Denominations?

dianalee4jc · Dec 30, 2006

This may be a bit of an odd question... I'm working on a series of novels for Christian teens, and some dialogue in one scene just briefly touched upon reformed theology. It didn't go deep, and it wasn't resolved (not my purpose in the book), but later in that same day I have one of the characters going to a Wednesday night church service. I hadn't given too much thought to this character's denomination, so now I'm wondering... what particular denominations (if any) have reformed teachings. The setting for the novel is a rural part of North Carolina.

I know that James White is Baptist, and R.C. Sproul is Presbyterian...

If anyone can give me some further information, I'd appreciate it!

God bless,
Diana

GodsElect · Dec 30, 2006

I really see no value to name any given denomination. We should all be in unity with the word of God. I am a Presbyterian. I am so because that is the chruch that I go to where I am confident that God's word is boldly being proclaimed week by week. Despite most other denominations in my town in which they go to get their ears tickled and soften the word of God week by week and lead the dead to death with their man-centered sermons.
Anyway, my church is affiliated with the OPC (Orthodox Presbyterian Church) I would definately speak more about the reformed position in my books. There are a lot of reformed presbyterians and reformed baptists and some lutherans that still actually adhere to luther's original teachings....if they haven't steered towards arminian or catholic views. Id call them reformed presbyterians. Just make sure that the word is not being watered down in your book. Are you reformed???

Cajun Huguenot · Dec 30, 2006

There are also other Reformed Churches, like the Christian Reformed Church, The Reformed Episcopal Church, etc...

Nadiine · Dec 31, 2006

GodsElect said:
I really see no value to name any given denomination. We should all be in unity with the word of God. I am a Presbyterian. I am so because that is the chruch that I go to where I am confident that God's word is boldly being proclaimed week by week. Despite most other denominations in my town in which they go to get their ears tickled and soften the word of God week by week and lead the dead to death with their man-centered sermons.
Anyway, my church is affiliated with the OPC (Orthodox Presbyterian Church) I would definately speak more about the reformed position in my books. There are a lot of reformed presbyterians and reformed baptists and some lutherans that still actually adhere to luther's original teachings....if they haven't steered towards arminian or catholic views. Id call them reformed presbyterians. Just make sure that the word is not being watered down in your book. Are you reformed???

I'm on another thread that I just posted in the non denominational section on this very issue.

I'm FLOORED that non denominationalists would complain & argue against Denominations! It makes them hypocrites - they claim that those in denominations are "dividing" the one body of Christ up, but that's what they're essentially doing by pointing to attack those in denoms.

Hello? lol

You just spoke to what I mentioned in the post I just finished before I came to this thread - at least when you go to a set denom. name, you know what teaching to expect; not so with non denom. which are eclectic & could be anything.
here's the link if interested. (I'm on a tangent w/ this subject lately lol).
http://www.christianforums.com/showpost.php?p=30249338&postcount=22

And, I'm going to go back & edit that post to add your post link on it. What wonderful timing that I stumbled onto this just now.

To the OP, I think to be safe, you might want to leave the denom. name out & just use a Christian named church w/out a denom. title if possible?
If not, since I LOVE RC Sproul, I'd go with his denom.

God bless you all!!

heymikey80 · Dec 31, 2006

dianalee4jc said:
This may be a bit of an odd question... I'm working on a series of novels for Christian teens, and some dialogue in one scene just briefly touched upon reformed theology. It didn't go deep, and it wasn't resolved (not my purpose in the book), but later in that same day I have one of the characters going to a Wednesday night church service. I hadn't given too much thought to this character's denomination, so now I'm wondering... what particular denominations (if any) have reformed teachings. The setting for the novel is a rural part of North Carolina.

I know that James White is Baptist, and R.C. Sproul is Presbyterian...

If anyone can give me some further information, I'd appreciate it!

God bless,
Diana

OK, this could be a little more background than you'll ever need.

As for gospel-centered denominations, Southern Baptist and PCA Presbyterian churches are prevalent in North Carolina. There are also "Confessional Presbyterian" churches in the area, churches which are conservative but in the liberal-mainline PC(USA). They may want to be called a "Confessional" church.

This may surprise some of you, but I'd also mention, there are Wesleyan / Methodist denominations that -- OK, they're Arminian, embracing prevenient grace -- but they're more prevalent in the NC foothills than Reformed believers. Southern Baptists are also prevalent; but they're pretty-much across the map on doctrine. If you identified them as Reformed you may well get a number of adverse responses. Presbyterians are around, though. A directory listing from http://www.pcanet.org could give you an idea how many churches are in NC in this largest conservative denomination of Presbyterianism.

For more backround, the Presbyterian churches have open communion with those relying on Jesus Christ for salvation and members of any outward church, not simply those who "believe as they do". It's in their ruling and teaching offices where Presbyterians examine more than the most basic doctrines of the gospel and eternal life. The idea of denominationalism was popularized by John Locke slightly after the Presbyterian Church was first formed. So the Presbyterian Church still sees Christ's Church as one.

bradfordl · Jan 5, 2007

at least when you go to a set denom. name, you know what teaching to expect; not so with non denom.

Non-denom or Baptist.... Sorry, just couldn't resist needling my "independent" brethren.

Nadiine · Jan 5, 2007

bradfordl said:
Non-denom or Baptist.... Sorry, just couldn't resist needling my "independent" brethren.

dianalee4jc · Jan 6, 2007

Hey, thanks, y'all! (Especially to you, HeyMikey!)

I think I'll go with Presbyterian on this one, although I do know this character's best friend is Southern Baptist. They know each other from school, not church.

Godselect: the value to naming a denomination is that it very quickly says something about the Character, his upbringing, the basis for a good bit of his thinking.

I am not reformed in the strictest sense, just because I haven't devoted a lot of study to it. I attend a non-denominational church which split off (amicably) from a large Baptist church. Many of the folks at my church are reformed.

Mikey: the novel series takes place in the Piedmont area of North Carolina (rural... farmland). I love the mountains, though!

I'll check out your link... thanks for posting it! I guess the burning question now is... Do Presbyterians have Wednesday night services or Bible study?

God bless,
Diana

dianalee4jc · Jan 6, 2007

heymikey80 said:
A directory listing from http://www.pcanet.org could give you an idea how many churches are in NC in this largest conservative denomination of Presbyterianism.[/qoute]

Thanks, Mike! I was able to find exactly what I needed at this link. Although my setting is a fictitious county, it is inspired by Nash County in North Carolina... and the website you provided me showed there is a Presbyterian church in Wilson, NC., which would be the closest "large" city to where my characters live (southern Nash). Also, I noted there are a number of Presbyterian churches in Charlotte, and that reminded me that another character -- whom the first one knows from church -- recently moved to the area from Charlotte. So it's all working out great!

Thank you so much!

God bless,
Diana

Nadiine · Jan 6, 2007

dianalee4jc said:
Hey, thanks, y'all! (Especially to you, HeyMikey!)

I think I'll go with Presbyterian on this one, although I do know this character's best friend is Southern Baptist. They know each other from school, not church.

Godselect: the value to naming a denomination is that it very quickly says something about the Character, his upbringing, the basis for a good bit of his thinking.

I am not reformed in the strictest sense, just because I haven't devoted a lot of study to it. I attend a non-denominational church which split off (amicably) from a large Baptist church. Many of the folks at my church are reformed.

Mikey: the novel series takes place in the Piedmont area of North Carolina (rural... farmland). I love the mountains, though!

I'll check out your link... thanks for posting it! I guess the burning question now is... Do Presbyterians have Wednesday night services or Bible study?

God bless,
Diana

I wouldn't worry about a difference btwn baptist & Presby - I think you'll be very pleased!
God bless you on your walk with Him.

heymikey80 · Jan 6, 2007

dianalee4jc said:
I guess the burning question now is... Do Presbyterians have Wednesday night services or Bible study?

Many Presbyterians do have something on Wednesday night, not as well-organized as a midweek service.

And often there's a more-organized service on Thursday night. Go figure! I don't know why, but it's been a constant for me all up & down the east coast. That'd be across three denominations (OPC, PCA, EPC) and a half-dozen churches.

Anyone else have more experiences?

As for culture & environment, to me the Presbyterian church often feels kind of like an Episcopal church with Baptist leanings -- or a Baptist church with Episcopal leanings. There's a strong sense of order, a high value placed on families, intellect, and unity (in family, congregation, presbytery), but also a strong sense of the gospel and the worship of God.

dianalee4jc · Jan 6, 2007

heymikey80 said:
Many Presbyterians do have something on Wednesday night, not as well-organized as a midweek service.

And often there's a more-organized service on Thursday night. Go figure! I don't know why, but it's been a constant for me all up & down the east coast. That'd be across three denominations (OPC, PCA, EPC) and a half-dozen churches.

Anyone else have more experiences?

As for culture & environment, to me the Presbyterian church often feels kind of like an Episcopal church with Baptist leanings -- or a Baptist church with Episcopal leanings. There's a strong sense of order, a high value placed on families, intellect, and unity (in family, congregation, presbytery), but also a strong sense of the gospel and the worship of God.

Well, this character has band practice on Thursday nights (plays guitar in a Christian rock band... high school level. ). Your description of the church environment sounds like it would suit this character very well! He's a fairly smart fellow, loves the Lord, likes things organized... He's an only child. His parents are devout Christians. He's a little bit spoiled, and sometimes opens his mouth without thinking... he's an apologist and isn't shy about debating a point (opening scene in the novel, he argued with a teacher about whether he should be given equal time, as a Christian, after the teacher allowed a Muslim student to talk in front of the class about his culture and religion). Yet he is very loyal to his friends, open to learning, and generally well-liked. Even his "enemies" think he's a pretty good guy, overall.

Thanks again!

Diana

FreeInChrist2 · Jan 28, 2007

Wow, I don’t even know why I’m responding here, but something has just bugged me all day about your writing fiction novels (or even factual novels as far as that goes) , because from your posts up to this post and from your CF Bio notes you have stated (my writing, though fiction, is a ministry. I also play the drums at various churches.) Now I’m not against fiction novels, or your particular style or type of novel (again, fiction or non-fiction, since I haven’t read any by you, nor have I taken the time to read any of your other posts to know where you stand spiritually), or even your purpose for writing a Christian novel, but what I am concerned with is if you are looking for particular denominational / FAITH representation in a character, I would hope your desire is to represent that character in a non-fictional way even in a fictional novel. Take “Pilgrims Progress” for example. Fiction all the way, yet character representation and story line holds to true biblical expression for Godly edification and salvation, if I may state it that way. So let me work through these post to date and I hope you will understand more where I’m coming from.

This may be a bit of an odd question... I'm working on a series of novels for Christian teens, and some dialogue in one scene just briefly touched upon reformed theology. It didn't go deep, and it wasn't resolved (not my purpose in the book),

My concern here is possibly misrepresentation of the character of the reformed faith without deeper study as you already stated you haven’t done.

Well, this character has band practice on Thursday nights (plays guitar in a Christian rock band... high school level.). Your description of the church environment sounds like it would suit this character very well!

This does not sound like a reformed character, even for a reformed high school teen, because he wouldn’t be involved in a Christian rock and roll band, although perhaps a Christian band with reformed lyrics and doctrinal understanding, but certainly not the pop goes the Jesus loves me cotton candy tunes of todays Corinthian church. Perhaps one of the many other liberal denoms though.

Godselect: the value to naming a denomination is that it very quickly says something about the Character, his upbringing, the basis for a good bit of his thinking.

Exactly what I mean.

He's a fairly smart fellow, loves the Lord, likes things organized... He's an only child. His parents are devout Christians. He's a little bit spoiled, and sometimes opens his mouth without thinking...

Sounds like any type of denomination student, of course we all blow it with our tongues, student and teacher alike.

he's an apologist and isn't shy about debating a point (opening scene in the novel, he argued with a teacher about whether he should be given equal time, as a Christian, after the teacher allowed a Muslim student to talk in front of the class about his culture and religion). Yet he is very loyal to his friends, open to learning, and generally well-liked.

Good for a born again reformed student and would very much most likely debate with conviction and biblical accuracy. The anything goes believer would more than likely keep to himself, or not represent God from biblical truth but from imagination, emotionalism and personal experience.

Even his "enemies" think he's a pretty good guy, overall.

Probably won’t fit a reformed character, unless he keeps his mouth shut about Jesus. Good for the anything goes character though.

I guess the burning question now is... Do Presbyterians have Wednesday night services or Bible study?

heymikey80
Many Presbyterians do have something on Wednesday night, not as well-organized as a midweek service.

And often there's a more-organized service on Thursday night. Go figure! I don't know why, but it's been a constant for me all up & down the east coast. That'd be across three denominations (OPC, PCA, EPC) and a half-dozen churches.

Representing Mid-West OPC, never heard of a Thursday service. Wednesday night bible study is very structured and prepared and preached with as much conviction of mans sinfulness, helplessness and hopelessness outside of salvation by Christ alone, usually being heavy on historical biblical doctrines, followed and closed by corporate prayer. It’s not for social activity, but for Godly edification.

heymikey80
For more backround, the Presbyterian churches have open communion with those relying on Jesus Christ for salvation and members of any outward church, not simply those who "believe as they do". It's in their ruling and teaching offices where Presbyterians examine more than the most basic doctrines of the gospel and eternal life.

OPC does practice a guarded table for the communion of believing members and closed table for protection of the believer involved in open or secret sin in an un-repentant state, as well as for the non/false believers, as the scriptures teach… ”For he who eats of drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason, many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. (in God’s eternal judgment of course) 1 Cor. 11:29,30. This is a serious duty of the Pastor and elders as a duty of love. Yet the table is open to all visitors upon their confession of true belief and faith in the true God and Jesus of scripture, by examination of the eldership, being granted permission to partake.

I attend a non-denominational church which split off (amicably) from a large Baptist church. Many of the folks at my church are reformed.

So why did you go with the reformed split? So you may ask, what’s this got to do with my book character? Hopefully you see my concern at this point, there is a lot more to the reformed character than what the world perceives the church today to be, and I just wouldn’t want you to represent the reformed position inaccurately or according to what the world perceives true Christianity to be, particularly from a non-denom, anything goes, non-reformed perspective.

Sincerely, FreeInChrist2

PS, And I won’t even get into the drums in church thing here.

DeaconDean · Jan 29, 2007

dianalee4jc;30460193Thanks said:
so much![/i]

God bless,
Diana

Its really funny you mentioned that. I was born in Charlotte NC. August 5, 1962 in Presbyterian Hospital. I live 20 miles west of Charlotte, but I now work for the city. My mother's dad, my grandfather, was a "ruling elder" at Glenwood Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Small world huh.

God Bless

Till all are one.

Denominations?

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