**PRE-ORDER** CASE of 16: Roots Renewed: Perspectives on the United Reformed Churches in North America (After Thirty Years) (Copy)

One case; 16 books per case

Hardcover, 496 pages

Releasing in September of 2026

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From the preface:

               In answer to the question, “What do you believe concerning ‘the holy catholic church’?,” the Heidelberg Catechism responds with a rich and beautiful confession: “I believe that the Son of God through his Spirit and Word, out of the entire human race, from the beginning of the world to its end, gathers, protects, and preserves for himself a community chosen for eternal life and united in true faith. And of this community I am and always will be a living member.”

This confession reminds us that, when we consider any part of the history of Christ’s church, we must view it from the perspective of the Triune God’s purposes to gather, defend, and preserve for himself, from among all the peoples and nations of the earth, a community of believers who were graciously chosen by him unto salvation. The church is a “glorious body” of those whom the Father has chosen in Christ, whom he has redeemed by the blood of his own dear Son, and whom the Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son, will unfailingly gather, protect, and preserve through the ministry of the Word of the gospel.

Even though this book deals with a relatively small part of the larger story of Christ’s church-gathering work, what it recounts must be viewed through the lens of this confession regarding the church. The history of the URCNA could be told in a way that fails to see how it belongs to the larger story of the way Christ gathers, defends, and preserves his church throughout history. It could be told in a way that views the URCNA’s formation as merely another chapter in a lamentable history that, as the well-known hymn, The Church’s One Foundation, expresses it, is often one of schism and distress (“by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed”). While the history of the church “militant” is often marked by division and distress, to be sure, it is always a history that is governed by the One who is “worthy to break the seals” of God’s great plan of redemption and re-creation (Rev. 5:5). Christ is the Lord of history, the triumphant Lamb who will not be thwarted in gathering his blood-bought bride, the church. Christ alone builds his church and does so with the promise that the “gates of hell will not prevail” against her (Matt. 16:18).

Accordingly, the title of the book, Roots Renewed, aims to remind the reader that the story of the URCNA did not begin in 1995, when a number of CRCNA churches formed a new federation or denomination. The decision to form the URCNA was not made in a vacuum but took place in order to preserve a heritage that was cherished and believed to be worth preserving. This decision was also made, not merely to preserve Reformed churches in their biblical and confessional convictions but to do so with a view to propagating these convictions to future generations until the time of Christ’s coming at the end of this age. The history of the URCNA, therefore, is a history both of preservation and propagation, holding fast to the truths of Scripture and the confessions with a view to proclaiming them to future generations, even to the ends of the earth. Viewed from the standpoint of our confession regarding the church, the URCNA and its history belongs to the story of Christ’s work in gathering, defending, and preserving his church.

~ Dr. Cornelis P. Venema

Endorsements:

“In his ode to the city of God, the psalmist encourages the reader (and singer!) to walk around Zion, count her towers, and consider her ramparts, ‘that ye may tell it to the generation following’ (Ps. 48:12). In this fascinating collection of essays, godly men from the United Reformed Churches (URC) join forces to do just that, showing us what God has done for their denomination—their corner of God’s beloved Zion. For the last three decades, the URC has been committed to a tradition of fidelity to the historic Reformed confessions, and for that my heart rejoices. The history of the URC underscores orthodoxy and fidelity to the great tradition of biblical Christianity established by our forefathers. In the Heritage Reformed Congregations in which I serve, we have had the joy of developing a growing relationship with the URC over the years, one which I trust will continue to blossom in future decades (not least in our ecclesiastical partnership with them in NAPARC). Resist the temptation to think that this book is merely a manual of historical curiosities—it certainly is that, most notably in its overview of the history of the Dutch tradition in its manifold diversity from the 1834 Afscheiding until today. But it is much more than that. In fact, there is something here for everyone with a passion for theology—treatments on confessionalism, covenant theology, ecclesiology, missions, church planting, and debates about nature versus grace. If you are one of the 25,000 members of the URC, your reading of these essays will help mature your appreciation for your denomination. And if you are, like me, part of a sister denomination, then your appreciation for this federation of churches will be renewed. So let these gifted writers, pastors, and theologians tell you the story of God’s great work among His people for the last thirty years. Your mind will be enlightened and your soul edified.”

Joel R. Beeke, Chancellor and Professor of Systematic Theology and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Chancellor of Puritan Reformed College, and a pastor of Heritage Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan

“As the editor notes, it is nearly impossible to write a definitive history of the URCNA at this early stage in her life. Yet the ‘impressionistic account and profile’ offered in Roots Renewed should not be dismissed as presumptuous. The snapshots captured in these chapters (mostly written in 2025–2026) provide valuable glimpses of trajectories that began thirty years ago. The URCNA continues to grow, adapt, and mature, and this volume offers an important window into that ongoing process. Much more could, of course, be said, but what the contributors to Roots Renewed have provided gives our churches much-needed ‘toe holds’ as they deepen their understanding of their history and heritage. I am deeply grateful for the excellent work contained herein.”

R. Andrew Compton, Professor of Old Testament Studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Deyer, IN

“Roots Renewed is an exceptional anniversary gift to those celebrating three decades of the Lord’s gracious care. Anniversaries are for looking back and recounting God’s goodness; they are also fitting occasions for reevaluating and improving one’s service to the Lord going forward. This expansive collection of essays is useful for both purposes. It contains a wealth of historical information, theological reflection, and practical insight, as well as timely encouragements and searching challenges. We owe a debt of gratitude to each of the authors, servants of the Lord and His church, for what is truly a labor of love in their studied reflection and sincere application. Special thanks are owed to Dr. Venema for organizing, gathering, and editing such a broad-ranging volume of commemorative essays. May the Lord use this book to make us more grateful for our heritage and more useful for His cause.”

Todd Joling, pastor of Immanuel’s Reformed Church (URCNA) in Salem, Oregon

“Thirty years is too soon for a definitive history of the URCNA, as editor Venema makes clear. But it’s long enough to forget the denomination’s story, and memory is vital for sustaining corporate faithfulness (cf. Psalm 78). The essays gathered here provide compelling reflections on the church’s formation and early years from both ‘founding fathers’ and emerging younger leadership. Roots Renewed is profitable reading for URCNA officers, members, and others facing the challenge of being confessionally Reformed and American in our day.”

John R. Muether, Dean of Libraries and Professor of Church History at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL

“Thirty years old is still so young! But the story needs to be told, because you do not know who you are unless you know from where you have come. This book on the history of the URCNA is a very welcome volume. Each writer contributes his knowledge and perspective on matters that make up the story and the reality of who we are as a church.”

Mark Vander Hart, Associate Professor Emeritus of Old Testament Studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, IN

"Congratulations to Dr. Venema and his team of authors for this church history book that is as rich and varied as church life itself. From synods to schools, from ecumenicity to evangelism, from struggles into blessings—it's all here. Under the Lord's blessing may Roots Renewed lead to abundant fruit for years to come."

Jason P. Van Vliet, Principal, Academic Dean, and Professor of Dogmatics at Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in Hamilton, ON