Northern Nevada holds surprising beauty. The state is much more than the stereotypical arid deserts of Hollywood westerns and the bright casino lights of Las Vegas and Reno. In truth, there are the towering Sierra Nevada mountains, the nearby recreational joys of Lake Tahoe, and the increasing growth of industries flocking to the more favorable economic environments.

Into this surprising environment the Great Basin Reformed Presbyterian Church was planted in 2018. In a little over three years, this church plant of the RPCNA has faced the regular trials of church life, plus the added adventure of navigating the COVID pandemic. As a body, we are now looking toward the future of becoming particularized as a congregation and ministering to the greater Reno area.

In winter 2018, a core group of 16 people began meeting on Wednesday nights. By the following summer, the church was classified as a preaching station of the denomination and had begun regular worship on Sundays. In August of that year, the church was officially classified as a mission work. The membership grew to 25. During 2019, we moved into a shared facility in southern Reno. The Lord’s Day services were held on Sunday evenings, with Sunday school for adults and children along with a time of fellowship during potlucks each Sunday. Pastor Colin Samul, along with other members of the church, began outreach to one of the local abortion clinics. Midweek prayer meetings were held, as well as additional times of fellowship and growth through family get-togethers.

As 2020 began, the growth continued. The church gained additional adherents and was preparing for the year with eagerness. Then, like churches around the globe, we faced the unknowns of the pandemic. As pandemic numbers began to increase and the state and federal government imposed restrictions, we did our best to comply while maintaining a sense of connection. Our services moved to an online platform as we sang the psalms and dove into God’s Word from our homes. After the benediction, families would crowd around their individual screens to wave and share greetings, longing for the fellowship of our church family.

We also had Sunday morning devotions together, via Zoom, and worked through much of the Heidelberg Catechism. Pastor Samul began a daily virtual reading of The Pilgrim’s Progress. Weekly prayer meetings were held online. In an environment like this, one would expect the strength of the body to dwindle due to lack of contact; but the opposite proved true. Within this time of isolation, our church grew. We had membership classes, resulting in new members joining the church. We had visitors join us for drive-up communion who then became regular attendees. Pastor Samul was also blessed with the joy of beginning a catechumen class for two of our covenant children. There were multiple births and a baptism.

When the restrictions began to lift and we journeyed back to in-person meetings, we needed to add additional ministries. With the new families came additional covenant children. A nursery ministry was added during the sermon. Joyfully, we also added additional age-level classes for our Sunday school hour. It was balm for our hearts to share those Lord’s Days together and see faces and hear voices not hindered by screens. In March 2021, we were honored to host the meeting of the Pacific Coast Presbytery. While many delegates attended via Zoom, the time was a great encouragement to our growing group. During presbytery we had a psalm sing, and all the church families were invited to attend. Standing in our sanctuary, surrounded by elders from all over the region, singing praisefully, our hearts were edified and delighted.

Eventually, we were able to attend worship without masks, the safety plexiglass was removed from the pulpit, and we began our Sunday potlucks. Those first weeks back to what had been the norm, prior to COVID, felt as if we were able to breathe physically and spiritually. Being with our fellow brothers and sisters in a time of study and breaking bread together has indeed been life giving.

After weathering the pandemic, we have come out on the other side looking toward the future in a multitude of ways. The growth in numbers has been significant, from the original 16 to 29 members (16 communicants) and 14 adherents, plus regular visitors. Ministries have grown and been added. We have formed a building committee to look at next steps: do we build a new structure or look for an existing space that can be our own? Shortly, we will be voting in our first ruling elder and are looking for members to fill the role of deacon. Men’s and women’s Bible studies are happening, catechumen classes will continue, and prayer meetings will move back to in-person.

All this growth is encouraging, but the greater encouragement is in the growth of those in the pews. It is common to hear conversations over lunch that deal with pedobaptism and exclusive psalmody. You may hear conversations after church about the Lord’s supper and keeping the Sabbath. There is an increasing need to focus on the deep truths of God’s Word and wrestle with questions of doctrine. The life-giving water of Scripture is propagating hearts in truth, which leads to growth in the other venues. Now, we pray for wisdom as to what the next steps will be. How do we reach outside the walls of our church? Where can we see needs and meet them? What are the specific needs of our unique geographic and economic community? How do we continue to foster spiritual growth in the individuals and families of the Great Basin RPC?

Growth, beauty, and truth are evident in our small congregation. The growth has occurred in the number of persons in the building, but more importantly in the hearts and minds of those sitting in our pews. We continue to seek growth in stature, grace, and in a knitting together of hearts through God’s Word. Providentially, we are surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. God’s creative expertise screams from the mountaintops! That same creative beauty is evident in the ways He has brought the people together to support and equip one another during this very challenging season. Faithfully, He provided ideas and wisdom in ministering during a worldwide pandemic and lockdown. This growth and beauty are tied together with the truth of God’s Word. Through His Word, we gain wisdom, understanding, and a desire to share it with the world.

While our little church may be another surprise of the many surprises that make up northwestern Nevada, it has not been a surprise to God. He has faithfully and lovingly guided us this far, and we are earnestly waiting on what’s next. May we serve Him wholly!