The three-self formula and PRCA foreign missions (12)

Rev. Richard Smit examines the three-self formula (self-governing, self-propagating, and self-supporting) as exemplified in the apostolic churches of Acts, arguing that New Testament congregations demonstrated these characteristics through their independent ordination of ministers and active spread of the gospel. This article provides biblical-theological grounding for PRCA foreign missions philosophy by demonstrating that early churches were not dependent on centralized authority but exercised autonomous ecclesiastical functions within the body of Christ.