New Westminster, British Columbia. Currently there are over 65 congregations, which can be found in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario, as well as in the American states of Washington, Michigan and Colorado. Church government Under the assertion that the government of the church must be regulated by the Bible, the Canadian Reformed Churches practice what they call a traditionally Reformed "bottom-up" polity, as opposed to a "top-down" model of church government. This approach to church polity reflects their continental Reformed roots. They say it is both anti-hierarchical and anti-independent, promoting both the autonomy of the local church and the need to cooperate within a federation. Only male members who have made profession of faith and meet the conditions as set forth in certain Biblical passages (such as 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1) are eligible for office as pastors, elders, and deacons. Women are not eligible for office. The government of the Canadian Reformed Churches is based on the Church Order adopted by the Synod of Dort (1618–1619). The Canadian Reformed Churches have revised the Church Order to reflect changed circumstances, and to incorporate minor improvements. Fundamentally, the revised Church Order follows the principles and structure of the Church Order of Dort. The Church Order contains 76 Articles which are divided into four sections dealing with: the offices and supervision of doctrine (ministers, missionaries, elders, deacons) the assemblies of the church (consistory, classis, regional synod, general synod) the liturgy of the church (worship services, sacraments, ceremonies) the discipline of the church The federation is divided first by local consistories, then into eight classical regions, next with two annual regional synods, and finally a general synod. General synod takes place every three years. Missions Foreign missions All of the churches are also involved, either directly or indirectly, in the work of foreign mission. The Cornerstone Church of Hamilton, Ontario, currently has a missionary working in northern Brazil. The church of Aldergrove, British Columbia, has two missionaries working in northern Brazil. The Bethel Church of Toronto has two missionaries in Papua New Guinea. The church of Smithville, Ontario, has a missionary in West Timor, Indonesia. Canadian Missions A number of years ago, the church at Smithers, BC began a program of outreach among the native people living in the Bulkley Valley region of northern British Columbia. Local outreach to First Nations people by members of the Smithers congregation continues through the