The Abide Project is a group of concerned pastors, scholars, and church leaders from the Christian Reformed Church in North America. In light of shifting theology based on cultural waves in our western world, the Abide Project exists to offer a biblical rebuttal to cultural ideas and provide biblical catechesis to the laity of the CRC and the wider world.
Our Mission: “For the sake of the true Gospel, the faithfulness of Christ's Church, the glory of God, and the good of His people, we strive for the Christian Reformed Church to uphold the historic, beautiful, Biblical understanding of human sexuality in doctrine, discipleship, and discipline.”
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While we must not adopt a social gospel understanding still social concern and work is a very direct implication of "Love your neighbor as yourself".
You demonstrate the same selective reporting that FOX news does in the political sphere. You conveniently avoided mentioning that Better Together got the idea of "Protest" from a midwestern classis that has sent delegates to Synod for 25 years "under protest" over the women in office issue. I genuinely hope you are right, that this will be the start of a revival in the CRC (I''m fascinated you use the word "revival," a word foreign to the Reformed tradition). May God bless what remains of the CRC and those of us who have been forced out against our will.
If you read overtures 47 or 48, they clearly outline how the WICO protest was directly created and allowed by Synod, and how different that is from these churches that were trying to "qualify" their participation in the denomination. The two forms of "protest" have nothing in common.
3:28 Are individuals in a state of protest able to take Communion?
Discipline of members is governed by the local Council, and baring from Communion is generally one of the steps, so I would doubt any were immediately barred from the table?
I read that their are 28 affirming CRC churches in Grand Rapids . Is there a list ? Does anyone know if Madison Square Church is one ? I read their website and it appears like they could be . They are pushing marxism and the woke agenda.
There are 28 (or so) churches across the denomination (US and Canada, and I believe that includes both affirming and protesting churches), and I'm very certain Madison Square is not one of them.
Great work brethren!
I grew up with a lot of family and friends who are CRC. This is incredible news. God Bless this denomination.
Appreciate the update, grew up in the CRC and have been concerned about the trajectory towards cultural ideology instead of biblical truth. Happy with the outcome.
Go ahead and congratulate yourselves for ousting believers for being different than you. I’m sure that you think your god is proud of you.
So you have proven yourself to be every bit as judgemental and prejudiced as you accuse them of being.
Womp womp
@@jeffp3415 … you could be right. OR, I am one of the casualties speaking from close experience. Thing is, none of you care which is true. You tell yourself you’re doing God’s will. You’re not. You’re just hurting people to feel powerful. “Make the CRC Great Again”
@@dependalytical wow, that's not arrogant at all
@@dependalytical Do you read the Bible? If you do, and you haven't come up with interpretations that bizarrely stretch and deny its truth, you would have to conclude that this sysnod DID do God's will. No one pushed the "affirmers" out. They are pushing themselves out as they refuse to reconsider their position, much less repent of it.
Congrats to the CRC for trying to remain committed to the CRC. Besides the clear moral, biblical, and confessional reasons for synod's actions, they were also necessary from an identity standpoint. Affirming churches are a dime a dozen in today's world (even in the "Reformed" world with the RCA & the PCUSA). So are broad evangelical churches. What makes denominations that the CRC distint are their Reformed commitments. Once a denomination drifts from them they have lost the reason for their existence.
Great reports again this year. Thanks for your time and effort to summarize each day of Synod.
What good news and an answer to prayer. I grew up in and love the CRC church. As I'm living in VA I'm now a member of the PCA.
Well done. Nice coverage all week, and thank you for all your hard work. Blessings.
The conservatives elsewhere are watching the CRC now, paying a close attention to how things play out. Hoping that traditional position prevails. Happy about Consejo Latino and Korean CRCs that have a clear position on that as well.
A link to offending church's public platforms would be interesting so people can see what you are talking about. If what you say is going against scripture, the ones in question are following Satan, which means they are leading others to hell with them. It is not just a denomination thing.
Curious; is there an Abide black list ready to go for today?
Hmm guess we will wait to hear! What will we do when they come for us?
This is like how Kevin, in Home Alone, acts towards his neighbor. Maybe you should actually talk to people rather than just going with the nonsense your brothers (and sisters) are feeding you
@@moecrazy Huh? Kevin was kind of cute in those videos (he has much more hair) but I'm just going with the references from these videos. I wouldn't call these videos nonsense. Much is helpful here. But they do repeatedly say things like 'my friend in Ontario shared" this or that from Classis or a church's website or social media. So there seems like a list. (So when Abide puts out a video challenging certain churches or groups in a public way on these videos... that's ok... but if a comment is made here... in their comment section... that is too public? Hmmm...)
@@joankoole2864 Repent? I thought that was made abundantly clear in Wednesday's proceedings.
Pretty sure a blacklist is exactly what President Derek is talking about right now when he pleas for us to avoid fighting the bad fight in online spaces. I'm happy with what this Synod has accomplished, but it is not cause for publishing blacklists.
Thank you for the update. I’m encouraged by the delegates being mature in their faith and doing what’s difficult.
Not shaping the history of our beloved church but rather splitting it! Our God is a God of love and would never act the way you think He does! So so sad!
God divides families as a matter of His redemptive power. No church or collection of churches are above that.
@@StevenSmith-1863 , Amen!
What, then does one do with the story of expulsion from Eden, or the flood of Noah's Day, or Jesus teaching of the separation of the sheep from the goats, or loving God more than mother and/or father? Ultimately, as Deuteronomy makes clear, it is not God's decision but our own. Prior to entering the promised land he make it clear that there experience (blessing vs. curse, prosperity vs. destruction, life vs. death) rested in their own hands: would they follow Torah (teaching/instruction) or not. He disciplines those whom he loves. See it as positive, not negative.
The UCC is looking for members.
Any split that occurs in this situation is a result of churches that have broken covenant with the denomination by willfully ignoring the confessions and doctrine that the vast majority of the denomination makes every effort to follow.
What would Jesus do? He did not send anyone away.
***confused Mark 10 and Matthew 25 noises***
Speaking of the RCA relationship. Do you two see a possibility of the Alliance of Reformed Chrurches merging with the Christian Reformed Church because of Unity on the human sexuality issue? It'd be a suitable replacement for the unity with the RCA
You probably will have cake and celebrate tonight as well with your Abide friends. The rest of us will be in tears because we are losing so many wonderful Christians who have served the church so faithfully.
Alliance is a new and developing body, and there is certainly much we agree with them on, yet other items where we are not as well meshed together. I think that there are ARC churches (as well as RCA churches) that will join and become full CRC churches in the next 2-5 years, and there will also be many Alliance churches that will work well together with CRC in local contexts.
Yes, why don't you join the alliance and let the rest of us have our church back, a church known for ever transforming and reforming and exhibiting just how wide and high and deep is the love of Jesus? Jesus is our gatekeeper of the sheepfold. Worshipping doctrine and basing our salvation on the doctrines of our faith minimizes the grace of our Savior and puts too much pride in our efforts and decisions.
@@patcavanaugh429, why would 75% of the denomination leave?
Yes, 75 per cent of the delegates to Synod who we know were intentionally members or sympathetic to Abide would leave and they would have their followers. But I am probably twice your age and have many friends in churches across the states and even Canada who pay no attention to Synod and are just busy with loving and serving the Lord in their church families and communities. Their faith is not threatened by what other church councils do and think. If Abide established their own denomination, you could be assured of having your pure church where everyone thinks the same way and your faith wouldn't be threatened. You could have your own seminary and college to train everyone to think with Abide instead of trying to infiltrate Calvin's and the Seminary 's boards to cleanse those institutions. Your group would be very happy to have your pure church and the rest of us could continue to be a hospital for sinners as the true CRC, an ever reforming and transforming people who love the Lord and seek to evidence the fruits of the Spirit, whose faith is not threatened by divergent thought. Both sides would be happy instead of the sadness we witnessed from both groups at Synod. Abide would also be evidencing the Fruits of the Spirit to the outside world and that Light could draw more people to Jesus instead of driving them away.
Thank you for the update guys. We're going to try to attend after work again tonight 😊
I wonder if the 'global vision team' has anything to do the RCA's shift to become a more global network, or even help strengthen ties with the ARC.
At 19:35 I believe the vote total was closer to 3/4 to 1/4
It's interesting to see by God's providence the CRCNA be so concerned about global outreach, but not perhaps as concerned about say the regulative principle of worship and rethinking according to Scripture the idea of a cultural mandate and thus of cultural engagement that causes them to massage the biblical emphases of the three forms of unity. This is not to say EVERY church in the CRCNA does, but more the characterization of the leadership and that they may be counting their chickens a little too soon. Many other reforms in the CRC are needed before they are ready for global missions and expansion.
One wonders how somebody who does not hold to infant baptism (probably from a Baptist denomination) becomes an office bearer who has to sign the form? It seems to me that the council or the elders need to talk more carefully to understand what a candidate actually believes before adding such a person to the candidate list. I keep a list of where I have issues with the confessions. Each item of which would not allow me to sign the form. For example, I can't find in scripture a place where the filioque in the Nicene creed is confirmed. Sooner or later CRC churches will have huge problems finding office bearers if we make every jot and title of the creeds essential.
If any church whether Creedo or Paedo excludes the other while allowing women into office then that speaks volumes to where that Church or denomination currently is. One is 100% undoubtedly clear and the other is not so much.
Because after reading the bible ppl find out that Infant baptism is not biblical !
God's word is pretty clear that women should not be in the office and definitely not for women pastors . The authority of God in Scripture from the book of Timothy has been torn out in many CRCs . It's about obedience . .. Satan whispers in ppl's ears ; did God really say.... A slow fade leads to other sins in the church . Now transgender serving on staff in a CRC in Muskegon .. Come back to your first love .. not man's opinions .
This year's synod is about punishment. Get out the rot right? The denomination is about to break baptismal vows with a huge chunk of the denomination. These two act so innocent and jovial. The CRCNA's doctrine is basically a sexual ethic. Thanks for laughing at us boys.
All this talk of water, I was beginning to think these guys were Baptists.
Need lots of House keeping with lies which comes from the father of lies that are entering the area churches . Bethany CRC in Muskegon women pastor who supports Marxism BLM and homosexual , they have a trans gender on their staff , Madison Square CRC women pastors , social justice gospel , promoting marxism - BLM in all the books they promote to read . I'm sure there are more woke agendas moving in other churches . Women in the office are against God's authority ! Christian cannot be removing God's word . John 8:51 Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” John 8:31 if you abide in my word , you are my disciples indeed . These are apostate churches . These pastors are being their congregation into bondage , a slave to sin !. Therefore if the Son ( Jesus ) makes you free, you shall be free indeed.. CRC churches need to teach the whole counsel of God verse by verse chapter by chapter . Gen -Rev Gen 1-11 is the foundation of the Christian . Satan was smart to go through Eve . She was deceived !! Do not be conformed to the world but be transformed by renewing your mind in all of scriptures !
I had a wonderful opportunity to fill the pulpit at Dorr CRC where Reverend Parsels ministers back in 2021. Great to see you still fighting the good fight in the CRC. Blessings from the CREC!
Thanks for the update, Tyler and Cedric!
Thankful for the Abide Project and the helpful synopsis of the day.
Your gleeful humor does not fit the context of distress for many watching this Synod. Perhaps you don’t intend to address those who feel harmed by the tumult.
What's going on?
Oh no, the “tone” police are out again! Sorry, but the Joy of the Lord is to be our strength!
Where are you detecting glee?
Agreed, thank you @thomashoeksemasr7949.
Thomas, maybe you can find a video from Puddleglum to keep you up to date on Synod’s proceedings???
Helpful guys. Thanks for taking the time to make a report.
Heartbreaking what you're doing to this denomination.
It is indeed heartbreaking that a small minority of the denomination doesn't want to follow basic Christian doctrine.
@@margorana2628 - Nope.
If following the Bible's teachings is heartbreaking then possibly you are missing teaching, rebuking and encouraging that Paul teaches Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2 "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction."
@@JP-hm8wt - Nope. That's not the heartbreaking part, but thanks.
I'm a member of the CRC in Cuba. We pray for our brothers and sisters in the CRCNA. May the Lord guide you in every decision to make at this coming Synod 🙏
I am praying for you and your compatriots for softened hearts that recognize Christians can disagree and still worship the same Savior. It is not our job to be gatekeepers; this is Christ's job.
The CRC is heading in the same direction as the United Methodist
I think that is highly unlikely at this point.
This book pushes critical race theory and soft peddles homosexuality and feminism. Pretty sure Rebecca is what Jude warned us about creeping in unnoticed
I used tocrent a basement suite when he was married to Debra de Silva. I am surprised he remarried.
I'm very curious about the overtures related to Calvin University faculty. I know for a fact, and one could determine very easily by walking through the halls of any given department in the humanities, that they would not affirm confessional statements related to unchastity/homosexual behavior. So what happens here?
We are looking forward to your detailed analysis of the synod. We are praying for you.
Sorry, but it seems to me that the "we just have a disagreement" doesn't really work with the current issues in the CRC. There is going to be separation of some from the CRC because they have rejected the teaching of scripture and 2000 years of church history, and they are frankly annoyed that these pesky "fundamentalists" have the temerity to hold to those teachings and resist their progressivism.
"The only think that counts is faith expressing itself through love." "The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' If you keep on biting and devouring each other watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." Galatians 5. Important reminders as Synod 2024 approaches .Mark Paul's words in verse 4 also.
I am not surprised that people are not commenting on this video. It is one of the best books I have ever read
Great video - disagree with your comment on contemporary vs. traditional worship (the claim that young people don't like contemporary worship, they just like being around other young people - 45:47). Obviously there is diversity in tastes, but the attraction to contemporary worship is not just because it's trendy. Young people appreciate the energy and passion that is associated with contemporary worship. Your response will probably be to just perform traditional worship with more passion and energy - and I think that is a good approach - but I think some people (young and old at this point) connect better with the contemporary style. Just like in secular music, there are people you can show Beethoven's 5th to but when they go home they will still queue up their Taylor Swift. My opinion: in the end choose a worship style and mix that works for the community the church is ministering into while exposing them to the beauty found in traditional worship.
I'm skeptical that young people are actually driving the contemporary worship movement (in fact, that's actually wrong. Those responsible for bringing contemporary worship are not middle aged/old). Younger people are flocking to more traditional worship, which is a major advantage to Catholicism. It's hindering Protestantism as a whole.
Sorry but is this just from seeing people on the internet or is it from lived experience? In my observation, you’re totally wrong except for a few vocal people on the internet.
The comments here on contemporary music in church are just flat out wrong. Young people do like the music. There are certainly some that don't. Not all young people are the same. But young people are drawn to contemporary music because it's shallow and easy to both digest. It's also easier to participate in if you want to play an instrument. Four chords on a guitar with a pentatonic melody is much easier to learn than the organ. The difference between Millennials and Gen Z is that many Millennials still had other deep ties to community and such. Gen Z is starved for the deeper things.
Your comments on contemporary music aren't right. I recommend that you look at American Christianity on the whole compared to your local CRC bubble.
@@jahnvantuttlesma8215 I've spent most of my life dealing with church music outside of the CRC. I have a degree in sacred music from Moody Bible Institute and have played in churches on 3 different continents and in a variety of Protestant and Catholic contexts. I also have performed in a variety of non-sacred contexts in many parts of the world. If I'm wrong, feel free to point that out. But it has nothing to do with a bubble.
@@moecrazy Out of curiosity, how long ago were you exposed to these contexts? I have no doubt that when you turn back the clock contemporary music was more popular with the time's youth.
@@jahnvantuttlesma8215 how old do you think I am? Also, there might be some variation based on location. In certain areas the trends might be different, but on a broader scale I think the pattern I observe still holds. I would love to be wrong.
This is so not ok. Abide have been working for years to kick queer beloveds and allies out of the church, have had Abide gatherings where only those that agree with you may attend, and you act incredulous that churches actually holding space with each other across difference ask you to give them space. All that talk for not being included in one meeting, which was pre-communicated and above board, while having the audacity to say we can't be at God's table.
Could you please stop hitting us over the head by claiming the title of reverend. There is nothing reverend about your entire project. I don't see any biblical support for using the term "reverend."
Right, I can't stand when that chaplain Mary Hulst claims to be Reverend
Since she is an ordained minister in and of the CRC she definitely has the right to this claim. These two yahoos also qualify, but they seem to weaponize the term. I also have the right to use it but find it distasteful to use the title to refer to myself.@@mattddulk
The irony of the intolerance; the people who are quickest to judge others for not being loving and accepting enough are absolutely unloving and not accepting of those who disagree with them. Imagine if the shoe were on the other foot and a traditional church prohibited a progressive member from attending a meeting.
Like Banner reporters at Abide conferences?
@@paulgraansma9343 so you're saying the Banner is like a progressive member and not un-biased?
@@mattddulk No that's not what I was trying to say (although I think it is fair to say that Abide has characterized The Banner as such in the past). My point is that it strikes me as ironic that two Abide pastors are lamenting the loss of trust in the denomination as well as discussing the importance of knowing what is going on in other churches, when they themselves would not allow The Banner to report on their own convention. I would agree that trust is at an all time low in the denomination and I don't blame Abide or GRE for limiting who can attend their meetings. I just find it hypocritical to talk about the importance of knowing what is going on around the denomination, while they themselves keep their meetings closed.
@@paulgraansma9343 fair enough, maybe both sides should allow a “post game interview”
@@mattddulk Not posting clickbait titles like "GRE Kicked Us Out!" might be a good step
First… again
Abide Project videos don't generally generate the same level of comments as say those on Paul's channel.....
This is a very "clickbait" thumbnail, with Gavin and Herb (two of the most popular faces from Synod 2023 on it), then it is just Tyler and I on the video. What a let down that must be! (For the record though, both of them did speak on panels at the convention).