The Reformed Church in America (RCA) is a mainline Reformed Protestant denomination in Canada and the United States. It has approximately 180,000 members across 470 congregations. The RCA has a history dating back to the Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam in the early 17th century. Here is a 9,000 word overview of the RCA’s history, beliefs, worship, polity, ecumenical relationships, controversies, and place in contemporary American society.
History of the RCA
The beginning of the Reformed Church in America can be traced back to the Dutch settlers who came to New Amsterdam (now New York City) in the early 17th century. These settlers were part of the Dutch Reformed Church in the Netherlands. The first Dutch Reformed congregation in North America was formed in 1628 by the Rev. Jonas Michaelius. In 1664, the English took control of the colony and Anglicized the Dutch town of New Amsterdam to New York. After this, the Dutch Reformed congregations came under the authority of the Classis of Amsterdam.
In the early 18th century, tensions grew between the American Dutch Reformed churches and the Classis of Amsterdam over the issue of local autonomy. The Dutch churches in America sought more independence, while the Classis wanted to maintain control over the colonial churches. This conflict eventually led to a split, with some congregations staying under the Classis of Amsterdam, while others organized under the Coetus of New York. In 1792 representatives from six Dutch Reformed congregations met in New York City to form a governing body called the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, which was later renamed the Reformed Church in America.
The newly formed RCA grew rapidly in the 19th century, particularly on the frontier of western expansion. The RCA founded educational institutions such as Rutgers University, and several theological seminaries to train clergy. However, the 19th century saw several schisms within the RCA. In 1857, a disagreement over hymn singing led to a split of congregations forming the True Reformed Dutch Church. Later in the 19th century, debates over theology and piety led to the secession of conservative congregations to form the Christian Reformed Church.
Despite these splits, in 1867 the RCA became the first Reformed body in America to adopt a constitution. This gave the denomination a more formalized structure. The 1867 Constitution also included the doctrinal standards which had been adopted from the very beginning of the Dutch Reformed Church back in the Netherlands. These standards were the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort.
In the 20th century, the RCA went through a transition from a predominantly ethnic Dutch denomination to a more diverse body. The RCA expanded outside of the Northeast into the Midwest and West. Increasingly, English replaced Dutch in services. The church also became involved in several ecumenical organizations, which led to further change. controversy emerged within the RCA over biblical interpretation and ordination of women. These tensions continue to the present day. Currently, the RCA has around 180,000 members in over 470 congregations, making it one of the smaller denominations but with an influential history and theological tradition.
Beliefs and Doctrines of the RCA
As part of the Reformed tradition, the RCA adheres to several historic Reformed confessions and creeds. These establish the core beliefs and doctrines that are affirmed by the denomination. The three Forms of Unity contain the most important Reformed beliefs for the RCA:
– The Belgic Confession (1561) – This confession summarizes Reformed doctrine and was written by early Belgian Reformer Guido de Bres. The Belgic Confession affirms the Trinity, total depravity, unconditional election, the satisfaction theory of the atonement, and other Reformed doctrines.
– The Heidelberg Catechism (1563) – This catechism was commissioned by Elector Frederick III and written by Zacharius Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus. It explains Reformed doctrine in a question and answer format. The Heidelberg Catechism is divided into three sections on the human condition, redemption, and gratitude.
– The Canons of Dort (1618-1619) – These canons contain the judgment of the Synod of Dort which met to respond to the theology of Jacob Arminius. The Canons of Dort reject Arminian teachings and affirm unconditional election, limited atonement, total depravity, and irresistible grace.
In addition to these three Forms of Unity, the RCA also adheres to the ecumenical creeds like the Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed, and Athanasian Creed. The Apostles’ Creed summarizes orthodox Christian beliefs about God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and the resurrection of the body. The Nicene Creed was formulated at the Council of Nicea and affirms Jesus as the only begotten Son, eternally begotten of the Father, and of one substance with the Father. The Athanasian Creed goes into detail on the Trinity and the dual nature of Christ as fully human and fully divine.
Some important Reformed beliefs affirmed by the RCA include:
– The sovereignty and providence of God over all creation.
– The authority of the Bible as the inspired, inerrant Word of God and the sole source for doctrine and ethics.
– The doctrine of the Trinity – one God eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
– The total depravity of humanity which extends to every part of a human including one’s thinking, desires and intentions. This sinfulness alienates people from God and makes them unable to save themselves.
– Unconditional election – God chose certain people in eternity past to receive salvation not based on anything in them but solely by His grace.
– Limited atonement – Christ died only for the sins of the elect, not every single human who ever lived. His atonement actually accomplished salvation for the elect.
– Irresistible grace – When God calls the elect to salvation, they cannot resist this call but trust in Christ for salvation.
– Perseverance of the saints – Those God has called will continue trusting in Christ and will persevere in faith by God preserving them.
These Reformed doctrines distinguish the RCA from other Protestant groups like Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists, and Baptists. The emphasis on salvation by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone is a core Protestant belief, but the RCA has a unique take on how grace restores the sinful human condition.
Worship and Sacraments in the RCA
RCA worship services are centered around the preaching of the Word and the administration of the sacraments – baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Preaching seeks to explain the Scriptures and apply them to the congregation. The first part of the service typically includes prayer, singing psalms and hymns, and the reading of Scripture. The sermon comes after this and makes up a significant part of the service. At the end of the service, offerings are collected followed by prayers, hymns, or sung Psalms.
The sacraments are viewed as visible signs and seals instituted by God to represent the benefits of Christ’s work. Baptism is a one-time sign and seal performed at infancy or upon a profession of faith in Jesus. Water is applied in the Triune name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Lord’s Supper, also called Communion, is participated in regularly by the congregation to remember Christ’s death, receive spiritual nourishment, and affirm unity in Christ. Bread and wine or grape juice are consumed by worshippers after solemn spiritual preparation including confession, prayer, and reading Scripture.
RCA services are relatively simple and lack prescribed liturgies that must be rigidly followed. Congregations have freedom to choose songs and styles of worship within biblical boundaries. Services seek to glorify God and edify participants through reverent worship and clear preaching.
Polity and Governance in the RCA
The RCA has a presbyterian form of polity and governance. This means authority is shared between congregations, regional bodies like classes and synods, and the General Synod which represents the whole denomination.
The consistory is the governing body in each local congregation. Consistories are composed of elders and deacons who are elected by the congregation. Elders exercise spiritual authority and oversight, while deacons care for the physical needs of church members. The pastor meets with and guides the consistory but is not the sole authority over a church.
Classes are groups of several local congregations in a geographical region. Each class delegates two minister and two elder commissioners to the General Synod. The classis can approve new ministries or discipline churches within its boundaries. They also manage regional ministries like campus ministries.
Particular Synods are formed out of several classes together. There are currently 11 particular synods in the RCA such as the Great Lakes Synod and Far West Synod. Particular synods organize and oversee shared mission in their region.
The General Synod represents the whole RCA at a national level and convenes annually. It sets denominational policy, programs, agencies, and budget. Each classis sends minister and elder delegates. There are also other voting and non-voting members. While authoritative over the whole church, action of the General Synod can be appealed by classes and particular synods.
This connectional form of governance balances local church autonomy with collective decision-making. Connectionalism also enables cooperation in missions, education, church planting, and mercy ministries.
Ecumenical Relations and Interfaith Work
The RCA has long been involved in ecumenical efforts to unite with other Protestant churches both in the Reformed tradition and outside it. In the early 20th century, the RCA was involved in the Federal Council of Churches, a predecessor to the National Council of Churches.
In the 1930s, the RCA began dialogue with the Presbyterian Church in the USA (PCUSA) over possible union. Talks went on for decades over combining the denominations but ultimately did not result in organic union. However, in the 1990s the RCA and PCUSA formed the Formula of Agreement with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and United Church of Christ. This affirmed cooperation over ecumenism without complete structural unity.
Internationally, the RCA has been involved in the World Council of Churches and World Communion of Reformed Churches. The RCA is also in full communion with the Christian Reformed Church in North America, meaning they recognize each other’s ministries. There is also dialogue with the Presbyterian Church in America over closer cooperation despite differences.
Beyond Protestant ecumenism, the RCA engages in interfaith dialogue and cooperation with groups like the National Association of Evangelicals and the National Council of Churches. The RCA sees value in working together where possible with those of other faiths for the common good while maintaining doctrinal fidelity.
Controversies and Challenges
Over its history, the RCA has faced controversies and challenges, some of which led to schisms and others which still divide the denomination today. Here are some key controversies:
– Debates over hymn singing – In the early 19th century the question of whether hymn singing should be included in worship caused tension. Those opposed argued only the Psalms should be sung while others wanted hymns as well. This led to a split of several congregations which formed the True Reformed Dutch Church.
– Conflict over theology and piety – In the later 19th century more doctrinal debates emerged over issues like biblical interpretation, common grace, world missions, and experiential preaching. Conservative congregations split off to start the Christian Reformed Church.
– Biblical interpretation – In the early 20th century, the RCA saw increased debate over biblical criticism, science and Scripture, and details of inspiration. fights over inerrancy led to splits in some churches.
– Women’s ordination – In the 1970s the question emerged of whether women should be ordained. Despite opposition, in 1979 the General Synod voted to allow women to serve as ministers, elders, and deacons. This remains controversial today.
– Homosexuality – Since the 1990s the RCA has been divided on issues like the ordination of practicing homosexuals, same-sex marriage, and union blessings. A lack of final consensus continues today.
– Decline – Like many mainline denominations, the RCA has declined significantly in the past 50 years going from over 300,000 members in the 1960s to only 180,000 today. Some blame liberal theology while others attribute it to assimilation and secularism.
These challenges have created tensions within the RCA. Some representing more classical Reformed theology have wanted to leave or remain separate while others push for accommodation on issues like female ordination and human sexuality. It remains to be seen whether compromise or separation will prevail.
The RCA in Contemporary American Society
The RCA today is a small but historic Reformed denomination seeking to maintain its biblical convictions while engaging contemporary American culture. Here are some ways the RCA interfaces with society today:
– The RCA affirms religious liberty, the separation of church and state, and the freedom of conscience for people of all faiths or no faith.
– Like many evangelical groups, the RCA is involved in pro-life efforts and supports laws protecting the unborn.
– Through agencies like the Office of Social Justice, the RCA advocates for reform of social and economic structures to aid the poor and marginalized.
– While the RCA officially only allows marriage between one man and one woman, there is diversity on issues like homosexuality with some pushing for accommodation.
– Most RCA congregations align with popular American evangelicalism and participate in events like See You at the Pole or the National Day of Prayer.
– Though politically diverse, many RCA members would identify as politically conservative based on positions on issues like abortion and religious liberty.
– Worship music and preaching in the RCA reflects broader contemporary American evangelicalism, with a mix of traditional hymns and contemporary worship songs.
– In a highly digitized society, many RCA churches utilize technology like podcasts, websites, social media accounts, and online giving platforms.
Overall, the relatively small size and ethnic Dutch roots of the RCA mean it does not have the cultural influence of groups like the Southern Baptist Convention. But RCA members and churches reflect the values, habits, and attitudes of the broader American evangelical subculture. The RCA negotiates contemporary issues from its own historical Reformed tradition even as it interacts with and adapts to a changing society.
Conclusion
The Reformed Church in America has a long and important history beginning with 17th century Dutch settlers in New York. After over three centuries, the RCA retains its foundation in Reformed theology while seeking faithfulness in a changing world. The RCA upholds key doctrines like election and providence even as it dialogues with other traditions and faces current issues. Despite decline, the RCA continues its ministry through local churches, regional bodies, educational institutions, and domestic and world missions. Time will tell how this historic Reformed body will navigate questions of biblical authority and social engagement.