In a country where most churches are Russian Orthodox, Rev. Glenn Gerdes is talking about Reformed theology. Gerdes, pastor of First Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, Calif., spent two weeks in Donetsk, Ukraine, teaching one class on the sayings of Jesus and another on the sacraments.
Gerdes worked with Reformed International Theological Education (RITE), which brings in visiting pastors and professors to train students in Reformed theology. The two-year program for Ukrainian students alternates two weeks of classes with visiting pastor-professors and two weeks at home applying their learning.
"RITE is building up and encouraging pastors, teachers, and other servants of the church who are part of Ukrainian culture. . . . and who desire to serve the body of Christ in it," said Gerdes.
This was his second trip to Ukraine. He said one of the highlights of this trip was seeing the results of students learning, experiencing, and sharing a Reformed worship service.
"Doctrinally, Reformed church plants are desperately needed in Donetsk, and the work of RITE helps fulfill this need," he said. "Because the students are eager to learn and RITE is committed to solid teaching, by God's grace and power we anticipate more of this fruit in the future."
