1. “Reformed” from what?

The family of Protestant churches that drew their inspiration from the reforming efforts of the 16th century Swiss theologian, John Calvin, have adopted either the name “Reformed” or “Presbyterian,” Presbyterian in this case designating the kind of organizational structure these churches have adopted, “Reformed” from the central concept of the Protestant Reformation – that the church needs to be in constant re-formation to stay true to its biblical nature and roots.  In Europe the Reformed churches are the largest grouping of Protestant churches with significant branches in the Netherlands, Hungary, Switzerland, the UK and Germany.  In America the best known of these churches are the Presbyterians.  Our own roots lie in the Dutch reformation where the Reformed Church is the most dominant expression of the Protestant faith.

Most critical to Reformed teaching is the inspirational authority of scripture (sola scriptura), God’s providential care of creation, the certainty of God’s love for us in Christ and the graciously free offer of salvation in Christ appropriated through faith.  Reformed Churches also believe that we are called to a holistic transformational ministry of all areas of life, as the church exists as God’s instrument of healing and peace-making in the world.

2. Is Celebrate Life! The Reformed Church in Plano part of a Denomination?

Celebrate Life! (RCP) is a member congregation of The Reformed Church in America, (RCA), which is the oldest Protestant denomination in the United States. Our Dutch heritage is unique but by no means exclusive to our membership.  There are, in fact, very few people of Dutch origin among us, as we are welcoming of people of all backgrounds and ethnicities.  The RCA itself is ethnically diverse even as it recognizes its unique roots in the Netherlands.  It is found primarily in parts of the country where the Dutch settled, having 1,000 churches and approximately 250,000 members in the US and Canada.

Well known Reformed Churches include the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA and Marble Collegiate in New York City, where Norman Vincent Peale preached for many years.

3. Who Attends RCP?

RCP is home to people from a great variety of different church backgrounds, native Texans as well as transplants.  This allows for a lively conversation where people feel free to express their thoughts yet accepted for who they are.

4. What is the Worship Style?

We prefer a blended form of worship where both traditional and contemporary music can be used to praise God and inspire us to a greater devotion to Christ.  What we try to do is allow for a balance between structure and freedom in worship so people from many different backgrounds can find their way of worship represented.

5. What makes RCP special?

We put a great emphasis on celebrating the positive gospel of Jesus Christ, with the emphasis on “positive.”  We also work hard at developing a sense of togetherness in a community which is outward directed, with mission to the local and global community being a central part of what we are about.  Even in the larger community we are known as a mission-minded church welcoming to all.

6. How does a person become a member of your church?

Those who take the step of formal membership often go through a time of reflection in what has been called a “Discover!” class with the pastor.  This, however, is less a formal class than a chance to find out where you might fit into the life of the church.  It is also an opportunity to explore your own faith commitments in the light of who we are.  Members confess faith in Jesus Christ and commit themselves to his service.  Membership, in short, means making a personal commitment to Christ lived out in and through a community of believers who recognize that they are just one part of the world wide family of Christians representing the marvelous diversity of a world God created good.