Christ Reformed Presbyterian Church

Location: East Providence, Rhode Island

Organized: 2010

Members: 32 communicant; 20 baptized

Pastor: Daniel Howe

Web site: www.christrpc.com

Rhode Island is a tiny state. At barely 1,200 square miles, it is smaller than some counties in larger states. (A local joke has it that the state gets three percent bigger at low tide.) Its population is around one million.

The Providence metro area actually covers the entire state and extends into southern Massachusetts. Providence is the second-largest city in New England, after Boston, and is the capital of Rhode Island. It is home to Brown University, the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Providence College, and several other schools. Historically a center for textiles and metal casting, the area has seen manufacturing decline since the mid-20th Century. For this reason, jobs—especially for those without college degrees—continue to be a concern in our city and church. Providence is also the least evangelical major city in America, after Provo, Utah. The need here for gospel-focused churches—of all stripes—is urgent.

In the early 2000s, David and Deryl Robson, members of First RPC of Cambridge, Mass., began praying and working for the formation of an RP congregation in Rhode Island, where they lived. Beginning with a Bible study in 2002, the church planting effort gathered steam as individuals and families (many connected to First RPC) moved to the area or committed to the new work. We became a preaching station in 2006, a mission church in 2009, and finally organized on April 9, 2010, as Christ RPC. David Robson was elected as ruling elder, and Daniel Howe became the church’s first pastor. Both serve today, together with three deacons elected in February 2011 and July 2012.

Members and adherents have come from many parts of the United States and around the world. A number are Brown or RISD students. Some are neighbors and friends of core group members. A couple of families and individuals found us through ReformedVoice. Wherever they have come from, visitors have found a warm welcome. We have a good relationship with the few other Reformed churches (PCA, Southern Baptist, CRC) in the area. The small size of the Christian community makes fellowship very natural and generally very sweet.

In summer 2007 the fledgling congregation decided take on a mercy project. Our goal was not to grow in numbers but to gain experience in mercy ministry and to show the love of Christ toward our city. After some discussion, we agreed to check into the possibility of helping settle a refugee family through a local immigrant resource organization. This door the Lord opened wide. We cleaned and stocked an apartment, shopped for food, and in October 2007 greeted a family of Burundian refugees as they deplaned. Contrary to our expectations, the family we helped settle became long-term friends and adherents of the church. Through them a second, third, and now a fourth refugee family (all Congolese) have been worshiping with us. Two are preparing to join the church.

Our “official” weekly schedule is light. We had small groups for a couple of years; we have had Sunday evening Bible studies and prayer meetings; for three years we have had outdoor psalm sings in a local park on summer evenings. Right now our regular schedule includes Lord’s day morning worship, Sunday school, a monthly fellowship meal, and a monthly psalm sing. Members hold a men’s and a women’s Bible study on alternating weeks.

This light schedule does not reflect the considerable hours members spend together and the ways that they are serving in the name of Christ. Members tutor each other’s children; do ESL training; work to combat abortion; serve breakfast to the homeless; clean up yards; give countless rides; visit the sick; hold baby and wedding showers; and help run a Christian school. They spend time in each other’s homes and get together for homeschooling activities. The student members have carried out a remarkable amount of service in the name of the Lord, at a stage of life when many consider irresponsibility the order of the day. Currently one of our number, Justin Collins, is under care of the Atlantic Presbytery and is studying at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Another man is expected to go under care this spring. God is good.

Over these years the Lord has clearly been at work directing our steps, just as He did for the early church in Acts. Some things, in advertising or outreach, have seemed to go nowhere. Others have become far bigger than we expected. We look ahead with confidence, not knowing what our Lord will bring us, but certain that in prosperity or hardship (Phil. 1:21) the gospel will advance and God will be glorified.

Prayer Requests

• The salvation of lost people in the Providence metro area.

• Peace in Congo. Several of our families have loved ones under immediate threat in the city of Goma.

• Jobs, both for immigrants and for new college grads.

• Blessing on students of theology, in life and studies.

• Faith and growth in grace for our many, many children.

• Growth in mutual love and accountability for our congregation.