The 2016 General Synod of the Reformed Church in America affirmed marriage as “a joyful covenanting between a man and a woman,” but Synod’s atmosphere was more melancholy than joyful. And a similar level of disunity would strain any marriage. Some delegates, who anticipated difficult decisions regarding denominational affiliation, felt a sense of reprieve. … Continue reading RCA: Somber synod affirms joyful marriage
Kevin DeYoung, a well-known speaker and popular author, will teach for Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) while remaining Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, MI. On October 26, 2015, RTS announced the appointment of DeYoung as chancellor’s professor of systematic and historical theology, beginning January 1, 2016. The position will allow the … Continue reading Writer, speaker, preacher now seminary professor
The Chicago Metro Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) welcomed five new congregations during a celebration service held on May 17 at First Church in Lansing, IL. The five Illinois congregations recently came out of the Illiana-Florida Classis of the Reformed Church in America (RCA). They include First Church and Grace Church, … Continue reading PCA’s Chicago Metro Presbytery welcomes five new congregations
In July, Christian Renewal reported that several congregations of the Reformed Church in America had petitioned their classes with the intent to withdraw from the RCA. The most visible of those congregations, University Reformed Church in East Lansing, MI, held a second congregational vote on November 23, 2014. At this second meeting, over 95 percent … Continue reading The process of leaving: Churches moving from the RCA to the PCA
CRCNA/RCA Synods strengthen denominational union When the Synods of the Reformed Church in America (RCA) and the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) met in mid-June of 2014, they narrowed the increasingly thin 157-year-old gap between the two denominations. Both Synods met during the same time frame on the campus of Central College in … Continue reading CRCNA/RCA Synods
Like pebbles tossed into a lake, consistories petitioning to leave the Reformed Church in America are creating widening ripples. An initial ripple occurred when Peace Church in Middleville, MI (Pastor Adam Barr), petitioned South Grand Rapids Classis on January 23 of 2014. Subsequent to congregational advisory votes, five consistories in Illiana-Florida Classis submitted petitions on … Continue reading Churches leaving the RCA
When the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America (RCA) met from June 20-25 at Central College in Pella, IA, it practically reversed last year’s decision on homosexuality, removed conscience clauses regarding women’s ordination, and instituted a requirement for churches to be shaped by the Belhar Confession. It adopted a missional strategic goal program … Continue reading 2013 RCA General Synod undermines previous Synod’s decision
Glenda Faye Mathes 