Wayne Johnson and Maynard Koerner | 300 Years of the Reformed Church in the United States

In this special episode of Christ the Center, we commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS) with special guests Dr. Maynard Koerner and Wayne Johnson.

Dr. Koerner and Mr. Johnson take us on a historical journey through the origins, theological developments, and challenges that have shaped the RCUS over the past three centuries. From the church’s humble beginnings in colonial Pennsylvania, through the Mercersburg controversy, to the influx of Volga German immigrants, we explore how the RCUS has maintained a steadfast commitment to confessional Reformed theology.

We also discuss the upcoming tricentennial celebration in Rapid City, South Dakota, and reflect on the church’s present and future, its global mission work, and its deep connections with other Reformed bodies, including the OPC and Westminster Seminary.

Wayne Johnson is the Provost of City Seminary of Sacramento. He served as the editor of Leben Magazine from 2008–2018 and retired as CEO of Gateway Media in 2019. He has a BA in European History from Purdue University.

Dr. Maynard Koerner is the President of Heidelberg Theological Seminary and Associate Pastor of Trinity RCUS in Sioux Falls.

Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 03:32 The Tricentennial Celebration
• 04:50 The Colonial Era
• 11:06 Ecclesiastical Ties and Ministerial Training
• 20:07 Organization in 1747
• 28:23 The Mercersburg Controversy
• 38:46 The Volga/Black Sea German Immigration
• 42:31 The 1934 Merger
• 52:25 The RCUS Today
• 1:02:16 Conclusion