Free Reformed Churches of North America
Encyclopedia
The Free Reformed Churches of North America (FRCNA) is a theologically conservative federation of churches in the Dutch Calvinist tradition with congregations in the United States
and Canada
. It officially adopted its current name in 1974.
These churches together confess the Bible to be the Word of God and believe it is faithfully summarized by the Belgic Confession
, Heidelberg Catechism
, and Canons of Dort
. This denomination adheres to the five points of Calvinism
. It is affiliated with the Christian Reformed Churches of the Netherlands (Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerken - CGKN).
The Free Reformed Churches of North America should not be confused (although named quite similarly) with the Free Reformed Churches of Australia
or Free Reformed Churches of South Africa
.
Its members believe the true Church is recognized by the "pure preaching of God's Word." This preaching is the proclamation of the whole Word of God (the Bible), the attributes of God the Creator, the sin which humanity has fallen into, the redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit in both bringing sinners to salvation and sanctifying them in this life.
(PRTS) in Grand Rapids, Michigan
. The seminary opened in 1995 and offers master's degrees in divinity or religion. PRTS has an enrollment of 65-70 students (2008 figure).
, believing that while these three historic Reformed creeds are not inspired by God, they do agree with, and are a faithful summary of the Word of God in all respects:
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. It officially adopted its current name in 1974.
These churches together confess the Bible to be the Word of God and believe it is faithfully summarized by the Belgic Confession
Belgic Confession
The Confession of Faith, popularly known as the Belgic Confession, is a doctrinal standard document to which many of the Reformed churches subscribe. The Confession forms part of the Reformed Three Forms of Unity...
, Heidelberg Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
The Heidelberg Catechism is a Protestant confessional document taking the form of a series of questions and answers, for use in teaching Reformed Christian doctrine...
, and Canons of Dort
Canons of Dort
The Canons of Dort, or Canons of Dordrecht, formally titled The Decision of the Synod of Dort on the Five Main Points of Doctrine in Dispute in the Netherlands, is the judgment of the National Synod held in the Dutch city of Dordrecht in 1618–19...
. This denomination adheres to the five points of Calvinism
Calvinism
Calvinism is a Protestant theological system and an approach to the Christian life...
. It is affiliated with the Christian Reformed Churches of the Netherlands (Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerken - CGKN).
The Free Reformed Churches of North America should not be confused (although named quite similarly) with the Free Reformed Churches of Australia
Free Reformed Churches of Australia
The ' is a federation of 15 congregations, 13 in Western Australia and two in Tasmania, with over 4000 members. Their historical roots are in the Reformed Churches of the Netherlands as a result of post-World War II immigration, and their doctrinal roots are in the sixteenth century Protestant...
or Free Reformed Churches of South Africa
Free Reformed Churches of South Africa
The Free Reformed Churches in South Africa is a bond of Protestant Christian churches. It follows Reformed Calvinist theology and has adopted three forms of unity as its doctrinal standards: Canons of Dordt, Belgic Confession and the Heidelberg Catechism and subscribes to the three Ecumenical...
.
Church
The Free Reformed Churches see the church as a community of people who believe in Jesus Christ. They believe that the church is a divine institution, for three reasons:- It is made up of God's people.
- It is the body of Christ.
- It is the temple of the Holy Spirit and is guided by its teaching.
Its members believe the true Church is recognized by the "pure preaching of God's Word." This preaching is the proclamation of the whole Word of God (the Bible), the attributes of God the Creator, the sin which humanity has fallen into, the redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit in both bringing sinners to salvation and sanctifying them in this life.
Baptism
The Free Reformed Churches hold to infant baptism, believing that the Bible teaches that children born of believing parents are set apart by God and therefore members of His Covenant of Grace. However, being in the Covenant still carries with it the necessity for every person to be born again, which is a promise given that needs to be prayed for, and asked fulfillment of, from God.Pastoral education
The FRCNA is served by the Puritan Reformed Theological SeminaryPuritan Reformed Theological Seminary
The Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary is a conservative Calvinist seminary located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The seminary's self-stated distinctive among Reformed seminaries in North America is a focus on experiential preaching and teaching. PRTS is the official seminary of the Heritage...
(PRTS) in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
. The seminary opened in 1995 and offers master's degrees in divinity or religion. PRTS has an enrollment of 65-70 students (2008 figure).
Three Forms of Unity
The FRCNA fully subscribe to the Three Forms of UnityThree Forms of Unity
The Three Forms of Unity is a collective name for the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, and the Heidelberg Catechism, which reflect the doctrinal concerns of Continental Calvinism and are accepted as official statements of doctrine by many of the Reformed churches.-History:From 1618 to 1619...
, believing that while these three historic Reformed creeds are not inspired by God, they do agree with, and are a faithful summary of the Word of God in all respects:
- Belgic Confession of FaithBelgic ConfessionThe Confession of Faith, popularly known as the Belgic Confession, is a doctrinal standard document to which many of the Reformed churches subscribe. The Confession forms part of the Reformed Three Forms of Unity...
(1561) - Heidelberg CatechismHeidelberg CatechismThe Heidelberg Catechism is a Protestant confessional document taking the form of a series of questions and answers, for use in teaching Reformed Christian doctrine...
(1563) - Canons of DortCanons of DortThe Canons of Dort, or Canons of Dordrecht, formally titled The Decision of the Synod of Dort on the Five Main Points of Doctrine in Dispute in the Netherlands, is the judgment of the National Synod held in the Dutch city of Dordrecht in 1618–19...
(1618/19)
Early Christian Church creeds
The FRCNA also fully subscribe to the three creeds of the early Christian church:- Apostles' CreedApostles' CreedThe Apostles' Creed , sometimes titled Symbol of the Apostles, is an early statement of Christian belief, a creed or "symbol"...
(+-150 A.D.) - Nicene CreedNicene CreedThe Nicene Creed is the creed or profession of faith that is most widely used in Christian liturgy. It is called Nicene because, in its original form, it was adopted in the city of Nicaea by the first ecumenical council, which met there in the year 325.The Nicene Creed has been normative to the...
(381 A.D.) - Athanasian CreedAthanasian CreedThe Athanasian Creed is a Christian statement of belief, focusing on Trinitarian doctrine and Christology. The Latin name of the creed, Quicumque vult, is taken from the opening words, "Whosoever wishes." The Athanasian Creed has been used by Christian churches since the sixth century...
(500 A.D.)
Publications
Free Reformed Publications publishes and prints various books, magazines, and articles on behalf of the FRCNA. These include:Magazines and articles
- The Messenger (the official monthly publication of the denomination)
- The Youth Messenger
- Open Windows (a Christian children's magazine)
- Banner of Truth Messages (evangelistic outreach messages)
Books
- Cornelis (Neil) Pronk, Expository Sermons on the Canons of Dort, 1999.
- Cornelis (Neil) Pronk, Faith of Our Fathers: Studies in the Doctrines of Grace.
- David H. Kranendonk, ed., Voices From Our Heritage, 2005.
- Gerald R. Procee, Holy Baptism: The Scriptural Setting, Significance and Scope of Infant Baptism, 1998.
- Andrew Van Der Veer, Bible Lessons for Juniors, 4 vols., 2007. (co-published with Reformation Heritage Books)
- Their Lives & Your Life: Children's Devotions on Bible Characters, 2007. (co-published with Reformation Heritage Books)