We are a congregation of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA).
You can read more about our denomination here.
Our Worship
As a Reformed church we believe in the Regulative Principle of Worship (RPW). That is, we believe that God has told us in His Word how He wants to be worshiped.
The RPW stated simply is that we do what God commands, and only that (Deut. 12:32). In short, we believe that God’s worship is Christ-centered, Bible-oriented, and beautifully simple.
Practically speaking, this means that we are called to worship by the Word of God. We read the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). We pray according to the Word, and in the name of Christ. We sing the Word of God (acapella) using the Psalms that speak of Him (e.g. Luke 20:42-44). We hear preaching from the Word of God, and we leave being blessed by the benedictions from the Word—the blessing of Jesus Christ.
We long to please God in our worship. Our worship is not focused on entertaining us, but rather on serving and glorifying the Lord. It’s a reverent, yet joyous time of praising and adoring our triune God and the salvation He has provided for His people.
Pastor’s Note
People are looking for a church home for many different reasons. Some want a place to serve, using their gifts and strengths in a meaningful way. Some need care and support in troubled times. Others are seeking deep connections; wanting family, friendship, and a community—looking to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Many are actively looking to share their lives with other people who also have a longing for heaven, and a desire to see God glorified on earth. Most are looking for a place to find nourishment for their spirit, and accountability, conviction, and encouragement in their walk with Christ.
Truth be told, we all need each of these—the Christian life isn't a solitary endeavor. God gives us to each other for our mutual good, everyone with different gifts, but unified by a common love. As Rom. 12:5 says, …so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of anther.
As our congregation grows, I hope that Black Forest Reformed Church can be all of these things and more to our community, as we seek to worship the Lord in spirit and truth each Sunday, and live in love through the week. —Pastor Joseph Friedly
