Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Oct 16/59

Contributor - Rev. Russell J. Redeker

Title - The Future Of The Ref. Church in America in Canada

Topic - Reformed Church

This year marks the Tenth Anniversary of the beginning of the work of the Reformed Church in America in Canada. Congratulations and thanks must be given to many who made this venture possible. There are Dr. R, J. Vanden Berg, the Rev. Harri Zegerius, among dozens of others who come to mind on the occasion of this anniversary. There are hundreds of consecrated immigrants of those early years who come into focus at this time, and there are hundreds of members of the Reformed Church in America in the States who prayed, gave money and clothing, Bibles, books, etc. to help the immigrant find a material and spiritual home in Canada.

Surely the RCA in the States, and the BDM are grateful to God for having the opportunity to share with the friends in Canada their joys, their burdens and their successes. All sincerely wish them God's blessing and joy.

Anniversaries are also good opportunities to evaluate. A good question to consider is, "What is the future of the RCA in Canada?"

I. On whom does this depend?

Who has the answer to that question? Who holds the key to the future of the RCA in Canada.? On both sides of the border there are those who will answer, "The Reformed Church in America in the States". While for the present and for some years to come the RCA in the States will be an important factor, it appears increasingly that, the future of the RCA in Canada lies in the hands of the RCA in Canada.

For a child to grow and mature into a normal useful adult, he needs the loving care and help of his parents, but in the final analysis the success of the child's life rests with the child himself. It is so with the RCA in Canada, and in the USA. This is not new. For a long time the Reformed Churches in Canada have begun to work toward the goal of independence and self-support. Some have already arrived at this goal and will be helping others to attain this position. Truly, the answer to this question lies with the Reformed Churches in Canada ultimately.

2. The future in relation to growth

It is quite obvious that the RCA in Canada will need to grow and strengthen considerably beyond the present status if she hopes to have a great future in this great country. Canada is an extremely large country and no group the size of the RCA in Canada at present can hope to be a great power and exert a great influence, nor even last very long, unless it grows in numbers and spiritual strength. Thirty churches, some small and some large, cannot hold a significant place in this great country.

What is the answer to this? There are two sources of increase in strength.

a. The Dutch immigrants. First of all there are those already in Canada. Mr. N. J. Prinsen has written that there are 15,000 unchurched immigrants in Canada with the Hervormde Kerk background. These not only afford a great potential of strength for the RCA in Canada, but far more than that they are the spiritual responsibility of our Canadian churches. Secondly, there is the Dutch immigrant who is coming now and will come. Let us never forget that the very reason for beginning the RCA work in Canada was the immigrant and this primary purpose has not changed, and as long as there are unchurched Dutch immigrants in Canada, and as long as new immigrants continue to come, the RCA has its first and foremost responsibility there.

b. Unchurched Canadians, other than Dutch immigrants, are the second source of strength for the RCA. A special committee has been appointed by the Board of Domestic Missions to study the question of Church Extension in Canada by the RCA. This committee will report its findings to the Board in November.

3. Critical areas affecting the future of the Reformed Church in America

One of the critical and important areas is that of ministerial leadership in Canada. As long as immigrants continue to come, the bilingual minister is imperative. Such potential leadership in the States is becoming very limited although fortunately some Canadian churches have a place for an all English speaking minister. Stateside ministers should consider both as a God-given challenge.

It is gratifying that a number of young men from Canada are preparing for the ministry and this will ease the need for leadership in the years to come. A few ministers from the Netherlands have come to answer the need for leadership.

A second critical area is the young people of the churches. They "Canadianize" more rapidly than do the parents, and for them it is imperative that an all-English program be provided. This problem is not easily solved with a limited membership, funds, and leadership, but the area is so important it cannot be overlooked because the young people are most vitally related to the future of the RCA in Canada. Parents of these young people express great concern in this area and understandably so. It would be helpful to the young people in their church associations to be able to invite their young Canadian friends to an English worship service which is void of any Dutch whatsoever. This would be a real consideration for the young people. Conversely, the Dutch services should be liberally sprinkled with English.

4. Course of action to insure the future

a. Evangelism. The RCA in Canada must carry on an energetic program of evangelism, with the first emphasis being among the non-church-related immigrants.

b. Stewardship. The RCA in Canada will be no more secure than the ability of the church to sustain itself financially, and in addition have an active program of educational and missionary outreach. The RCA has a great deal of help to offer through its Stewardship Department for a strong stewardship program.

C. Immigrants. Help direct immigrants to areas where employment is available and where the churches need strengthening.

d. Centers. The major emphasis must be placed in the larger population centers.

e. RCA Program. There must be thorough education in all the facets of the RCA program and a participation in it.

f. Other Churches. The future of the RCA in Canada does not lie in being separatistic but in a wholesome participation in the life and activity of Canadian life on every level. This means that a much closer relationship officially at top levels of administration, and in local congregations with the existing Christian churches of Canada must become a reality. Only so can we demonstrate a true purpose in being in Canada.

The accomplishments of the RCA in Canada in a matter of ten years are nothing short of amazing. The leaders and churches are to be heartily commended. This is a good time to take a look backward and forward and prayerfully study the question, "What is the future of the RCA in Canada?"

Who knows what God may have in store for His people if they will do His will?

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