Our congregation is hosting Athanasius Presbytery here in Pensacola, Fl. for the next two days, so it seems appropriate to speak of our happy communion and what basic principles hold us together.
I have been shepherding a congregation in the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches for over 14 years. It is the only world I have known as an ordained minister. And while my pastoral life engages folks from various Reformational and non-Reformational worlds, the CREC is the place I call home.
My mentor, John Frame, speaks of the necessary nature of denominations. While he demurs the idea, he understands that it is inescapable since the question of denominations is preceded by the question, “Where should I go to church?”
The matter of attending church is not disputed in the New Testament. In fact, to be in a church is to be in a denomination. As Frame rightly notes, ” Even ‘nondenominational’ churches are actually denominations of one.”
He poses a series of questions to consider as you seek to join a church/denomination. I want to offer my answers to his questions, which have only aided my affection for my present tribe. These reflect, of course, the body of believers in Pensacola and are not meant as exhaustive but can be broadly applied to the denomination.
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Does the church uphold the basic teachings of Christianity (as in the Apostles’ and Nicene creeds)?
Answer: Without a doubt. We are committed to the Creeds of the Church and dare not stray from its premise. To be disconnected from the Creeds is to be disconnected from Church history and to spurn the faith once and for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).
Is the church committed to the authority and inerrancy of Scripture?
Answer: Without a doubt. We affirm the centrality of the Scriptures to shape our liturgy and life, our history and holiness, and our politics and polity. The Word of God cannot be broken (John 10:35).
Does the preaching of the church fairly represent the teachings of Scripture (as you understand them, of course!) and apply them to the lives of its people?
Answer: Without a doubt. The preaching of the Word of God is made plain and applicable to the people of God, offering them a framework to interpret the world around them.
Does it administer the sacraments in a biblical way?
Answer: Without a doubt. In our tradition, the Lord’s Supper is administered weekly, and baptisms occur as often as the needs arise:
“Baptism with water in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit is a sign and seal of the covenant of grace or his engrafting into Christ to walk in newness of life. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial of Christ and His death through the sacred use of bread and wine and is to be observed by the Church until the end of the world.”
-From our Statement of Faith at Providence Church.
Does the worship glorify God? Does it edify the worshipers?
Answer: Without a doubt. Our liturgy exalts the Triune God to a place of prominence in our worship and warfare against principalities and powers. We believe the congregation is edified as they participate in the holy liturgy.
Does the church encourage and provide good opportunities for fellowship among the people? Does that fellowship convey the love of Christ?
Answer: Without a doubt. Our churches offer organic and prepared occasions to increase fellowship, learning, and love among the people. We believe that in the communion of God’s people, the saints find strength and a holy desire to pursue the good of the other.
Does the church reach out to bring the good news of Christ to the unchurched people of the area?
Answer: Without a doubt. We support various mission works at home and abroad, and we are committed to seeing the Great Commission fulfilled in history.
Does the church display the love of Christ to the poor and needy of the area?
Answer: Without a doubt. We have generous, benevolent funds to care for the needs of the poor and needy in our community.
Does the church stand for righteousness and against wickedness within its membership and throughout society?
Answer: Without a doubt. Providence Church reflects the general trajectory of the CREC to stand up for righteousness in the family, church, and state. This includes–but is not limited to–prayers of imprecations against the wicked, political statements against evil policies, encouragement for faithfulness in every sphere, and the fundamental call to worship, which is indispensable in the establishment of Christendom.
Re: “I want to offer my answers to his questions, which have only aided my affection for my present tribe. These reflect, of course, the body of believers in Pensacola and are not meant as exhaustive but can be broadly applied to the denomination.”
My comment: In the past I’ve heard pushback when referring to the CREC as a denomination since it allows adherence to both baptistic and covenantal creeds. I was told it’s a ‘communion’ rather than a denomination because of the inclusion of Baptist churches (London Confession). I’d like to see denominational unity in such important ecclesiastical matters as the composition of the Church—believers only (as if that were possible) or believers and their children as a Covenantal approach to Scripture. What are your thoughts on the likelihood of the CREC becoming unified in their ecclesiology to the point that it can be a denomination?