What would Calvin think of the URC today?

The question is posed by Sandy Ogilvie, an elder at Wadedington Street, Durham

This piece was printed as the "On Reflection" page in the January edition of Reform
and is published here by permission

Calvin’s 500th birthday last year caused me, I suspect like many to revisit some of his work and to re-evaluate his contribution to the evolution of the Reformed Church  which has nurtured my faith and shaped who I am and who I hope to be.

It also made me think about the URC currently and the anxiety often expressed through Reform about the future for the denomination. What would Calvin think?

I think he would see much to commend in a Church which, although relatively small, has remained true to its reformed heritage but yet continues the struggle to make sense of the gospel of Jesus Christ for all people everywhere, young and old.  This determination within the URC and its antecedents to be inclusive and reformed shows in the pioneering work with women in the eldership and ministry, with the introduction of church-related community workers and the special category ministries, through the often painful human sexuality debates, with the commitment to overseas work and the learning opportunities open to all to develop and make sense of their faith through TLS and other similar avenues. He would see a Church semi-marooned having taken brave steps in an ecumenical movement now stalled.

But within all of this, would he also be critical that in order to be more inclusive we have dumbed down and undervalued the role of the full-time professional minister of word and sacrament? - Women and men who are called by God to be with us on our journey through life in all its ups and downs; who through their study and dedication add sustenance, insight, teaching and hope to us all.

As a denomination we are employing fewer and we spread them thin. Gone are the single pastorates. We now have joint pastorates, mission partnerships, groupings, many in name only as we, the seemingly fossilised congregations in the main insist on keeping our own elders, property, finance and church meetings, all our own activities and we expect the minister at them all. Yes, they are supported by lay preachers and non stipendiary ministers who do a great job but there is a difference here we should not blur nor undervalue.   I think we should now reaffirm or redefine the role of the full time Minister of Word and Sacraments which gives them the space and time to do the job which they are called to do, from which we all benefit and which shows that we as a Reforming Church need and value them for their extraordinary calling.

And I think Calvin might approve.