Less than 1%. That’s the number of churches in America that would be considered historically reformed and presbyterian. As the body of Christ grows in America, the Evangelical Church is seeing a rising number of non-reformed churches. While many of the churches in America do legitimately belong to the body of Christ, the theological framework is constantly shifting. Doctrinal drift can subtly creep into congregations, weakening the church’s witness and leading believers away from the truth of God’s Word.
So, how can we stand firm? How can we, as reformed believers, ensure that the gospel remains pure and that our churches faithfully uphold the doctrines of grace entrusted to us?
Understanding Doctrinal Drift
Doctrinal drift is rarely a sudden departure from truth. Instead, it often begins with small compromises or an eagerness to “adapt” theology to contemporary culture. This drift can be seen manifesting itself in many ways throughout the American church.
Neglect of Sound Doctrine: Shifting focus from theological teaching to entertainment-driven worship.
Watering Down the Gospel: Replacing the full counsel of God with messages that prioritize comfort over conviction.
Cultural Conformity: Redefining biblical principles to align with political and societal norms.
In the “reformed world”, we may be tempted to think that this could never happen to us–the culture could never conform us! Of course, we know that’s not true, especially for our young people. Scripture repeatedly warns of the dangers of doctrinal drift. Paul exhorted Timothy to guard the truth, saying, “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me… by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:13-14). The apostle Peter likewise admonished believers to be vigilant, reminding them that “false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you” (2 Peter 2:1). The same forces of deception and compromise are at work, calling for a deliberate and proactive response.
Fighting Doctrinal Drift: The Reformed Response
From a reformed perspective, the fight against doctrinal drift begins with a commitment to the principles of contained in The Five Solas, The Doctrines of Grace, and the rest of the content in our Confessions and Catechisms. Here are five key strategies to combat drift and preserve the truth:
Anchor in Scripture
At the heart of Reformed Theology is the conviction that Scripture alone is our ultimate authority. The drift begins when this foundation is compromised. Ministers must remember that their most important job, above all other important aspects of ministry, is to preach the Word. This is how we most chiefly equip and encourage our congregations in their knowledge of the Word.
Teaching our Confessions
Shallow theology creates fertile ground for drift. Reformed churches must resist the temptation to simplify or dilute doctrine to appeal to broader audiences. It’s in the confessions that many, though certainly not all, of those hard questions get addressed. While dealing with the theology that had a prominent focus in the time of the Reformation, don’t forget to address contemporary issues like gender, sexuality, and modern ideas of “justice” from a thoroughly biblical and theological perspective. If we don’t teach and catechize our churches, the world will.
Guard Against Cultural Pressures
We’ve all seen churches that gave into the cultural pressures of our day. This is why we need to equip ourselves and our believers to live as salt and light in a world increasingly opposed to biblical values. This means that it’s not pragmatism that rules the day, but the clear teachings of Scripture.
The Need For Unity
Because of the small number of churches that hold to Reformed Theology, the need to partner with like-minded churches is essential. Thus, we ought to be leaning on the 13 different denominations that make up the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council (NAPARC), which exists to “facilitate discussion and consultation between member bodies on those issues and problems which divide them as well as on those which they face in common and by the sharing of insights ‘communicate advantages to one another’ (Institutes IV, 2, 1)...[and to] promote cooperation wherever possible and feasible on the local and denominational level in such areas as missions, relief efforts, Christian schools, and church education.”
A Call to Faithfulness
The gospel entrusted to us is worth preserving, proclaiming, and defending. As Paul exhorted the Corinthians, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Reformed churches have a unique opportunity to shine as beacons of truth in a world of compromise. By anchoring ourselves in Scripture, we can stand firm against cultural pressures and ensure that the gospel remains central in our lives and churches.
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