Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Oct/85

Contributor - Art Zeilstra

Title - Continually Being Reformed

Topic - Reformed

I believe that the Reformed Church in Canada is in a CRISIS. Not only are we down numerically, but also in vitality. The reasons are numerous: denominational mistakes in the 1950's; inability to move the "faith set" that is locked into the 50's; lack of denominational identity and allegiance; inability of the second generation to take leadership; ethnic identity; materialism; inability to effectively communicate faith to our children; negative overreaction to the Holy Spirit; dependence on foreign pastors to minister to an ethnic cultural faith; and inability to address morals and lifestyle.

We are fortunate to belong to a denomination in which we are able to introduce necessary correction and change at local, classis and synodical levels. Continually being Reformed means to look at the priniciples found in God's Word, to have a critical view of history, and to take risks in meeting the needs (temporal and eternal) of people today. Continually questions are to be asked within each church. "What is God saying in His Word to our congregation at this time?" "What are the new challenges to which He is calling us?"

The three articles in this Reformation edition address these issues. The article "Ecumenical Relationships and the Reformed Church in Canada" provides us with an overview of our involvement in the ecumenical circles. Rev. Blok stimulates our thinking to re-evaluate our association with other denominations. He proposes a new direction for a new era among the churches. The article "A Ministry, With Your Support" by Rev. Rudy Katerberg looks at some of the "newer" ways of ministering in hospitals, jails and in the military. How can we reach out from the church to a hurting world? The third article, "Give Me Back My Church" by Rev. John Opmeer introduces us to the "third wave". Neither Pentecostal nor charismatic, this movement is thoroughly evangelical and yet is accompanied by "signs and wonders". God is doing new things within the church.

I believe God has a Reformation plan for the Reformed Church in Canada. We have Biblical knowledge; we give gracefully and generously; and we sing enthusiastically. Still we face a CRISIS. "Business" cannot continue as usual. When John Calvin went to Geneva in 1541, he moved to that city of 13,000 with great dreams. He wanted to make this city truly Christian. It was a prosperous place but was low in moral tone. Among the numerous things he did, three were outstanding: he thoroughly reorganized the church; he had laws passed expressing Biblical morality; and he established a first-rate educational system. Christianity became a model for the rest of the world. We too need to be aggressive in faith.

We need to have men and women across Canada begin to speak the Word of God in the context of repentance and vision. There needs to be repentance from the dismal situations the church is in; repentance from the idolatry of materialism; repentance from resting in traditionalism and conveniences; and repentance from limiting God's power and authority. We need to step out in faith!

In Revelation 3:2, 3 Jesus is saying to the church - our church - "Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember therefore, what you have received and heard: obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you;" (NIV) The time for acton is now!

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