DOCSLIB.ORG

Membership Course

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Welcome to the Phoenix United Reformed Church Membership Course ( ) The Huguenot Cross is a less familiar, although no less powerful, symbol of the perseverance of the French Reformed Christians under the persecution of the pro-Catholic forces. The arms symbolize the four gospels, and the points the eight beatitudes. The dove at the bottom of the cross signifies the Holy Spirit. The arms are joined together by four Fleurs-de-lis (Lilies). The total of twelve petals of the Fleur-de-lis signifies the twelve apostles. An open space in the form of a heart lies between each lily and the arms of the Maltese cross. This symbol of loyalty signifies the seal of the French Reformer John Calvin, whose testimony resonates with us today: "My heart I offer to Thee, Lord, promptly and sincerely." May these words of heartfelt commitment be the fruit of our time together as we discover the beliefs, practices, and aspirations of the Phoenix United Reformed Church Pastor Phil Grotenhuis Table of Contents THE JOYS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP 3 Church Membership in an Apathetic Age 4 The Biblical Warrant for Church Membership 4 Church Membership andthe Reformed Confessions 8 What About Christians Who Either Don't Attend a Church, or Who Belong to a Home Church? 11 The Vital Importance of Church Membership 11 How to Choose a Church 12 THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE REFORMED FAITH 13 I n t r o d u c t o r y M a t t e r s 1 3 The Fundamentals of the Reformed Faith 14 Catholic, Evangelical, and the Solae of the Reformation 15 Our Reformed Confessions - the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dort 18 THE DISTINCTIVES OF THE REFORMED FAITH 19 The Five Points of the Reformed Faith 19 The Kingdom, Covenant, and Mission 21 REFORMED DISTINCTIVES IN THE LIFE OF PURC 23 The Avid Support of Christ-Centered Education 23 Redemptive/Historical/Christ-Centered Preaching 24 Confessional Ecumenism 25 Male Leadership in the Home and the Church 26 God-Centered and God-Glorifying Worship 27 The Great Commission 27 THE PHOENIX UNITED REFORMED CHURCH: OUR HISTORY 29 The Reformation: Netherlands Style 29 The Deformation: Netherlands Style (1618-1816) 30 The Afscheiding (Secession) of 1834 32 Watershed Events in the Netherlands 32 What does this have to do with PURC? 34 THE PHOENIX UNITED REFORMED CHURCH 35 THE PHOENIX UNITED REFORMED CHURCH: CHURCH ORDER 37 2 The Joys and Responsibilities of Church Membership "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit." Ephesians 2:19-22 Welcome to the Phoenix United Reformed Church (PURC) New Members Class! The following New Members Class begins with a very important starting point: church membership. Jesus Christ calls us to "deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him" (Matt.16:24). But as the Bible so clearly teaches us, the task of following Jesus is indeed a difficult one, one which requires "the means of grace"; in other words preaching and sacraments. Christ has instituted the church to administer the means of grace and other means of nurturing our walk with Christ. The Bible also emphasizes the need for mutual fellowship, encouragement, and accountability if we are to run the race of faith set before us. Hence, as John Calvin once said, "It is always disastrous to leave the church of Christ." For this reason, many churches (including PURC) practice church membership. Church Membership in an Apathetic Age People don't always understand what it means to be a member of the church, although they do sense that it's a formal commitment of some kind - something like a marriage. There's an initial meeting (for some it's a blind date), a courtship phase (a more in-depth familiarization phase, including membership class), premarital counseling phase (elders' meeting) and wedding (verbal commitment and welcome to the local body). Some might argue, "The Bible only commands us to worship together as Christians. It doesn't tell us that we have to become members of a local church." But as we hope to demonstrate, membership in the church of Christ, and more particularly membership in the local church, is not an option but a Biblically- mandated necessity. Well, just what does the Bible and our confessions teach about church membership? The Biblical Warrant for Church Membership Let's examine two important passages in the Bible, namely. Acts 2:42-27 & H e b r e w s 1 0 : 2 1 - 2 5 . Acts 2;42-47- church life and church growth •paDjpejd pue paSejnoDua aje spueujujoo ,,sn 03JL|; aq; qaiqM ui ixaiuoa aq; s\ diqsjoM A|>|aaM leq; s\ uojiBDiidoi! Suojis aqi ■£ 7 "X „^sn ;a|„ spjoM aq; qijM ujSaq sasejqd aajq; ieq/\/\ „-sn ;a|„ q;!M SumuiSaq s;uaujaiB;s aajq; aq; Aq paanpojiuj 'sasjaA asaqj ;o saA!;BjadLU! aajq; aq; aaqoisj S Z - l Z m s / v \ 9 j q d H There are two words in the Hebrew language that describe the people of God; aydah - used primarily in the books of Exodus through Numbers), and; qahal - used primarily in the books of Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah. The word "aydah" refers to "an appointed gathering of God's people, and the word "qahal" refers to a gathering of God's people in actual assembly, whether appointed or not. The point is: there are no such things as "lone ranger" Christians or "bedside Baptists." Christ has ordained His church (both in the OT and NT) to be a place of nurturing, accountability, and mutual edification. The church's worship in both the OT and NT is appointed by God to be a place of regular worship, feasting, and covenant/marriage renewal. Think of how the church is described in I Timothy 3:15 as the "household of God." Or consider these other names which reflect the corporate nature of the church: the people of God (I Peter 2:9, 10), a holy nation (I Peter 2:9), the faithful in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:1), the brotherhood (I Peter 2:17; 5:19), fellow citizens (Ephesians 2:19). Notice also the close connection that Jesus makes Himself and the church. He says He is the Bridegroom and we are His bride; He is the Vine and we are the branches; He is the Head and we are the members of His body. You can't have one without the other. The church is also called God's family. We are not just a bunch of unrelated individuals; we are part of a family who together make up a "holy temple in the Lord" (Ephesians 2:21). This familial relationship comes to expression both the universal and the local church. 6 There's an interesting statistic in the Bible. The word "church" is used over one hundred times in the NT. Seventeen times it refers to the universal church (for instance, Christ says, "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it" - Matthew 16:18). However, there are ninety instances where the word "church" refers to the local church (for instance, we read in Acts 8:1, "... a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem" and Revelation 1:11, "Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and Smyrna and Pergamum ...") The emphasis in the Bible is overwhelmingly on the local church. The local church is called by many names: the body, the bride of Christ, City of God, household of God, People of God, Temple of God, Zion, and many others - each name describes some facet of the local church. As you can imagine, many things can be said about the local church. But for our purposes, here let's stick with the basics. Ephesians 2:19-22 - the Household of God Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 54 Q. 54 What do you believe about the (One) Holy Catholic (and Apostolic) Church? (Note the four historic attributes of the church) A. 54 I believe that from the beginning to the end of the world, and from among the whole human race, the Son of God, through His Word and Spirit, gathers, protects, and preserves for Himself, in the unity of true faith, a congregation chosen for eternal life. Moreover, I believe that I am and forever will remain a living member of it. 7 Questions to ponder: Who builds His church? How does he build it? When does He build it? From whom does He build it? Church Membership and the Reformed Confessions Let's also consider the matter of church membership from the standpoint of church history. Think about this statement from the French Confession of 1559: French Confession Article 26 We believe that no one ought to seclude himself and be contented to be alone but that all should jointly keep and maintain the union of the church and submit to public teaching and to the yoke of Christ even if the government and its edicts forbid it. For if they do not take part in it, or if they separate themselves from it, they do contrary to the Word of God (italics mine). The language of the Belgic Confession is even stronger.
Recommended publications
  • The Reformed Church in the United States Convened Its 256Th Session of Synod at the Schnabel and Kevin Hamilton

    The Reformed Church in the United States Convened Its 256Th Session of Synod at the Schnabel and Kevin Hamilton

    The Reformed Church in the T he Abstract of the 256th Synod is hereby affectionately dedicated to the memory of United States the Rev. Donald R. Vance (1947–2001) a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and a beloved friend. May his ministry among us continue to bear fruit for generations to come! — The 256th Synod of the RCUS Abstract of the Minutes of the 256th Synod May 20–23, 2002 Emmanuel Reformed Church Sutton, Nebraska Finances .......................................................... 63 Judicial ........................................................... 64 Ministerial Aid ..................................................... 65 Minutes of Classes .................................................. 65 Missions .......................................................... 66 Table of Contents Nominations ....................................................... 68 Overtures ......................................................... 70 Publications ....................................................... 71 Special Judicial ..................................................... 73 DIRECTORY .............................................................. 1 Miscellaneous Reports and Other Business ................................. 74 Congregations of the Reformed Church ..................................... 3 Adjournment .......................................................... 74 Roll of Synod ......................................................... 10 Appendix ................................................................ 75 ABSTRACT
  • Affirm the Belhar? Yes, but Not As a Doctrinal Standard

    Affirm the Belhar? Yes, but Not As a Doctrinal Standard

    AFFIRM THE BELHAR? YES, BUT NOT AS A DOCTRINAL STANDARD A Contribution to the Discussion in CRCNA John W. Cooper Professor of Philosophical Theology Calvin Theological Seminary August 2011 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 3 My Position and Involvement in the Discussion A Momentous Decision: Our Doctrinal Identity and Integrity The Burden of Proof WHY THE BELHAR CONFESSION CANNOT BE A DOCTRINAL STANDARD 6 Confusion about “Confession” The Belhar Confession Lacks the Content of a Doctrinal Standard The Belhar Confession is Doctrinally Ambiguous The Social Gospel? Liberation Theology? Is the Gospel at Stake: Status Confessionis? Biblical Justice or Liberation Ideology? CONSEQUENCES OF ADOPTING THE BELHAR AS A DOCTRINAL STANDARD 20 Adopting the Belhar Confession Would Compromise Our Confessional Integrity The Belhar Confession and Ecumenical Relations A Gift, or an Offer We Can’t Refuse? Do Racial Justice and Reconciliation Require Adoption of BC as a Confession? The Belhar, CRCNA Polity, and Denominational Unity Simple Majority? Conscientious Objection? WHY WE SHOULD AFFIRM THE BELHAR AS A TESTIMONY 27 The Basic Objection Neutralized Principled Decision or Political Compromise? Faithful Witness to Biblical Justice and Reconciliation Benefits for Ecumenical Relations and Racial Reconciliation in CRCNA Can We Make a Confession a Testimony? 2 AFFIRM THE BELHAR? YES, BUT NOT AS A DOCTRINAL STANDARD INTRODUCTION My Position and Involvement in the Discussion Synod 2009 recommended that Synod 2012 adopt the Belhar Confession [hereafter BC] as the CRCNA‟s fourth Form of Unity, that is, as a definitive doctrinal standard.1 I oppose that recommendation because I believe that the confessional and theological identity and integrity of the CRCNA are at stake.
  • A Biblical,Confessional,And Theological Position Paper Of

    A Biblical,Confessional,And Theological Position Paper Of

    Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church STATEMENT OF CONVICTION adopted by Council August 22, 2011; November 28, 2011; and April 23, 2012 We believe it to be God’s will for our local church to be an instrument of Biblical and confessional leadership, as well as preserving sound doctrine and life (1 Timothy 4:16; Romans 16:17). We seek to affirm our belief in the Word of God and the historic Reformed faith as expressed in the Three-Forms of Unity – Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort. This “Statement of Conviction” gives indication to the congregation and the broader Christian community how Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church will be lead. We affirm and commit our convictions in light of this belief as follows: The Sacraments WE AFFIRM: 1. That Christ has instituted two sacraments for His church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper so that by our faithful use of them He might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel, and put His seal on that promise. 2. That Baptism should be given to believers and their children as a sign and seal of their initiation into the covenant community in keeping with God’s gracious and covenantal dealings with sinners saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Genesis 17; Romans 4:9-11; Galatians 3:26-29; Isaiah 44:1-3; Acts 2:38, 39; Acts 10:47; Acts 16:31; Colossians 2: 11; I Corinthians 10:1, 2; I Corinthians 7:14; Matthew 28:18-21). 3. That the Lord’s Supper should be observed repeatedly by all those who have publicly professed their faith in Jesus Christ as the only One who can save them from their sins; showing that they are truly sorry for their sins and earnestly desire to lead a godly, holy life in Christ and having properly examined themselves, their faith, hope, and love for God and neighbor as revealed in I Corinthians 11:23-29.
  • The Creeds and Confessions

    The Creeds and Confessions

    The Creeds and Confessions In the Book of Praise, on the pages 493 to 588, you can find the creeds and confessions. Creeds (see Book of Praise, p. 493-496) Read the introduction to all the Creeds (p.493). Which Creeds do we have? How are they called? (See p. 493) Why? The creeds were written for two reasons. First, to give a short summary of the Biblical doctrine, so that those who wanted to join the church and the youth who wanted to profess their faith, could be taught using these creeds. Especially the Apostle's Creed is written for this purpose. Second, to defend the Christian doctrine against heresies, which came up in the first centuries after the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. Especially the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed are written for this purpose. Confessions (Book of Praise, p. 499-588, the Three Forms of Unity) What are confessions? Which Confessions do we have? How are they called? (p. 499) Why? These confessions are adopted by the Great Synod of Dort (1618-1619) as the confessions of the church. That was just after the Great Reformation. Most of the Reformed Churches all over the earth nowadays have these three confessions, together with the creeds, as their doctrinal standards. Many of the Reformed Churches are from Dutch origin. Other churches, which call themselves 'presbyterian' and have their origins in Great Brittain, have another Reformed Confession which they use as their doctrinal standard. This is the Westminster Confession (composed by the Westminster Assembly in 1647). In the Reformed Churches, the office bearers were required to subscribe to the three confessions.
  • John Jay and Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin Was Born in 1706 in Boston to a Lower-Class Family and Was the 15Th out of 17 Children

    John Jay and Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin Was Born in 1706 in Boston to a Lower-Class Family and Was the 15Th out of 17 Children

    John Jay and Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin was born in 1706 in Boston to a lower-class family and was the 15th out of 17 children. Franklin never received a formal education past the age of 10. He became a printer’s apprentice and eventually moved to Philadelphia at the age of 17 to continue his trade. John Jay was born in 1745 in New York to a moderately wealthy family and was the 8th of 10 children. He received a good education and was taught by tutors before attending King’s College at the age of 14. After graduating, he became a successful lawyer. Huguenot Cross John Jay and Benjamin Franklin both descended from ancestors who came to America seeking religious freedom. Jay’s ancestors were French Huguenots while Franklin’s family were Puritans. The stories of their ancestor’s religious persecution had a huge impact on both men and is reflected in many of their beliefs. John Jay’s grandfather, Augustus Jay, was a French Huguenot who came to America in the 1680s. Augustus and his family had to leave France in order to flee the religious persecution of Huguenots after the King of France revoked the Edict of Nantes. The Edict had protected French Protestants from religious persecution in the heavily Catholic country and without it, Huguenots were no longer safe in France. The oppression and pursuit of religious freedom that his ancestors endured had a lasting effect on Jay and his beliefs. He strongly believed that there should not be a national religion and that it was important to enforce a strong separation between religion and government.
  • Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

    Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

    National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve The Huguenots In April 1564 French colonists and soldiers under the command of Rene de Laudonniere came to Spanish controlled la Florida with the intent to build a permanent settlement at the mouth of the River of May (St. Johns River.) The settlement was originally planned as a commercial venture, but as conflicts with the Catholics continued in France, Admiral Gaspard de Coligny, a Huguenot, proposed that it also become a refuge for the Huguenots. The name give to the settlement was “la Caroline” after France’s young Huguenot Cross monarch, Charles. Who are the Huguenots are the followers of John province of Touraine to denote persons Huguenots? Calvin. The name Huguenot (oo-ga-no) who walk in the night because their is derived either from the German own safe places of worship were dark “eidgenossen” meaning “confederate” or caves or under the night sky. from “Hugeon,” a word used in the Who was In the early 1500’s Protestantism was explosion of anti-Protestant sentiment. John Calvin? gathering momentum all over Europe. Calvin wound up fleeing France and John Calvin (Jean Cauvin, 1509-1564), a settling in Geneva, Switzerland. young law student in Paris, read the writings and beliefs of Martin Luther. Calvin, who had previously studied to enter the priesthood, began to consider the Protestant call to put the scriptures first and to reform the church. In 1533 Calvin began to write about his own salvation experience. He followed this with a speech attacking the Roman Catholic Church and demanding a change like Martin Luther had initiated in Germany.
  • Welcome to a REFORMED CHURCH

    Welcome to a REFORMED CHURCH

    Welcome to a REFORMED CHURCH A GUIDE FOR PILGRIMS DANIEL R. HYDE A DIVISION OF LIGONIER MINISTRIES • ORLANDO, FLORIDA Welcome to a Reformed Church: A Guide for Pilgrims © 2010 by Daniel R. Hyde Published by Reformation Trust Publishing a division of Ligonier Ministries 400 Technology Park, Lake Mary, FL 32746 www.ligonier.org www.reformationtrust.com Printed in city, state Printing company name Month and year First printing All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the publisher, Reformation Trust. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews. Cover design: Cover illustration: Interior design and typeset: Katherine Lloyd, Colorado Springs, Colo. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NASB are from The New American Standard Bible.® Copyright © The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1995. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked NIV are from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNA TIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked KJV are from The Holy Bible, King James Version. Scripture quotations marked ASV are from The Holy Bible, American Standard Version. Unless otherwise indicated, all quotations of the Christian creeds and Reformed confessions are from The Creeds of Christendom, ed.
  • Evangelical Reunion

    Evangelical Reunion

    Evangelical Reunion John M. Frame Originally published by Baker Book House (Grand Rapids, 1991). Dedication To the Churches Who Nurtured Me Beverly Heights United Presbyterian Church Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Westerly Road Church Princeton, New Jersey Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church Hamden, Connecticut New Haven Evangelical Free Church New Haven, Connecticut Community Orthodox Presbyterian Church Blue Bell, Pennsylvania New Life Presbyterian Church Escondido, California Covenant Presbyterian Church Winter Park, Florida Preface (1990) Although I teach theology, I have never specialized in the doctrine of the church, or "ecclesiology" if you prefer. Still, I haven't been able to avoid thinking about the church, the way I've been able to avoid thinking about, say, the timing of the Rapture. In a sense the old saying is true, that if God is our father, the church is our mother. All of what I know about God and about Jesus, I have learned, directly or indirectly, from the church. Most of my spiritual encouragement, challenge, comfort, has been through the church. Most of my friendships have been within the church. (I do admire Christians who are able to develop deep friendships with non-Christians, but I don't seem to have that gift.) Most of the love I have known has been in the church. I found my wife in the church, and now my children are growing up in the church. My home away from home is always the church. My favorite music is the music of the church. My favorite people are the people of the church.
  • The United Reformed Church in Chappel

    The United Reformed Church in Chappel

    The United Reformed Church in Chappel We meet for worship The Chapel on Rose Green What we believe every Sunday at 6.30pm (Colchester Road - A1124) Holy Communion second Sunday each month We are a mainstream Christian Congregation. Baptisms, weddings and funerals by arrangement Our faith and our worship while rooted in Open to God with our Minister tradition, aims to be living and relevant to today’s Open to each other The Chapel premises are available for hire world with its varied issues and challenges. We contact the Secretary Open to the community believe in God revealed supremely in Jesus Christ; we treasure the inspired writings of the Bible and the work of the Holy Spirit in empowering Contacts Welcome . our lives as Christian people. We do not regularly Secretary recite creeds but we affirm broad statements of Anthony Percival The URC in Chappel is a place where you faith and church order, following the Christian tel: 01206 240442 will find a warm welcome and a heritage of liturgical calendar but not normally following e-mail: [email protected] Protestant Reformed Church worship. A place of set forms of worship. We respect the conscience friendship where tradition and new ideas mix, a of the individual believer in our search for God Minister place where all may find something to strengthen together. Local decisions about our Church are The Rev’d Kenneth M Forbes and refresh their lives made by the Elders, and at quarterly church tel: 01206 547920 RGP 7/2019 meetings by those who worship regularly. e-mail: [email protected] .
  • Quakers in France, (Accessed 10 July 2017)

    Quakers in France, (Accessed 10 July 2017)

    A Journey through Space and Time to the Quakers of France Judy Pocock We travelled in the print of olden wars; Yet all the land was green; And love we found, and peace, Where fire and war had been. They pass and smile, the children of the sword— No more the sword they wield; An O, how deep the corn Along the battle field! By Robert Louis Stevenson writing as W.P. Bannatyne, epigraph to Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes, 1879. Introduction to visit the Quakers of Congénies in the south of France. I had learned about this As I travelled on the high speed train small Quaker group from a fellow student south from Paris, I really had no idea the in my internet Quaker Studies course, and I world I was entering. If I had, I would have was on my way to visit him and his Meeting. looked more closely and found memories To me, the south of France was more of and words to capture the feeling. I do an exotic legend than a reality. Two Euros remember speeding near and sometimes got me on the local bus from Nimes and, as through craggy untamed mountains and it wound south from one tiny medieval stretches of green fields. I was on my way village to the next, I hung on to my suitcase Canadian Quaker History Journal 81 (2016) 99 The Quakers of France worried that I really didn’t have a clue if I requisite shutters. Off they went for their was going in the right direction to the right mid-afternoon nap and I was left alone to place.

  • Synod Hudsonville 1999

    MINUTES of the Third Synod of the UNITED REFORMED CHURCHES in NORTH AMERICA held Tuesday, June 15 through Thursday, June 17, 1999 at Cornerstone United Reformed Church, Hudsonville, Michigan Contents Minutes page 1 Reports Report of the Calling Church page 29 Stated Clerk (preliminary) page 30 Stated Clerk page 31 Treasurers page 42 Ecumenical Relations and Church Unity page 48 Ecumenical Relations and Church Unity (Supplemental) page 78 Federative Structure Committee (United States and Canada) page 80 URCNA—OPC Study Committee page 90 Psalter Hymnal Committee page 92 Overtures and Appeals page 93 Ecumenical Observers page 105 MINUTES OF THE THIRD SYNOD of the UNITED REFORMED CHURCHES in NORTH AMERICA June 15-17, 1999 held at Cornerstone United Reformed Church Hudsonville, Michigan ARTICLE 1 The Chairman of the Council of the calling church, Cornerstone United Reformed Church of Hudsonville, Michigan, Mr. Henry Nuiver, calls for the singing of Psalter Hymnal Numbers 13, 298, and 308 . The Rev. Timothy Perkins, minister from Cornerstone United Reformed, reads from God’s Word and leads in opening prayer. ARTICLE 2 Roll call reveals the following delegates: Alto, MI Grace United Reformed Rev. Peter Adams Duane Sneller (6-15) Case Vierzen (6-16) Robert Tjapkes (6-17) Anaheim, CA Christ Reformed Rev. Kim Riddlebarger Dr. Michael Horton Aylmer, ON Bethel United Reformed Rev. Jerry Van Dyk Harry Van Gurp Balmoral, ON Covenant United Reformed Rev. Al Bezuyen Al Bruining Beecher, IL Faith United Reformed Rev. Todd Joling Dan Woldhuis Boise, ID Cloverdale United Reformed Lee De Heer Brockville/ Hulbert, ON Ebenezer Orthodox Reformed Rev John Roke Caledonia, MI Trinity United Reformed Rev.
  • Download Complete Issue

    Download Complete Issue

    THE JOURNAL of the UNITED REFORMED CHURCH HISTORY SOCIETY (incorporating the Congregational History Society, founded in 1899, and the Presbyterian Historical Society of England, founded in 1913). EDITOR: Dr. CLYDE BINFIELD, M.A. Volume 4 No. 3 October 1988 CONTENTS Editorial 169 Confessing the Faith in English Congregationalism by Alan P.F.Sell, M.A., B.D., Ph.D., F.S.A. 170 Zion, Hulme, Manchester: Portrait of a Church by Ian Sellers, M.A. M.Litt., Ph.D. 216 Reviews by Lilian Wildman, Mark Haydock, Edwin Welch 231 EDITORIAL This is the third successive edition ofthelournal to benefit from the generosity of an outside body. This time the debt is to the World Alliance of Reformed Churches. Professor Sell's paper was originally prepared for an Alliance consultation. Its contents are firmly in the traditions of the Journal and its Presbyterian and Congregational predecessors. Its style reaches back particularly to that of the Congregational Historical Society's earlier Transactions. As a summation of the confessional development of the larger part of the English tradition of what is now the United Reformed Church, Professor Sell's essay is self-evidently important. Is it too much to hope that it will be required reading for each student in a United Reformed college and each minister in a United Reformed pastorate, as well as for this Journal's constituency which goes beyond United Reformed boundaries? Dr. Sellers's paper is in suggestive counterpoint to Professor Sell's. It was delivered in May 1988 at Southport as the society's Assembly Lecture. To join these hardened contributors we welcome as reviewers Mrs.