Latest Meeting of the Returning Church

by The Returning Church Committee

On September 13 there was a meeting of the Returning Church in Oskaloosa, Iowa, organized by Rev. Marv Leese (Bethel CRC, Oskaloosa) and Rev. Jack Gray (Sully CRC, IA). There were about 85 in attendance which is a good starting point and a show of God's blessing.

Rev. Leese opened the meeting with a mediation on John 17:20-23 and Jesus' prayer for unity in the church. Rev. CJ denDulk (Trinity CRC, Sparta, MI) followed by speaking on II Kings 22 and Josiah's reforms based on the discovery of God's Word. Unity and God's Word certainly were central themes for the evening.

There was also a Q&A time where various issues and topics were raised, including biblical complementarianism, nurturing our covenant youth, the "Form of Subscription" revisions (see below) and other challenges to ministry. It was noted that the CRC has always sought to be biblical, and that must be encouraged and insisted upon going forward.

The question was asked, "What are you 'returning' to?" That is a great question and one that needs to be brought up often. The reply went something like this - we are prone to wander - as individuals, as congregations and as denomination. And recognizing that fact we must return to God every day, seeking Him at His Word. This Returning Church movement is not issue-centered, as some have claimed, but focused on returning us back to God and living for His glory each and every day.

This meeting in Iowa was almost one year to the date of the first Returning Church meeting in Byron Center, MI. God has seen fit to draw many people into the discussion around both the U.S. and Canada. May God answer our prayers and bring genuine revival and reform to the CRC.

The following day, Rev. Henry Reyenga (Family of Faith CRC, Monee, IL) and Rev. Ben Tol (1st CRC, South Holland, IL) invited several pastors to meet at 1st CRC in South Holland, IL, to further the discussion about particular issues and to introduce others to the ideas behind this movement. Many expressed a growing need for theological classes – where churches can show their unity in working together without binding their consciences. Again, biblical complementarianism and the "Form of Subscription" were discussed.

All of your church Council's should have received a copy of the proposed revision to the “Form of Subscription” that all office-bearers sign in the CRC. There are some concerns with the revisions. If you’d like to see more of that discussion, go to www.returningchurch.blogspot.com. Several pastors are meeting next week in West Michigan to discuss this with the hopes to come up with an outline that churches can use to formulate overtures if they so choose. That outline will be available if you would like it. The “Form of Subscription” stands at the heart of the CRC being a confessional church, so this won’t be the last email mentioning it.

We encourage the gathering of pastors and elders in your area and when you do, to stay in contact with us. We will advertise on the blog and also via email, if you'd like. In the meantime, keep our denomination a matter of your prayers. We certainly all need it as we tread these waters and seek to faithfully minister to the congregations and community in which God has placed us.

In Christ,
The Returning Church