Below is the document that was handed out before the September 11, 2006, meeting in Byron Center.
THE RETURNING CHURCH
As many other denominations, the Christian Reformed denomination has gone through difficult times the last decades. Many individuals, families and pastors who were long part of the denomination have left for other churches and some have formed another denomination.
Those who remain within the denomination are saddened by polarization, by a sense of unease and by the threat of further membership losses. On a deeper level, there are many who feel that the denomination no longer benefits from careful attention to the Scriptures and an enthusiastic recognition of the value of its confessional treasure. Discussion of serious ecclesiastical issues often occurs with little reference to the Bible and the confessions.
This evening’s meeting is the beginning of an exploration of ways that the Lord may be pleased to use to bring renewal to our denomination. We have considered and have rejected the option of leaving this denomination for three reasons: (1) We believe the denomination has many members and churches that are dedicated to God’s Word and who value the confessions. (2) We believe that other denominations have problems as well. And (3) we feel that God is calling us to exercise our faith and use our spiritual energy to bring about renewal in the Christian Reformed Church.
We are dedicated to revitalizing local Christian Reformed churches so that the power of Scripture will be the primary influence within them. We are dedicated to the catechetical instruction of our children that reflects the continuing importance of the Reformation tradition. And we are dedicated to evangelism and missions built on biblical principles.
We view what has occurred in the denomination thus far as events God is using to teach all of us, regardless of our convictions with regard to various issues. Many of the differences among us are the result of men and women of faith who are, with the best of intentions, seeking to respond to our complex and dynamic age. We respect all members of this denomination and expect to be respected as well.
Those of us who meet this evening share the conviction that the Christian Reformed denomination is now compromised by a failure to live in obedience to the biblical message. We believe that our churches and our denomination must return to the Scriptures. Failure to do so will further estrange us from our holy Master and from his Holy Spirit.
We pray for the presence of Christ’s Spirit as we seek God’s leading. On this evening, there is no program, no agenda, no specific plan presented for approval. But we believe that as we respond to the conviction that something must be done to bring renewal to the Christian Reformed denomination, God will show us the way to greater faithfulness, to greater service, and to greater participation in the great work God is doing in the world at this hour. We wait his leading.
September 11 Planning Committee
THE RETURNING CHURCH
As many other denominations, the Christian Reformed denomination has gone through difficult times the last decades. Many individuals, families and pastors who were long part of the denomination have left for other churches and some have formed another denomination.
Those who remain within the denomination are saddened by polarization, by a sense of unease and by the threat of further membership losses. On a deeper level, there are many who feel that the denomination no longer benefits from careful attention to the Scriptures and an enthusiastic recognition of the value of its confessional treasure. Discussion of serious ecclesiastical issues often occurs with little reference to the Bible and the confessions.
This evening’s meeting is the beginning of an exploration of ways that the Lord may be pleased to use to bring renewal to our denomination. We have considered and have rejected the option of leaving this denomination for three reasons: (1) We believe the denomination has many members and churches that are dedicated to God’s Word and who value the confessions. (2) We believe that other denominations have problems as well. And (3) we feel that God is calling us to exercise our faith and use our spiritual energy to bring about renewal in the Christian Reformed Church.
We are dedicated to revitalizing local Christian Reformed churches so that the power of Scripture will be the primary influence within them. We are dedicated to the catechetical instruction of our children that reflects the continuing importance of the Reformation tradition. And we are dedicated to evangelism and missions built on biblical principles.
We view what has occurred in the denomination thus far as events God is using to teach all of us, regardless of our convictions with regard to various issues. Many of the differences among us are the result of men and women of faith who are, with the best of intentions, seeking to respond to our complex and dynamic age. We respect all members of this denomination and expect to be respected as well.
Those of us who meet this evening share the conviction that the Christian Reformed denomination is now compromised by a failure to live in obedience to the biblical message. We believe that our churches and our denomination must return to the Scriptures. Failure to do so will further estrange us from our holy Master and from his Holy Spirit.
We pray for the presence of Christ’s Spirit as we seek God’s leading. On this evening, there is no program, no agenda, no specific plan presented for approval. But we believe that as we respond to the conviction that something must be done to bring renewal to the Christian Reformed denomination, God will show us the way to greater faithfulness, to greater service, and to greater participation in the great work God is doing in the world at this hour. We wait his leading.
September 11 Planning Committee
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1 comment:
One comment to add to the document posted here - certainly we must take seriously Christ's call for the unity of the church (John 17, Eph 4). That should drive us to wrestle as long as we possibly can with our brothers and sisters.
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