thedesocios.com

On Organic Growth. Your definition of root is wrong. Christ is clear that he is the root of any true branch of his Church. I must ask what do you mean by “Organic” If you mean by that: a slow process of acclamation, with the end result of the new looking like the old, than I think you are wrong.

Acts is full of examples of larger expansions of the church, not because of some pride over cultural heritage but many times in spite of that heritage. Additionally I think you would be hard press to say that they were organic expansion.

On stories forming identity and strengthening community.
In diverse situations we would find more stories not only about the killing times of Scotland, but of the grace of God in Commmunist China, his mercies in the Philippians, his protection in India. It is unthinkable for you to want to elevate one group of Christians stories over another. More stories revealing the Grace of God in many historical contexts is a good thing. The Covenanters of Scotland are not the start of your church. A more practical question would be: Why such an incomplete story. Stories are full of transitions, no story is complete if only the opening line has been read. What has happened in the last 400 years that should be retold by all Christians?

On Developing this identity in our children.
I cannot say it any other way, than to say you are Barthizing the common meaning of these words. community - does not come to its fullest expression when a focus on simply mimicking a culture set down before us. Look at any ethic neighborhood and that will become apparent. As new groups come in these communities are forced to do one of three things: 1st,Preserve their culture by keeping out those who are cultural different. 2nd, leave in protest. Finally they can chose to re-define what makes them a community, including their cultural habits and stories.

Localism - is a focus on what happens locally over and against Globalism, or Nationalism. Localism brings about diversity not uniformity.

Finally you said “Interestingly, while our denomination unanimously affirms the regulative principle of worship, we have reason to wonder if our unity is being swallowed up by diversity. No longer do our people have a valid expectation of visiting a RP Church in another city and experience a sense of familiarity. It seems we are bound together only by the Psalms.”

There is a great difference in trying to faithfully keep to the regulative principle, and believing that even in the circumstantial parts of worship that there must be uniformity, or that there is some unfaithfulness of one party when their worship has differences.