Lux Mundi 37:1 spring 2018

Jesus said: “I am the light of the world.” John 8:12

In this Issue Devotional: Psalm 121 Jesus said “I am the Light of the World” News from Sudan, India, & North America The Reformational Study Centre in South Africa An opinion on the Presbyterian Church in America The European Conference of Reformed Churches this May

Magazine published by the International Conference of Reformed Churches Devoonal

PSALM 121 Rev. Dr. Victor (V.E.) d'Assonville is pastor in the GKSA (Reformed Churches in South Africa). He The LORD remains with us serves as principal and professor of Church History at the Reformed Theological Seminar (RTS) in Heidelberg, Germany.

Mountains, even hills, unfailingly call to mind Psalm 121: night, also when we are not conscious of it. He is always “I lift up my eyes to the hills … My help comes from the with us: that's why Jesus Christ is called Immanuel, “God LORD.” with us”. And that is why the Christ gave His Spirit, His Comforter, to His church, to each believer, to comfort… In In this Psalm the poet emphasizes repeatedly how the Christ the comfort of Psalm 121 has also become our LORD protects us. He is the Creator of heaven and earth: comfort. He is almighty. He is the only true God. As Creator the LORD is able to help you; as covenant God, as faithful Do you see this well? Do you realize this? Psalm 121 draws Father in Christ, He is willing to help. the line from that one lonesome traveller to Christ, and further sll, to our eternal desnaon. We read in In contrast with us humans, our Keeper neither slumbers Revelaon 7:16 and 17 how the promise of Psalm 121 is nor sleeps: He is always alert. His love and help are so all fulfilled: The Lamb, Christ, shall lead God's children to encompassing, so enveloping that He would send His only “living springs of water”, they shall “hunger nor thirst Son, precisely because all help is from Him. anymore”. This is what is promised in Psalm 121 and is He remains with us. He is always with us, by day and by fulfilled in Christ. From this me forth … and forever more.

From Dagstukkies, a devoonal published by the Reformed Church in South Africa on its website. Used with permission.

The logo combines the ICRC logo with the Lux Mundi monogram, an early Christian symbol combining the initials of Jesus Christ (in Greek I and X), referring to Him as the Light of the World (Lux Mundi).

Front cover picture: A mountain in Manning Park, British Columbia, Canada. Photo: K. Janssen.

2 Lux Mundi: Volume 37-01 – March 2018 CONTENTS CONTRIBUTORS

02 Devoonal – Psalm 121 Editors 04 Editorial Karlo Janssen (Canada) Theological Hans Maris (The Netherlands) 06 Devoonal on John 8:12 – I am the Light of the World Sjirk Bajema (New Zealand) News & Informaon Hiralal Solanki (India) 09 Sudan: Sudanese Reformed Churches – Silver Jubilee Glenda Mathes (USA) 2017 Ria Nederveen (The Netherlands) 12 South Africa: The RSC Lawr Khawbung (India) 15 India: Reformed Presbyterian Fellowship James Visscher (Canada) 16 Canada: Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary Conference 2018 Design & Print Opinion Minuteman Press Chilliwack, BC, Canada 19 North America: The new PCA Announcements Regional contacts 23 Europe: European Conference of Reformed Churches North America Glenda Mathes announcement South America Chris Boersema Europe Africa Paul Bukenya South Asia Lawr Khawbung East Asia – Pacific Sjirk Bajema

ICRC liaisons Missions Commiee Diaconal Commiee Pieter Boon Theological Ed Commiee SUBSCRIPTION Regional Conferences

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3 3 Editorial

Rev. Dr. Karlo Janssen is a pastor within the Canadian Reformed Churches. He currently serves on an interchurch relaons INTRODUCTIONS commiee of the CanRC and on the ICRC Publicaons Commiee.

...one might even say that Lux Mundi has finally found its righul home.

Introducons Reformed Churches, will serve as editor-in-chief. Vice The fact that our volume number reads “37” indicates that editor-in chief is the Rev. Dr. Hans Maris, rered professor the Lux Mundi before you is not enrely new. Lux Mundi of church history at the seminary of the Chrisan may have moved from the oversight of the Reformed Reformed Churches in The Netherlands. Also serving as Churches in The Netherlands (liberated) (RCN) to the editor is the Rev. Sjirk Bajema, about to move from the Internaonal Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC), it Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia to a Reformed connues with the same goal of sharing news, content, Church in New Zealand. Our fourth editor is the Rev. and opinion globally. Hiralal Solanki, of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Indeed, one might even say that Lux Mundi has finally India and instructor at the Presbyterian Theological found its righul home. For the first edion of Lux Mundi Seminary in Dehra Dun. Advisory editors are sr. Ria appeared in 1982, the year of the Constuent Assembly of Nederveen, of the Reformed Churches in The the ICRC. The editors back then: the Rev. K. Deddens and Netherlands, sr. Glenda Mathes, of the United Reformed the Rev. G. VanRongen of the Netherlands and the Rev. H. Churches in North America, the Rev. Lawr Khawbung, of M. Ohmann of Canada.¹ the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North East India, and the ICRC Corresponding Secretary, the Rev. Dr. James Sll, the move does signal changes. Hence, introducons Visscher, of the Canadian Reformed Churches. are in order. Of these people, three have served as Lux Mundi editors Purpose in the recent past, and a fourth has served on its editorial Lux Mundi has become the magazine of the ICRC. The team. This should assure us of connuity. The plan is that ICRC has as purpose these editors will be assisted in their work by regional · to express and promote the unity of faith that the contacts and ICRC commiee liaisons. That happens to be member churches have in Christ; a network we are sll seng up, making grateful use of the work begun by the former editorial board. · to encourage the fullest ecclesiascal fellowship among the member churches; Content and Availability · to encourage cooperaon among the member Lux Mundi does not aim to publish new content. Rather, churches in the fulfillment of the missionary and arcles are gleaned from magazines published within ICRC other mandates; membership circles. Editors of such magazines are welcome to submit publicaons for consideraon for a · to study the common problems and issues that global audience. Please send such submissions to confront the member churches and to aim for [email protected]. recommendaons with respect to these maers; To keep costs minimal Lux Mundi will primarily be an · to present a Reformed tesmony to the world. online magazine. Issues will be published via the Lux The purpose of Lux Mundi is to serve the ICRC in achieving Mundi page on www.icrconline.com. Those who register its purposes. To that end the magazine will seek to (including all former subscribers) will receive a noce via acquaint the member churches with each other, provide a email each me this happens. Readers are free to print forum where common problems and issues can be their own hardcopy of the digital version, or have it studied, and serve as a Reformed tesmony to the world. Editors ¹For myself, that has a personal touch. Rev. G. VanRongen was a dear mentor and friend of mine, my love for interchurch relaons and church governance is The editors at the helm of Lux Mundi are the following. much due to him. I have further had the honour of being Dr. K. Deddens' pastor Undersigned, the Rev. Dr. Karlo Janssen of the Canadian in the evening of his life.

4 THE CHANGING FACE OF LUX MUNDI

Lux Mundi 37:1 spring 2018

Jesus said: “I am the light of the world.” John 8:12

In
this
Issue
Devotional:
Psalm
121
Jesus
said
“I
am
the
Light
of
the
World”
The
meaning
of
“holy”
News
from
Sudan,
India,
&
North
America
The
Reformational
Study
Centre
in
South
Africa
An
opinion
on
the
Presbyterian
Church
in
America
The
European
Conference
of
Reformed
Churches
this
May

Magazine
published
by
the International
Conference
of Reformed
Churches

printed more professionally at a print shop. Using a print that Lux Mundi is now not just a magazine “for the global shop will probably sll be cheaper than the combined cost church” but also, in a sense, “by the global church” is a of prinng and postage in North America. Those who opt clear indicaon that this work begun decades ago is to have a printed copy sent to them via snail mail will be worthwhile and fruiul for the furtherance of God's charged the associated costs. Kingdom. Connued Blessing Our prayer remains that the Lord will bless His church In the previous edion of Lux Mundi, the former editor-in- gathering work and connue to use Lux Mundi as an chief, the Rev. Piet Houtman, expressed the hope and instrument in that endeavour. To that end we present you prayer for connued blessing upon the work of Lux Mundi. with an issue that will certainly take you around our globe. On behalf of the current editors we express gratude to We've begun with our devoonal in Germany, and take him and the former editors, and all who have served you to Canada, to the two Sudans, to South Africa, to before them, for their service to Christ's church. The fact India, and to the United States of America.

5 Theology I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Rev. Steve Swets is a pastor within the United Reformed Churches in North America and serves on a URCNA A Meditaon on John 8:12-20 interchurch relaons commiee.

This is the second devoonal on the “I am” series of As we turn for a moment to the Old Testament, we can statements of Christ found in John's Gospel. Read John see that Jesus' statement is a fulfillment of Old Testament 8:12–20 prayerfully and then keep your Bibles open. prophecy. Psalm 104:1–2 says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul! The statement of our Savior focuses upon light. Light O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with exnguishes darkness. As we come to our passage, we are honor and majesty, Who cover Yourself with light as with reminded that by nature humans are in darkness. One a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain.” way to describe the fall is that man fell from light. The God covers Himself in light. We must understand this to world was plunged into darkness. (R. C. Sproul has wrien be the fact that God is adorned as light, Himself giving an excellent children's book dealing with this theme called light its source. God is the light, and now Jesus is claiming The Lightlings. Read it to your children.) The darkness of to be the light. the human heart is what Jesus addresses in John 8:12–20. Isaiah of all the prophets develops the messianic theme of As you read this devoonal arcle, ask yourselves what it light. Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people who walked in darkness means that Jesus is the light of the world and what our have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the calling is in reflecng that light to those around us. shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.” That A Divine Claim beauful verse corresponds to John's prologue, where we read, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” This statement And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did was profound, prophec, fulfilling, angering or not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, comforng, and divine. To help us wrap our minds around whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to this, we must understand what is taking place. The Feast bear witness of the Light, that all through him might of Tabernacles or Booths is about to come to an end. This believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear was one of three naonal feasts the Jews celebrated. In witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives John 7:37, it refers to the last and greatest day of the light to every man coming into the world” (John 1:4–9; for feast. What happened on the last day of the feast and the further reading, see Isa. 42:6–7a [John 9]; Isa. 49:6 [cf. others was that in the temple the two golden menorahs Mal. 4:2]). When Jesus says that He is the light of the were lit, the candelabra with seven lamps or candles. The world, He is claiming to be the Messiah, the suffering court of the women would be lit, the city would be servant of Isaiah, the one who would build His church by illuminated, and from the surrounding hills the temple bringing light also to the Genles. could be seen lit up. Once the candles are blown out, then darkness hangs over the city. It is in this context that Jesus There is another Old Testament connecon taking place in says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will the earlier context of John. This connecon is with the never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” wilderness. The greatest miracles and blessings of the wilderness wandering culminate in Jesus Christ. In John 3, In the previous arcle, the significance of the use of the Jesus connects His death on the cross for the salvaon of term “I am” by Christ was menoned. In Greek, the two sinners with the serpent on a pole in the wilderness. As simple words ego eimi mean “I am.” Not only is this a we get closer to John 8:12–20, we remember that reference to the divine and God's revelaon of the previously Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” He referred covenant name at the burning bush, but also, more to Himself in John 6:58 as that bread which is greater than specific to our text, is the fact that it was God who would manna. In John 7:37–38, Jesus connects Himself to the be a light to the naons. There is a double reference to water in the wilderness. But, unlike temporary water from God as the light: He is light to the elect Jews and to the the rock, Jesus will give streams of living water by way of naons.

6 Theology the Holy Spirit. Now, Jesus calls Himself the light of the religious life without the inward renewal of the Spirit is world. What was Israel's light in the wilderness? Exodus nothing. To surrender our me, money, energy, even 13:21–22 says, “And the Lord went before them by day in prayer to the Lord without the surrendering of our hearts, a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of what profit is it? fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did This is what Jesus means by following Him. It means to not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire believe in Him and to trust Him. The famous book by by night from before the people.” It was that pillar of Charles Sheldon, In His Steps, wrien nearly a century cloud and fire that gave light and clarity to the Israelites ago, gets at this. What if in every decision you made in and darkness and confusion to the Egypans (Exod. 14). life, you asked, “What would Jesus do in this situaon?” Now Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever Now, there are some problems with the queson, partly follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the because Jesus would never get Himself into compromising light of life.” Following the light is what Israel was to do on situaons as we oen do, but the main thrust is the same. their way to the Promised Land. Do you see the The result of believing or of following Jesus is that the redempve theme? We also are to follow the light as we deeds of darkness or of the flesh are taken off and the make our journey to the Promised Land. Now it should be fruit of the Spirit is put on (Gal. 5). The tree must be good geng clearer why the Pharisees were so angry at Jesus. before the fruit can be good. He not only calls Himself the “I am” a second me, but Remember that when outsiders come to worship. Don't also He connects His person and work to God's great work expect outward piety if there is not yet inward renewal. To of redempon in history. As a light to the world, He expect people from the outside to act like Chrisans or expands the church outside of talk like Chrisans before they have the walls of Israel. He is the light followed the light is a contradicon. It of the world. The bright candles doesn't make sense, and even worse, it in the temple which illuminate all might encourage a negave form of around the temple are blown Pharisaism. out. Jesus is the light that will What Jesus is saying to those sll in pierce the darkness. His teaching darkness is that there is a light that here is directed at the had come into the world. He will hypocrical Pharisees, as we will provide the only soluon to those see in a moment. In John 9:5 things which flourish in darkness: sin, Jesus repeats this statement. This brokenness, frustraon, spiritual happens as He heals a man who depression, loneliness. What Jesus was born blind. His whole life the provided the man born blind is the man saw nothing but complete same thing He gives to those who darkness, and Jesus miraculously follow Him: He gives them eyes to see. restored the sight he never had. So, when sin or temptaon arises, they As this man's renas are filled can see it; when brokenness abounds, they can see with light, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” Jesus' through it and sail those waters. Following the light statement comes to the spiritually blind Pharisees and to doesn't mean that everything in the rest of your life will the man born blind, who because he was healed by Jesus be easy. The man born blind was insulted by the Pharisees will be excommunicated from the temple. and then excommunicated. “'Since the world began it has To put it in other words, Jesus is saying, “I am the light of been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who the world” to the religious elite and to the religiously lost. was born blind. If this Man were not from God, He could What He is saying to the Pharisees and to us if we are not do nothing.' They answered and said to him, 'You were on guard is if we are not following Jesus, if we are not completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?' And looking to the light, if we are not walking in the light, if we they cast him out” (John 9:32–34). They threw out the seek light from elsewhere, we are like the Pharisees. As man born blind because they hated the one who healed Paul tells the Corinthians, to do many amazing things him. In John 9:35–38, how did the man respond? In faith. without love is nothing. So too, to live an outwardly He didn't cry because the religious elite had barred him 7 Theology from their legalisc blindness; rather, he worshipped The man who was born blind and was healed humbled Jesus. himself and worshipped Jesus. He believed that indeed A Necessary Response Jesus was the Son of Man, the light sent from God. The religious leaders, hardened and angry, sought to destroy There is always a response to the proclamaon of the Jesus. They said He was a liar and an imposter. Who do good news. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” Jesus you say He is? claimed to be God. The same is true with the preaching of the Word. “The flower fades, the grass withers, but the Are you following the light? Is Jesus your light among the Word of the Lord stands forever.” Jesus is that Word, darkness of this world? A couple of years ago I went which John said has come into the world: “He came to His camping, and there was a trail, a shortcut through the own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as woods to the bathroom. I went with my wife, and we took received Him, to them He gave the right to become one flashlight. The trail narrowed, and she went ahead children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John with the flashlight and I followed right behind her. But 1:11–12). “His own” is a reference to the Jews. How did something happened. I tripped and fell over a tree root. they respond? The problem was that the light wasn't bright enough, and I had not followed closely enough. Spiritually, somemes They raised all kinds of weak counterarguments (John we fall as we walk through the woods of life, don't we? 8:12–20). First, they claimed that Jesus cannot say those things because He wasn't permied to tesfy for Himself, so then Jesus' tesmony is not valid. This could be true if it was not for the fact that Jesus was the omnipotent, omniscient, sinless one. He says that His Father can tesfy for Him. Second, they object about His father as a witness. In verse 19, they ask, “Where is Your Father?” Jesus reply was spot on: “You do not know Me or my Father.” They were spiritually blind: the Light had come to shine in the world and they did not recognize it. The law and the prophets We stumble in sin and discontent. When we do, repent, tesfied to it, and the Psalms and the Wisdom literature but also ask yourself, are you walking close to the light, or tesfied to it. The suffering servant of Isaiah had come as have you slowly fallen back a bit? When you think about a light into the world, and the very thing that Isaiah said your life and your relaonship with the Lord, isn't it true would take place is about to take place. God will lay on that when you are most oen in prayer and in devoon, in Him the transgression of us all. Bible study and Bible reading and worship aendance, The third objecon was to the fact that where He was that things seem to go beer? The fact is that things going they could not go. They thought He was going to might not be going much differently; however, if we are commit suicide (John 8:22). Jesus said He is not of this walking close to the light of God's Word, our path is world, but they are; they are from below. He is not about illuminated. We are reminded that we depend upon the to commit suicide; they are about to commit homicide. Lord for guidance. They are about to crucify an innocent man, though verse When the storms clouds come upon us, we are sheltered 20 reminds us that His me hadn't yet come. by God. In the darkness of a broken relaonship, or a But they will commit homicide. They will seek to put out, struggle with addicon, or a difficult child, or a difficult to snuff out the light of the world, but they cannot. For parent, it is Jesus who sheds light upon our path. Follow this light is not a light from men. He is not the light of the Him! He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever candelabra which burns for a week and then everything follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the goes out and all is dark again. No, this is the light sent light of life.” Follow Him, live in Him, trust in Him, and be from God. This is the one who said, “Whoever follows me comforted in the truth that you belong to Him. The light will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of has come into the world, and it is Jesus. Hallelujah, what a life.” Savior! This arcle was first published in The Outlook in August 2016. It is reprinted with the permission of the Reformed Fellowship. 8 News

SILVER JUBILEE SUDANESE Rev. Patrick Wic is an REFORMED CHURCH (1992-2017) ordained minister within the Sudanese Reformed Churches. Jubilant Celebraon

With jubilaon and ululaon the Sudanese · 1994 – 2nd house fellowship started in Khartoum Reformed Church celebrated her Silver Jubilee in the down town. Lord's vineyard at Bethel Sudanese Reformed Church · 1997 – 3rd house fellowship in Omdurman and 4th Mangateen, Juba on Saturday 9th December, 2017 fellowship in Haj Yusif started. under the theme “Put out into deep water, and let · October 2005 – SRC organized as Chrisan down the nets for a catch,” Lk 5:4b. It was a joyous denominaon under the name “SUDANESE event of celebrang the past, present and looking REFORMED CHURCHES” with total membership of 500. All SRC leaders subscribed to Reformed confessions (Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession and Canons of Dordt) in the same year. · 2008 – 1st mission in South Sudan and church plant of “Immanuel SRC” in Malakal. · February 2008 – 1st historic visit from Oversee Reformed family, Dr. Flip Buys and Dr. Brian DeVries to Khartoum, Sudan. · 17th-18th April, 2009 – 1st SRC Synod held in Khartoum, Sudan. · 2009 – SRC applied and joined the membership of World Reformed Fellowship.

SRC pastors who attended the Silver Jubilee from right to left: Kewy Ismail, · 2010 – churches planted in Juba, Bor, Benu, Godwin Ale, Adil Markon, Butrus Aguer and Patrick Joks Aweil and Nyala. toward the future. · 27th April–5th May, 2011 – 2nd SRC Synod convened Historically, SRC seed was planted in early 1992 by in Juba, South Sudan, aended by CRCNA two Patrick Jok Ding together with his wife Bazilica delegates, Dr. Joel Hogan and Dr. Mwaya Kitavi. Ropheal Lado at Dar el Salam Jebel Aulia, Khartoum · 2012 – SRC invited and aended for first me Sudan. With hearelt joy, SRC has now grown into 16 General Synod of Reformed Churches in South congregaons and 18 small groups in IDPs¹ camps in Africa (RCSA) and entered into ecclesiascal unity South Sudan and refugee camps in the neighboring st with 1 Reformed Church. countries. Hence to capture the nature of SRC here below is a historical overview. · October, 2012 – SRC visited by Rev. Dr. Malan Van Rhyn, ecumenical Deputy of RCSA and his team. SRC Historical Overview · 8th–11th May, 2013 – 3rd SRC Synod convened in · February, 1992 – SRC started as a small house fellowship in Khartoum, Sudan. ¹ An internally displaced person (IDP) is someone who is forced to flee his or her home but who remains within his or her country’s borders.

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Malakal, South Sudan, aended by CRCNA two delegates Dr. Joel Hogan and Dr. Mwaya Kitavi. · 2013 – SRC admied and joined the membership of Internaonal Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC). · 2013/14 – SRC 27 members including two pastors, one elder, two evangelists and one deacon were killed at the outbreak of the conflict Bethel SRC rebuilding completed late 2015 in South Sudan. fail us. This is definitely true. When we look back we · 2015 – SRC rebuilt the church burnt down during celebrate joyfully the illustrious short SRC history and the aermath of 2013 conflict in Juba. what the merciful and faithful heavenly Father has done through us. Christ is the Lord of the church, his · 2016 – SRC granted affiliate membership status by bride. With this Silver Jubilee celebraon and South Sudan Council of Churches. beginning of new era of SRC Ministry, I foresee more st · 2017 – 1 Chrisan school iniated in Juba. excing and fruiul years in His service. st · Up to date 31 December, 2017 – SRC has 16 Prof. Flip Buys in Juba to aend SRC Silver Jubilee congregaons, two classes with 6000 total Prof. Flip Buys, the key note speaker at SRC Silver membership served by 12 acve ordained Jubilee landed and arrived at Juba, South Sudan on pastors, 20 evangelists, 21 ruling elders, 11 5th December, 2017. He conducted two days of deacons and 3 students of theology. meeng and teaching with some SRC leaders on Contextually, SRC is commied to a cross cultural relevant issues affecng the connent and how they vision of the church. There are more than 27 should be biblically addressed. different tribal groups and naonalies that worship The Convocaon the Lord together as God's family. There are four On Saturday 9th December, 2017 in Juba SRC churches in Sudan and twelve churches in South celebrated joyfully her silver Jubilee. It was a colorful Sudan. Of those in South Sudan, some are in camps celebraon which included singing hymns, reading of and four are not funconing because of the civil war. the Ten Words of the Covenant, narrang SRC Memorable Past, Rev. Patrick Jok history, renewing the journey of faith by recing the It was a humble isolated beginning! SRC has passed Apostles' Creed, words of encouragement, prayers, through rough waves of uncertainty and ecclesiascal cultural display, launching of SRC history book, SRC identy but the Lord has connued to guide, protect strategic plan (2018-2028), preaching, collecon of and keep her faithful in Reformed faith. Due to thanksgiving offerings, laughing and feasng. enormous challenges that have been facing SRC, Bethel choir presented a special hymn entled, “O there were days that I personally was in tears and at Lord heal our land”. It's text: “You have redeemed us, the edge of giving up the ministry. We have gone used us as vessels cleansed by the Precious's blood of through dark and tough days where total failure of your son and empowered by your spirit to preach the ministry seemed around the corner. Threats of and teach your word in our land. In you we live by lack, isolaon, fague, war, sleepless nights, faith, love and hope.” displacement, family separaon, destrucon, loong, Children sang a song of praise to the Lord with fear, insecurity and famine gave us hope that He who dancing and jumping: you have called us to be fishers has saved and called us to this noble ministry will not of men. The whole congregaon responded with

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applauding and ululaon. of grace alone.” Acholi Cultural Dance Key Note Speech South Sudan is a naon with 72 tribes and 64 The key note speech was languages. This makes it rich with diverse cultures. delivered by Rev. Prof. On this occasion Acholi cultural dance was skilfully Flip Buys entled “Our displayed and celebrated. suffering adds more Prayers meaning to the suffering Without prayers offered, SRC would have gone of Christ” with Col 1:24 nowhere. Indeed prayers have been a milestone of as the main biblical text. numerous accomplishments. Anne Reitsema, Country In his speech he em- Director of Medair, South Sudan and one of Bethel phasized when we are members gave thanks to the Lord for what had suffering in carrying out happened in the last 25 year and pleaded with the the message of the gospel to others we are merciful Father for fruiul and successful ministry in Dr. Buys delivering his key not speech the years to come. adding and extending Women in SRC the meaning of suffering of Christ. “SRC, Chrisans around the globe are praying and will connue to Women as daughters of God have contributed pray for you. God is using your suffering to add to instrumentally in the life of SRC. With ululaon their the meaning of suffering of Christ. You are example tremendous contribuons were appreciated. Mrs. and model for all the churches around the world. In Bazilica Ropheal Lado in her speech as women spite of all the suffering you connue to preach the representave said: “It has not been easy to reach message of the gospel.” It was an inspiring and this day. This church started very small and because it touching biblical message. was started by faith it endured and overcame all the hurdles on the way and that is why we celebrate Hon John Dor Majok's Remarks today. With joyful hearts we give thanks to God who “Cross has won and cross will always win!” has enabled us to celebrate Christ today. Today as we Introductory remarks of the Adviser of the Naonal celebrate we can see the fruits of our labor in God's Ministry of Finance. He applauded the ministry of kingdom. If we are where we are today it is because SRC and the role she has played in Sudan and South Sudan. The footprint of Reformed Witness is evident to all. He concluded by wishing SRC success in her future ministry in Sudan and South Sudan. Silver Jubilee celebraon was concluded with God's blessing by Rev. Prof Flip Buys and then followed by feasng. Word of Thanks and Appreciaon With hearelt gratude, SRC family would like to thank and appreciate the meaningful and praccal contribuons many churches and instuons have made toward the success of SRC ministry in the last 25 year of her labor in the Lord's vineyard. Glory to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

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REFORMATIONAL STUDY CENTRE

Daily, thousands of people in Africa and Asia convert to the Chrisan faith

Introducon RSC has a good infrastructure at the moment, but In what way can the preaching of the gospel in Africa God willing the Centre intends to enlarge the and parts of Asia be enriched and given greater buildings and improve the infrastructure to be able to depth? This is a pressing problem of our me. Daily, cope with all the requests it is receiving. The idea is thousands of people in Africa and Asia convert to the to have a physical Study Centre to enhance study and Chrisan faith and join churches where the preaching to collect all important literature for the study of is sincere, but oen not sound of doctrine nor rich in God's Word. The physical buildings are being used as content. The reality is that by far most of the a base and impetus for all the Internet projects. preaching is done by lay preachers. And even if the We have so much wealth preaching is being done by a trained minister, he This credo brought the directors of the Reformaonal almost always has to prepare his sermons without Study Centre together: “We have so much wealth! access to any good preaching material. The We have a tremendously rich heritage of what it Reformaonal Study Centre (RSC) is trying to address means to live and work with God. But what are we this problem by means of a few projects, and through the grace of God it seems as if it will be able to make a difference. Background The tradional form of theological educaon in most of the West is to enroll students in a seminary for four to seven years. For most aspiring students in Africa and parts of Asia this is too expensive, and no currently unqualified minister can leave his congregaon for so long. In the meanme, in some countries there are very few qualified ministers! On the other hand, the Internet has become RSC Board Members increasingly available to the average African doing to spread and share this wealth of ours?” (minister). The projects of the Reformaonal Study This is something that has also touched the hearts of Centre aim to reach all ministers who want to study other people who have become involved in the the Word of God, but do not have the resources to project. It is not only a queson of whether we with do so. The founders of the Centre believe that, by the our rich heritage are commied enough to grace of God, a studying minister will become a missionary work and evangelism, but if we really qualified minister! have the zeal and are prepared to make sacrifices to Having launched projects that help ministers, in the spread this tremendous wealth that has been given meanme the RSC is also making material available to us - for free! to all Chrisans who wish to deepen their faith and Since starng this service, the RSC has come to broaden their obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ. realize more and more how big the need really is. All projects are run from Pretoria, South Africa. The Aer starng with only a few people, at this me a

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The calling (mission) of the RSC is “to distribute resources containing the pure and uncompromised gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We want to eagerly use all the opportunies that our Lord gives us to further the study and understanding of his Word in all churches, instuons and schools. We want to work in full dependence on Christ, each one of us personally commied to follow Him in his work in church and kingdom, regardless of the sacrifices He asks of us. We take all costs on ourselves so that there is no hindrance in the spreading of the gospel dedicated group of people is working on the project. and in the obedience and praise to our Lord Jesus In the case of those who are not fullme employees Christ.” (and responsible for the livelihood of their families), Reformed character the work is being done without any form of compensaon. In fact, most of the me it costs our All directors of the Reformaonal Study Centre volunteers something to do the work! Thanks to the subscribe to the doctrine of the Holy Scripture as it is Lord for the great sacrifices and zeal that He is professed in the Three Forms of Unity. In each working in the people around the centre. member's involvement with the Study Centre, this doctrine must be acvely promoted and defended. Vision and mission This is the heart of the organizaon. Without In full dependence on the blessing of the Lord, the trustworthy theologians trained in the Reformed vision of the Reformaonal Study Centre is to collect, faith, the essence of all the services is lost. The mere translate and preserve all Scripturally sound reason for the existence of the RSC, the helping of publicaons in order that everybody may have access other ministers and Chrisans, is in jeopardy if this to a full library of resources through the Internet. It secon does not funcon well. As should be clear by focuses specifically on: now, the aim is that all material must be in 1. all the ministers in Africa and Asia that are in accordance with the doctrine found in Scripture and need of resources and study help, in order to the Three Forms of Unity. There are basically three improve and deepen the study of God's Word full-me theologians who are responsible for this and the ministry on these connents; secon, but they also get a lot of help from other 2. theological and educaonal instuons in third- ministers and lecturers on an ad hoc basis. The world situaons, to enable students to make a directors are all from South Africa, but there are also full study of all theological and educaonal subjects in all their detail; 3. any primary school and teacher in Africa where there is a need for Chrisan educaon or Chrisan schoolbooks; 4. all Chrisans who wish to study the Word of God in greater depth, but do not have the opportunity and resources to do so. In other words, “to teach them to observe all things whatsoever Jesus Christ has commanded us” (Ma

28:19b). Working on Christ for Africa

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It is with this in mind that they decided to 'build' a Chrisan Library (through the Internet), specifically for a third-world situaon. Although some of the material is 'public' and available to everybody, there are specific services for these people only. They have e-mail contact with thousands of Chrisans in these countries to encourage them to study and to offer their assistance. Every me more opportunies have become available, they have tried to start new services in the faith that the Lord will also provide the manpower and finances to help connue the work. “We can only look back in amazement at how the Lord has provided. And now that we need to expand — the Lord knows this! — our trust remains in Him! “Buy the truth, but do not sell it” (Proverbs 23:23). Every day we are experiencing this truth and command from our Lord in the work that we do. The truth is cosng us something, but we want to give it specific foundaons and groups in Canada, Australia away for free. What a wonderful privilege! We hope and The Netherlands for the help and support of you will share in this privilege with us and 'buy' into these projects. this work. In this way we will be able to give it away Experience in the same way we received it ourselves: free Aer a year of preparaon, the RSC started an grace!” Internet service in July 2008 that provides ministers Note in Africa and Asia with preaching material. At the More informaon can be found on the website: moment already more than 3000 ministers (all from www.refstudycentre.com. Africa and Asia) make use of this service, from more than 50 different countries, and from various View of the RSC property denominaons. Although the Centre is situated in a third-world country, the directors sll had a lot to learn about the situaon in Africa and Asia on how users funcon, also with regards to computers and the Internet. They have also gained a lot of experience with regard to the best way to make material available to the users, how to work with educaonal instutes, at which educaonal level the users in Africa and Asia funcon etc.

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REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN FELLOWSHIP CONFERENCE 2018

Twenty denominaons, organizaons and churches

The 8TH South Asia Conference of the Reformed Mahew Ebenezer), New Testament Perspecves on Presbyterian Fellowship (RPF) was held during 9-12 Pastoral Ministry (Rev. Vijai Tagore), The Role of Ruling January 2018 in Bangalore. Ninety delegates from all Elders/Officers in Ministry (Rev. Charles A), Ministry across the states of India, Bangladesh, Australia and The Leadership Styles in South Asia, (Rev. Hiralal Solanki), Netherlands, (comprised of twenty denominaons, Sustainable Ministry Models in South Asia (Dr. Mohan organizaons and churches) aended the conference. The Chacko), Sustainable Ministry Models with Emphasis on first hour of the conference was observed to Financial Resourcing (Dr. VL Nghakthang), Legal Aspects of commemorate the 500 Years of the Protestant Ministry Leadership (Dr. Sarasu Thomas). Each of the Reformaon. Dr. Melle Herman Oosterhuis (DVN), of the papers was responded by assigned leaders followed by Netherlands led the devoon. general discussion. Worship services were led by Rev. Rev. L. Roshyama Hrangchal, President of the RPF, and Abhishek Barla and Rev. Lawrence Ralsun. Delegates from Vice Principal, PTS, in his keynote address welcomed the various denominaons led each of the seven sessions. The parcipants and thanked the Lord for the opportunity to conference was concluded with the ministry of the learn and share our experiences under the umbrella of the sacrament. Rev. Paul Billy Arnold, senior pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Fellowship. In his address, he Bangalore Presbyterian church administered the Lord's spoke on the theme of the conference, “Reformed Supper. Perspecves in Ministry Leadership in South Asia,” and The conference elected its new officers as follows, most of expressed the need for godly leadership and on present whom are associated with PTS: President: Rev. L. leadership styles and tradional pracses in the light of Roshyama Hrangchal ('91) Uarakhand, Vice President: the Biblical principles. PTS teachers and graduates took Rev. G. Paul Raj (01), Karnataka, Secretary: Rev. Samit acve parts in the conference. Mishra ('07) Madhya Pradesh, Treasurer: Rev. Pau Based on the theme of the conference, research and Gualnam (PTS board member) Manipur, Members: Rev. reflecon papers were presented on the following topics: Edwin Singh, Tamilnadu, Rev. Shyam Babu, Madhya The Role of a Pastor in the Reformed Tradion (Dr. Pradesh, Advisor: Dr. Mohan Chacko, (Uarakhand).

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SOVEREIGN GRACE:

Mrs. Sarah Vandergugten, REAL GOSPEL FOR CHURCH AND WORLD a member of a Canadian Reformed Church, taught Bible and World Religions Annual CRTS Conference, held January 11 to 13, 2018 at Credo Chrisan High School in Langley, Brish Columbia for 20 years.

For a Brish Columbian, a trip to the close of the great Synod, but this 2018 CRTS Conference, Ontario in mid-January needs to have a monumental task will take some me to January 11–13, 2018 good reason.¹ For me, aside from complete. All material will become Real Gospel: Sovereign Grace vising family, the main impetus was readily accessible, hopefully sparking for Church and World the 8th Annual CRTS Conference, held renewed interest in this aspect of Speakers and Speech Titles January 11 to 13, 2018 in the Reformed tradion. Burlington-Ebenezer Canadian 1. Dr. Jason Van Vliet, “God The second invited Reformed church building. As ordinary the Father and the Real speaker, Dr. Mark church member, this was only the Gospel of Sovereign Grace Jones, is pastor of second me aending such a for You” Faith Vancouver conference. It's not for lack of interest, (PCA). In 2009, he 2. Dr. Don Sinnema, “A but unl I rered from teaching, there defended his Virtual Tour of the Synod of was lile opportunity. Again, the doctoral dissertaon Dort” Conference proved worthwhile, though on the Christology of 3. Dr. Mark Jones, “What's some might wonder how the Synod of the Puritan Thomas t h e P r o b l e m w i t h Dort and the resultant Canons of Dort Goodwin at the Arminianism, and Who Are might sll be relevant aer 400 years. University of Leiden the Arminians Anyway?” By the end of the conference, aendees where, perhaps somewhat ironically, 4. Dr. Karlo Janssen, “What would have been sasfied. A rich blend Jacobus Arminius had been professor of Is the Church Order of Dort, of academic speeches, lively theology 400 years earlier. Jones is the and how Does It Maintain discussions, moving tesmonials, a author of several books that disl Real Gospel?” varied panel discussion and vibrant academic theology into wring social interacon were convincing. 5. Dr. Don Sinnema, “The accessible to folk in the pew--among Heidelberg Catechism at Speakers others, Knowing Christ; Faith, Hope, the Synod of Dort” Each year, CRTS Conference organizers Love: The Christ-Centered Way to Grow in Grace; and God Is: A Devoonal 6. Dr. Ted Van Raalte, “God invite speakers, oen leading scholars in Guide to the Aributes of God. Jones is the Son and the Real the field relang to the conference a regular speaker at theological Gospel of Sovereign Grace theme. Dr. Don Sinnema certainly fit the conferences in far flung parts of the for You” bill with regard to the Synod of Dort, which formed the backdrop for the world—South Africa to Korea—and is a 7. D r. Te d Va n R a a l t e , theme of Sovereign Grace: Real Gospel frequent, lively and somemes “Freely-Chosen Faith? for Church and World. Sinnema is co- controversial blogger. He is not Real Gospel and Human editor at the helm of an internaonal unfamiliar with the Canadian Reformed Choice” team of forty-five scholars whose goal it community, since the four Jones 8. Dr. Mark Jones, “God the is to transcribe all documents of the children aend William of Orange Holy Spirit and the Real Synod of Dort in their original languages Chrisan School in Cloverdale. Gospel of Sovereign Grace (Lan, Dutch, German, French and As is customary, CRTS professors for You” English) in a series of nine volumes. ¹ Editor: Brish Columbia is the warmest province of 2019 will mark the 400th anniversary of Canada.

16 News present papers at these conferences. This year the task Dr. Karlo Janssen, in fine detail, described the praccality was ably filled by Dr. Jason Van Vliet (Dogmatology) and and importance of Dort church polity, nong this is where Dr. Ted Van Raalte (Ecclesiology). Dr. Karlo Janssen filled the rubber of faith and confession hits the road of church the final spot, relaying his experse on the Church Order life and pracce. He traced the historical developments of Dort. from Dort to the Doleane, nong that in the end proper Speeches church polity assists in maintaining the Real Gospel of Grace. The bulk of conference me was devoted to eight speeches over a period of forty hours, a feast for the mind In the fourth speech of the day, Dr. Don Sinnema provided and the heart. (See side bar for topics and speakers.) The an overview of the Synod of Dort's interacon with the goal was three-fold: explore the doctrines of the triune Heidelberg Catechism. In effect, it confirmed and God's sovereign grace and human responsibility, provide strengthened the authority of the Catechism in the Dutch historical context, and give real-life context via believers' Reformed churches, both as the primary pedagogical tool tesmonials. Aempng to summarize the speeches for Chrisan instrucon and as a confessional standard to would require thousands of words, so a highlight from ensure orthodox Reformed teaching in the churches each must suffice. All the speeches are available on the In the evening's public lecture, Dr. Ted Van Raalte resource page of the CRTS website (www.crts.ca) and well addressed the topic, God the Son and the Real Gospel of worth viewing, perhaps by forgoing Nelix fare for an Sovereign Grace for You. He argued that Jesus did much evening or two. more than make possible our salvaon (Arminian The first public lecture was by Dr. Jason Van Vliet: God the thought), but that he has fully redeemed, saved, Father and the Real Gospel of Grace for You. He described reconciled, jusfied, and adopted those for whom he a loving, sovereign Father who adopts those he chooses lovingly laid down his life. and enables them to persevere. In fleshing out these Saturday morning, Dr. Ted Van Raalte explored the truths, Van Vliet developed a helpful parable about the mystery of God's sovereignty and human choice. He Kingdom of Mundus, where a gracious king decreed that a traced the theme from Augusne via Luther and Calvin to certain number of his recalcitrant, rebellious cizens our Reformed confessions, high-lighng the beauful would receive an undeserved inheritance, gained for them words in the Canons of Dort, III/IV.12: “And then the will, at great cost by his natural son. so renewed, is not only acted upon and moved by God, On Friday morning, a unique but acted upon by God, the will itself also acts. Therefore visitor took the lectern. A certain man himself is rightly said to believe and repent through Dr. Johannes Bogerman, the grace he has received.” apparently fresh from his dues This speech was followed by a lively panel discussion as chair of the Synod of Dort, moderated by Jason Heemskerk. The panel was comprised regaled the audience with a of a professor: Dr. Van Vliet; a preacher: Rev. Peter first-person descripon of all Holtvluwer; a student: Kevin Wael; and a teacher that had transpired: the Synod's (rered): Sarah Vandergugten. Some of the topics internaonal character, the addressed: How should we regard our children in the wrangling with and expulsion of church, family or classroom—as saved, or should we be the Arminian delegates, and the calling them to faith? As a teacher/preacher how do you careful draing of the Canons in explain that so many discoveries and advances in science, response to the Remonstrant objecons concerning math, and the arts are made by non-Chrisans? How do predesnaon and related points. you explain, biblically speaking, the posive contribuons Dr. Mark Jones provided an historical overview of they have made? Arminian teaching. He noted they did not deny grace, In the eighth and final speech, Dr. Mark Jones addressed predesnaon and elecon, but gave their own meaning the role of the Holy Spirit. He works 'immediately” on us to these words. Arminians are Chrisans, believing with the Word. Christ-focused preaching is essenal. The salvaon is in Christ alone, but changes in doctrine are not Holy Spirit funcons as a flood light on the work of Christ, stac, and connue to have a cascading effect to this day. so that our longing is to become more Christ-like. He

17 News noted that many Chrisans have to learn that not only God's good providence, witnessed a bapsm. She realized they are saved by grace, but that others are as well. We the covenant promises were for her, too! She could be need paence, love, and gentleness in our interacon forgiven. The road back was not easy, but God was with others who are not at the same place we are. faithful. She urged us to walk alongside those who Tesmonials struggle, open about our own vulnerabilies. Do the loving; the Holy Spirit will do the work! I suspect that for many parcipants the most moving aspect of the conference were the tesmonials of three The third tesmonial was equally sincere. This man joined individuals who related their stories of becoming the church in large part because he loved a woman and Chrisans or of returning to the faith. Their first person wanted to marry her. It was a good decision, but he noted that it was not unl he suffered a brain tumor that he became a different person. He experienced an ever deepening grace in his life, and realized that God will carry him and his family through all of life's circumstances. He loves his church family. These tesmonials clarified not only the sovereignty of God and human responsibility as it pertained to these parcular individuals. It sounded an urgent message that God chooses to use believers in vital ways to bring his elect into the fold. We may not ignore that responsibility. Reflecons: The schedule gave ample me for refreshments and social interacon, a vital part of such a conference, where parcipants travel significant distances. One pastor noted, accounts, professionally recorded, gave life to the “I appreciate the speeches, but I love the opportunity to doctrines of God's sovereignty and human responsibility. connect with my colleagues.” In addion, there was an The first man spoke of his despair as an addict suffering interesng gallery of arfacts related to the Synod of Dort, from schizophrenia, unemployed, and reacng to his life provided by Dr. Sinnema. Another highlight was the in anger and frustraon. Thankfully he came into contact opportunity to view a rare first edion (1637) of the Dort with Bible teacher, Richard Bultje. He became convinced Bible, provided by Rev. George van Popta. (This was the of his sin and need for the saviour, Jesus Christ. When first official translaon of the Bible from the original asked where he would be if God had not intervened, he Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek into the Dutch language.) answered bluntly, “I would be dead!” God pulled him from I came away from this conference with renewed gratude the depth of despair. He quipped that his life had not for the work of the CRTS among churches it serves. Over followed the typical Canadian Reformed paern since he the years, the Conference Organizing Commiee has became sober in his thires, began work in his fores and effecvely worked to broach a broad range of topics from married in his fiies. He works as a counsellor, ever church planng to Reformed hermeneucs to eschatology thankful for GRACE: God's Riches At Christ's Expense. to commemorang important milestones in church The second, a woman, grew up Chrisan, but experienced history—the Heidelberg Catechism, the Reformaon and a disconnect between scripture and life. As a teen, she the Synod of Dort. (The CRTS website has links to aempted to fill her empness with sexual immorality, speeches back to 2012). The goal--one that requires long beginning with porn. She noted that sin is like cancer; it term vision and planning—is to offer conferences that are spreads to fill our empness. She ran from home, both smulang and relevant to 21st century church determined to control her own life, with lile success. members. This year's event affirmed my appreciaon for Years later, God brought her to the boom of herself. She our Reformed heritage. Our history is important. Ideas felt compelled to return to church. On a subsequent have legs; changes in doctrine have consequences. Sunday, she cried as she drove, “God, don't let me down, don't let me down.” She took a seat in a back pew, and in

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THE NEW PCA

Mr. John Ellio is a writer, translator, journalist, Gender Apartheid instructor. He lives in Washington, DC area.

You know something is going on when the le-leaning The became a proxy for a lot of other stuff going on, even in Atlanc devotes a long arcle to the Presbyterian Church the broader culture.” When someone called Todd Prui a in America. racist, he took his blog post down. On July 5th, 2017 reporter Emma Green delved into the Change in the air discussion of race and gender that is taking place in the Welcome to the “New” PCA where a “Black Lives Maer” largest conservave Presbyterian denominaon. Green's acvist can roil the whole denominaon and get applause jump off point was “Truth Table,” a podcast hosted by from other PCA pastors. Why does Michelle Higgins have three Black Presbyterian women: Calvin College Dean this kind of a plaorm? Because the denominaon has Chrisna Edmondson, an Orthodox Presbyterian, and given her one. The last three General Assemblies have Ekemini Uwan and Michelle Higgins, both PCA members. placed racial reconciliaon and diversity at the center of On March 25th, 2017 they were joined by Tyler Burns and church policy. Higgins can hardly be blamed for asking the Jemar Tisby, of the Reformed African American Network. PCA to consider the implicaons of a theology of social The topic for this broadcast was “Gender Apartheid.” As jusce for gender in the church. Aer all, she learned it at you might expect this provocave tle produced a the PCA's very own seminary. discussion comparing gender apartheid to Southern U.S. The Atlanc reporter picked up on this. Aer her segregaon and South Africa. discussion of the “Gender Apartheid” podcast, Green Michelle Higgins provided the most memorable quotes visited the PCA's General Assembly in June of 2017. This during the podcast: “What does 'ordain-able' mean? It GA discussed a long ancipated report “On Women literally means, 'possesses a penis'.” She went on to assert Serving in the Ministry of the Church.” Contrary to the that “no one will hear me unless maybe I design and fears of many, the report did not open a path for the develop a penis-shaped microphone.” ordinaon of women. Kathy Keller, a commiee member, Michelle Higgins is a Covenant Theological Seminary even said that if you want to ordain women to the graduate. Her father Mike Higgins is Dean of Students and ministry, you do not belong in the PCA. Adjunct Professor of Applied Theology. Michelle works on The General Assembly adopted all nine recommendaons the staff of South City Church (PCA) in St Louis. She is no on how to give women a fuller place in the life of the stranger to controversy. Michelle Higgins gained naonal church. But The Atlanc reporter correctly detected that aenon for her speeches at the Urbana Missions not all is well on this front. A number of PCA churches are Conference in 2015 where she praised the “Black Lives unhappy with the gender status quo. Some have declined Maer” movement and condemned the evangelical to ordain deacons so that they can have diaconates church for its “adultery with white supremacy.” consisng of men and women. The Intown Church in As you might expect the “Gender Apartheid” podcast Portland, Oregon, le the PCA in 2016 to join the drew some cricism. Todd Prui, a PCA pastor in Reformed Church in America in order to have women Harrisonburg, VA, wrote in his blog “The Morficaon of elders. Undoubtedly there are more congregaons that Spin” that the podcast contained “typical boilerplate sympathize with Intown. Gender is also on the move in liberaon theology which is fundamentally unbiblical and the PCA. incompable with the Gospel and the church's mission.” The “old” PCA Others cricized the coarse language. But Higgins and When I joined the PCA's first church plant in New York company also got support. The Atlanc reporter spoke City in 1980, I encountered a different denominaon. To with Tim LeCroy, a white PCA minister in Missouri, who understand where the PCA is today, let's look briefly at called on Prui to apologize: “My sense is that this the origins and the first two decades of the denominaon.

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The PCA came out of a thirty year struggle against Diversity and the rise of the progressive wing modernism in the Presbyterian Church United States. The The contrast of Reformed versus broader Evangelical PCUS was primarily based in the South. In 1973, 260 congregaons characterized the PCA for its first 30 years. congregaons and 41,000 members withdrew from the But the most recent PCA General Assemblies indicate that PCUS to form the PCA. By 1980 the denominaon had the church is developing a “progressive” wing. This new grown to 500 congregaons and 80,000 members. The modality considers racial diversity to be a defining mark of Reformed Presbyterian Church Evangelical Synod – the visible church in America. Francis Schaeffer's church – united with the PCA in 1982, I recently encountered an example of this in the “Church bringing in more than 25,000 members. Between aggres- Planter Profile” of a Covenant Seminary graduate aiming sive church planng and churches leaving the liberal to start a church in Hyaesville, Maryland, a gentrifying Presbyterian bodies, the PCA totaled 1086 congregaons 'Hipster' community featured in Rod Dreher's book, The and 242,500 members at its 20th anniversary in 1993. Benedict Opon. In his “Profile” the candidate writes: From the very beginning the PCA intended to become a “My convicon since entering seminary has been to lead a naon-wide church. In 1980 it was sll an overwhelmingly mul-ethnic church. I want to lead a church that reflects Southern church. But since then the PCA has grown to the racial, economic and generaonal diversity of the cover the enre United States. One third of the community.” He lists the strengths that he and his wife membership is now outside of the tradional Presbyterian bring to the table: “We have proven experience with strongholds in the Southeast. The PCA now has 370,000 cross-cultural ministry. We have substanal experience members and 1892 congregaons. About 84% of the PCA with mercy ministry and fostering awareness of oppres- is white, 15% is Korean while Lanos and African sion among dominant culture.” He and his wife are Americans make up the rest. looking for a site with racial and economic diversity, In the 1980s, the major point of disagreement was how parcularly in the Black and White populaon. Reformed a congregaon should be. Some pastors and In the Profile the candidate says nothing about his ability church planters wanted to feed their flocks the Westminster Standards from the very start. Others adopted a broader Evangelical approach. They suggesng going easy on the Reformed disncves. The former were oen labeled “TR's” – the Truly Reformed. It wasn't necessarily a term of endearment. These two schools of thought worked themselves out in pracce in the church plants. In the early 1990's my wife Janke and I moved to Manassas, Virginia, where three PCA church plants represented three different modalies. One congregaon, led by a very charismac pastor, offered praise songs, short sermons and lots of programs. A second was explicitly Reformed. This congregaon was marked by large homeschooled families, long sermons and a conscious exercise of discipline. One of the first to teach or preach. He makes no menon of the Reformed services we visited included an excommunicaon. The faith, Calvinism or even the word Presbyterian. The third congregaon was somewhere between the other closest thing to a statement about his theological two – the Trinity Hymnal and praise songs. In suburban convicons is the asseron that he has experience with Maryland, where we now live, the church plants from the “fostering awareness of oppression among dominant 1980s and 90s display the same variaon. One culture,” which only shows he has absorbed the sociology congregaon sings the Geneva psalms while another has a taught in the systemacs courses at Covenant. The candi- loud praise band. date also shared comments made by assessors at the denominaon's Mission to North America Church

1820 Opinion

Planng Assessment Center in Atlanta. This is a typical It is important to remember that the 2016 General example: “He has the ability to think and lead cross Assembly declared that racial reconciliaon is a Gospel culturally and build strong relaonships with those who task, not just a fruit of the Gospel. In this regard the are different from him.” The comments from the assessors resoluon commits the PCA to “lovingly confront our reveal nothing about his aptude to teach, his brothers and sisters concerning racial sins.” The commitment to the Westminster Standards or his desire contributors to “Reformed Margins,” a website for to plant a specifically Presbyterian church. minority voices discussing the Reformed faith, have Recent GA acons interpreted the 2016 resoluons to mean acve measures. In an arcle from April 26th, 2017, the writers The last three General Assemblies have been the most cricize Rev. Harry Reeder, the pastor of the 4000 visible manifestaon of the foothold that the theology of member Briarwood Presbyterian in Birmingham, diversity has in the PCA. Alabama, for speaking at events organized by the Sons of At the General Assembly of 2015 several teaching elders Confederate Veterans in 2009 and 2012. The authors are led by Ligon Duncan, Chancellor of Reformed Theological aghast that the 2009 event, to celebrate the birthday of Seminary in Jackson, introduced personal resoluons Robert E Lee¹, was held on Marn Luther King Day. They asking the PCA to apologize for the opposion of member found these revelaons about Reeder “confusing, congregaons to the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s disturbing, and potenally damaging for the witness of and 1960s. Emoons ran high. That General Assembly Christ's Church.” They ask: “Is he a supporter of the tabled (postponed) the resoluons because they had not Confederate flag, a symbol of hate and oppression?” been placed on the General Assembly's docket by the “How does this fit with the PCA's Racial Reconciliaon lower church courts. In response several dozen Statement which Rev. Reeder signed?” Reeder has not congregaons formulated similar resoluons, which sailed responded. through the various presbyteries. The denominaon's To give the resoluons “hands and feet,” as some official magazine made racial reconciliaon the cover story delegates put it, the 2016 General Assembly also estab- for its next two issues. lished the Racial Reconciliaon and Ethnic Diversity At the 2016 General Assembly three different resoluons Commiee. It has three tasks: To assess the current made it to the docket. The first was a confession of sin for situaon in the PCA regarding racial reconciliaon to the acve support of some Presbyterian congregaons for idenfy specific problems; to promote racial reconciliaon segregaon and their failure to support the Civil Rights and ethnic diversity; and to develop guidelines and movement. The second called for the formaon of a suggest concrete steps for use by presbyteries and commiee to invesgate race relaons in the PCA. The sessions to make progress towards racial reconciliaon. third resoluon called for the establishment of a “Unity The commiee is supposed to deliver its report in 2018. In Fund” to provide scholarships to African American a leer to the elders of Wallace Presbyterian Church, I students to pay for seminary in order to pursue ordinaon expressed my concern about the obvious danger inherent in the PCA. The Unity Fund was the brain child of one of in this commiee, namely, that the “guidelines and my pastors at Wallace Presbyterian. All three resoluons suggesons” will become decrees imposed by the passed with overwhelming majories. presbyteries on local congregaons. At the 2017 GA, racial reconciliaon and diversity The ordinary means of grace churches versus the remained major themes. A Korean American was elected churches of diversity moderator while African American pastors played major Wallace Presbyterian Church, my own congregaon, roles in the daily worship services. The opening worship provides a good example of the issues at stake. Wallace is service featured an African American praise band. The 117 years old. Its moo has been “The Word of God in commiee to study race relaons in the PCA was given another year to complete its work and report back. The leadership of the PCA made clear its commitment to ¹ Robert Edward Lee was the commander of the Confederate States Army in the move towards a diverse, mul-racial denominaon. American Civil War, fought in the United States from 1861 to 1865, the controversy over slavery between the Northern and Southern States.

21 Opinion the Pulpit and the Classroom.” The congregaon is known for the queson of gender. Intown Church of Portland, for exceponally gied preachers and regular Bible Oregon certainly showed that some in the PCA are ready conferences. The 400 member church is also “diverse.” for female elders. 75% of the members are white professionals who work in Something more is going on. The pastor of Intown Church and around Washington DC. The other 25% consists of in Portland, Brian Prenss, made the very interesng African Americans, Pakistanis, Brazilians, and Africans remark that “we don't want to spend any more me than from Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana. Over the past four years is absolutely necessary itemizing the negave components increasing numbers of vising Chinese scholars and that we feel are a part of the PCA's culture.” What does graduate students at the University of Maryland have he mean by that comment? His blog post from June 2015 come to faith at Wallace. On Easter Sunday of 2017 we following the Supreme Court's Obergefell decision to bapzed six Chinese who have since returned to China. legalize same sex marriage provides a good clue. He If you ask the African Americans why they aend Wallace, writes that some in his congregaon greeted the decision they will say that they come because of the preaching and enthusiascally. Others did not. But the blog post makes the Reformed theology. In other words, they first came clear that Prenss did not think the whole maer to be through the “Ordinary Means of Grace.” The same thing terribly important. In other words, he doesn't feel at can be said about the Africans and the Chinese. The home with the Red State², social conservave vong “racial reconciliaon” within the congregaon has been a Republicans who comprise the core of the PCA. This fruit of the Gospel. It was never considered a gospel task. urban hipster lives with people who have other values and Nevertheless, Wallace is not a “diverse” church because it concerns. does not reflect the demographics of Prince Georges In this regard the polical and social quesons which County. 64% of the County is Black, 18% Hispanic and 12% divide the American naon are starng to divide the PCA. White. One of our ministers, a graduate of Covenant The PCA was founded and built by well educated, white, Theological Seminary, thinks that we need to correct that upper middle-class churchmen. They tended to have imbalance with acve measures to recruit African Amer- homogenous polical and social views, most gravitang to icans. For example, using hymnbooks from Black the Reagan Republican coalion and staying there. Their churches. Or by calling a Black Associate Pastor. Up to this children and grandchildren, however, have aended elite point the congregaon has shown lile interest. schools. Through that educaon many have absorbed the The divide between the broadly Evangelical and the Truly cultural leist view that racial, gender and sexual equality Reformed in the PCA will become less defining for the are all on the same plane. Many live and work in urban denominaon. I suspect that new divide in the PCA is communies where those views are simply a given. How coming into view. On one side will be the congregaons do they explain to their coworkers that women cannot which focus on “the ordinary means of grace” and view hold church office? Or that gay men cannot be racial reconciliaon and diversity as a fruit of the Gospel. communicant members? I hardly think that Intown in On the other side will be the congregaons which view Portland is the only congregaon of its kind in the PCA. racial reconciliaon and diversity as an essenal mark of There must be many more congregaons embarrassed by the church. Since the church bureaucracy is pushing the the Red State color of the PCA. The queson is how do second version, this divide will start to grow. they feel about the future direcon of the PCA? The Women in office, hipster churches and the growing denominaonal leadership is certainly signaling that it cultural divide in the PCA wants to move in their progressive direcon. The divide in the PCA will likely not be limited to the “ordinary means of grace” churches versus “diversity as This arcle was first published in Chrisan Renewal, the fourth mark of the church.” I am afraid that the role of Volume 35 #16, August 23, 2017. women will join the discussion. The public remarks of Michelle Higgins show that the denominaonally ² Since the 2000 United States presidenal elecon, red states and blue states have approved social jusce theology has obvious implicaons referred to states of the United States whose voters predominantly choose either the Republican Party (red, social conservave) or Democrac Party (blue, social progressive).

22 Announcements

EUCRC CONFERENCE MAY 15-18, 2018

... a regional conference of the ICRC

The European Conference of Reformed Churches (EuCRC) Observers is a conference for churches in Europe that hold to a MTW - Mission to the World Reformed confession of the Chrisan Faith. It is a regional conference of the Internaonal Conference of Reformed ERKWB - Evangelisch Reformierte Kirche Westminster Churches (ICRC). The EuCRC has planned the next Bekentnisses conference for 15-18th May 2018 in Staffordshire, United KKERPE - Reformed Presbyterian Church of Central & Kingdom. Eastern Europe The purpose of the EuCRC is: REC - Romania Evangelical Church ° to express and promote the unity of faith that the In addion to official delegaons from the member European member churches have in Christ; denominaons, other Reformed churches within Europe ° to encourage the fullest ecclesiascal fellowship can request an invitaon from one of the member among the European member churches; churches. ° to encourage cooperaon among the European History member churches in the fulfillment of their The European Conference of Reformed Churches has missionary and other mandates; convened six European conferences to date: in Soest ° to study the common problems and issues that (2007 and 2008), in Edinburgh (2010), in Kiev (2012), in confront the European member churches and to seek Cardiff (2014) and in De Glind (2016). to make recommendaons with respect to these As with the full Internaonal Conference of Reformed maers; Churches (ICRC), the European regional conference ° to provide opportunies for non-member churches, (EuCRC) has taken a keen interest in mission since its organizaons and persons to meet. incepon in 2007. The leading concern is to promote effecve mission to Europe. Also, having a strong ° to present a Reformed tesmony to Europe. convicon that God's purpose among men is to build his Member Churches church, the task of church planng (and renewal) is CRC - Chrisan Reformed Churches in the Netherlands primary. Churches being planted (alongside those (CGK) established over the longer term) are the clearest indicators of the progress of this mission task. EPCEW - Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England and Wales (including Sweden) In March 2008 the EuCRC iniated an exercise to gather informaon on the church planng projects being EPCI - Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ireland undertaken by the member churches. This has connued FCS - Free Church of Scotland since, and should be expected to be a connuous scheme, FCC - Free Church of Scotland (Connuing) as long as the work of church expansion is sustained by the church federaons and denominaons represented in RCN - Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (GKV) the conference. RPCI - Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland First informaon (presented at the 2010 conference in RCS - Reformed Churches of Spain (IRE) Edinburgh) was gathered from six of the then seven member churches. This showed a concentraon of efforts

23 Announcements in The Netherlands – which can be aributed to the two Conferences and a survey of theological colleges or largest member churches being Dutch. There was also a seminaries of EuCRC member denominaons and other scaered presence in the United Kingdom (Northern Reformed theological instuons in the EuCRC region. Ireland, England & Wales, Scotland), and the Republic of The next EuCRC conference Ireland. It was known that work is also going on in places such as Spain, but specific informaon was not then The seventh conference is planned for 15-18th May 2018 in available. In the following two years few addions were Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre, Yarnfield, made, but did include such groups as those working in Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 0NL, United Kingdom Austria and Switzerland. (www.yarnfieldpark.co.uk). This collecon of informaon is intended to more accurately This year's focus is the theme of 'Caring for the Church of determine those parts of Europe where there is currently no God'. In a world characterised by much suffering and Reformed, gospel work. In 2008, there was a suggeson the indifference, the Church of Jesus Christ is to show to the churches should aim to plant 100 new churches in key world the caring heart of a gracious and loving Saviour as its locaons across the connent, in co-operave projects. members live together under the loving authority of their However, at that point, no one was able to say definively Lord. which of those places are without Reformed churches. Thus We will be considering the care of pastors and of members, it will be necessary to compile data on all exisng, together with the place of church discipline and the ministry developing, or prospecve Reformed church presence. This of deacons. Through prayerful listening to God and each sll needs refinement for member churches, and a broader other we hope to strengthen our unity and fellowship in scope to include affiliated work. Christ to the glory of God. Out of the Ukraine 2012 conference came an agreement Four speakers will present papers on aspects of this theme: that member churches should take the dra survey ° Dr José de Segovia (IRE) – 'Caring for God's Flock' document to: 1) review their own entries; 2) act as conduits ° Rev Andrew Lucas (EPCI) – 'Caring for the Pastors' for similar informaon from those other bodies. These bodies will include other European churches whom they are ° Rev William Macleod (FCSC) – 'Pastoral Care and willing to endorse ('affiliates', perhaps) as reliably Church Discipline' 'Reformed' groups; and some awareness of such work as ° Rev G Drayer (CGK) – 'The Office of Deacon' that done by 'Redeemer Network' or 'Acts 29' will also be The cost for aending the whole conference is £280 or €316. valuable. The full programme is available on the website On the website there is an interacve map showing the www.eucrc.org. locaon of mission churches. For registraon please follow this link: At the website also the papers presented at previous EuCRC hp://eucrc.org/index.php/conferences/2018/registraon

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