The Christian Reformed Church in the Philippines traces its roots to the (Protestant) Reformation of the 1500's. Along with many Reformed churches around the world, much of our practice and teachings stem from the works of the French Reformer, John Calvin. Although Calvin came almost a generation after Martin Luther, his extensive and defining influence over a large portion of the growing Reformed churches firmly established Calvinism as a strong religious force.
It was the Christian Reformed Church in North America that started the mission work in the Philippines. Interestingly, the first missionary couple it sent in 1961 were Filipinos, the Rev. and Mrs. Vicente Apostol. Both studied at the Reformed Bible College in Grand Rapids, Michigan prior to working in the Philippines.
The Apostols explored Negros Occidental, their home province in Western Visayas, to gather the first group of Reformed believers. In 1964, they were able to form a Bible study group in Pulupandan, a town 20 kilometers south of Bacolod City, the capital of the province. The first confession of faith and baptism of more than 20 adults was held in November of 1968, after two other American CRCNA missionaries had earlier arrived in the country.
Concerned over preserving and sustaining the Reformed persuasion among the growing number of national leaders, the CRCNA missionaries prioritized the creation of a theological institution for future pastors and Bible workers. In 1970, the first classes of the Reformed Institute of Theology were started. Though this mission-managed school closed in the mid 1980's, classes' initiatives pursued this ministry, creating three separate institutions. However in 2007 Synod approved the establishment of the Reformed Ministry Academy that may integrate all theological efforts of the denomination.
In 1972 the CRCNA missionaries began mission work in Metro Manila and a few years later, some missionaries moved from Negros Occidental to a neighboring island province, Ilo-ilo where they also started church planting. Meanwhile, the ministry in Negros Occidental has progressed into three strong, worshipping congregations - the Pulupandan CRC, the Bago City CRC and the Bacolod City CRC. This development encouraged the missionaries to turn over the leadership of the churches to the Filipino leaders in May 1976 formally establishing the Christian Reformed Church in the Philippines. From then on, the movement of the church has spread to 13 provinces and 7 Metro Manila cities divided among six classes by 2005.
The first denominational strategic planning was held in 1998 attended by the key leaders of the denomination. The plan was subsequently refined and three areas were identified as our priority program thrusts: Leadership Development, Missions and Church Planting and Diaconal Ministry. It gives the denomination a firmer challenge and clearer direction in accomplishing the vision it believes God has imparted to the churches for His kingdom's sake.
