If you have ever wondered what the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) is, what it believes, and how it differs from other Christian traditions, you are not alone. Across the world, many believers are searching for churches that stay true to Scripture while also engaging modern life with love, wisdom, and compassion.
The Christian Reformed Church stands as one of those rare communities that hold tightly to biblical truth while opening its doors to heartfelt worship, social justice, and a deep sense of community.
But what really makes it “Reformed”? How is it different from other Christian denominations? And why does it still matter in a fast changing world where faith often feels divided?
Let us explore together.
What Does the Christian Reformed Church Believe?
At its heart, the Christian Reformed Church believes that Jesus Christ is Lord of all. Everything the CRC teaches and practices flows from that truth.
The church is rooted in the Reformation, a movement that began in the 1500s when believers like Martin Luther and John Calvin called the Church back to the Bible. The word “Reformed” simply means “reformed according to the Word of God.”
The CRC emphasizes five key beliefs often summarized as the Five Solas of the Reformation:
Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) – The Bible is the ultimate authority for faith and life.
Sola Fide (Faith Alone) – We are saved by faith, not by works.
Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) – Salvation is a gift from God’s grace.
Solus Christus (Christ Alone) – Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity.
Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be the Glory) – Everything we do should bring glory to God.
The CRC also strongly values community and transformation. It teaches that faith is not just a personal journey but a shared calling to serve God’s world. Members are encouraged to care for creation, seek justice, and love their neighbors as themselves.
You will often hear CRC members say, “All of life belongs to God.” That simple phrase captures the heart of their belief: faith should shape every part of life, from work to family to community involvement.
What Is the Difference Between a Christian and a Reformed Christian?
Every Reformed Christian is a Christian, but not every Christian is Reformed.
The difference lies mostly in the way faith is understood and practiced.
A Christian believes in Jesus Christ as Savior and follows His teachings in Scripture. A Reformed Christian, however, emphasizes God’s sovereignty, meaning that God is in control of all things, including salvation.
Reformed Christians believe that faith itself is a gift from God, not something we earn or choose on our own. This belief is rooted in passages like Ephesians 2:8–9, which says:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
Reformed theology also places great emphasis on covenant community. That means faith is not an individual journey but a family calling. We grow together, pray together, and hold one another accountable in love.
This communal view of faith gives Reformed Christianity a sense of depth and belonging that many people find comforting in a lonely world.
Does the Reformed Church Support LGBTQ?
This question often arises in modern discussions about the church.
The Christian Reformed Church teaches that all people, including those who identify as LGBTQ, are created in the image of God and deeply loved by Him. Members are called to show compassion, grace, and respect to everyone.
However, the CRC’s official stance remains traditional regarding marriage and sexuality. It holds that marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman, as taught in Scripture.
While this belief may seem strict to some, the CRC encourages believers to engage in loving dialogue, not condemnation. The church continues to wrestle with how to express biblical truth in a culture that is rapidly changing.
Many congregations within the CRC emphasize walking alongside LGBTQ individuals with care and prayer, offering community and friendship rather than judgment.
If you are someone who struggles with reconciling faith and identity, the CRC invites you to seek understanding in Scripture and in the presence of compassionate believers who will walk with you, not against you.
What Bible Does the Christian Reformed Church Use?
The Christian Reformed Church uses several translations of the Bible, depending on the context of worship and teaching.
Commonly used versions include:
New International Version (NIV) – popular for its balance of accuracy and readability.
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) – valued for academic and liturgical purposes.
English Standard Version (ESV) – used in many Reformed congregations for its word-for-word translation style.
Regardless of translation, the CRC emphasizes Bible study and personal engagement with Scripture. Members are encouraged to not just read the Bible, but to meditate on it daily, applying it to every part of life.
In CRC communities, Bible study groups are central to faith life. They are places where people wrestle with questions, share insights, and grow together in Christ.
Who Founded the Christian Reformed Church?
The Christian Reformed Church began in 1857 when a group of Dutch immigrants in Michigan separated from the Reformed Church in America (RCA).
These early believers wanted to maintain stricter adherence to Reformed doctrine and worship practices. They felt the RCA had become too open to modern cultural influences that did not align with Scripture.
Led by faithful pastors and families seeking purity in teaching, they formed what would become the CRC.
Over time, the church grew and expanded beyond its Dutch roots, reaching people from many cultures and backgrounds. Today, the CRC operates across North America and around the world, with schools, missions, and community ministries in over 30 countries.
The story of the CRC reminds us that sometimes, faith requires courage to stand apart for the sake of truth.
Do Reformed Christians Believe in Jesus?
Absolutely. Reformed Christians center their entire faith on Jesus Christ.
In fact, one of the core tenets of Reformed theology is that Christ is the head of the Church and the Lord of all creation.
Reformed believers see Jesus not only as Savior but also as King, ruling over every area of life, personal, social, and spiritual.
They believe that through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and opened the way to eternal life.
This belief is not just a doctrine; it is a relationship. Reformed Christians seek to live daily under the loving authority of Christ, trusting Him to lead, guide, and transform their lives.
As John 15:5 reminds us:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.”
Why Did the CRC Split from the RCA?
The Christian Reformed Church and the Reformed Church in America (RCA) share the same Reformation roots, but they took different paths in the 19th century.
In 1857, several congregations left the RCA because they believed the church was becoming too influenced by worldly trends and was not holding firmly enough to the teachings of Scripture and the Reformed confessions.
Issues such as worship style, doctrinal purity, and church discipline led to the split.
While the separation was painful, it reflected a deep desire for faithfulness to God’s Word.
Interestingly, in recent decades, the CRC and RCA have worked toward reconciliation, recognizing their shared mission and values. They often collaborate in missions, education, and community projects.
This story reminds us that even when believers disagree, unity in Christ can still be pursued with love and humility.
What Kind of Church Is a Reformed Church?
A Reformed Church is one that traces its beliefs back to the Reformation and the teachings of John Calvin and other reformers.
It is a church deeply committed to:
The authority of Scripture
The sovereignty of God
The grace of salvation
The calling of believers to serve God in all areas of life
Reformed churches value thoughtful faith. They believe Christians should not just feel deeply about God but also think deeply about Him.
Worship in Reformed churches is often reverent and centered on the preaching of the Word, prayer, and the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
But Reformed churches also believe that faith must be lived out, not just spoken. That is why many CRC congregations are active in social justice, education, and global missions.
They see no divide between sacred and secular because for them, every inch of creation belongs to Christ.
A Prayer for Reflection
“Lord, thank You for the faithfulness of Your Church throughout history. Teach us to walk in truth, to love with grace, and to serve with courage. Help us remember that all of life belongs to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Final Thoughts
The Christian Reformed Church may have begun as a small movement among immigrants, but its influence continues to grow because it stands on timeless truths.
It reminds us that God’s Word is still relevant, that grace still changes lives, and that Christ is still Lord over all.
Whether you are new to faith, exploring church traditions, or seeking a deeper understanding of Scripture, the Christian Reformed Church offers a place where truth and love walk hand in hand.
And perhaps that is what the world needs most today, a church that loves deeply, believes boldly, and lives faithfully for the glory of God.
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