The Alliance of Reformed Churches was formed in on January 1, 2022, largely of churches leaving the Reformed Church in America (RCA).
The decision had its origins in the 2010s, as the RCA was facing conflicts regarding its positions on Biblical authority, which led to increasing differences among the clergy on issues of the divinity of Jesus, Jesus as the only way to salvation, and the Biblical view of marriage.
When attempts to resolve the issues failed in bringing about an agreement on the authority of the Bible, forty-five congregations began this new organization on the 1st of January, 2022.
The Alliance is headquartered in Grandville, Michigan.
New congregations are received as the Alliance organizational partners at regularly scheduled board meetings after being recommended by the Congregational Alliance Team Representative.
Alliance congregations adopt the doctrinal statements of the organization, these being the Apostles' Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and the Nicene Creed, as well as the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, the Belhar Confession, and the Great Lakes Catechism on Marriage and Sexuality.
The Alliance holds that denominations and other multi-congregational systems are tools given to the Church by the Spirit for the good of the Kingdom, and that they provide new and exciting modes of ministry for local faith communities, but that they are not Biblically mandated.
Alliance congregations affirm that the Bible is the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God, but that understanding the Bible correctly requires the use of consistent exegetical principles that include the grammatical/literary, historical, language, and theological dimensions. The Alliance also affirms the Illumination of the Holy Spirit as the author of God's Word, the Bible.
As an organization of churches, the Alliance exists to encourage, equip, and empower the local congregation. For that reason, the Alliance should always be working in a way that develops healthier missional congregations, limits its own ministry reach, and steps in only when there is no local option.
The Alliance maintains that there are two theologically acceptable positions regarding the interpretation of ordained offices. One position ordains women into the ordained offices of the church. The other limits the ordained offices in which women can service. As an organization, the Alliance respects the choices that member congregations might make regarding the nature of ordained leadership.
However, the credentials of Congregational/Specialized Pastors, Commissioned Pastors, and Teaching Elders will be granted, held, and supervised by a single ordained ministry oversight board for the purpose of professional and theological accountability. Those who hold ordination will hold personal membership in a local congregation for the purpose of personal spiritual accountability.
The Alliance is responsible for organizational commitments and board leadership, as well as providing oversight, accountability, and a larger perspective to member congregations.
Within the Alliance, Networks will consist of no less than thirty nor more than sixty congregations. Networks are to act as a colleague or partners to local congregations, providing accountability for theological identity and character.
Consisting of no less than five nor more than ten congregations, Hubs serve as a local network, although a Hub could be involved in more than one network. Hubs are responsible to member congregations for ministries and missions.
Congregations in the Alliance of Reformed Churches have full ownership and authority over their local property with the single exception that, if a congregation closes, the future use of the property and its assets reverts to the organization. Congregations are accountable for utilizing available training, policies, and safety procedures that will ensure a safe ministry for everyone.
It is the responsibility of each individual Christian to live as a spirit-filled Christian who is growing in spiritual maturity, and becoming more like Christ every day.
The organization holds that denominations and other multi-congregational systems are tools, but that they are not Biblically mandated. While the Alliance establishes Guiding Principles for the organization, these principles are not elevated to a standard of belief.
Although subject to change, at the time of this writing (February 2023), the Alliance of Reformed Churches has member congregations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Recommended Resources
With roots dating back to 1710, the Richboro, Bucks County, Pennsylvania church is currently part of the Alliance of Reformed Churches. Its beliefs in God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, human beings, salvation, and eternity are outlined, and its core values are featured, along with a brief history. The address, directions, and parking information are provided, and service schedules, information about attending via live streaming media, and service opportunities are listed.
https://addisville.org/
The community of Reformed congregations was formally organized in 2022 by a group of churches, pastors, and members who left the Reformed Church in America. The governing board of the Alliance is represented here and includes a directory of member churches, a welcome packet for new churches, and information about its ordination policies. Its organizational convictions, strategic priorities, creeds and confessions, and ministry opportunities are posted, with other resources.
https://arc21.org/
Situated in Zeeland, Michigan, the congregation is affiliated with the Alliance of Reformed Churches. Its beliefs in the God revealed in the Bible, as God's Word, as well as salvation, transformation, and resurrection, are told, along with its core values, are set forth. Its ministries to children, youth, young adults, small groups, and special needs are outlined, and its schedules, live streaming video, and video archives are included, and prayer requests may be submitted online.
https://communityreformed.org/
Part of the larger Alliance of Reformed Churches, the Dakota Network is a covenant community of local congregations in the Dakotas, Iowa, and Minnesota, along with one church in Michigan and Wisconsin. Its vision, mission, and strategies are published on the site, including the responsibilities of the Administrative Team, the Healthy Leaders Team, and Healthy Churches. The agenda and general information about the annual meeting of the Network, and a directory of member churches is included.
https://dakotaarc.org/
Serving the Volga, South Dakota community since 1904, the congregation has been in its current building since 1989. The evangelical church is part of the Alliance of Reformed Churches. Its beliefs are outlined, and an introduction to the church covers such topics as what to wear, parking, an overview of the Sunday service, and its accommodations for children. Worship schedules, a calendar of events, a church bulletin, and a video archive of past sermons are included, along with contacts.
https://www.firstreformedvolga.org/
