At its March 2010 stated meeting Northern California Presbytery approved the request for transfer of TE Ken Brown from the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) to the Reformed Church in America (RCA). Brown is the pastor of Christ Community Church in Walnut Creek, Calif.

In a separate meeting, Christ Community Church, a mission church of the Presbytery, will consider withdrawing from the PCA and becoming a part of the RCA.

Brown explained the reasons for this move from the PCA to the RCA on his bog (Feb. 5, 2010):

Many of you are aware of the mother-daughter connection we have had with City Church of San Francisco. We exist because of the vision fostered by City Church. Amy and I made the move to the Bay Area because we believed City Church to be in a position to support and coach church planters for years to come. About three and a half years ago City Church transferred their denominational affiliation to the Reformed Church in America (RCA). At the time we had the opportunity to go with them, but I felt I needed the time to weigh the move more personally and seriously than could be done in that time frame. City Church was very respectful and has continued with all of the support and encouragement promised. Though not formally connected with City Church denominationally, I have maintained a very close connection with City Church. I am now convinced that affiliation with the RCA will afford Christ Community a greater amount of support, like-mindedness, camaraderie, and unified vision than is currently possible in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). I am in the process of transferring my ordination credentials to the RCA.

Many of you, like me, have had positive experiences in the PCA. The PCA continues to be a solid denomination in many ways. The question I have wrestled with is this: “What is the best denominational home for Christ Community, in which we will find the most support, collegiality, and sense of mission for our context here in the Bay Area?” The RCA is the oldest denomination in North America. It has weathered the trials of time and remains committed to the authority of scripture, while fostering an incredible vision for church planting and mission that is exponentially growing across the country, and especially here in California. I am excited about re-establishing the formal relationship with City Church as our mother church as we walk through the processes this year of moving toward electing deacons and elders at Christ Community. Let me assure you that Christ Community remains steady and true to the same mission, vision, philosophy of ministry, principles governing worship, and foundation of Christ and the gospel. I look forward to communicating more about our vision for 2010 at the Vision Desserts.