It is too easy to make bold statements pro or con behind the veil of anonymity. We don't want this to become an exercise is cowardice.

We have changed the settings for the blog and you now have to be registered user of Blogger to leave comments. This helps weed out some of the anonymous comments. It is a simple process that doesn't cost a thing. Thanks for your cooperation.