The Chicago Invitation

Yesterday morning I found out that F. Scott Petersen, pastor of Fairfield (NJ) Reformed Church, Chicago Invitation signatory, and my friend for more than twenty years, died on August 4. Read more…

The 2007 General Synod has directed the Commission on Theology to study whether there is a theological basis for including deacons as full members in Classis, Regional Synod, and General Synod.

I have written an opinion on this and sent it to the chair and two other members of the Commission on Theology. As this opinion touches on issues of office, the sacraments, and the nature of the Church (topics which are much discussed on this blog), I have made it available to those of you who wish to read it.

You may find it here.

A teaser:

… proposals to include deacons in the non-local assemblies betray a misunderstanding of the nature of the office of deacon. They also suggest an uncertainty with regard to the purpose of these higher assemblies.

Peace,

Dan

I wonder how long the doctrine of the Kingdom of God has been disappearing from the RCA. Of course no one would deny the doctrine, but it’s hardly robust among us, and it hardly informs or inspires or directs us. Yet it is the single doctrine most characteristically “Reformed.” Read more…