Highlight: Generation Spark

By Amy White

Two of my young grandsons, along with their parents, attend the same church I do. I observe as they run with friends, sometimes climb trees and hide behind bushes, interacting with their peers following services. It allows for enjoyment and fun after the “sitting” during worship. They are young boys filled with vitality, and do “sit” through the service, but greatly rewarded with the awareness that adults other than their parents care about them. Notably, leaders often take the time to come alongside them, call out their names with hellos, offer high-fives, and ask them questions. In short, they do not mind going to church because they feel like they belong; they are seen and known! I also have a number of young women friends who continue attending churches simply because their children have been encouraged and spoken to by adults, pastors, and leaders, making the children feel at home and a valued part of the church scene. My friends report that because their children feel important and welcomed, the whole family eagerly embraces the church experience and culture. These same children are becoming the next generation of engaged and invested church attendees. Hold onto the thought line while I segue from it...

At a recent gathering of denominational staff, we spent a significant amount of time highlighting the work in which our RCA teams engage. I was in awe of a diverse staff, filled with God-given ability, education, and a desire to follow God’s leading in their work. This event further opened my eyes to the resources and information available to our churches, leaders, and candidates for ministry. My understanding of each department and its endeavors blossomed. Today, I am highlighting Generation Spark in hopes that you as the reader/leader will be encouraged to look deeper at the focus of this ministry, working context, and resources.

“Generation Spark helps congregations form intergenerational relationships; these relationships are formed through mentoring. We have found that intergenerational relationships lead to stronger faith formation for both mentor and mentee, elevated leadership of younger leaders, and a feeling of mutual belonging to the congregation. At their core, these relationships change the culture of a congregation,” says Rev. Annalise Radcliffe, director of discipleship and church innovation.

I encourage you to let the Generation Spark process assist your church to become a place where everyone can find connection, retain youth interest, and fully integrate young people into the life of the church, as well as spiritual formation.

In an era where large numbers of 16- to 24-year-olds are falling away from church participation, and sadly, their active faith, I reference back to my earlier thoughts. I imagine the young ones already invested in church culture are much more likely to go into their teen years enjoying church participation and, more importantly, their own relationships with Jesus. How much more likely is it for them to welcome mentorship and help with spiritual formation through this process if they are already feeling a sense of belonging? The encouragement and acknowledgment as an important part of an intergenerational group make a difference. Give the young people credit for being able to speak of spiritual matters, doing so with adults in an intelligent manner. I see it happening and have great expectations for the grandsons of whom I spoke. I do not believe young people can be argued into a faith in Jesus Christ, but I am optimistic about their being included and mentored into long-lasting, reciprocal relationships with mentors and, most of all, Jesus as Savior.

How does Generation Spark mentoring ministry work? Explore the ideas and articles on the webpage: www.faithward.org/generation-spark-christian-mentoring. In addition, make your way to “Spark Dialogue - A Generation Spark Podcast.” Friends, I have, in fact, preset this podcast to my iHeart App. I recommend it.

MFCA candidate and alumni stories

Rev. Elizabeth Testa (MFCA CFM 2012) is in her eleventh year serving on the RCA denominational staff. Her newer responsibilities include the ministries of equity-based hospitality, dismantling racism, and sankofa journeys. Liz continues to be passionate about leading women’s transformation and leadership/She Is Called, which, in fact, sparked her interest in pursuing a DMin at New Brunswick Theological Seminary (New Jersey) in the Transformational Preaching concentration. Her doctoral project explores the power of women’s biblical stories to transform and liberate pastoral leaders and their congregations. She says: “I am ever thankful to the MFCA for patiently helping me through the RCA credentialing process. As my mentor, Rev. Ken Bradsell, said, ‘Liz, it’s your ticket to the dance.’ Wow, was he right! Obedience has its rewards. These last twelve+ years of ministry have given me chances to live into my God-given gifts and callings in ways I never could have dreamed of!”

Check out a couple of ministry links containing stories and resources, all part of Liz’s work and ministry:

• She Is Called/Ella es Llamada Women of the Bible Study, Volumes 1-3

• Lavish Hope podcast: stories of resilience and overcoming

• Recursos en español

Rev. Zachary K. Pearce, who earned a master of divinity from Princeton Seminary in May 2021, was awarded his Certificate of Fitness for Ministry (CFM) from the MFCA in June of the same year. He heard a call of God while on retreat in January 2022 to “plant a church.” In prayer and discernment, for over a year, along with his wife, Rev. Stacey Duensing Pearce, they experienced the joy of being called to two individual churches and call processes within three days of one another. Stacey became co-pastor of First Reformed Church Pompton Plains (New Jersey), and Zach followed God’s call to become pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Port Jervis (FPCPJ) in New York, and the unofficial pastor of Deerpark Reformed Church (DRC) in 2023—the congregation in which he grew up.

The congregations of FPCPJ and DRC had been sharing worship together for over five years while discerning the idea of becoming one. They were officially two separate congregations when Zach arrived as pastor on April 30, 2023. Since that time, Zach has led the congregation toward the “re-planting” vision of being one congregation focused intensely on building local community missions. The community missions currently include a new thrift shop, free community meals, and support and soft-launch of a 501(c)(3) organization called “Together In Hope,” which will assume operations of a local warming station / emergency shelter for those without accommodation in the area. The shelter currently houses and feeds 25-30 people nightly through the cold winter months. “Together In Hope” plans to further extend the mission of the congregation into the community.

Zach officiated the final service at DRC in May 2023 as the building was approved for sale following four years on the market. This happened on the very day that the Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC) sent Zach’s name to the Session to be their next pastor! In the power of the Holy Spirit, we see God actively working as a new identity is forming in this “new” congregation with deep roots in the area. The congregation received an official approval for the merge, of both the classis and the presbytery in the fall of 2024, becoming the fifth PC(U.S.A.)-RCA congregation in existence.

Since then a new name has been chosen: the United Presbyterian & Reformed Church of Port Jervis, New York. Preparation for a celebratory re-launch service later this year is in process, while the membership has grown to 70-plus. We are thrilled about the renewal of engagement and vitality toward following God in mission and in being a Reformed witness (capital “R”) for the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ into the future. The congregation welcomes your prayers.

Zach credits God and the people who surrounded him as those who edified and encouraged him to lead the congregation to this point thus far. He has found a solace and growth in practicing contemplative prayer and praying through the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola this spring.

Courses

Fall 2025 courses
Fall course information and registration for MFCA courses taking place at Western Theological Seminary and New Brunswick Theological Seminary will be available soon and in our next newsletter.

CPE option through Pine Rest
Units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) are available through Pine Rest Clinical Pastoral Education DL. Applicants are accepted on a rolling admissions basis, so applications are received at any time using the ACPE application form found at acpe.edu under the Education drop-down menu, CPE Students, CPE Application.

Applicants are welcome to email the application to Carolyn Dykstra at carolyn.dykstra@pinerest.org and contact her to pay the application fee with a debit or credit card. Applicants may also mail the application along with a check or money order to:

Pine Rest CPE
300 68th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49548 

Announcements

• Zachary and Stacey Pearce have become the proud and joyful parents of Aidan Edwin Pearce, born on March 12, 2025. Congratulations! May God richly bless their new family and new congregational endeavors.

• It is with heavy and saddened hearts that we report that Stacie Lynn Abbas, Pastor Shawn Abbas’s beloved wife, died on Sunday, March 9. She had stated, “I will be with Jesus. What better place could there be for me?” A celebration of Stacie’s life was held on March 22, 2025, at the Geddes Community Methodist Church in Geddes, South Dakota, where Shawn pastors the congregation. Shawn and Stacie have three young children who are heartbroken, yet know God’s peace; however, the family does covet your prayers.

• The MFCA will host a dinner at General Synod on Monday, June 9, 2025. All alumni, current students, and interested guests are welcome to join if you plan to attend General Synod. Please RSVP with your General Synod registration.

• At its March 10, 2025, meeting, the MFCA Board of Trustees nominated and elected members to the following positions, transitioning in July 2025:

  • Moderator: Verlyn Hemmen

  • Vice-Moderator: Susan Converse

  • Secretary: Martha Draayer

• The MFCA Staff and Board of Trustees celebrate Rev. Cathleen Wolff and Ms. Norma Coleman-James for their investment of time spent and contribution of good work for the MFCA. Cathleen has been most recently serving as moderator of the board, and Norma has provided her wisdom and time on the MFCA Certification Committees and the Pastoral Formation Oversight Board (PFOB) for a number of years. We are grateful for both of these women! 

RCA scholarship opportunities

These scholarships are denomination-wide for seminary students. Be aware that applicants need to reapply each year for either scholarship. We are delighted to say that there were two MFCA recipients in the 2024-2025 academic year.

Applications will be accepted through July 31, 2025, for the 2025-2026 academic year. Please take a serious look at the information if you feel you would fit the criteria.

The Theological Education Scholarship Fund for Racial-Ethnic Students is a scholarship fund that supports racial-ethnic students pursuing ministry. Gifts given to this fund date back to the early 1800’s. Prioritizing thoughtful and theologically trained leaders was the vision for furthering faith communities throughout the denomination.

The Beth E. Marcus Scholarship Fund was established in 1977 to honor Beth E. Marcus. This fund has been developed and maintained by gifts received in her honor and is stewarded by RCA Women's Transformation and Leadership. The Beth E. Marcus Scholarship Fund offers up to eight scholarships per year, ranging from $500-$1000 to part-time and full-time women seminarians and candidates under care who are attending an RCA seminary or are part of the MFCA program.

Available positions

Peapack Reformed Church is seeking a full-time pastor who can provide vibrant and thought-provoking biblical preaching and teaching, and who will faithfully attend to pastoral care with the assistance of the elders and deacons.

224 Main Street (PO Box 253), Gladstone, NJ 07934
www.peapackreformed.org
To apply, email Rev. David Ruisard at search@peapackreformed.org.

Forreston Reformed Church is seeking a full-time pastor who desires to exalt God and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and the gospel of love, along with their congregation. If you have prayerfully considered and trust the Holy Spirit is guiding you, you are welcome to contact Larry Tigges at forrestonreformedchurch1863@gmail.com.

Forreston Reformed Church, 501 3rd Ave. Forreston, IL 61030 www.forrestonereformedchurch.org

You may also ask Amy White at awhite@rca.org for application material.

Kelly, Amy, and Dave are always willing to meet individually via Zoom or phone, upon your request. We will walk with you through your questions or redirect you as necessary. Do not hesitate to ask. Contact Kelly at ktalsma@rca.org; Amy at awhite@rca.org; or Dave at dschutt@rca.org.

Please visit the MFCA website for information and past newsletters.

Introduction

The question arises, sometimes surprisingly, about what we do and what purpose does the MFCA accomplish. I briefly address it for those who wonder or question. Perhaps it can be best summarized with the following bullet points. I find these summary points helpful as well. –Amy

Who are we, the MFCA? An agency of the Reformed Church in America preparing and credentialing future ministers of Word and sacrament.

The Ministerial Formation Certification Agency of the Reformed Church in America serves the RCA by:

• Overseeing the education of, and awarding the Certificate of Readiness for Examination (CRE) to candidates for the ministry who are seeking the degree of master of divinity or its academic equivalent from a seminary not officially related to the RCA;

• Approving means by which candidates for the ministry may meet the requirements for the receipt of a Certificate of Readiness for Examination, as provided in the RCA Book of Church Order;

• Consulting with and providing counsel to congregations and classes in the care and nurture of candidates for the ministry who are seeking the Certificate of Readiness for Examination and who are not attending an RCA seminary as matriculated students;

• Granting the CRE to those who have met all the requirements.

Candidate & Alumni Stories

Jane Carlson
I live in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and have been a part of the staff at Bethany Reformed Church in a variety of roles for the past 10 years. I have served primarily in the areas of worship and discipleship. Eventually I decided to begin seminary studies at Fuller Seminary and began working on MFCA coursework, having been taken under care in March 2019. I received my Certificate of Fitness for Ministry in January 2022, and I was ordained and installed as an associate pastor. Shortly after my ordination, our lead pastor took a call to another state much closer to his family, and after a year and a half of discernment and transition, I have accepted a call to serve as lead pastor at Bethany and look forward to installation in early December.

In addition to serving in the church, my husband, Steve, and I enjoy the many local parks, board games, and activities with our children. We have three children and are getting closer to an empty nest. Our oldest daughter is a graduate student in speech pathology. Our middle daughter is a sophomore studying pre-veterinary animal science. Our youngest son is a junior in high school hoping to study engineering. We enjoy cheering him on at band concerts, robotics competitions, and in theater productions.

Fun fact: I learned to knit in second grade and picked the hobby back up during 2020. I enjoy making sweaters, socks, blankets, and other knitted items.

Cheryl Daniel

Cheryl Daniel began her journey with the MFCA in 2011 on a winter morning in Princeton, New Jersey. The MFCA director, Cornelis Kors, had come from California to welcome New Jersey students into the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry (CFM) program and discuss the road to ordained ministry in the RCA. Cheryl was dually enrolled in the MFCA while completing full-time theological studies at Drew Theological Seminary.

The years that followed would be a wonderful journey in the MFCA filled with the joys and challenges of fulfilling God’s call to the gospel ministry and living out Romans 12:12: being “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” The MFCA staff, Cor, Kelly, Amy, and Kristen were always encouraging and very supportive.

In 2014, Cheryl received her CFM and continues to serve as a part of the ministerial staff at Faith Chapel Reformed Church in Paterson, New Jersey. Faith Chapel is a vibrant and thriving urban church within the Paterson community being renewed and restored by the gospel of Jesus Christ. For 13 years, Cheryl has served in the capacity of youth and young adult pastor and currently as an associate pastor.

Cheryl is also employed full-time in the human resources department at Christian Health in Wyckoff, New Jersey, a premier healthcare organization in northern New Jersey. The vision of Christian Health is to be the hands of Christ through expressions of mercy and love carrying our God’s work with integrity and compassion.

Andrew Yamamoto

Drew Yamamoto was enrolled in March 2007 and was granted the CFM on June 25, 2010. Since receiving his CFM, he has served in a variety of roles. Drew served as denominational staff for the RCA, then as a pastor of an international, interdenominational, English-speaking Protestant church in Japan, and as an RCA church planter in San Francisco, California. After fostering a successful church merger, he recently started a call as senior pastor of Sturge Presbyterian Church. He serves the Classis of Central California as a mentor to an MFCA enrollee and also on the supersession team for Community Reformed Church in Oakland.

Beyond his local ministry, he is active in ecumenical work within the San Francisco Bay Area. He also serves on the Board of Reference of Western Theological Seminary where he finished his M.Div. studies. He continues to live in his childhood home in San Francisco and he cares for his elderly disabled mother along with his wife and two children. He does not have a lot of spare time, but in his free time, he spends too much time looking at screens, while wondering how to spend less time looking at screens.

Courses

MFCA offers courses through New Brunswick Theological Seminary (NBTS) and Western Theological Seminary (WTS). Registration information is found on the MFCA website under Courses of Study. Do not register for courses through the seminaries. Register through the MFCA only. Registration is available for MFCA students only.

When registering, students must also complete the Non-NBTS and Non-WTS Student Registration form and submit them to ktalsma@rca.org. Please register and make payments through the links provided. 

Accessible through New Brunswick Theological Seminary (NBTS)

January 27–May 17, 2025

RCA Studies History, Mission, & Worship (DS508-01)

Instructor: Dr. J. Brumm. Offered fully online with synchronous and asynchronous online learning. Tuesdays, 6:30-9:00 p.m. (ET). 3.0 Credits - $1,875 / CRE Qualification - $450. Full description of the course found on the MFCA website. Registration link

Our Christian Traditions in Context - CREDO (IN531-01)

Instructor: Dr. J. Cha. Offered fully online with synchronous and asynchronous online learning. Saturdays, 8:30-11:00 a.m. (ET). 4 required online synchronous sessions. 3.0 Credits - $1,875 / CRE Qualification - $450. Full description of the course found on the MFCA website. Registration link

Accessible through Western Theological Seminary (WTS)

January 6–April 25, 2025

Credo (TH490-DL)

Instructor: Dr. S. McDonald. Offered as an asynchronous online learning course. 3.0 Credits - $1,305 / CRE Qualification $450. Full description of the course found on the MFCA website. Registration link

Christian Interior Life (MN336-DL)

Instructor: Dr. C. DeGroat. Offered an asynchronous online learning course. (A 3-day on-campus intensive will be part of this course: February 14-16, 2025.) This course is an alternative to the CPE requirement, and early registration is recommended due to limited enrollment. 3.0 Credits - $1,405 / CRE Qualification - $550. Full description of the course found on the MFCA website. Registration link

Biblical Interpretation for Ministry (BL120-DL)

Instructor: Dr. C. Pierce. Offered an asynchronous online learning course. This is a special Hebrew and Greek tools course available by permission only. Contact Kelly Talsma at ktalsma@rca.org if you have an interest in taking this course. CRE Qualification - $450. Full description of the course found on the MFCA website. Registration link

Note: The term “audit” is used on the seminary registration form; however, to meet the requirements for CRE qualification, the MFCA requires all coursework be completed and submitted. A grade must be earned at the conclusion of the course. 

CPE Option - Available through Pine Rest

Units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) are available through Pine Rest Clinical Pastoral Education DL. Applicants are accepted on a rolling admissions basis, so applications are received at any time using the ACPE application form found at acpe.edu under the Education drop-down menu, CPE Students, CPE Application.

Applicants are welcome to email the application to Carolyn Dykstra at carolyn.dykstra@pinerest.org and contact her to pay the application fee with a debit or credit card. Applicants may also mail the application along with a check or money order to:

Pine Rest CPE
300 68th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49548

Awarded Certificates

At its November 4, 2024, meeting, the MFCA Board of Trustees granted the Certificate of Readiness for Examination (CRE) through the Reformed Candidates Supervision and Care (RCSC) to the following candidates:

Levi (Kai Chung) Tam - Classis of New York
David Vandokkumburg - Classis of North Grand Rapids

Announcements

• A group of MFCA alumni and current candidates gathered for a dinner at General Synod 2024. MFCA executive director Rev. Dave Schutt reported an enjoyable dinner group of companions involving good conversation.

• Position open for a pastor needed at Fairview Reformed Church in Fairview, Illinois. Fairview is a church rich in history, being the oldest Reformed church west of the Allegheny Mountains, serving since 1837. In 1995, the interior of the church was completely restored and updated, creating an inspired, beautiful sanctuary. Please contact Tina Stier, search team chairperson at tcstier@gmail.com for more information and to ask questions. You may also contact Amy White at awhite@rca.org for more information about the application process and the church profile.

• Dr. Chuck DeGroat’s new book, entitled Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself and to God when You’re Weary, Wounded, and Wandering, was released in October 2024. The book is available on Amazon.

• We are pleased that every year MFCA candidates are recipients of the the Beth Marcus Scholarship. Madison Pierce and Leigh Pylman have been awarded the scholarship for 2025. We are thrilled for these two accomplished recipients!

• On November 4, 2024, MFCA executive director Dave Schutt received a hip replacement; he is currently recovering under the watchful care of his nurse/wife. Please pray for his continued and full recovery.

• Kelly, Amy, and Dave are always willing and to meet individually via Zoom or phone, upon your request. We will walk with you through your questions or redirect you as necessary. Do not hesitate to ask. Contact Kelly (ktalsma@rca.org), Amy (awhite@rca.org), or Dave (dschutt@rca.org).

Please visit the MFCA website for information and past newsletters.

Courses

MFCA courses are accessed through New Brunswick Theological Seminary (NBTS) and Western Theological Seminary (WTS). Registration information can be found on the MFCA website under Courses of Study.

When registering, students must complete the Non-NBTS and Non-WTS Student Registration form and submit them to ktalsma@rca.org. Students must also register through the links provided and can make payment through those links.

Do not register for courses through the seminaries. Register through the MFCA only. Registration is available for MFCA students only.

Courses through New Brunswick Theological Seminary (NBTS)

August 26–December 14, 2024

RCA Church Studies: Standards and Polity (DS507-01) – Instructor: Dr. M. van Maastricht. Offered with synchronous, Tuesdays, 6:30–9:00 p.m. (EST), and asynchronous online learning. 3.0 credits. $1,875 / CRE Qualification: $450. Prerequisites: CH510, CH511, TH520, TH521. (Contact MFCA registrar Kelly Talsma if you need clarification about the prerequisites.)

• Register for NBTS RCA Church Studies: Standards and Polity

New Testament Greek I (NT511-01) – Instructor: Dr. J. Pettis. Offered with synchronous, Wednesdays, 6:30–9:00 p.m. (EST), and asynchronous online learning. 3.0 credits. $1,875 / CRE Qualification: $450. No prerequisites.

• Register for NBTS New Testament Greek I

Courses through Western Theological Seminary (WTS)

August 26–December 13, 2024

RCA Standards and Polity (TH421-DL) – Instructor: Dr. David Komline. Offered as an asynchronous online learning course. 3.0 credits. $1,350 / CRE Qualification: $450.

• Register for WTS RCA Standards and Polity​​​​​​

*Note: The term "audit" is used on the seminary registration form; however, to meet the requirements for CRE qualification, the MFCA requires all coursework be completed and submitted. A grade must be earned at the conclusion of the course.

CPE accessible through Pine Rest

October 11, 2024–April 20, 2025

A unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) will be available from October 11, 2024, through April 20, 2025, through Pine Rest CPE Distance Learning Cohort. The application deadline for this next session is July 5, 2024. Pine Rest accepts applicants on a rolling admissions basis, so students may send in applications at any time, using the ACPE application form found at acpe.edu. (The application form is under the Education drop-down menu, CPE Students, CPE Application.)

Applicants are welcome to email the application to Carolyn Dykstra at carolyn.dykstra@pinerest.org and contact her to pay the application fee with a debit or credit card. Applicants may also mail the application along with a check or money order to:

Pine Rest CPE
300 68th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49548

Please contact Kelly Talsma or Amy White with questions.

 Candidate and Alumni Stories

The highest joy and most gratifying part of our work at the MFCA is our interaction with candidates seeking their Certificate of Readiness for Examination (CRE). We have the pleasure of engaging with a diverse and interesting group of people, who confirm their calling to ministry, coming from differing areas of the country. Enjoy a new feature introduced in this newsletter wherein we introduce MFCA alumni and/or current candidates via very brief biographies. Highlighted in this issue are two alumni and one soon-to-be alum. We hope you join in appreciation of the diverse paths their lives have taken as they serve their community and the RCA.

Toby Thomack was welcomed into our program in October 2016 and was granted the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry (the CRE predecessor) on June 22, 2021. Toby writes that he is happily serving as the youth and worship pastor of First Reformed Church in Oostburg, Wisconsin. He shares: “I began here as the director of youth ministry in June of 2011 after graduating from Dallas Theological Seminary with my Th.M. in Pastoral Leadership. Seven years ago, my role expanded into helping worship leading for our Sunday services and I was brought on as part-time youth ministry assistant. I finished my ordination studies through the MFCA and was ordained as minister of Word and sacrament in January of 2022. My wife Joanna and I continue to enjoy raising our three children here in Oostburg as it’s close enough for each of our families, who also live in Wisconsin, to visit us!”

Toby was a joy and very good to work with, always responsive and helpful. He continues to be so in his support of another potential candidate under care.

Shelly-Ann Richmond was received into the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry (now called CRE) program in September of 2020. We appreciate her expression of the following portion of her journey, which includes immigration.

“When I started my journey in the MFCA program, it seemed as though it would be a daunting and very long process. I recall my initial conversation with Kelly Talsma, feeling swirly-eyed after hanging up the phone. She had shared so much! However, not only was she extremely knowledgeable, she was extremely patient, taking the time to answer my follow-up questions and affirming my summarization of what had been communicated to me. I appreciated her grace in a world where humanity has shifted away from patience, making it easy to diminish/minimize needs by quickly referring people to websites and communication via email.

“I was enrolled in the MFCA program while dually carrying a full course load at Yale Divinity School. In addition to my studies and schooling, I was a new mother of twins and employed full time! I know that I managed only by the grace of God and amazing professors, who were very encouraging. I also acknowledge the support of my family, and especially my mother who stood with me throughout. I recall coming to the end of my coursework, writing my credo with deep humility, being filled with emotion because I had made it! I would have the opportunity to serve people through ministry, and I did not take it lightly. I know that this is a gift from The Most High God. I feel tremendously honored to be able to do so as a member of the RCA, and this program provided me with the knowledge and confidence needed to go and labor in God’s vineyard.

“Subsequent to successful completion of MFCA, I also completed a one-year residency and now serve as a hospital chaplain. In addition, I provide pulpit supply to various churches within the RCA network as needed, and I conduct missionary work in the country of Jamaica through my organization, I Am Somebody’s Adored Child (IASAC). Through IASAC, I work with churches, clinics, and schools in rural Jamaica. We provide academic and medical resources in addition to providing the demographic with food and clothing acquired through generous donations of people who believe in my mission and vision for this organization. Working alongside the churches, we host worship services and offer individuals an opportunity to be welcomed into the fellowship of like-minded believers in Christ. As an immigrant to the United States, I remain grateful for the opportunities that have been offered to me. Entering the MFCA program was yet another gateway through which I was able to walk and continue my journey into service through ministry. I want to especially thank Ms. Kelly and Ms. Amy for always being supportive presences in the MFCA program. With them and the support of the professors, I never walked alone.”

Shelly-Ann lives in Brooklyn, New York, and in her spare time, she loves to sew and complete various DIY projects that keep her up at night. She is one day looking forward to planting a church in Jamaica where she can share the word of God and expand her outreach throughout the Caribbean.

Dave Sippel was enrolled into the MFCA through the Approved Alternate Route (AAR) on December 20, 2017. Over these years, he has faithfully served in ministry, fulfilled and met all requirements for the final granting of his CRE on May 28, 2024. We celebrate along with him!

Dave lives in northern New Jersey. He has been part of the ministerial staff at First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains for nine years. He has been working in full-time local church ministry for 30 years, and most of his career has been focused on youth and young adult ministry. Six years ago, Dave decided to pursue ordination as a minister of Word and sacrament in the RCA. The Approved Alternative Route was a great fit for Dave, and he has just completed his final large requirement: writing eight AAR case studies. He was granted the CRE this month.

Dave will be answering a call to remain at First Reformed Church and will serve as co-pastor of the church, focusing on discipleship, missions, and community engagement. He has been married for almost 30 years. His wife, Teresa, and his oldest son, Grant, are both schoolteachers. His youngest son, Cade, is a junior at Eastern Christian School. Dave loves to kayak and fish on his days off.

 Awarded Certificates

At its May 2024 meeting, the MFCA Board of Trustees granted the Certificate of Readiness for Examination (CRE) through the Reformed Candidates Supervision and Care (RCSC) to the following candidates:

• Leslie Carrion - Classis of Brooklyn

• Luke DeKoster - Classis of West Sioux

• Naoki Inoue - Classis of Greater Palisades

• HengSheng (Tristan) Lin - Classis of Queens

• Danielle Postma - Classis of West Sioux

• Elliot Weidenaar - Classis of Schenectady

At its May 2024 meeting, the MFCA Board of Trustees also awarded the Certificate of Readiness for Examination (CRE) through the Approved Alternate Route (AAR) to:

• Dave Sippel - Classis of Passaic Valley

 Announcements

As of March 2023, Tara Woodward Bosman began her work as missional networker, partnering with RCA Global Mission and Resonate Global Mission’s Eastern & Southern Africa team. Her role includes facilitating existing partnerships between churches and organizations in the Gauteng province (Johannesburg and Pretoria), and building new partnerships between South African and North American Churches. Tara was granted the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry in November 2021.

We are pleased to say that New Hope Community Church and the Nassau-Suffolk Classis announce the ordination and installation of Narayana Das Rendla as minister of Word and sacrament. This took place on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at New Hope in New Hyde Park, New York. Das was granted the Certificate of Readiness for Examination through the RCSC on March 4, 2024.

Leo Poluan, MFCA current candidate, spoke this month during season 4 of the RCA's Dismantling Racism Prayer Gatherings. As part of American Asian and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month, Leo shared from Luke 10 and shared some of his inspiring story. Listen to the recording here. (Passcode: 1^&&go8Z)

Our friend Dr. Chuck DeGroat has written another book releasing in October 2024. The book is entitled Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself and to God when You’re Weary, Wounded, and Wandering. Find out more about the book and the possibility of a preorder at Chuck's website.

Kelly, Amy, and Dave are always willing and to meet with you via Zoom or phone, upon your request. We will walk with you through your questions or redirect you as necessary, so do not hesitate to ask.

Please visit the MFCA website for information and past newsletters.

Courses

MFCA courses are accessed through New Brunswick Theological Seminary and (NBTS) and Western Theological Seminary (WTS). Registration information can be found on the MFCA Website under Courses of Study. (Note: Do not register for courses through the seminaries but through the MFCA.)

When an MFCA candidate registers for a required course for CRE qualification, the term audit is used on the seminary registration form. However, to meet the RCA requirements for the Certificate of Readiness for Examination (CRE) the MFCA requires the coursework be submitted, and a grade is earned at the conclusion of the course.

Accessible through New Brunswick Theological Seminary (NBTS)

January 22–May 11, 2024
When registering, students must complete the Non-NBTS Student Registration form and submit it to ktalsma@rca.org.

RCA Studies History, Mission, and Worship (DS508-01) – Instructor: Dr. M. van Maastricht. Offered fully online with synchronous and asynchronous online learning. Tuesdays, 6:30–9:00 p.m. (EST). 3.0 credits. $1,875 / CRE Qualification - $450. Prerequisites: CH510, CH511, MS565. (Seminary course prerequisites can be discussed and clarified with the MFCA registrar.)

HISTORY AND MISSIONS (PART III): The purpose of this course is to assist the student in understanding the historical development of the Reformed Church in America, with a special emphasis on the role and theology of its mission programs, within the context of the history of the global Christian church. The student will become conversant with the arc of RCA history and with how to engage primary source materials to dig deeper into that history and connect it to the work of local congregations, classes, and synods.

WORSHIP (PART IV): This course is designed to introduce students to the Liturgy of the RCA, with special emphasis on how to lead worship, and especially the sacramental liturgies, creatively and meaningfully. Students will become familiar with the construction of the liturgies, the theological assumptions behind them, and will learn how to construct and adapt the liturgies in ways appropriate to the contexts in which they will serve.

Biblical Hebrew II (OT512-01) – Instructor: Dr. Terry Ann Smith. Offered fully online with synchronous and asynchronous online learning. Wednesdays, 6:30–9:00 p.m. (EST). 3.0 credits. $1,875 / CRE Qualification - $450. Prerequisite: OT511.

This course is a continuation of OT511. This term, students will continue to learn and strengthen their translation skills and exegetical skills. This is an elective; however, some denominations require this class.

Accessible through Western Theological Seminary (WTS)

January 8–April 26, 2024
When registering, students must complete the Non-NBTS Student Registration form and submit it to ktalsma@rca.org.

Credo (TH490-DL) – Instructor: Dr. Kantzer-Komline. Offered an asynchronous online learning course. 3.0 credits. $1,272 / CRE Qualification $450. Prerequisite: Standards and 2 semesters of Systematic Theology. (Seminary course prerequisites can be discussed and clarified with the MFCA registrar.)

In this senior seminar, students will write a paper of approximately 25-35 pages in which they will give an account of their personal theology by articulating their beliefs concerning the central loci of Christian teaching, in conversation with their respective denominational traditions, and in language that can be
understood by an educated church layperson.

Christian Interior Life (MN336-DL) – Instructor: Dr. C. DeGroat. Offered as an
asynchronous online learning course, including a three-day, on-campus intensive on February 14-16, 2024. This course is an alternative to the CPE requirement. 3.0 credits. $1,272 / CRE Qualification - $550.

This course explores the ways in which a minister’s life history, spiritual growth, and vocation intersect and shape his/her personal and professional identity. Students will reflect on their own psychological and spiritual development and their opportunities for personal growth. They will develop their own particular plans for self-care. 

Biblical Interpretation for Ministry (BL120-DL) – Instructor: Dr. C. Pierce. Offered as an asynchronous online learning course. This is a special Hebrew and Greek tools course available by permission only. CRE Qualification - $450.

This course explores biblical interpretive methods, online study tools, and their application towards ministry settings. No language prerequisite.

Accessible through Pine Rest CPE

February 5–June 26, 2024

A unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) will be available from February 5–June 26, 2024 through Pine Rest CPE. They accept applicants on a rolling admissions basis, so students may send in applications at any time, using the ACPE application form found at acpe.edu. The application form is under the Education drop-down menu, then CPE Students, then CPE Application.
Applicants can either email the application to Carolyn Dykstra at
carolyn.dykstra@pinerest.org and contact her to pay the application fee with a debit or credit card, or mail the application along with a check or money order to:
Pine Rest CPE
300 68th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49548

Please contact Kelly Talsma or Amy White with questions about the CPE opportunity or RCA courses.
Events

MFCA Certification Committee Meetings – Via Zoom, the next committee meeting will take place in January 2024. The final date has yet to be determined. The Certification Committee meets for the purpose of receiving new candidates into the Certificate of Readiness for Examination (CRE) process, engaging in student mid-certification interviews, and final review and examination of Approved Alternate Route (AAR) candidates. If you have questions concerning any of the above agenda items, please feel free to contact Kelly Talsma (ktalsma@rca.org) or Amy White (awhite@rca.org) for clarification.
Announcements

• Savitri Mark reports that the Columbia-Greene Classis ordained her as minister of Word and sacrament on September 24, 2023 at First Reformed Church in Catskill, New York. She reports this with joy and gratitude.

• Congratulations are in order for Kelle Alavi, who was awarded the RCA Beth E. Marcus Scholarship, representing the MFCA. Every year we are pleased that a student with the MFCA is chosen to receive a Beth E. Marcus Scholarship.

• Plainview Reformed Church, located on Long Island in Plainview, New York, is seeking a new full-time minister. They are an active congregation committed to living out their faith more fully in the world. They are looking for a minister excited to take this journey with them. Send cover letters and pastor profile to: pastoralsearch@plainviewreformedchurch.org or:
  Plainview Reformed Church
  560 Old Bethpage Road
  Plainview, New York 11803
  If interested, ask for a church profile and job description from the MFCA.

• Please keep in mind that Kelly, Amy, and Dave are always willing and happy to meet with you via Zoom or phone, upon your request. We will walk with you through your questions or redirect you as necessary, so do not hesitate to ask.

​​​​​​Please visit the MFCA website for information and past newsletters.

MFCA Changes

The new MFCA Enrollment fee of $600 has been implemented, effective, July 1, 2023 for all candidates who receive (d) a Letter of Acceptance after the July 1 date. For those who have not yet paid the enrollment, but received the letter prior to the date, the fee remains the same.

The General Synod ratified the amendments to the Book of Church Order (BCO) that define the roles of the classis and the theological agents in the ordination process more clearly. The change renames the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry (CFM) as the Certificate of Readiness for Examination (CRE). The Pastoral Formation Oversight Board (PFOB) brought these changes to the 2022 General Synod. They were unanimously approved by the classes, and lastly, approved by the 2023 General Synod.

One needs to receive a Certificate of Readiness for Examination before being ordained as a minister of Word and sacrament in the RCA. Three theological agents: Western Theological Seminary (WTS), New Brunswick Theological Seminary (NBTS), and the Ministerial Formation Certification Agency (MFCA), can grant the Certificate in the RCA.

For deeper coverage of this information, see Changes to Theological Education in the RCA.

Please refer to Events and Courses below for further information about changes for accessing MFCA courses.

Events and Courses

MFCA Certification Committee Meetings
Via Zoom communication, the next committee meeting will take place in January 2024. The final date has yet to be determined. The Certification Committee meets for the purpose of receiving new candidates into the CRE process, engaging in student mid-certification interviews, and final review and examination of AAR candidates. If you have questions concerning any of the above agenda items, please feel free to contact Kelly Talsma (ktalsma@rca.org) or Amy White (awhite@rca.org) for clarification.

MFCA Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees will hold their next meeting in the spring of 2024. We are very grateful for the dedicated and knowledgeable service of board member, Frances Nelson, who has completed her tenure. We welcome new board members, Ms. Jacqueline Valdez and Rev. Dr. Lyle Zumdahl.

MFCA Fall 2023 Courses
Starting this fall, MFCA courses will be accessed through New Brunswick Theological Seminary (NBTS) and Western Theological Seminary (WTS). Registration information can be found on the MFCA Website under Courses of Study. The fall courses will begin on August 28 and 29, 2023.

NOTE: Do not register through the seminaries.

CPE Opportunity
A new unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) will be available from February 5–June 26, 2024 through Pine Rest CPE. They accept applicants on a rolling admissions basis, so students may send in applications at any time, using the CPE Application Form found on ACPE.edu.

Applicants can either email the application to Carolyn Dykstra at carolyn.dykstra@pinerest.org and contact her to pay the application fee with a debit or credit card, or mail the application along with a check or money order to:

Pine Rest CPE
300 68th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49548

Please contact Kelly Talsma or Amy White with questions about the CPE opportunity or RCA Courses.

Awarded Certificates

CFM Awarded
At its June 2023 meeting, the MFCA Board of Trustees granted The Certificate of Fitness for Ministry (CFM) through the Reformed Candidates Supervision and Care (RCSC) to the following candidates:

Cecilia Go, Classis of Greater Palisades
Savitri Mark, Classis of Columbia-Green
Peter Min, Classis of Queens

CFM Awarded
At the June 2023 meeting, the MFCA Board of Trustees also awarded the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry through the Approved Alternate Route (AAR) to:

Jonathan Craig, Classis of Central Iowa

CRE Awarded
At the June 2023 meeting, the MFCA Board of Trustees awarded the Certificate of Readiness for Examination (CRE) through the Reformed Candidates Supervision and Care (RCSC) to the following candidate:

Jeffrey Chu, Classis of Rockland Westchester

Announcements

The ordination ceremony for Sonny (Shang) Kang took place on November 4, 2022. The service was held at New Life Community Church in Burnaby, British Columbia. Congratulations Sonny! We celebrate God’s faithfulness along with you.

We are honored to announce that Jonathan Craig was ordained on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, Iowa.

Opportunity: Lisha’s Kill Reformed Church is in the search process for a new minister. Interested candidates may send their profiles to Robert Farquharson, chair of the search committee, via email at rfarquharson77@me.com.

Or mail it to the church:
Lisha’s Kill Reformed Church
2131 Central Avenue, Schenectady, NY 112304
Telephone number: 518-346-2710

Please keep in mind that Kelly, Amy, and Dave are always willing and happy to meet with you via Zoom or phone, upon your request. We will walk with you through your questions or redirect you as necessary, so do not hesitate to ask!

Change

A simple word with significant meaning. There is little doubt that change will occur over a lifetime, and often the result of necessity. The changes taking place within the MFCA are the results of necessity and inevitability. We can grasp on to the old or embrace the new with vigor, looking expectantly for all that will emerge. Jeff Munroe wrote the following in a short meditation, “We witness the struggles of our society and many institutions that have guided us in the past – like denominations and political parties. I wonder if we aren’t living through a death while we wait for something new to be born.” Jesus too speaks to the necessity of change, death of the old, in John 12:24 which states that a grain of wheat must go into the ground and die before something new can be born, and produce much fruit.

Our own denomination of the RCA is in a transitional phase, and many staff and those within the denomination have been commenting and writing about it regularly. It is molding, stretching and reforming us; bringing us to fresh realizations and innovative understandings. Something new is materializing, looking ever so mysteriously like a New Creation in Christ Jesus.

The staff at the MFCA has also been living in the tension of change and modification. We are not immune to the transformation taking place around us and I for one have had to unclasp my hands, releasing time-honored routines and methods of working and presenting courses, only to find that the mystery of Christ is bringing about something new in attitude and outlook.

A change of which some of you may be unaware is that the staff has fully transitioned to working remotely from home. This change took place over the summer of 2022 and was completed by October 1, 2022. Kelly Talsma and Amy White are located and communicating with you from Southern California, while Dave Schutt is located in either Iowa or Arizona, depending on the time of year.

As you read further in this News Feed, you will discover that the method of offering our courses will dramatically change this fall. There will be joy in working and interacting with folks from New Brunswick Theological Seminary and Western Theological Seminary. There may be unforeseen glitches, but the MFCA staff is working diligently to anticipate and circumvent them. Please be aware that you will continue to register and communicate with the MFCA as a candidate needing to take courses. More information will come through emails.

Commentary by Amy White 

Events and Courses

RCA General Synod
GS will hold its annual Synod gathering at Central College in Pella, Iowa this summer. It will begin on the afternoon of Thursday, June 8, at 3:00 pm Central Time and will adjourn by noon on Tuesday, June 13.

MFCA/TEA Dinner – Hosted by MFCA at General Synod.
The dinner will be held in a private room at Central College, on the evening of Monday, June 12, 2023. All who have an association with the MFCA/TEA, or would simply like information about the MFCA, are welcome to attend. Look for an announcement while at the GS Meetings.

General Synod Seminarian Seminar (GS3)
Each year the MFCA is invited to send candidates to General Synod to participate. GS3 participants will be required to engage in a full day of orientation prior to the start of Synod, on Wednesday, June 7 with RCA minister Rev. Tim TenClay.

MFCA Certification Committee Meetings
Via Zoom communications, the next Committee meeting will take place on June 15 and 16, 2023, for the purpose of engaging in mid-certification interviews, recommendations around final reviews and the receiving CFM candidates into the MFCA Process. If you have questions concerning any of the above agenda items, please feel free to contact Kelly Talsma ktalsma@rca.org or Amy White awhite@rca.org for questions or clarification.

MFCA Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees will meet the Tuesday following the Certification Committee Meeting, June 20, 2023. It will take place via Zoom communications where all final decisions for granting CFMs to each petitioning candidate will take place.

RCA Worship DL Summer 2023 – Instructor, Dr. Ronald Rienstra, commences Monday, July 10 and ends on Friday, July 21.
​​The course requires time before and after the intensive section, for preparation, reading and book reports. RCA Worship is a required course for MFCA candidates seeking the CFM, and draws from Scripture, Reformed confessions and liturgies. It offers a wide range of worshipping traditions and will present, discuss, clarify and apply a Reformed vision of worship to congregational settings in the RCA. Tuition cost of $250 – CFM Qualification only

*Please contact Kelly Talsma if you did not receive registration information and would like to participate in RCA Worship.

MFCA Fall 2023 Courses* ** ***

* The below schedule is a change in available offerings and accessibility of MFCA courses. Please take note of locations.
** Registration information will be provided to MFCA students BY MFCA staff, NOT the seminaries. Do not register through the seminaries.
*** Plan in advance for the fall courses, as students are being asked to register by July 31st for the fall semester, which begins on August 28 or 29.

Accessible through New Brunswick Theological Seminary (NBTS)
August 28–December 16, 2023
RCA Standards & Polity*–Instructor, Dr. M. van Maastricht, offered as a DL course, Tuesdays, 6:30–9:00 pm (EST)
Biblical Hebrew I*–Instructor, Dr. Terry Ann Smith, offered as a DL course, Wednesdays, 6:30–9:00 pm (EST)
*Fully Online Section–Synchronous & Asynchronous online learning

Accessible through Western Theological Seminary (WTS)
August 29–December 16, 2023
New Testament Greek I–Instructor, Dr. N. Johnson, offered as an online intensive (A 3-day on-campus intensive will be part of this course.)
RCA Standards and Polity–Instructor, Dr. David Komline, offered as a DL course

Awarded the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry

At its March 2023 meeting, the MFCA Board of Trustees granted The Certificate of Fitness for Ministry through the Reformed Candidates Supervision and Care (RCSC) to the following candidate:

Joshua Jalandoon, Classis of the City

Announcements

The MFCA staff would like to joyfully honor the following people and make the subsequent announcements:

With deep gratitude, we name and acknowledge our “current” professors who have faithfully served and taught MFCA students, enabling them to achieve their goals toward ordination in the Reformed Church in America. They are:

Rev. Dr. Wayne Brouwer
Rev. Dr. Verlyn Hemmen
Rev. Dr. Cornelis Kors
Rev. Dr. Chad Pierce
Rev. Dr. Ronald Rienstra
Rev. Dr. Dennis Voskuil

Jane Carlson expressed her gratitude toward classmates and professors who assisted her along the way toward her ordination and installation as the associate pastor at Bethany Reformed Church in Sheboygan, WI on September 18, 2022. Well done, Jane!

The ordination ceremony for Ming-Jen Henry Chiang took place on March 12, 2023, @ 4:00 pm. The service was held at Grace Christian Church in Bayside Hills, New York. Congratulations Henry! We celebrate God’s faithfulness along with you.

In concert with the consistory of City Church San Francisco, Joshua Jalandoon enjoyed an ordination ceremony at City Church, San Francisco on Sunday, May 7 @ 4:30 pm. Well deserved, Joshua, and congratulations on this significant achievement.

Please keep in mind that Dave, Kelly or Amy are always willing and happy to meet with you via Zoom or phone, upon your request. We will walk with you through your questions or redirect you as necessary, so do not hesitate to ask.

Update your email preferences or unsubscribe from all RCA communication. 

Winter/Spring 2023 Courses

RCA Credo – Instructor: Dr. Wayne Brouwer

The Credo course for Spring 2023 will commence on January 9, 2023, and run through early May 2023. RCA Standards is a prerequisite. The Credo course is offered for credit or CFM qualification.

Basic Hebrew Tools and NT Exegesis – Instructor: Dr. Chad Pierce

Hebrew Basics will begin on January 9, 2023. This course is intended for AAR candidates; however, RCSC candidates may register with approval from their classis. The MFCA requires approval, in writing. This course is offered for CFM Qualification only, with a tuition of $250.

RCA History and Missions – Instructor: Dr. Dennis Voskuil

MFCA/RCA History and Missions will also commence on January 9, 2023, and end in early May. The course is offered for 3.0 credit units, which will be recorded by Western Theological Seminary for a cost of $1,545, or it can be taken for CFM qualification, with a tuition of $250. Courses taken for CFM Qualification meet RCA requirements if you do not need the credit toward a degree.

​​​​​​MFCA Seminar for Pastoral Formation – Instructor: Dr. Verlyn Hemmen 

The Seminar for Pastoral Formation is designed as an alternative to meet the requirement for Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and will be offered as a distance-learning course. It will begin in mid-February and conclude with a week-long intensive in May via distance-learning as well. The seminar will be offered for credit (tuition of $1,545), as well as CFM qualification (tuition of $250). 

Registration information will be sent out in mid-November. If you do not receive the registration material and would like to, please contact Kelly Talsma (ktalsma@rca.org) or Amy White (awhite@rca.org) for this information.

Mid-Certification Interview

Allow us to remind you that the MFCA mid-certification interviews take place twice a year during the Certification Committee meetings, typically held in January and June. The interviews are currently being held via Zoom. If you anticipate the need to be interviewed or have been asked by staff to engage in the process, please be aware that you must have a completed Personality Assessment, with a report having been submitted to the MFCA office. We use the services of Dr. Chuck DeGroat, and the assessment does take some time, so plan ahead and begin work on it as soon as you are able. 

If you would like to begin the process of the Personality Assessment and do not have proper contact information or are uncertain of the procedure, contact Amy White at awhite@rca.org. 

If you do not know if you qualify or are ready to engage in the mid-certification interview, please feel free to ask MFCA staff about it.

Awarded the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry

At its Friday, October 28, 2022 meeting, the MFCA Board of Trustees granted the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry through the Reformed Candidates Supervision and Care (RCSC) to the following candidates: 

Gent Grush, Classis of the City

Sonny Kang, Classis of British Columbia

Shelly-Ann Richmond, Classis of Brooklyn

Announcements

Anna Langholz, having been recently granted the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry, was ordained on October 9, 2022, at Pillar Church in Holland, Michigan. 

Jason Nelson was commissioned for his new role as campus pastor of Willow Creek Wheaton. This took place on Sunday, September 11, 2022, and Jason stated on the Willow Creek Homepage, that it was “one of the most moving times in ministry for our family.” Jason started his ministry in the Chicago area as a church planter with the sponsorship of Third Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa, where he had served as executive pastor, while he was in the MFCA program. 

MFCA staff would like to acknowledge that Sherri and Mike Meyer-Veen were installed as the new co-pastors of Niskayuna Reformed Church of Niskayuna, New York, on October 23, 2022. The church is a historic Dutch Reformed church built in 1852. The Meyer-Veens are alumni of the MFCA.

Essays written in honor of Rev. Dr. Cornelis Kors have been published in a festschrift titled, Shepherding a New Generation of Leaders. We are pleased and thrilled to announce that the long-awaited book has been published. It can be found and purchased on Amazon. Cor faithfully served the MFCA as director for 30 years. Well done, Cor!

Speaking of long and faithful service, our registrar, Kelly Talsma, has walked over the line of her 30th year of service to the MFCA and RCA, as of September 1, 2022. She continues to be the ever-present backbone and treasury of knowledge for the MFCA, having gone through many changes and continual learning while working alongside Cor Kors. Please celebrate her tenure along with us.

The MFCA Board of Trustees welcomes three new board members: Mr. Gerald Baraza, Rev. Susan Converse, and Ms. Devonna Cousins join the existing board made up of Rev. Dr. Scott Christiansen (moderator), Ms. Norma Coleman-James, Rev. Shirley Lin, Rev. Frances Nelson, Mr. Willie Si, and Rev. Cathleen Wolff.

Lastly, of interest to our readers may be Faithward, the RCA’s website dedicated to moving faith forward, which has now reached more than 2 million people. The RCA digital content coordinator, Grace Ruiter, states, “Faithward had more than 130,000 visitors in the month of September (our second highest monthly reach ever), and we’re seeing major growth in Spanish traffic, especially to the Women of the Bible Study pages.”

If you have been unaware of Faithward, and might like to take a look or subscribe, you can visit the website at www.faithward.org.

Fall Courses

RCA Credo – Instructor: Dr. Wayne Brouwer

The Credo course for fall 2022 will begin August 15 and run through December 10, 2022. RCA Standards is a prerequisite.

Basic Greek Tools and New Testament Exegesis – Instructor: Dr. Chad Pierce

Greek Basics will begin on September 6, 2022. This course is intended for AAR candidates; however, RCSC candidates may register with approval from their classis. The MFCA must have that approval on file in writing. This course is offered for CFM qualification only, with tuition of $250.

RCA Polity – Instructor: Dr. Cornelis Kors

RCA Standards – Instructor: Dr. Wayne Brouwer 

The MFCA offerings of RCA Polity and RCA Standards, online, will begin on September 6, 2022. These two courses are offered for 3.0 credit units, which will be recorded by Western Theological Seminary for a cost of $1,545. They can also be taken for CFM qualification to meet RCA requirements if you do not need the credits transferred toward a degree, for a cost of $250.

If you are interested in registering for one of the above courses, but did not receive the registration information, please contact Kelly Talsma or Amy White for this information.

Mid-certification Interview

The MFCA mid-certification interviews take place twice a year during the MFCA Certification Committee meetings. The interviews are currently being held via Zoom and will continue in this format until further notice. If you anticipate that you will need to be interviewed, please be aware that you must have a completed Personality Assessment, with a report submitted to the MFCA office. This is a process that does take time, so please plan ahead and begin work on it as soon as you are able. 

If you would like to begin the process of the Personality Assessment and do not have proper contact information or the information on how it works, contact Amy White at awhite@rca.org. 

Events

The MFCA will host a group Zoom meeting for Regional Synod and Classis Care Leadership Teams on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The purpose of the meeting will be to address and discuss uncertainties surrounding the transitions taking place in the RCA. The meeting will involve discussion of how best to direct candidates whose churches or classis may be leaving the denomination. 

If you fit into one of the above invited categories but did not receive a “save the date” notice, you are welcome to contact Amy White at awhite@rca.org for more information or invitation. The gathering will be recorded, so please contact Kelly Talsma at ktalsma@rca.org if you would like a copy of the recording.

Awarded the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry

At its June 6, 2022, meeting, the MFCA Board of Trustees granted The Certificate of Fitness for Ministry through the Reformed Candidates Supervision and Care (RCSC) to the following candidates: 

Eric Burrows-Stone, Classis of the City

Nicole Contreras, Classis of Greater Palisades

Zach DeWitt, Classis of Minnesota

Anna Langholz, Classis of Holland

Ciro Romero, Classis of Greater Palisades

Announcements

The MFCA Board of Trustees, at its June 6, 2022, meeting, acknowledged the work of the Rev. Dr. James Brownson over a period of 27 years. He brought his immense resources to TEA and the MFCA Certification Committees since 1995. The Board of Trustees, MFCA staff, and Certification Committee hold a deep debt of gratitude for his faithful years of service and invaluable time devoted to the candidates seeking their Certificate of Fitness for Ministry (CFM). The impact Dr. Brownson has made on so many MFCA students, staff, and committees cannot be measured, as he wisely directed them with his knowledge, intuition, encouragement and books over these 27 years. 

Thank you, James! You have served us well, and we are honored to have been the recipients of your time and knowledge.

The Rev. Dr. Chad Pierce, the moderator of the Pastoral Formation Oversight Board (PFOB), brought a recommendation to General Synod after several years of discernment about changing the certification process, including a name change to the CFM. Chad explained the recommendation during his PFOB report at the June General Synod meeting. Read the explanation and details here. 

The Doctor of Ministry degree (DMin) has been conferred on MFCA graduate Rev. Sandeep Jadhav, pastor of New Life Community Church in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, through Carey Theological College. The title of his thesis project was “Homiletical Hospitality: Exploring the Metaphor of Meal Hospitality as an Illuminating Resource for Preaching.” Congratulations, Sandeep!

The Rev. Adriene Thorne, who has led First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn since 2016, was voted in by the congregation of the historic Riverside Church of New York City. She will be the eighth senior pastor of Riverside, beginning October 1, 2022.

Eric Burrows-Stone was ordained at Resurrection Philadelphia as a minister of Word and sacrament on July 3. Congratulations, Rev. Burrows-Stone!

Evan Meester was ordained at the First Reformed Church in Meservey, Iowa, as minister of Word and sacrament, on Sunday, July 24, and is serving at Saint John's Lutheran in Frederika, Iowa. Congratulations, Rev. Meester!

The Rev. Dr. Chuck DeGroat, who engages with our candidates and processes the majority of MFCA Personality Assessments for them (see above section on the mid-certification interview), has written several books and is currently working on a new one. The MFCA staff has either read or listened to When Narcissism Comes to Church. Suffice it to say, it is revealing, interesting, and filled with insight. Read it for yourself. Book list and details found here.

The MFCA staff would like to acknowledge the Rev. Judy Marvel, who passed away in early April 2022. She was an alumna of the MFCA and held the unique distinction of having two sons who also completed the CFM process with the MFCA: Rev. Jacob Marvel and Rev. Judson Marvel. We know Judy is missed by her loved ones and friends, and we offer our condolences.

Please visit the MFCA website for more information and past newsletters.

Certainly, this season of Lent has brought much cause for lament, especially as we observe from afar the suffering imposed on people in other parts of the world. Our greatest comfort is knowing that our Jesus suffered, too; he understands and weeps along with those who are lost in the horror. We pray: God Almighty, have mercy on our world and interfere in your strength. Our “hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”

Courses

RCA Worship DL 2022 – Instructor: Dr. Ronald Rienstra

Commences on Monday, July 11, and ends on Friday, July 22. The course requires two weeks before and after the intensive section (July 11–22) for preparation, reading, and book reports. RCA Worship is a required course for MFCA candidates seeking the CFM and draws from Scripture, Reformed confessions, and liturgies. This course offers a wide range of worshiping traditions and will present, discuss, clarify, and apply a Reformed vision of worship to congregational settings in the RCA.

RCA Worship is offered for CFM qualification; the cost of the course is $250. Please contact Kelly Talsma if you desire to register for the course.

RCA Polity – Instructor: Dr. Cornelis Kors. Offered fall 2022.

RCA Standards – Instructor: Dr. Wayne Brouwer. Offered fall 2022.

RCA History and Missions – Instructor: Dr. Dennis Voskuil. Offered spring 2023.

Credo Course – Instructor: Dr. Wayne Brouwer. Offered fall 2022 and spring 2023.

Seminar for Pastoral Formation – Instructor: Dr. Verlyn Hemmen. Offered spring 2023.

The above schedule is a change in available offerings of MFCA courses. Please take note of the changes so you are able to plan accordingly. 

Events

Good Friday: April 15, 2022

Easter Sunday: April 17, 2022

RCA General Synod

General Synod will be held at Central College in Pella, Iowa. It will begin on the afternoon of Thursday, June 9, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time and will adjourn by noon on Tuesday, June 14.

General Synod Seminarian Seminar (GS3)

The MFCA is invited to send candidates to General Synod to participate. GS3 participants will be required to engage in a full day of orientation on Wednesday, June 8, with RCA minister Tim TenClay. Travel and lodging is paid for. Please email Kelly Talsma if you wish to take part in this opportunity.

MFCA Certification Committee Meetings

Via Zoom, the committee will be meeting June 2 and 3, 2022, for the purpose of engaging in mid-certification interviews, recommendations around final reviews, and receiving CFM candidates into the MFCA process. If you have questions concerning any of these agenda items, please feel free to contact Kelly Talsma (ktalsma@rca.org) or Amy White (awhite@rca.org) for questions or clarification.

Awarded the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry

At its March 2022 meeting, the MFCA Board of Trustees granted the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry through the Reformed Candidates Supervision and Care (RCSC) to the following candidates: 

Jane Carlson, Classis of Wisconsin

Peter Kolb, Classis of West Sioux 

Announcements

The MFCA hosted a group Zoom meeting for candidates; the general secretary was our guest at the March 2, 2022, meeting. Eddy Alemán graciously answered all questions, and attending candidates seemed to appreciate this opportunity. The gathering was recorded, so please feel free to contact Kelly Talsma (ktalsma@rca.org) if you would like a copy of the recording.  

The MFCA staff is pleased and delighted to announce the following:

• Ryan McCormick, having completed all requirements for ordination, was ordained as a minister of Word and sacrament at Resurrection, Philadelphia on January 29 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

• Andrew Garbarino, having completed all requirements for ordination, was ordained as a minister of Word and sacrament at Resurrection, Philadelphia on January 29 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

• Keith Hoekstra has accepted a call to Hope CRC in Hull, Iowa. 

• Tara Woodward celebrates a call as chaplain to the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George, Canada. Her ordination service took place at St. Columbia Presbyterian Church in South Africa on Saturday, March 26, 2022.

Lakeview Community Church Reformed, located in the town of Greece, a suburb of Rochester, New York, on the shores of Lake Ontario, is seeking a solo pastor to shepherd their Lakeview family of some 100 devoted Christians. Their mission states: “To have hearts centered on Christ and hearts open to our neighbors.”

• The above church profile is available on the RCA website (www.rca.org/jobs). A resume or profile may be submitted via email to lakeviewchurch3@gmail.com or by mail to:
  Lakeview Community Church

• Attn: Rebecca Hibbard or Richard Ives, Pastoral Search Committee Chairs

• 30 Long Pond Road
  Rochester, New York 14612

Please visit our MFCA website for information and past newsletters.

Dear friends of the MFCA,

As we journey through the Advent season awaiting the Christ child, may your eyes and hearts be opened to his restorative peace and glory. Merry Christmas, and may the peace of Christ be with you in the new year.

Courses

RCA Credo – Instructor: Dr. Wayne Brouwer

The Credo online course for spring 2022 will begin January 10, 2022, and run through May 13, 2022. RCA Standards is a prerequisite. The course can be taken for 3.0 credit units, which will be recorded by Western Theological Seminary for a cost of $1,545. The course can also be taken for CFM qualification to meet RCA requirements if you do not need the credits transferred toward a degree, for a cost of $250.

Basic Hebrew Tools & NT Exegesis – Instructor: Dr. Chad Pierce

Hebrew Basics will begin January 10, 2022. This course is intended for AAR candidates; however, RCSC candidates may register with approval from their classis. The MFCA must have that approval on file in writing. This course is offered for CFM qualification only, with tuition of $250.

RCA History and Missions – Instructor: Dr. Dennis Voskuil

RCA Polity – Instructor: Dr. Cornelis Kors

RCA Standards – Instructor: Dr. Wayne Brouwer 

The MFCA is offering RCA History and Missions, RCA Polity, and RCA Standards via distance learning, beginning January 10, 2022. These three courses are offered for 3.0 credit units, which will be recorded by Western Theological Seminary for a cost of $1,545. They can also be taken for CFM qualification to meet RCA requirements if you do not need the credits transferred toward a degree; tuition is $250.

If you are interested in registering for one of the above courses, but did not receive the registration information, please contact Kelly Talsma or Amy White for this information.

Events

MFCA Certification Committee Meetings

Via Zoom communications, the Committee will be meeting in January 2022 for the purpose of engaging in mid-certification interviews, recommendations around final reviews, and receiving CFM candidates into the MFCA Process. If you have questions concerning any of these agenda items, please feel free to contact Kelly Talsma (ktalsma@rca.org) or Amy White (awhite@rca.org) for questions or clarification.

Awarded the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry

At its October meeting, the MFCA Board of Trustees granted the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry through the Reformed Candidates Supervision and Care (RCSC) to the following candidates: 

Richard M. Downey, Classis of Mid-Hudson

Andrew Michael Garbarino, Classis of the City

Ryan Matthew McCormick, Classis of the City

Evan Paul Meester, Classis of Pleasant Prairie

Tara Ann Woodward, Classis of East Sioux

 Announcements

Rev. Johnson (Chao-Jui) Huang of the Queens Classis was ordained and installed at the Reformed Church of Newtown in Elmhurst, New York. The service took place on November 7, 2021, and he praises God. We celebrate with him and praise God for his ministry. 

On November 15, 2021, Rev. Keith Henry Poppen of El Dorado Hills, California (MFCA alumnus, 2002), left his earthly home to meet his heavenly Maker. Services were held for Keith on December 11, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Celtic Cross Church in Citrus Heights, California.

Akiko Van Antwerpen shares the wonderful news that she will be ordained in the Reformed Church in America on December 27 at 9:00 a.m. (Japan Time), which is December 26 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The service will take place at Kobe Union Church. She says, “It’s been a very long journey, but I am grateful to God for guiding me and for your support and prayers. I give thanks to God.”

Faith Reformed Church in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, is seeking a lead pastor. Faith Reformed has celebrated 100 years of ministry. If you are interested in the pastor profile you are welcome to contact the MFCA or the search committee. 

• Erick Braaksma: 715-570-2142

• Donna Dewitt: 715-213-1621

Winnebago Reformed Church is a multicultural church located in Winnebago, Nebraska. Winnebago Reformed has been without a pastor for two years, has developed a plan, and has now posted a church profile on the RCA website. If interested in more details about the church and the position of pastor, you are welcome to contact the MFCA or the following people:

• Nancy Gillis: 712-259-7675 (cell), 402-846-5907 (home)

• Kenny Mallory: 402-878-4278 (home) 

The MFCA staff invited board moderator Dr. Scott Christiansen to be our guest at the candidate open Zoom gathering on November 17 in order to debrief candidates surrounding the outcome of the 2021 General Synod. Scott was available to answer questions that pertained to the meetings and put to rest MFCA program concerns based on General Synod decisions. Dave Sippel, one of MFCA’s AAR students, also present at the event and at General Synod, graciously offered his perspective as well. We are grateful for Dr. Christiansen’s time at this informational session, along with Dave Sippel’s input. 

Upcoming in the new year, our guest for a group Zoom gathering will be Rev. Eddy Alemán, RCA General Secretary. We will keep candidates updated on information as it is finalized. We look forward to the opportunity and appreciate Rev. Alemán’s willingness to join us.

In closing, we happily include this article in the Reformed Journal written by Cor Kors as a lament and a reflective piece following General Synod. If you have not already read it, you can access it here. Thank you for your thoughts and reflection, Cor.

Please visit our MFCA website (mfca.rca.org) for information and past newsletters.

Courses and Events

RCA Credo – Instructor: Dr. Wayne Brouwer

The Credo online course for winter 2021–2022 will begin on October 11, 2021, and run through February 28, 2022. RCA Standards is a prerequisite.

• The course can be taken for 3.0 credit units, which will be recorded by Western Theological Seminary, for a cost of $1,545. The course can also be taken for CFM qualification to meet RCA requirements if you do not need the credits transferred toward a degree, for a cost of $250.

General Synod 2021 in Tucson, Arizona

Begins on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. and ends on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. If you are not attending the event in person, you will be able to video stream General Synod via the RCA website at www.rca.org/synod. We encourage you to follow the activities as you are able.

MFCA Certification Committee Meetings – via Zoom

The committee will be meeting on Thursday and Friday, October 21 and 22, 2021, to engage in mid-certification interviews, recommendations around final reviews, and receiving CFM candidates into the MFCA process. If you have questions concerning any of these agenda items, please feel free to contact Kelly Talsma (ktalsma@rca.org) or Amy White (awhite@rca.org) for questions or clarification.

Save the Date

November Zoom Gathering

We are planning for our next Zoom gathering on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. We plan to gather for a follow-up discussion based on the results of General Synod actions. 

We will end our Zoom session with a Q & A time for general questions about the MFCA process. We look forward to you joining us, the MFCA staff (Dave Schutt, Kelly Talsma, and Amy White), for this open Zoom meeting on November 17.

Announcements

Dean G. Ulmer, an alumnus of the MFCA, entered his eternal home with his Lord, Jesus Christ, on August 7, 2021, following a 14-month battle with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at his home in Lincoln, Nebraska. Dean touched many lives through his years of ministry and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. 

James Earley passed his final examinations with Minnesota Classis on July 13, 2021, and enjoyed an ordination and installation service at Peace Reformed Church on August 22. James received a call from Peace to be their pastor of connections and equipping. Congratulations, James! We celebrate along with you.

Cornelis Kors will be honored at the 214th session of the General Synod (October 14–19, 2021, in Tucson, Arizona). The Board of Trustees declared Kors “Executive Director Emeritus” after his 29 years of service to the agency of the MFCA and its church. This took effect at his retirement. The Rev. Dr. Cornelis G. Kors will be declared a General Synod Professor Emeritus as of October 19, 2021. 

The MFCA report to the General Synod, including the full resolution that Dr. Cornelis Kors be declared General Synod Professor Emeritus, can be found in the MFCA report in the General Synod Workbook.

Please visit our MFCA website for information and past newsletters.

Fall 2021 RCA/MFCA Courses

·       RCA Credo – Instructor, Dr. Wayne Brouwer

The Credo On-Line Course for the Fall of 2021 will begin August 16 and run through December 10, 2021. RCA Standards is a prerequisite.

·       Basic Greek Tools & NT Exegesis – Instructor, Dr. Chad Pierce

Greek Basics will begin September 7, 2021. This course is intended for AAR candidates, however RCSC candidates may register with approval from their classis. TheMFCA must have that approval on file in writing. This course is for CFM Qualification only, with tuition of $250.

·       RCA History & Missions – Instructor, Dr. Dennis Voskuil

·       RCA Polity – Instructor, Dr. Cornelis Kors

·       RCA Standards – Instructor, Dr. Wayne Brouwer

The MFCA is offering RCA History & Missions, RCA Polity and RCA Standards via distance learning, beginning September 7. These three courses are offered for 3.0 credit units, which will be recorded by Western Theological Seminary for a cost of $1,545. They can also be taken for CFM qualification to meet RCA requirements if you do not need the credits transferred toward a degree, for a cost of $250.

If you are interested in registering for one of the above courses, but did not receive the registration information, please contact Kelly Talsma or Amy White for this information.

Awarded the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry

The Certificate of Fitness for Ministry through the Reformed Candidates Supervision and Care (RCSC) has been awarded to the following candidates:

William Barlow                              Classis of Queens

James Earley                             Classis of Minnesota

Grant Hoekstra                              Classis of Minnesota

Benjamin Lee                            Classis of Greater Palisades

Pearl Liao                                       Classis of Queens

Zach Pearce                                   Classis of Orange

Keith Sietstra                             Classis of West Sioux

Toby Thomack                              Classis of Wisconsin

The Certificate of Fitness for Ministry through the Approved Alternate Route (AAR) has been awarded to the following candidates:

Kelli Glasgo                                   Classis of West Sioux

Akiko Van Antwerpen                   Classis of New Brunswick

Announcements

We happily announce the ordination plans of Zachary Pearce, who will be ordained on Saturday, August 28th at 10 AM Eastern at Deerpark Reformed Church. An installation service will very likely take place on Sunday, October 3 at 4:00 PM Eastern at Ellenville Reformed Church in Ellenville New York. We celebrate along with Zach.

Cecilia Go and Rev. Billy Go are happy to announce the birth of baby Justina a couple of weeks ago.

Riana Shaw Robinson, announced her transition from Oakland City Church to a new and inspiring challenge. As Riana steps away from OCC she plans to gather with a team of women to pray about birthing a new church community centering around women of color. She writes, “As mothers, workers, leaders, and followers of Christ, it is hard to find the spaces that affirm and speak to our unique experiences. This new community will unapologetically center the belovedness and brilliance of women of color while offering the spiritual and practical resources to support and strengthen us”.

We support and encourage Riana, and her four children and husband, in this new endeavor, and pray for God’s rich blessing during this transitional time of building community.

Congratulations to MFCA candidate Anna Langholz, who has been granted a Beth Marcus Scholarship award for the 2021-2022 year.

In June the MFCA Certification Committee accepted RCSC petitions for the CFM for Luke DeKoster, Joshua Jalandoon, Ross Van Kley and Samuel Yoo. Vincent Hanke was declared eligible for the Approved Alternate Route for the CFM process. We welcome these individuals.

We are pleased to announce that Cornelis Kors will be honored in October at the 214th session of the General Synod 2021, October 14-19, in Tuscon, AZ. After 29 year of service to the agency of the MFCA and its church, the Board of Trustees declared Kors “Executive Director Emeritus.” This took effect at his retirement. The Rev. Dr. Cornelis G. Kors will be declared a General Synod Professor Emeritus as of October 19, 2021.  

The General Synod MFCA report, including the full resolution that Dr. Cornelis Kors be declared General Synod Professor Emeritus, can be found in the General Synod Workbook.

Events

Zoom Informational Gathering

We experienced a very good turnout for our first Zoom Call Gathering, and we hope that those of you who came, found companionship of conversation with other candidates as well as answered questions.

As promised, we are planning our next gathering, set for Wednesday, June 9, and look forward to your joining the MFCA staff, Dave Schutt, Kelly Talsma, and Amy White, for the open office style meeting via Zoom at 1:00 PM (Pacific), 4:00 PM (Eastern).

We will be joined during the first 30 minutes, by the Rev. Dr. Wayne Brouwer, who instructs our Credo Courses and RCA Standards. Dr. Brouwer is an expert on all things “Credo.” He will provide an overview of the course and what to expect, as well as his wisdom and insight for Credo writing and its importance. He will be prepared to answer your questions.

During the second half of our time together, we will break up into small groups of 4-5 allowing time to connect with others in the program, returning for a Q & A session with MFCA Staff.

If you desire further information on this event or the below listed courses, please contact

Amy White at awhite@rca.org or Kelly Talsma at ktalsma@rca.org.

Courses

RCA/MFCA Worship

The MFCA plans to offer RCA Worship as an online course, starting Monday, July 12, running through July 23, 2021. This online intensive will be taught by Dr. Ronald Rienstra, and will require work each day and throughout the weekend. Mark your calendars if you have interest in engaging this course, and contact us if you did not receive the registration email, but would like to take the course.

Clinical Pastoral Educational Collaborative

CPE will be offered as a distance learning collaborative through Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, accredited by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education. The CPE is scheduled to commence on Friday, May 21, and will continue through October. This course meets the MFCA requirement for a CPE unit, and has proven to be very successful. It is headed by Rev. Karl Van Harn, Director of the Department of Pastoral Services & CPE at Pine Rest. If you are interested and have questions, please contact Karl Van Harn: karl.vanharn@pinerest.org or 616-281-6363, ext. 2902.

Future Fall 2021 RCA/MFCA Courses

·       RCA Credo

·       Greek Basics – Bible Works & Biblical Exegesis

·       RCA History & Missions

·       RCA Polity

·       RCA Standards

Announcements

Eric Mitchell, having completed all requirements for ordination, will be ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament on May 16, 2021 at Liberty Church, Collingswood, NJ. We celebrate along with Eric.

Chaplain John D. Barry was recently promoted from First Lieutenant to the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army. Chaplain Barry is currently serving at the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) in Fort Campbell, KY. Well done, John. Congratulations.

Rev. Alan “Blues” Baker, RCA Supervisor of Chaplain Ministries, authored a recently released book; Foundations of Chaplaincy, published by William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. The book is available through Amazon Foundations of Chaplaincy and at Barnes & Noble Foundations of Chaplaincy by Alan Baker.

A Prayer of Praise and Adoration – Loosely based on Psalm 16

Weekly, as a staff, the MFCA has been reading and briefly discussing through a chapter or a section of a Psalm. Coming out of this past year and motivated by our readings, I was inspired to write a prayer of adoration and thanksgiving. Amy White

____________________________________________________________________

God Almighty, you are the One in whom I find formidable shelter and protection. You are good, and I live in you and for you. I can find nothing before, beyond or better than you. Loving Lord God, you are enough!

My heart overflows and pumps with delight in you. Who alone can grant security within safe boundaries, assuring me, each step along the rocky passage to my eternal inheritance. Running after idols assures me of nothing. You, loving Father are enough!

My hands raise in praise to you, Lord. You have become my counsel, wisdom and instructor. My gaze will not be averted because you steady me with your strong right hand of advocacy. Therefore, my heart is glad, restful and at peace. Oh Lord, you are enough!

Oh faithful One, you are my vision, my guide and companion. You are my path, my life and joy. In you I find my footing and eternal life. Almighty God, you are enough! There is none like you, no not one.

Amen.

Courses

RCA/MFCA Worship

The MFCA will be offering RCA Worship as an online course, starting Monday, July 12, running through July 23, 2021. This online intensive course will require work throughout the weekend as well. Mark your calendars if you are interested in engaging this course, and the registration information will be sent to potential participants in May. 

Clinical Pastoral Educational Collaborative

CPE will be offered as a distance learning collaborative through Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, accredited by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education.  The CPE is scheduled to commence on Friday, May 21. This offering will continue through October and will meet the MFCA requirement for a CPE unit. 

There has been great success and very positive reviews about this program, which is headed by the Rev. Karl Van Harn, Director of the Department of Pastoral Services & CPE at Pine Rest. If you are interested and have questions, you may contact the MFCA office or Karl Van Harn: karl.vanharn@pinerest.org or 616-281-6363, ext. 2902.

Events

It’s a Q & A Party and you are invited!

Monday, April 12

10:30 a.m. Pacific/11:30 a.m. Mountain/12:30 p.m. Central/1:30 p.m. Eastern 

Zoom Call

We look forward to you joining the MFCA staff—Dave Schutt, Kelly Talsma, and Amy White—for an open office style gathering via Zoom on Monday, April 12, from 10:30 a.m. PDT to 11:30 a.m. PDT.

Meet other candidates from around the country, and bring your MFCA related questions. All people and questions are welcome!

When we complete a brief time of meet and greet, the session will be open to an all-group Q & A. 

It is our plan to offer more sessions, set at differing days and times, in order to provide more convenience of opportunity. We will be providing the link and reminders to our candidates a couple of weeks prior to the event.

For further information on any of these events, please contact 

Amy White at awhite@rca.org or Kelly Talsma at ktalsma@rca.org.

Announcements

Beth Marcus Scholarship Opportunity for Female Candidates

All students in an MDiv, MA, MTS, or equivalent master's degree program candidates are invited to apply here: www.rca.org/equipping-congregations/womens-transformation-leadership/scholarship/.

Applications are being accepted, with a deadline of April 30. This scholarship has blessed many MFCA female candidates over the years, and we strongly encourage you to apply.

We invite you to take a look at other resources at www.rca.org/women and the new Lavish Hope podcast (available on all players).

Susan Converse Ordination

On Sunday, March 21, Susan Converse will be ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament, as Associate Minister for Congregational Care at the Reformed Church of Locust Valley, her home church. We are thrilled that her process has led her back to where she started. Congratulations, Susan!

Courses

MFCA is in the process of receiving registration for the following RCA Courses which are scheduled to commence on January 4, 2021. All courses will be offered online, using Canvas Learning Management System. Registration material has been sent via email, from Kelly Talsma. If you did not receive this information and registration material, but would like to register for one of the courses, please contact the MFCA Registrar, Kelly Talsma at ktalsma@rca.org. The courses beginning in January are as follows:

• Basic Hebrew Tools and Exegesis – Rev. Dr. Chad Pierce, Instructor

• RCA History & Missions – Rev. Dr. Dennis Voskuil, Instructor

• RCA Polity - Rev. Dr. Cornelis Kors, Instructor

• RCA Standards – Rev. Dr. Wayne Brouwer, Instructor

• Credo Spring 2021 Session – Rev. Dr. Wayne Brouwer, Instructor (Pre-requisite: RCA Standards)

___________________________________________________________________________

Registration material will be sent in early January for MFCA Seminar for Pastoral Formation, an alternative course to the requirement for CPE. The course will be offered online including the intensive closing week. The course commences on March 1, 2021 with the intensive week running May 10-14, 2021.

RCA Worship will be offered this summer in an online format under the instruction of Rev. Dr. Ron Reinstra. The MFCA staff encourage our candidates to consider taking the Worship course, as it may be a once a year offering. The dates for the course offering are July 12-23, 2021 and will include required work through the weekend.

Events

MFCA Certification Committee Meeting (via Zoom) – January 21 & 22, 2021

The MFCA Board of Trustees Meeting (via Zoom) – March 5, 2021

Announcements

Due to recent changes with the agency and budgetary restrictions, annual in-person meetings with the director are no longer feasible. We ask our candidates to be proactive in initiating communication with MFCA staff as needed. We will continue our regular communication with all candidates, but if you need consultation, clarification, or have specific questions, do not hesitate to contact staff.

·       Rev. Dave Schutt – dschutt@rca.org

·       Kelly Talsma – ktalsma@rca.org

·       Amy White – awhite@rca.org

Our Saviors Corner of Hope Church in Lakewood, Colorado is searching for a Senior Pastor. If you feel this may be a good fit and you are interested in more information, you may contact Amy White (awhite@rca.org) for the Church Profile. You are also welcome to contact the Search Committee Chairperson.

Chair of Search Committee: Rick Boer
E-Mail address: rickylee25@hotmail.com
Website: www.oschurch.com  

Sponsorship for Dr. Cornelis Kors’ Festschrift

Thank you to all who have graciously contributed to sponsor the production of a Festschrift (a collection of essays) in honor of Cor, who tirelessly served the RCA for 29 years. We at the MFCA have received notice of each of your contributions and want to express our gratitude. For those of you who desire to be a part of the sponsorship, you may still do so. 

This festschrift entitled, Shepherding a New Generation of Leaders: Essays in Honor of Cornelis G. Kors, is being edited by Dr. Bradley G. Lewis, and published as part of The Historical Series of the Reformed Church in America. 

The MFCA Board of Trustees and staff (Kelly Talsma and Amy White) invite you to become a sponsor of this volume by contributing $50 toward its publication. If we receive your gift by December 31, 2020, your name will be listed in the initial pages as a sponsor, and we will send you a copy.

To make your donation and reserve your book, please do one of the following:

• Donate online: https://www.rca.org/give/ministerial-formation-certification-agency-mfca/ 

• Mail check:

Reformed Church in America
MFCA/Cor Kors Festschrift
4500-60th St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI  49512

Course Updates

RCA Worship was the last course offered only once a year as a week-long intensive in June. Due to COVID-19, along with the passing of the Rev. Dr. Gregg Mast (one of the RCA Worship Instructors), the intensive was cancelled.

The MFCA had a number of candidates whose only remaining requirement was RCA Worship, therefore, Dr. Kors managed to make alternative arrangements for this course prior to his retirement in July.

RCA Worship was offered for the first time via distance learning and we are grateful to the Rev. Dr. Tim TenClay for stepping up at the last minute. The course is now complete and we await the final grades.

MFCA has determined that “in-person” intensives will no longer be offered. This will include the Seminar for Pastoral Formation, which has historically been offered via distance learning with a week-long in-person intensive to conclude the course. The Rev. Dr. Verlyn Hemmen had to make adjustments this past summer to complete SPF via Zoom. Next year Dr. Hemmen has agreed to teach SPF with the intensive week once again being a virtual component of the course.

MFCA is extremely grateful for the creativity and commitment of all the professors contracted to teach our courses.

• Basic Greek Tools and Exegesis / Basic Hebrew Tools and Exegesis – Rev. Dr. Chad Pierce

• RCA History & Missions – Rev. Dr. Dennis Voskuil

• RCA Polity  -  Rev. Dr. Cornelis Kors

• RCA Standards / Credo – Rev. Dr. Wayne Brouwer

• RCA Worship – Rev. Dr. Tim TenClay

• Seminar for Pastoral Formation (CPE Alternative) – Rev. Dr. Verlyn Hemmen

Courses & Events

Credo DL- Winter session – Commences October 12, 2020 (Pre-requisite: RCA Standards)
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Wayne Brouwer

Certification Committee Meeting (via Zoom) – October 15-16, 2020

Board of Trustees Meeting (via Zoom) – October 30, 2020

Please contact the MFCA Registrar, Kelly Talsma regarding registration (ktalsma@rca.org)

Announcements

For those involved in Candidate Care Teams with the assorted RCA Classes, as well as potential candidates wondering if the MFCA will continue to receive petitions of those seeking the Certificate of Fitness for Ministry (CFM), we offer the following information. This past spring, the General Synod Council voted to dissolve the MFCA, which will require a process. After receiving permission to operate with our reserve funds through approximately March of 2022, the MFCA Board determined that MFCA will continue to receive new candidates. The staff will assist in transitioning any candidates who have been unable to complete the program during this time frame into a new process, which will be established by the PFOB. The Rev. Dave Schutt, MFCA part-time Interim Director, will be actively involved in the decisions made by the PFOB, along with the two RCA seminaries.

At this writing, all three staff, Kelly Talsma, Amy White and Dave Schutt plan to work through the dissolution and to assist candidates in completing the process in a timely manner. We look forward to receiving new candidates and working with classes and candidates.

Director's Travel Schedule

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the GSC staff, which includes the MFCA, will continue to work from home and will not be expected to return to work in any of the RCA offices through December 31, 2020.

All GSC staff travel and gatherings remain suspended, therefore the MFCA Interim Director, Rev. Dave Schutt will not be travelling for in-person consultations. Candidates desiring to have a phone conversation or a face to face Zoom video conference meeting with an MFCA staff member, can do so by contacting Amy White (awhite@rca.org), to set up an appointment.