What is the Christian Reformed Church?

Introduction and Historical Roots

The Christian Reformed Church traces its origins to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, with foundational influences from reformers such as John Calvin. The tradition officially formed in the mid-19th century when a group of Dutch immigrants in North America seceded from the Reformed Church in the Netherlands to establish a body they believed was more faithfully aligned with biblical teaching. Much of this early migration took place in the Midwest, including areas of Michigan and Iowa.

Over time, leaders sought to blend the fervor of Dutch Reformed convictions with a growing American context. While remaining distinctly Reformed, the Christian Reformed Church also embraced a strong emphasis on missions, Christian education, caring for communities, and proclaiming Christ’s sovereignty over all spheres of life, echoing passages such as Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.”

Doctrinal Distinctives

1. Authority of Scripture: The Christian Reformed Church, in keeping with the Protestant principle of sola Scriptura, holds Scripture as its highest authority. Passages such as 2 Timothy 3:16 underscore that “All Scripture is God-breathed,” establishing its infallibility and sufficiency in matters of faith and practice.

2. Reformed Theology: Rooted in the heritage of John Calvin, the Christian Reformed Church teaches that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (cf. Ephesians 2:8–9). Its doctrinal convictions also include a strong emphasis on God’s sovereignty, humanity’s fallen nature, Christ’s atoning sacrifice, and the necessity of redemption through Christ’s resurrection.

3. Covenantal Framework: Members of the Christian Reformed Church view God’s relationship with His people in covenantal terms. This perspective connects the Old and New Testaments as a unified story of redemption where believers are heirs according to God’s promises (cf. Galatians 3:29).

Foundational Confessions

1. Belgic Confession (1561): Affirms the doctrine of God, the authority of Scripture, and the nature of the church.

2. Heidelberg Catechism (1563): Emphasizes comfort in Christ, structured around guilt, grace, and gratitude.

3. Canons of Dort (1619): Elaborates on doctrines of grace and salvation, famously summarized by the TULIP acronym (Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, Perseverance of the Saints).

These confessions provide cohesive teaching points, unifying believers on core doctrines. They are anchored in passages such as Jude 1:3: “…contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints.”

Church Governance and Structure

The Christian Reformed Church follows a presbyterian governance model, which means decisions are made collaboratively by a body of elders (presbyters). Congregations elect elders and deacons who form church councils, which in turn connect to broader assemblies such as Classis (regional gatherings) and Synod (the denomination’s highest governing body). The goal is to ensure accountability and faithfulness to Scripture, in keeping with Titus 1:5: “…appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.”

Worship and Sacraments

1. Worship: Services typically include preaching God’s Word, congregational singing, prayers, and the reading of Scripture as the central focus. The content of worship highlights God’s majesty, human dependence upon Him, and the redemptive work of Christ.

2. Sacraments: The Christian Reformed Church observes two sacraments:

- Baptism: Administered to believing adults and their children, signifying inclusion in God’s covenant people (cf. Acts 2:38–39).

- Lord’s Supper (Communion): Celebrates the believer’s union with Christ, calling to mind His sacrifice and resurrection (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).

Mission and Ministries

A vibrant missionary and humanitarian zeal characterizes the Christian Reformed Church. Denominational agencies focus on evangelism, church planting, global relief work, and educational endeavors.

Additionally, the Christian Reformed Church invests in Christian education. Many families choose faith-based schools or homeschooling options, reflecting the view that all knowledge is under Christ’s lordship (cf. Colossians 1:16–17).

Commitment to Scripture’s Reliability

Throughout its history, the Christian Reformed Church has consistently upheld the Bible as trustworthy. In light of discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, which demonstrate remarkable consistency in textual transmission, the Christian Reformed Church recognizes these extensive manuscript evidences as further affirmations of Scripture’s reliability. Archaeological findings in lands of the Bible (including writings referencing ancient Israel and confirming cultural details from biblical times) also support the historicity valued by the Reformed tradition in understanding God’s progressive revelation and redemptive acts in history.

Modern Context and Challenges

Like many denominations, the Christian Reformed Church grapples with social, theological, and cultural questions. It approaches these issues by returning to Scripture and seeking guidance through prayer, synodical study reports, and dialogue within congregations—while striving to remain firmly anchored in its Reformed roots.

Spiritual Emphasis and Call to Glorify God

The Christian Reformed Church echoes the biblical teaching that humankind’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever (cf. Psalm 86:9). The communal life and personal devotion of Christian Reformed believers reflect a commitment to magnify God’s name, proclaim Christ crucified and risen, and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In upholding the resurrection of Christ—“He is not here; He has risen” (Luke 24:6)—the Christian Reformed Church proclaims the message central to the gospel: that eternal life and the hope of salvation come through the risen Lord. This hope undergirds its theology, shapes its ministries, and compels its members to live out the commands of Christ in every aspect of life.

Conclusion

The Christian Reformed Church stands on a rich heritage of Reformed doctrine, covenant theology, and a commitment to biblical authority. Emphasizing God’s sovereignty, the salvation accomplished through Christ, and the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work, it continually seeks to honor the Lord in worship, governance, service, and mission.

Grounded in confessional statements, the Christian Reformed Church pursues the great calling to “declare His glory among the nations” (1 Chronicles 16:24), convinced that God’s Word is both historically reliable and spiritually transformative. By anchoring itself in Scripture and responding to contemporary needs with faithfulness and compassion, the Christian Reformed Church endeavors to glorify God and proclaim His redeeming love to all.