Division, Discernment, Decision-Making, and Hope
While we celebrate the work of God in and through the RCA, it is also clear that the RCA is at a crossroads. The existence of increasingly divergent theologies and practices around biblical interpretation and human sexuality have led us to a place of deep division. At General Synod 2018, interim General Secretary Donald Poest recommended a task force be formed in light of our divisions, to research structural options for the future of the denomination.
The Vision 2020 team was formed, and worked over the course of several years to create a report and recommendations for the future of the RCA. The report was released in June 2020. It includes three parts: (1) a radical restructuring of the RCA, (2) a mutually-generous exit plan for those who do not wish to stay in that restructured RCA, and (3) the formation of a mission agency to house RCA global mission projects, so that whether churches stay or leave, they could continue to support Reformed global missions.
The Vision 2020 team was formed, and worked over the course of several years to create a report and recommendations for the future of the RCA. The report was released in June 2020. It includes three parts: (1) a radical restructuring of the RCA, (2) a mutually-generous exit plan for those who do not wish to stay in that restructured RCA, and (3) the formation of a mission agency to house RCA global mission projects, so that whether churches stay or leave, they could continue to support Reformed global missions.
However, the report was not voted on. Due to the pandemic, General Synod was cancelled and the vote on the report was postponed. Recently, a special session of Synod was announced for October, 2021. At this time the report will receive a vote.
During this prolonged time of division and discernment in the RCA, there has been understandable unrest about the future of the RCA, and whether our Canadian churches will still find a home in this denomination. Some have said that they will stay, regardless of the outcomes of the vote. Many others have said that they will stay until the decisions about Vision 2020 are made, and then they will do their discernment about whether to stay or leave based on where the RCA “lands”. And still others have determined that they will leave the RCA, regardless.
In the midst of all of this, it is important that we continue to listen to God and to each other. Several churches have requested resources to help them have congregational discussions about topics like sexuality, biblical interpretation, a response to the Vision 2020 report, and discernment about their future in the RCA. In collaboration with the executive teams of our 3 classes, the Regional Synod has prepared this toolkit for healthy congregational decision-making discussions.
During this prolonged time of division and discernment in the RCA, there has been understandable unrest about the future of the RCA, and whether our Canadian churches will still find a home in this denomination. Some have said that they will stay, regardless of the outcomes of the vote. Many others have said that they will stay until the decisions about Vision 2020 are made, and then they will do their discernment about whether to stay or leave based on where the RCA “lands”. And still others have determined that they will leave the RCA, regardless.
In the midst of all of this, it is important that we continue to listen to God and to each other. Several churches have requested resources to help them have congregational discussions about topics like sexuality, biblical interpretation, a response to the Vision 2020 report, and discernment about their future in the RCA. In collaboration with the executive teams of our 3 classes, the Regional Synod has prepared this toolkit for healthy congregational decision-making discussions.
A TOOLKIT FOR HEALTHY CONGREGATIONAL DECISION-MAKING
HISTORY OF DECISIONS AND ACTIONS IN THE RCA REGARDING HUMAN SEXUALITY
VISION 2020 - HISTORY AND REPORT
BOOKS ON DISCERNMENT
HOW TO CREATE THE SPACE FOR HIGH-STAKES CONVERSATIONS
FREE LEADERSHIP COACHING
THE COLOSSIAN FORUM
COLOSSIAN FORUM SMALL GROUP CURRICULUM
*Curriculum is available for your church through an RSC grant. First come, first served!
COLOSSIAN FORUM FACILITATOR TRAINING
*Facilitator training is available for your church through an RSC grant. First come, first served!
HISTORY OF DECISIONS AND ACTIONS IN THE RCA REGARDING HUMAN SEXUALITY
VISION 2020 - HISTORY AND REPORT
- How we got here
- Vision 2020 report
- Vision 2020 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Vision 2020 Reading & Discussion Guide
BOOKS ON DISCERNMENT
- Pursuing God's Will Together - Ruth Haley Barton
- Discerning God's Will Together - Morris & Olsen
- Finding the Will of God - Bruce K. Waltke
HOW TO CREATE THE SPACE FOR HIGH-STAKES CONVERSATIONS
- Creating a Container for Conversation - article
FREE LEADERSHIP COACHING
- Marijke is a trained leadership coach, and is available to coach pastors and leaders who are facilitating discussion processes in their congregations. Email mstrong@reformed-church.com for more information.
THE COLOSSIAN FORUM
- Colossian Forum Website - The Forum's MISSION is to equip leaders to transform cultural conflicts into opportunities for spiritual growth and witness. Their VISION is a Christian community that acts Christian, especially in the face of conflict.
COLOSSIAN FORUM SMALL GROUP CURRICULUM
*Curriculum is available for your church through an RSC grant. First come, first served!
- Colossian Forum Sexuality Discussion Curriculum - $15 USD per workbook
- Colossian Forum Small Group Discussion Kit (training for 2 facilitators + 12 participant workbooks) - $390 USD ($488 value)
- Free: Sexuality Discussion Curriculum Sample Download
COLOSSIAN FORUM FACILITATOR TRAINING
*Facilitator training is available for your church through an RSC grant. First come, first served!
- Two-hour facilitator training - $79 USD
To find out more, to ask about resources, to request coaching,
or for help in discerning which tools best fit your congregation,
contact Marijke at mstrong@reformed-church.com.
or for help in discerning which tools best fit your congregation,
contact Marijke at mstrong@reformed-church.com.