Back in the 90′s there were some groups promoting conferences in the OC that had “reformational” theology and worldviews. I seem to remember a group that was overseen by David Bahnsen that would meet at Cal State Fullerton on an annual basis (What were those initials?? SCSFRF?? Sorry, escapes me…). There was also the ascension of CURe (Christians United for Reformation) that was spearheaded by Michael Scott Horton, Kim Riddlebarger, and Rod Rosenblatt – Now of the Whitehorse Inn radio (pod-cast) fame. Of course, an occassional Ligonier’s Conference hosted by Dr. RC Sproul could come to the OC every few years… But a standing conference exploring the benefits of Reformation theology has been sorely absent from our beloved county for over a decade. (Oh yeah, there was always a “Growing Reformed Churches” conference in Chino that was worthwhile — but again, out of the OC, and only among those former Dutch dairy lands!)
This might mean something. Perhaps Reformation theology just is too specialized among the broader evangelical culture and therefore is not a “draw” in the land of mega-churches. Perhaps churches which are “Reformed” are too busy with their own denominations that they don’t have time to collaborate. Perhaps Reformed folks are generally overwhelmed with homeschooling all their children and writing all their books!
But something has happened in the OC in the dos-mil’s! There ARE a number of conservative Reformed/Presbyterian churches being planted in the county (of this stripe, there are): 3 (possibly 4) in Irvine, 1 in Newport, 1 in Orange, 1 in Yorba Linda, 1 forming in south county — even a confessional Baptist plant in Orange. [Of course, they join some long existing churches in Aliso Creek, Costa Mesa, Westminster... and yet, all of this is contrasted with plenty of Reformed/Presbyterian Churches that have dissolved in these same areas -- some of their beautiful campuses becoming locations for mega-church minded ministries, or others on the verge of bankruptcy -- Most of these Reformed/Presbyterian churches won't even mention their denominational affiliation in their church name].
However, there does seem to be some kind of resurgance of reformational theology in the broader evangelical culture. Wasn’t it Time Magazine that claimed that Calvinism was a Top 10 Trend in our nation currently? There is some evidence that this could be true. Restless and Reformed evangelicals ARE now collaborating with one another. Affiliations such as Together for the Gospel and the Gospel Coalition, are making an impact. Movements such as Sovereign Grace and Acts 29 are becoming widely known. Preachers such as Begg, Driscol, Piper, Tchividjian (like it sounds), and others who have been branded as “Reformed” are actually popularly accepted.
So it is time to build on this movement! A movement that continues to look back at the Biblical categories established by the early church for worship, service, and evangelism. A movement that is clear about God’s reign over mankind in all matters — ESPECIALLY salvation. A movement that must reclaim the clarity of doctrine and distinctions championed at the Protestant Reformation – because we have been wandering a bit here in the OC. Maybe we should acknowledge this current momentum and train church members to understand the nature of the church and bring reformation to our lives, ministry, and this truly blessed county!
- Because of this: www.ReformationOCconference.com
Happy to hear your thoughts (especially on all those names and groups I butchered!),
Tags: Irvine, Protestant Reformation, Reformation conference, Reformed Worship, The OC
