The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Reformed Church in America

What is the difference between the PCA etc. and the RCA? Is there anything wrong with it? I went to a website for a local RCA church and it doesn't look quite right. I can't seem to find their doctrinal statement either, but i didn't look real hard.

Anyway, any input would be appreciated <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Michele

Hi, Michele. The abbreviation PCA stands for "the Presbyterian Church in America," which is a Biblically conservative denomination that broke away from the PCUSA ["Presbyterian Church(USA)"] in the 1970's.

Here are some links for you to learn more about the PCA:

http://www.pcanet.org/

http://www.pcanet.org/general/aboutpca.htm

http://www.pcanet.org/general/beliefs.htm

My wife and I have been members of a PCA church in Elk Grove, CA for over ten years (Soaring Oaks Presbyterian Church - www.soaringoaks.com) and we have been blessed by the Christ-centered, Bible-based preaching and teaching we have received there. In fact, we have been so blessed, that when we recently moved to a new town (far away from any PCA church), we have begun (Lord-willing and with the support of Soaring Oaks Presbyterian Church) to seek a PCA church plant in that town (www.losbanospca.com).

One of the things I like most about the website links I gave you above is that the PCA clearly spells out what it's beliefs are at it's website.

Contrast that with the RCA ("Reformed Church in America"). At the main page of the RCA's denominational website (www.rca.org/index.html), there is no clear indication as to what they, as a denomination, believe. However, if you click on the "Book of Church Order" link, you get a reference to the "Doctrinal Standards" that their denomination maintains. However, their Book of Church Order has little in the way of doctrinal information.

I pray that helps as a starting point.

Trusting in the Lord through His Word,
Ted

Ted,

I rejoice that you are a member of a conservative PCA congregation. However, your present situation unfortunately doesn't represent ALL the congregations in the PCA. There are some which are unacceptable as to their actual doctrinal beliefs and/or practices, which are contrary to the OFFICIAL standards of the denomination. Of course, this can be said of many other denominations/churches as well. There are some Liberal denominations which have a few "rogue" congregations which have held on to their conservative, biblical roots too.

As to the RCA, their "OFFICIAL" doctrinal affirmation consists of the "Belgic Confession", the "Heidelberg Catechism" and the "Canons of Dordt", all of which are historic documents recognized by most Reformed believers. However, you would be hard pressed to find many individual churches who truly believe what those documents state and even fewer that teach them. The RCA is close to apostate at this time. There are some conservative congregations left, perhaps. But most have either left the denomination or they have been kicked out.

Bottom line.... for those seeking a church home, it is usually an arduous and frustrating task. Denominational affiliation is no guarantee that an individual church consistently believes, teaches and/or practices what is contained in the OFFICIAL statements of faith of their respective denomination. One must test each church on an individual basis these days, unfortunately.

In His Grace,

Amen to that, Brother Pilgrim. I cannot argue the point, sadly . . . . . . .

The reformed Church needs a stronger out reach IMO. I am so amazed that I grew up within the church and never heard of "reformed" theology!

A stronger presence in book stores would help. I love that reformed books can be found fairly cheap online, but the average believer doesn't think to look for them. They need to see them displayed.