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The RCA's 15-year vision for ministry

It calls the RCA to live and love like Jesus more intentionally.

Being led by the Holy Spirit, serving with each other, embracing our diverse world and striving for a multicultural future freed from racism, and working with all the partners that God provides, as we move toward a fifth century of mission and ministry, the Reformed Church in America commits to focus its efforts for the next fifteen years on the following three interconnected strategic priorities:

Cultivating Transformation in Christ

Scripture: John 15; Deut. 6:4-9; 1 Cor. 3:6-8; Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 3:18; Matt. 22:34-40; Luke 6:40; Acts 2:42-47; 2 Cor. 5:17-18; Matt. 28:18-20; Eph. 4:16; Gal. 3:28

  • Developing passionate disciples filled with the Holy Spirit and the truth of the Word who effectively make followers of Jesus who live and love like him.
  • Deepening our spiritual journey in ways that are biblical and Reformed.
  • Loving and embracing all people.
  • Opening ourselves humbly to deep change under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
  • Increasing our personal and corporate devotion to God, emphasizing prayer and worship.
  • Building intentional intergenerational discipling relationships.
  • Engaging conflict in healthy and redemptive ways.

Equipping Emerging Leaders of Today and Tomorrow

Scripture: Deut. 6:4-9; Luke 9:48; Eph. 4:11-12; 2 Tim. 2:2

  • Increasing the awareness that God is calling youth and young adults to become leaders.
  • Developing youth intentionally for missional, congregational, and pastoral leadership.
  • Mobilizing emerging leaders for service in the church and world.
  • Preparing leaders of all ages for fruitful ministry in diverse environments.
  • Cultivating diverse and healthy leaders within the total membership of the body of Christ, so that churches can thrive.

Engaging in Christ’s Kingdom Mission

Scripture: Luke 4:18-19; Acts 1:8; Luke 10:25-37; Matt. 28:18-20; Matt. 14:14; Micah 6:8; Matt. 13:44; Matt. 9:37; Acts 2:42-47; Rev. 7:9-12; Isa. 61:1-4

  • Contextualizing ministry and church in new and expanded ways.
  • Prioritizing youth involvement in missional ministry.
  • Serving as agents of renewal through putting our faith in action.
  • Promoting justice, compassion, and reconciliation.
  • Expanding mission that is both local and global with equal passion and commitment.
  • Equipping existing churches to move outward in ministry.
  • Embracing our mission to the world and sharing the good news of the gospel with everyone.
  • Multiplying missional communities and new churches that put the love of Christ into action.

Its history is rooted in a unified vision.

Adopted in 2013, the vision emerged from a discernment process that involved thousands of people throughout the RCA.