The purpose of the Reformed Baptist Network is to glorify God through fellowship and cooperation in fulfilling the Great Commission to the ends of the earth.
This is its stated purpose, but why has it formed, what is its focus, and what is its vision?
REASONS FOR RBNet
There are two fundamental biblical reasons for this organization.
1) Firstly, the churches of RBNet see that churches in the New Testament cooperated together for benevolent purposes (2 Corinthians 8:16-19), and communication with one another (Col. 4:16).
2) Secondly, the churches of RBNet recognize historical reasons from the earliest days of Baptist history for cooperation in fulfilling the Great Commission. One of the best examples is the Northampton Association in England that was the birthplace of the modern missionary movement through the labors of William Carey, and the support of Andrew Fuller, John Ryland, Jr., and John Sutcliff.
There are also contemporary reasons for the formation of this new cooperative missionary effort.
1) It is because there was a growing desire to cooperate in the cause of missions. The desire was to have a network of churches that would focus on the great missionary enterprise of world-wide evangelism and church planting.
2) It is because a group of Reformed Baptist churches had a desire to show love toward, and cooperation with, the broader Reformed and/or Calvinistic community without losing its distinctive robust confessionalism.
3) It is because, as these churches looked around, they found nowhere to express all of these desires together, hence RBNet!
4) It is NOT because these churches think they are the only ones who can accomplish their stated purpose. These churches applaud all other Reformed Baptist, Reformed, and Calvinistic groups who are involved in the same great enterprise and wish to cooperate with ALL in whatever ways are possible.
FOCUS OF RBNet
The churches of RBNet are committed to a Christ-centered focus as expressed in the purpose to glorify God in fulfilling the Great Commission to the ends of the earth.
1) This means that the message is Christ-centered (1 Corinthians 2:1, 2).
2) This means that the goal is gospel-centered as demonstrated in the words of John Calvin, this is the “true knowledge of Christ, if we receive him as he is offered by the Father: namely, clothed with his gospel” (3.2.6). Or to put another way the churches never want to separate the benefits of Christ from His person.
3) This means that the purpose is love and grace motivated (2 Corinthians 5:14, 15). The churches of RBNet believe it is their duty to proclaim Christ to the world, but duty without love for Christ is drudgery.
4) This means that the focus is peace producing (Rom. 5:1). Not only peace with God but also peace among brethren. The churches of RBNet pray that there will never be division from true brothers, but rather they wish to encourage true Christian love among brothers of the kind that will exist in heaven.
VISION OF RBNet
The churches of RBNet are committed to a Christ-centered focus as expressed in the purpose to glorify God in fulfilling the Great Commission to the ends of the earth.
The churches in RBNet have an extraordinary vision as stated in Habakkuk 2:14, “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” This is a vision as extraordinary as the promises of the Bible (Revelation 5:13, 14), as extraordinary as the commands of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15a), and as extraordinary as the heart of Christ (Matthew 9:36; John 13:34, 35).
The churches of RBNet pray that the Lord will use their cooperative effort not only to see churches planted but also to be a strong testimony for love displayed among the brethren.
Reformed Baptist Network Staff
Reformed Baptist Network currently has four individuals who serve in staff positions.
Coordinator Mark Chanski is an ordained minister who has pastored churches in Ohio and Michigan since 1986, most recently Harbor Church in Holland, Michigan from 1994 to 2021. He became the RBNet Coordinator in 2020, and exercises a spiritual ministry among the churches and missionaries. He is also responsible for the overall administration of the various activities of the Network.
Administrative Assistant, Chris Bice, is responsible for assisting the Coordinator in the administrative duties, and is also the bookkeeper for the Network.
Assistant Jackie Nolan disperses RBNet funds for salaries, serviced missionaries, and other approved expenditures.
Assistant Rosey Nolan receives funds for RBNet, deposits these funds, and advises the bookkeeper of all monies received.