Reformed

Congregation

Our Distinctive Convictions of Scriptures Teachings

The Core Teachings of God's Word

The Authority of God's Word

Importance of Preaching

God Centered Worship

Church Offices

Discipline

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

Why a Separate Church From The Many Others In Town or The Area?

Does this mean that we consider our church to be the only true church?

Aren't You a Dutch Church?

What can we do for you?

The authority of God's Word

As a Reformed Congregation we acknowledge the supreme authority of God's Word on all matters of life and doctrine. We see the Bible as the inspired Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16) and therefore as infallible and errorless in its original writings. Since the Scriptures are God's Words, we cannot accept any teachings or practices that are contrary to the written Word of God. As a church we uphold that the King James Version is currently still the most trustworthy translation of the Holy Scriptures in the English language. Therefore that translation is used in our member's families as well as in the public worship services and our school.
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Importance of Preaching

Unlike many other churches in our area, the preaching of God's Word has a central role in our worship services. Preaching of the Word is God's instrument to save lost sinners and to nourish the saved in their faith (Rom. 10:14-17; 1 Thess. 3:10; 2 Tim. 4:2). The preacher explains the meaning of the Word and seeks to apply closely to the conscience and heart. In the fruit of this preaching, we confess ourselves entirely dependent upon the power of the Holy Spirit Who needs to bring the Word where man can never bring it (1 Cor. 2:4; 1 Thess. 1:5).
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God centered Worship

Our worship seeks to be God-focussed and therefore we strive for a sense of reverence and godly fear as we approach God with prayer, worship Him with singing, and hear that what He has to say to us through His preached Word. In the Bible God has revealed Himself as glorious Being and this majestic glory is to be reflected in our approach to Him (Heb. 12:28-29). For this reason any form of entertainment is excluded from our services. We strive that nothing will be added that would detract from the reverence God is due to receive. Besides the preaching of God's Word, we join in prayer and singing of Psalms that are accompanied by the organ.
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Discipline

Full membership within our church is on a voluntary basis and one will be asked to make a public confession of his or her faith. Such membership doesn't only carry the privilege of being part of a portion of God's worldwide church but also brings along responsibilities. We expect our members to attend the ministry of God's Word as well using their gifts and abilities to the upbuilding of God's Kingdom locally, nationally and internationally (Matt. 28:19-20). We also expect that our members live Biblically and each of us has a responsibility to watch for the good of others. Through the exercise of pastoral oversight, we hold our members accountable for their walk of life as well as their convictions of Scripture truth. If a member fails to do his or her promised duty or if errors are promoted, such a person will face the disciplinary actions of exclusion of privileges and eventually a termination of membership (Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor. 5; 2 Thess. 3:14).
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Church Offices

We recognize that there are three offices to which God calls men. The preacher or pastor who is called to teach; the elders who are called to have leadership role; the deacons who are responsible for the financial aspect of God's ministry. We maintain the conviction that the church offices are only open to men (1 Cor. 14:34-40; 1 Tim. 1:11-12)
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Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

Does this mean that we consider our church to be the only true church?

No, we do recognize other churches in New Zealand as true churches of God when the fundamental truths of the Bible are upheld by them. In other words, their adherence to Gods truths determines the degree of fellowship, closeness and cooperation that we maintain with other churches. The more truth we can agree upon, the closer the official relationship will be. We also maintain close connections with like-minded Reformed Churches in other parts of the world and support their missionary activities. Furthermore we believe that the Lord has His own people in a variety of gatherings all around the world.
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Why a separate church from the many others in town or the area?

Such a question is both valid and important. There must be a reason why our families worship together in the Reformed Congregation. The answer has to do with our convictions of Biblical truth. We base our distinctive positions on the Bible and invite anyone to examine them as they are taught publicly every Sunday. We realize that our convictions differ significantly from the main stream New Zealand churches because we consider the Bible to be Gods unchanging rule for life and faith throughout all time. We believe that, although our cultural context changes from generation to generation, Gods absolute truths are timeless. What was sin 2000 years ago, is still sin today and will be as long as this world exists. What was the only way of salvation then, is still the only way of salvation today.
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Aren't you a Dutch Church?

Formerly people thought we were a "Dutch" church and therefore only the Dutch were welcome in our church. There is truth to the fact that many of our members at present have Dutch roots or family background. Since the end of WWII many immigrants did come from the Netherlands and since they were member of a Reformed Church in their country of birth, they naturally sought each other on this side of the world and so formed a New Zealand Reformed Congregation. However, at the present there are more NZ-born members than Dutch-born members in our congregation!
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What can we do for you?

Feel welcome at any time to join our services. Usually there is someone to help you to find a place and provide you with a Bible and songbook (Psalter). Make an attempt to attend for a period of time. The pastor would be very willing to speak to you if you have any questions about our teachings. We also have a small library, which you can use. Besides, there is free counseling service provided for those of you who would like some more help and guidance. If you really feel at a loss in understanding the Bible, there is a basic Bible study available through the pastor.

For any other questions, feel free to call Pastor Arnoud Vergunst at 06 379 6051 or 379 6719.