Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Jan/81

Contributor - Cor Bons

Title - "From Ocean Unto Ocean Our Land Shall Own Thee Lord"

Topic - Reformed Church In Canada

At the beginning of a new decade last year, many of our spiritual leaders, pastors as well as laymen, felt the urgent need for a more responsible and effective ministry of the Reformed Church in Canada. For more than 25 years we have limited ourselves to the Reformed Dutch-Canadians and their spiritual needs, but since last year, steps have been taken to pave the road for a new direction and a more nationwide approach.

Eventually the Classis of Ontario employed me as the Field Secretary for Church Planning and Development in Canada. This has been done in cooperation with the Council of the Reformed Churches in Canada and in consultation with the Classis of Cascades, the Synods of the West and of Michigan, and the General Secretary of the RCA.

Field Secretaries are very familiar persons in the Reformed Church in America. They are normally employed with the Particular Synods, and have specified assignments. My position, however, is unique, since for the first time in RCA. history, a Field Secretary has been appointed by a Classis. And my assignment is interesting too, because my territory comprises the entire country of Canada, "from ocean unto ocean".

Besides my editorial work for Pioneer Christian Monthly, my major responsibility lies in the area of church planning and development. My membership in the Council of Field Secretaries in the RCA. enables me to represent the Canadian churches, and to work with the decision-making committees who set priorities as to when and where to support new programs of outreach. Thus, I'll be instrumental in making recommendations to the General Program Council concerning the various Church Growth projects in our country.

New work has already begun in Vancouver, B.C.; St. Albert, Alberta; Winnipeg, Manitoba and Welland, Ontario. Our most recent Church Growth project has now been started in Kitchener, Ontario, where Rev. Mark Bonnema is working as Missionary-Pastor.

Especially in Western Canada we notice a great desire and real possibilities for Church Growth. But Great wisdom along with a deep commitment to the mandate of the Lord Jesus Christ is necessary: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations", He said.

The Classis of Ontario has made a firm commitment, which has resulted in a strong financial support of this new direction. Also the churches and the Synods of the West and Michigan, yes, the whole R.C.A. through the General Program Council have committed themselves to this great mission.

The year 1981 is still young, and therefore, I am asking you to make your commitment as well, in order that your church will carry out her mission of extending the Gospel of God's Grace to the millions of unchurched people in this beautiful country. Support the church as she seeks to be reformed according to the Word of God and obedient to the Great Commission. Continue to pray for all who need wisdom from above in their ministry and in making important decisions, as they seek to minister to the real needs of men, women, young people and children in our time. Give your full co-operation to make the impossible dream come true. "And I'll be with you to the close of the age", says your Lord.

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