Rev. Denise Posie thought of the song “We’ve Come This Far by Faith” as she stood with other black pastors being recognized at the Black & Reformed Conference held at a church in Muskegon, Mich.
“We’ve persevered, been steadfast, immovable and held each other up at times,” she said.
Dr. Steve Timmermans, executive director of the Christian Reformed Church, recognized Posie and 13 other black pastors with service of 15 years or longer with a plaque.
“Being honored was good for the young people in the audience to see us. The dream is that one day they will be in leadership in the CRC,” said Posie, who served an urban church before becoming a consultant with the CRC’s Pastor-Church Relations Office.
After the presentation of plaques, tulips symbolizing the Black & Reformed tradition were given to the pastors. Ministers present with fewer than 15 years of service were also recognized.
“These are people we needed to say ‘thank you’ to,” said Rev. Bob Price, director of the urban ministries team for Christian Reformed Home Missions.
“The historic piece is noteworthy. We need to remember that those who have labored in this denomination are not that many.”
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A Short History of Being Black and Reformed.
About the Author
Chris Meehan is a freelance writer and commissioned pastor at Coit Community Church in Grand Rapids, Mich.
