The Reformed Parish Mission is the outreach effort of Pr. Michael Ives, minister of the Presbyterian Reformed Church in R.I. A big part of my vision over the years has been to introduce a robust, confessionally Reformed witness to the inner city. Providence, as is typical of all major U.S. cities, contains large numbers of the economically underprivileged, with all that that entails, and a wide spectrum of ethnicities, cultures, and languages. Part of my effort is to Spanish speakers.
As the name also suggests, I target a particular district within Providence. Inspired in part by Scottish theologian, Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847), eight years back I “chalked out” several streets bordering the north and west sides of Roger Williams Park. I also later adopted a smaller district in my own neighborhood, mostly of working class white folks, though minorities are slowly moving in. I go door to door through these districts, introducing myself to them, setting forth the Gospel, and sometimes praying with them. After each year, I would start over at the beginning once again. My chief goal has been to seek and save the lost.
I believe that the city desperately needs the Gospel. Yet tragically, its soundest expression (yes, I’m rather biased!) has little presence there. Instead, one encounters a range of ‘Christianities,’ from well-meaning but misguided forms to downright shameless quackery. What it cries for is the Reformed faith, as expressed masterfully in the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646). It doesn’t need another program or service. It needs rich, expository, doctrinally-sound, and experimental preaching. Preaching that aims for true conversion. It needs regulated worship. It needs Presbyterian church government, starting with a plurality of male elders who are biblically qualified – examples of what a godly man looks like. It needs ministers who are formally accountable to their colleagues. It needs godly discipline, both on the front and on the back ends. It needs tender, faithful pastoral care. It needs deacons who can help without hurting. It needs more Reformed churches to move beyond the comfort of their white, middle-class ghettos. Like the lepers outside the city, it is not right for us to horde our newly discovered riches.
I’m not suggesting that there aren’t faithful Christians in the city, pastors or people. I believe many saints in the city of varying tongues and tones could put me to shame in one area or another. But the truth is no one’s preserve and everyone’s right. I’m glad someone ‘patronized’ me with the Reformed faith when I was yet a giddy Pentecostal. For that matter, I’m glad that darker toned Christian missionaries once ‘patronized’ my white, savage European ancestors. Yes, some paternalisms are bad. But the Reformed type is not one of them.
So this is RPM. Among my other blog posts, I’ll be writing updates and items related to the outreach here in R.I. for those sympathetic with the above. Feel free to visit the blog I use in the community, which targets unbelievers and evangelicals unfamiliar with the Reformed faith. So keep in mind that it tends to be evangelistic, apologetic, and doctrinally introductory.
Interested in supporting RPM? Sign up to the West Port Experiment to receive updates. for prayer requests. Also visit & like us on Facebook at Reformed Parish Mission. And would you consider regularly praying for our witness?
“Except the Lord do build the house,
The builders lose their pain.
Except the Lord the city keep,
The watchmen watch in vain.”
Psalm 127:1 (1650 Metrical Version)
Governance & Donation Information
The Reformed Parish Mission (RPM) is an outreach effort of the Presbyterian Reformed Church of R.I. A major focus of RPM is bringing the Gospel and a confessionally Reformed witness to South Providence through regular, neighborhood visitation, in the conviction that minorities, immigrants, and the less privileged are easily neglected and are often more receptive. This effort aims at the gathering of folks to the regular Lord’s day (Sunday) services of the congregation, their conversion and upbuilding, and the offering of practical and constructive life-help as we are able. See recent updates here.
Contributions to the PRC earmarked to for the Reformed Parish Mission will be utilized for this effort. At present, a major priority is developing a scholarship fund to help support mission trips, internships, or the relocation of volunteers. In order to keep our financial supporters fully abreast of developments on the ground, please provide your contact information (e-mail, mailing address, etc.) so that we can send periodic updates. Your generosity and prayers are greatly needed and appreciated.
Checks may be made to the “Presbyterian Reformed Church of R.I.” Please write “Reformed Parish Mission” in the memo line to earmark your monies for this outreach. Mail any contributions to: The Reformed Parish Mission, 780 Reservoir Avenue, #211, Cranston, RI 02910.
Or make a contribution online through our PayPal account. (Note: There will be a charge deducted from your gift for any donations by this method. Also, if you wish to use this account to make a donation either to the general fund of the PRC of R.I. or to that of the PRC Presbytery, please either indicate so in the memo line and/or notify Vincent Gebhart by e-mail at vincegebhart1 at gmail dot com. Otherwise, all donations will be considered as intended for the Reformed Parish Mission.)
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