The discussions around the room were not only stimulating; they evoked emotion and passion from the participants. Although not unusual for an RCA Standards class, it appeared the course in San Francisco last week had an extra measure of intensity. There were debates on the formulation of the Trinity and whether or not people today had encounters with angels as portrayed in the New Testament. The need for the confessions and the addition of the Belhar Confession were all part of the discussion and it made for a lively encounter.
Dr. Paul Fries, the instructor of the class, brought some wonderful insights to the dialogue. 
The addition of Dr. Scot Sherman on Friday morning also contributed to the learning of the group. Given the small class, (eight students) there was opportunity for everyone to participate and have questions answered. When all was said and done there was consensus that much was learned and all gained an appreciation for the RCA’s confessional statements. It was agreed that our lens is unique to us and defines the ministry of the church at large. Taking the rich tradition of the RCA and inviting to the conversation students from California, Iowa and New York, reveals the common understanding we have in the RCA and the distinctions that make us, us.
It is not uncommon for candidates to question the need for taking the RCA Standards course. In particular they ask “What makes the RCA perspective so uniquely different that they must take a whole course on this?” Many consider themselves “reformed” and before taking the course perceive the time and energy asked of them as being redundant and a waste. Once individuals complete the course, many admit much was learned and that the RCA lens does have unique traits and perspectives. They also realize how important it is that RCA leaders share similar points of view. I believe this is one of the reasons why the recent dialogue about “Reformed and Missional” is receiving attention and emphasis.
Interestingly, the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) is not only debating the adoption of the Belhar Confession this year, but the CRC is also in dialogue about what their perspective (lens) actually looks like today. Two Calvin College religion professors have “published scholarly articles asserting that strong evidence from both biblical studies and science creates conflicts with parts of the historic Reformed confessions.” (The Banner, February 2011, pg. 10) According to the Bannerarticle, the professors may have “violated the Form of Subscription, which requires Calvin College faculty to teach and write in accordance with Reformed confessions.” Obviously, the CRC has created its own “lens” and though it is similar to the RCA, it is none the less uniquely theirs. There are no debates such as what is taking place at Calvin College in RCA circles that I am aware of.
What does seem to be a debate for the RCA is the way a number of our candidates and pastors have adopted the perspectives of the New Calvinism. Our certification committees have encountered individuals who claim teachers such as Mark Driscoll, John Piper and Wayne Grudem as having the most significant impact on their perspective. Labeled as “conservative,” “reformed,” and “evangelical,” much of what these modern day gurus teach is valuable, but does not accurately reflect the RCA perspective (lens). The MFCA is thus confronted with the tensions created when candidates have positions around scripture, baptism and women in ministry that do not line up with positions adopted by the RCA. Extreme positions held by candidates may even result in situations where the candidate is deemed a poor “fit” for RCA ministry.
The RCA Standards course is partially designed to assist individuals in determining whether or not they are a good fit for RCA ministry. The course is also a building block for the final declaration asked of all RCA candidates who intend to become ordained Ministers of Word and sacrament — the completion of the credo. All this is done with the hope that when we gather to do ministry, we will have certain fundamental understandings about our mission that will allow us to serve effectively and in harmony.
A candidate once wrote the following to Dr. Fries after taking the RCA Standards class and the credo course… “Just a note to say thanks... The opportunities were a gift – to walk through what I believe with other students and theologians was helpful in further discovering and articulating my own theology, especially helpful as I come near to graduation, ordination, and discernment of the next steps of my call.” I hope and pray many more candidates write similar notes in the future.
Cor
