The Reformed Missional Church
A Reformed missional church integrates Reformed theology—emphasizing God’s sovereignty, grace, and scripture—with a missional mindset, focusing on being sent into the world to embody the Gospel rather than merely attracting people to church services. This approach shifts from a church-centric model to a kingdom-centric one, where congregations serve as "sent" communities for local and global renewal. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Key aspects of the Reformed Missional approach include:
- Mission as Identity: The church is fundamentally defined by its mission from God, acting as a "pilgrim people" who embody, demonstrate, and proclaim the Gospel in their local context.
- Reformed Theology as Foundation: It merges orthodox Reformed doctrine with practical missional action, often described as "churchly" work—done by, though, and for the church.
- Worship and Sending: Worship is viewed as the "heart" that fills the congregation, which then sends them out into the world (the "veins and arteries") for daily ministry and evangelism.
- Local Action: Examples include initiatives like community food pantries, specialized local ministries, and community development, aiming to be a "church for others".
- Church Planting: A strong focus on establishing new, healthy Reformed congregations, particularly in places where the church has declined or is unknown. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
Resources such as the "Reformed Means Missional" resource from Reformed Theological Seminary explore how to bridge these theological and practical approaches. [1]
Reformed missional churches are confessional, Calvinistic congregations that emphasize church-planting and global evangelism directly overseen by the local church, rather than parachurch agencies. Key denominations include the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC), Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS), and Reformed Mission Services (RMS) member churches. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Here are specific examples of denominations and networks with a strong missional focus:
Key Reformed Denominations and Missions Boards [1, 2]
- Presbyterian Church in America (PCA): Operates Mission to the World (MTW), which focuses on aggressive church planting.
- Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC): Features an active Worldwide Outreach missions program.
- Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS): A communion of confessional churches focused on church planting and global evangelism.
- Reformed Church in America (RCA): Focuses on congregational mission work, with over 50 missional impact partner churches.
- Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC): Active in global missions, specifically in Europe and through partnering with agencies like Training Leaders International.
- Reformed Baptist Network (RBNet): A network focused on church-centered, cooperative missions.
- United Reformed Churches in North America (URCNA): Many congregations are involved in Reformed Mission Services. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]
Key Missions Organizations
- Reformed Mission Services (RMS): An organization that assists conservative Reformed churches in mission work.
- Heart Cry Missionary Society: A society focused on indigenous church planting.
- Westminster Biblical Missions: A Presbyterian/Reformed mission board. [1, 2, 3, 4]
These churches generally hold to the doctrines found in the Westminster Confession of Faith or the Three Forms of Unity. [1, 2, 3, 4]
