“The Reformed Communion is a ministerial network seeking to share in ministry and life together. We are committed to the gospel, a reformed theological orientation, a catholic sensitivity, the centrality of the church, the mission of God and an incarnational approach to ministry.”

At the last meeting of the Presbytery of Blue Ridge, Greg Thompson, lead pastor at Trinity Charlottesville, and I had a chance to catch up (I’d missed several meetings for various family reasons).  He told me about a new ‘alliance’ of pastors who was gathering under the title ‘The Reformed Communion.’  I was interested, wrote down a note to look into it, and then lost the note (I’m 73, no laughter please).

Then a couple of weeks ago I followed a link on a Facebook page (Joe Holland’s of Culpeper – yes, that’s the correct spelling – Virginia) and decided I definitely needed to learn more about this group.  They were having a gathering before General Assembly at the Bourbon Barrel Loft of the Bluegrass Brewing Company in downtown Louisville.  But when I decided I might join in (guests were invited) I went back to the site only to learn it was sold out.  One week’s notice, 150 available seats, and sold out that quickly.  Now I REALLY knew this was an important group.

In a recent email exchange with Sam Wheatley, PCA pastor in Salt Lake city and a member of RC, I encouraged him to put together a short ‘press release’ about the group in order to get the word out.  Sam graciously sent such a report, and HERE IT IS:

The Reformed Communion (www.reformedcommunion.org) is an alliance of pastors working in various urban, college town and suburban ministry contexts. We have both seasoned and learning pastors that have a wealth of experience in: urban ministry, church planting, cultural apologetics, church revitalization, holistic ministry, pastoral leadership, and preaching.

We help, encourage, and equip one another to further God’s purposes in the world. Through developing relationships, sharing resources, and providing pin-point advice and support, our impact and effectiveness is greatly increased. Working together helps us stay spiritually healthy and enjoy the labor as we go.

Here is what some Reformed Communion members have said about their membership:

“Nothing had shaped and strengthened me in my daily work and in my philosophy of ministry more than the friendships I’ve made through the Reformed Communion.”

Jed Slaboda, Pastor, Second City Church, Harrisburg, PA

“Of the many things that we need in order to be faithful in ministry, three stand out: wise people to teach us, colleagues to partner with us, and friends to encourage us on the way. The Reformed Communion has been the most important source for each of these in my life and I’m extremely grateful to our Savior for it.”

Greg Thompson Pastor, Trinity Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville, VA

The Reformed Communion is a ministerial network seeking to share in ministry and life together. We are committed to the gospel, a reformed theological orientation, a catholic sensitivity, the centrality of the church, the mission of God and an incarnational approach to ministry.

Please check out the Reformed Communion at our website www.reformedcommunion.org and join the conversation.

I’m making a note in my planner for 2013 for May 15th to sign up for the dinner at next year’s Assembly (wonder if that’s early enough?)

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