Christ Reformed's Twenty-Fifth Anniversary -- Some Thoughts

The Christ Reformed family celebrated our twenty-fifth anniversary this past Lord's Day (which was also Reformation Sunday).  Mike Horton joined us for the big occasion--he co-founded Christ Reformed with me in 1995, and did most of the preaching for the first year of our existence until he began his post-doctoral work at Yale.  You can find a brief history of Christ Reformed and some pictures here (Christ Reformed Beginnings, More Blasts from the Past).

Like any other church, we've seen our fair share of ups and downs, tragedies and death, and gut wrenching decisions.  But at the end of twenty-five years (and especially since I am two months short of my retirement), looking back, I am so very thankful that God has brought our congregation so many wonderful blessings.  I cannot even begin to list them all, nor will I try.  To paraphrase John 21:25, "not all the council and consistory minutes in the world could record the wonderful and amazing things God has done in our midst."

Our church family has witnessed scores of baptisms (infant and adult converts), conversions, and professions of faith from our covenant children and adults.  We have seen several dozen weddings, far fewer funerals (thankfully), and I am now baptizing the children of those whom I baptized when they were children, then witnessed their professions of faith, then conducted their weddings, and now I see them presenting their own children for baptism.  Wow, what a blessing.  We have been privileged to witness God's kingdom active in our midst!

Some pastors have described theirs as a lonely calling, filled with long hours, tears, heartbreak, and hardship.  I've experienced some of that (especially the long hours), but I have been spared from much.  I've also made many dear friends (of the deep and abiding kind), I've served with so many faithful co-laborers (fellow ministers and elders), and Christ Reformed has so many members who have used their spiritual gifts in the service of others, who have supported Christ Reformed financially, and with their sweat equity.  And then there are the greatest among us--those who have prayed for and served one another with genuine Christian love and sacrifice.

So, at the end of twenty-five years, I stand in awe at the mercies of God and my heart is full.  I look forward to witnessing and enjoying God's future blessings upon Christ Reformed Church because God is faithful to his people.