The year 2008 really was different. While it’s customary to retrospect at this time of year, 2008 was an especially good year for seeing trends. In the U.S., the first presidential transition in eight years follows the longest and most expensive political campaign in history and signals some changes of direction for the country. The economic crisis popped the bubble of deceit that businesses and consumers had grown accustomed to, even though those deceptions (such as easy credit and fast profits) contradicted biblical principles and common sense.

In 2008 the tolerance of Christians by those who claim to esteem tolerance reached a new low, whether in the media or public schools or Christmas advertising. Respect for churches and clergy has nearly gone by the wayside. Look for greater restrictions and elimination of nonprofit advantages to follow.

Interest in religion has not waned, however, nor the curious fascination with evangelicals. From the presidential candidates’ appearances at Saddleback Church to the scrutiny of Sen. Mike Huckabee and Gov. Sarah Palin, the media are paying close attention to evangelical beliefs and influence.

Often, now, for a sound bite on what evangelicals believe on a given topic, the media will ask a representative of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE). The RPCNA has been a member of NAE since 1949, shortly after the NAE’s beginnings. We’re not a tagalong denomination that was looking to join a bandwagon of the Religious Right in influencing political change in the 1980s. We’ve been a small but relatively influential voice in this huge association over many decades.

As evangelicals have generally suffered from a lack of discipleship, NAE has inevitably suffered. With polls showing that half of self-described evangelicals don’t think that Jesus is the only way to heaven, some effect on an organization like NAE is inevitable, even though NAE has stood firm on its statement of faith. Public position papers of NAE are often extremely helpful as Christians try to speak with one voice on important issues such as marriage. But the NAE has also suffered from key spokespersons taking public positions that differ from the NAE position. This resulted, just days ago, in the resignation of one such leader (see “The Year in Review”).

As NAE struggles to continue to do the right thing, we join with other Reformed denominations in having an influence there, though still other Reformed denominations wonder how we can continue to (as they see it) bail water from a sinking ship. The RPCNA Synod and its Interchurch Committee continue to actively evaluate the wisdom of our membership in NAE. We know the stakes are high. Strides made on some fronts on behalf of the integrity of marriage, and allowing chaplains to pray in Jesus’ name in the military, are just two of many issues in which the NAE has played a critical role and that affect our denomination’s and the nation’s future. We want to join with other believers in speaking with a clear voice, and we want to be sure it is a God-honoring call.

—Drew Gordon