Reformers Are Weird - But Should At Least Try Not To Be!

Guest Rev. Dr. Daniel Borvan joins Pastor Chris Gordon to continue the engaging conversation on “Reformed Weirdness,” picking up where Pastor Chad Vegas and Dr. R. Scott Clark left off. In this episode, Pastor Gordon examines several hallmark behaviors within the Reformed tradition—behaviors that some might find overly formal or even off-putting. Together, they explore the perception of Reformed worship as unconventional and highlight a few unique characteristics that definitely set Reformed churches apart.

Their discussion takes an honest look at the pitfalls of taking ourselves too seriously and, in the process, potentially overlooking the good gifts of God. They argue that it isn’t the role of the Reformed believer to force others into accepting our theology, or to take it personally if our beliefs aren’t embraced. Instead, the conversation poses a thoughtful question: How can we, as Reformers, improve our outreach without compromising our convictions or falling into the trappings of worldly sin?

The dialogue encourages stepping outside the familiar Reformed comfort zone, and to just be “normal” and friendly to those walking through our church doors for the first time. It calls for reaching out to people where they are—sharing our beliefs while faithfully proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Chapters

00:00 - Intro
01:50 - 5 Things That Make Us Weird
02:40 - #1- Cultural Detachment*
05:50 - The Stumbling Block Of Theology
07:00 - Formality Issues
09:00 - Isolation From The Secular World
10:00 - But I’m So Special
12:50 - #2 Being Overly Somber
14:00 - Lighten Up!!
15:30 - Recognize The Good Gifts Of God
17:10 - Do We Like Guilt?
18:00 - Why Do We Fight?
22:30 - Be Normal!
23:30 - Don’t Say “Love On Me!”
26:00 - Know What’s Up
28:00 - Meet Them Where They Are
31:50 - Fundamentalism
33:35 - Paul’s Self-Awareness
37:06 - Welcome Me In!
38:56 - #3 Applying Doctrine
41:00 - Doctrine Of Justification
42:10 - Our Hope Is In Heaven

More:
Rev. Dr. Daniel Borvan is pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church. His responsibilities are to “preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).

Daniel earned his Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary California in 2011. As a student at Westminster Seminary he learned that all study of Scripture, theology, and church history is put into practice in the worship and work of the church. The goal is to glorify Christ by serving His church. At Westminster Seminary he also earned a Master of Arts degree in Historical Theology. His thesis paper was on Faustus Socinus.

Daniel is chairman of the Heidelberg Reformation Association. Some of his published articles are on the Heidelblog website. Daniel was installed as pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church, September 29, 2023. Daniel is married to Marcy and they have two daughters and a son.

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