Reformed Church in America

Who We Are

The Reformed Church in America, which includes some of the best-known congregations in North America, was established on this continent l50 years before the Revolutionary War.

The word Reformed comes from the Protestant Reformation which swept across Europe in the 1500s under the leadership of such men as Martin Luther and John Calvin. Calvin's reformation at Geneva spread to many countries, including, Scotland (where it became the Presbyterian Church) and the Netherlands (where it became our ancestor, the Dutch Reformed Church).

Our history is a long and colorful one which you may enjoy learning more about later. The Dutch Reformed Church established its first congregation in New Amsterdam in 1628. Although Dutch in origin, the Reformed church in America has for decades included peoples of many different races and nationalities in its congregations. The denomination currently has about 960 churches in the United States and Canada, with 201,000 active confirmed members.

What We Believe

We believe the Bible to be the Word of God and the final authority for faith and practice. We believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of those who have faith in him. We believe in the historic Christian faith as confessed in the Apostles' Creed. The Heidelberg Catechism, a 16th century evangelical statement of faith. has played a particularly important role in our history.  See the Reformed Church in America's Beliefs for more information.

Our Local Churches

Each of our congregations is unique, shaped by the needs of its people and its community. Worship services range from highly formal to very informal. In almost all, however you will find good preachings a strong program of Christian education, and sympathetic pastoral counseling. To belong to a Reformed Church is to be part of a warm and caring Christian family.

Our Government

Local churches are governed by elders and deacons who, together with the pastor, form the consistory. Regional governing, bodies are called classes and regional synods. The denomination includes seven regional synods and 44 classes. The highest representative body of the church the general synod, meets once each year to make decisions which affect the life and work of the entire Reformed Church. The mission and educational programs of the denomination are designed by the General Program Council, a body representative of the membership.

Our Mission Program

The Reformed Church in America is a mission-minded church. Long a pioneer in overseas mission, it has consistently made a contribution well beyond its size. It currently supports about 110 missionaries worldwide.

We witness and serve in Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan), Asia (Hong Kong, India, Japan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan), the Middle East (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman)* Mexico (Chiapas), Central America (Honduras, Nicaraguan South America (Ecuador, Venezuela), and in North America (Appalachian, American Indian, urban and other special ministries).

Our Colleges and Seminaries

We maintain three colleges and two theological seminaries. The colleges—all liberal arts institutions with a Christian emphasis—are Central College in Pella, Iowa; Hope College in Holland, Michigan; and Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. Students are trained for various types of Christian ministry at New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan.

Our denomination has a monthly magazine, the Church Herald, which helps keep the RCA family informed.

Our Welcome

We are, in short, a denomination with deep roots, a Strong commitment, a loving spirit, and a forward-looking vision. We hope you will decide to join us.

Taken from "A Three-Minute Tour of the Reformed Church in America." Copyright 1998 Reformed Church Press.

Last modified: October 16, 2007