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A Three Minute Tour of the Reformed Church in America
We've got a lot to offer, so let's get better acquainted!
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Who Are We
The Reformed Church in America, which includes some of the best-known congregations in North America, was established on this continent 150 years before the Revolutionary War.
The word Reformed comes from the Protestant Reformation which swept across Europe in the 1500s under the leadership of such men as Martin Luther and John Calvin. Calvin's reformation at Geneva spread to many countries, including Scotland (where it became the Presbyterian Church) and the Netherlands (where it became our ancestor, the Dutch Reformed Church).
Our history is a long and colorful one. The Dutch Reformed Church established its first congregation in New Amsterdam in 1628. Although Dutch in origin, the Reformed Church in America has for decades included peoples of many different races and nationalities in its congregations.
The denomination currently has over 900 churches in the United States and Canada, with over 200,000 active confirmed members.
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What We Believe
We believe the Bible to be the Word of God and the final authority for faith and practice. We believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of those who have faith in him. We believe in the historic Christian faith as confessed in the Apostles' Creed. The Heidelberg Catechism, a 16th century evangelical statement of faith, has played a particularly important role in our history.
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Our Local Churches
Each of our congregations is unique, shaped by the needs of the people and its community. Worship services range from highly formal to very informal. In almost all, however, you will find good preaching, a strong program of Christian education, and sympathetic pastoral counseling. To belong to a Reformed Church is to be part of a warm and caring Christian family.
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Our Government
Local churches are governed by elders and deacons who, together with the pastor, form the Consistory. Regional governing bodies are called Classis and Regional Synods. The denomination includes eight regional Synods and 44 Classis. The highest representative body of the church, the General Synod, meets once each year to make decisions which affect the life and work of the entire Reformed Church.
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Our Mission Program
The Reformed Church in America is a mission-minded church. Long a pioneer in overseas missions, it has consistently made a contribution well beyond its size. It currently supports around 100 missionaries worldwide.
We witness and serve in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central America, South America, and in North America.
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Our Colleges and Seminaries
We maintain three colleges and two theological seminaries. The colleges -- all liberal arts institutions with a Christian emphasis -- are Central College in Pella, Iowa; Hope College in Holland, Michigan; and Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. Students are trained for various types of Christian ministry at New Brunswick Seminary in New Brunswick, New Jersey; Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan; and Sioux Falls Seminary, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Our denomination has a monthly magazine, the Church Herald, which helps keep the RCA family informed.
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Welcome
We are a denomination with deep roots, a strong committment, a loving spirit, and a forward-looking vision. We hope you will decide to join us!
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Three Ways To Become a Member Of
Good News Reformed Church
Profession of Faith:
If you have never publicly professed your faith in Jesus Christ, we would love to join with you in this exciting time. Jesus said, "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in Heaven." Matthew 10:32. In the Reformed Church profession of faith brings one into membership with the church body. This requires that you meet with our Elders who are responsible for the spiritual well being of the church. They meet on the third Tuesday evening of every month.
Reaffirmation of Faith:
If you have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and at one time professed your faith, but due to circumstances of life are no longer a member of a Christian church then you may become a member by reaffirmation of faith. You would simply come and profess your faith to our Elders. It is similar to a profession of faith, but you are simply affirming your earlier profession of Jesus Christ. Elders meet the third Tuesday evening of every month.
Transfer of Membership:
If you are currently a member in good standing of a Christian church, you would simply need to contact that church and ask them to send a letter of transfer to Good News. This is a document that says you are a member of their fellowship and that they are transferring your membership to our church. This does not require a meeting with the Elders.
One thing that should be noted: Everyone who desires to become a member of Good News must attend a new member's class. These classes are offered at least two times per year. (May and November). The classes are usually one Sunday afternoon from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM. The classes not only tell about who we are and what we believe, but they also allow you to see what is expected of our members. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Pastor Kevin at 361-6718 or email him at pastorkevin@hisgoodnews.com. Thank you for your interest in us. We look forward to connecting with you.
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