An appeal is a written complaint of having been wronged by a decision of an assembly within the federation. Benjamin DavenportWaupun, WI | Grace URC, Rev. document.getElementById('cloak206bd8d14547b21b22d54b44c4cd6aca').innerHTML = ''; Classis Central US includes 19 Churches. Two churches asked for the same amount of subsidy as in 2017; two asked for more than 2017, explaining their reasons; two asked for less. Since Christian discipline is spiritual in nature and exempts no one from trial or punishment by the civil authorities, so also besides civil punishment there is need of ecclesiastical censure, that God may be glorified, that the sinner may be reconciled with God, the church and his neighbor, and that offense may be removed from the church of Christ. A very enjoyable day of instruction and fellowship was had by all! In every assembly there shall be a clerk whose task it shall be to keep an accurate record of the proceedings. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. R. Andrew Compton Mid-AmericaReformed SeminaryRev. In every assembly there shall be a chairman, assisted by a vice-chairman. Because Calvin's doctrinal principles ultimately became dominant, the Calvinist Church is identified with the Reformed . They came to America during the great immigration of the Dutch and German and as early as 1628 there was a Dutch Reformed Church in what would be New York City. N. Decker officiating. Classis also had before it one appeal. In addition, Classis judged that, although the consistory rightly identified erroneous statements made by the minister, suspension was not the proper way to address the matter. (See Appendix 5 and 6). We acknowledge Jesus Christ to be the supreme and only Head of the Church. No broader assembly shall have the power to depose an office-bearer or otherwise exercise church discipline, since these powers belong to the Consistory. Archives. Guichelaar was appointed to finish the remaining one year of Rev. The purpose of this meeting was to examine Pastors-elect Brian Feenstra and Stephan Regnerus, who had accepted the calls extended to them by Immanuel PRC (Lacombe) and Lynden PRC, respectively. Churches are encouraged to pursue ecumenical relations with Reformed congregations outside of the federation which manifest the marks of the true church and demonstrate faithful allegiance to Scripture as summarized in the Three Forms of Unity. Specification of Error #1: ______________[state concise description of the error]. Classis Watch: Spring 2021 | The Banner Classis did not sustain the protest, and therefore sustained its previous decision to declare the original appeal not legally before it. All rights reserved. Laning was appointed to a three-year term as a secundus synodical deputy, and Rev. [4]Acts of Synod 1997, Article LB.3, synodically approved Certificate of Membership, p.53. June 10, 2022 | News | Alissa Vernon, News Editor Two or three times each year, Christian Reformed churches send representatives to their classis, a regional group of churches. The Consistory is the only assembly in the church(es) whose decisions possess direct authority within the congregation, since the Consistory receives its authority directly from Christ, and thereby is directly accountable to Christ. Routine were the reports of the stated clerk, classical committee, church visitors, and reading sermon committee. M. De Boer was reappointed to a three-year term on the Classical Committee, and Rev. Originally, all of the Reformation churches used this name (or the name Evangelical) to distinguish themselves from the "unreformed," or unchanged, Roman Catholic church. A consistory may release a persons membership to churches that have neither Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the URCNA nor membership in NAPARC. Article 12 The Nomination of Elders and Deacons. Such a decision with respect to ecclesiastical fellowship shall require ratification by a majority of the synodically-approved Consistories in the federation. Meeting Dates February 15, 2023; May 17, 2023; September 16, 2023 Website www.classishuron.ca. The Consistory shall ordinarily administer the Lord's Supper at least every three months in a service of corporate worship, with the use of the appropriate liturgical form. Such a decision with respect to church union shall require a two-thirds vote of a synod and shall require ratification by two-thirds of the synodically-approved Consistories in the federation. Those acting out of ignorance and/or immaturity should be instructed in the doctrine of the church and warned at least twice (Titus 3:10) against the grievous sin of separating from Christs body. the dates for birth, baptism, profession of faith, and/or marriage, as applicable) directly to the elders of the receiving church, including an attestation to the members good standing or disciplinary status. PRC-Related: RFPA, Standard Bearer, Reformed Witness Hour, Etc. If you weren't able to attend the conference but would like to hear the speeches, go to Covenant of Grace PRC's page on. The expenses of Classis totaled $8,433.31. Classis did not sustain the individuals protest. These visitors shall inquire whether the office-bearers faithfully perform their duties, adhere to sound doctrine, observe in all things the adopted order, and properly promote as much as lies in them, by word and deed, the edification of the congregation, including the youth, to the end that these visitors may fraternally admonish those office-bearers who have in anything been negligent, and may by their advice and assistance help direct all things unto the peace, edification and greatest profit of the churches. Article 58 The Readmission of an Excommunicated Person. Members that heed the consistory and desist from resignation should continue to receive appropriate instruction and care. However, even though churches stand distinctly next to one another, they do not thereby stand disconnectedly alongside one another. Classis finished its work around 12:30 PM on Thursday. Any of these office-bearers who are ministers shall be examined before being declared a minister of the Word and sacraments among the United Reformed Churches in North America, according to the regulations adopted by the federation. Guidelines for a Thoroughly Reformed Theological Education. The day before the meeting, an officebearers conference was held on the timely subject of the church of Christ. include written evidence to substantiate the allegations being made. Any of these office-bearers who are ministers shall be examined before being declared a minister of the Word and sacraments among the United Reformed Churches in North America, according to the regulations adopted by the federation. A. Brummel and T. Miersma as alternates. addy5e266a4a29fb3e8968a7168e37795a2f = addy5e266a4a29fb3e8968a7168e37795a2f + 'sbcglobal' + '.' + 'net'; To update this list, ask the stated clerk to send changes to [emailprotected]. Classis appointed Revs. M. De Boer was re-appointed to a three-year term as a secundus synodical deputy, Rev. Another consistory sought the advice of Classis to proceed with the erasure of a baptized member. He need not undergo the entire examination again if he returns within that time period. Their alternates are Revs. Nick AlonsOak Lawn, IL | First URC of Oak Lawn, Rev. 6. Learn more News A Quick Video from Classis Leader, Rev. Classis and synod are broader assemblies that exist only when meeting by delegation. In all assemblies only ecclesiastical matters shall be transacted, only in an ecclesiastical manner. Brummel;Nov. 19 and 26 Rev. The questions of Article 41 of the Church Order were asked and satisfactorily answered. When the consistory accedes to the members request, it should send appropriate membership information (i.e. For full reports and exact statements of the CRCNA position on a particular issue, see references provided below. Marcus request to remain eligible for a call in our churches, concurred with the decision of First Edmonton to approve Rev. Phillip Westra, Stated Clerk. After careful deliberation, Classis did not sustain the appeal. The Consistory shall determine in each case whether public profession of faith shall be required. Classis approved the subsidy requests for 2024 for five congregations and forwarded them on to Synod 2023 for its approval. Classis sustained the protests of five protestants with regard to their objections to Classis decisions in March 2019 and declared those decisions to be in error. Laning (January 26 and February 2), Rev. Classis judged that a more thorough investigation of the nature and extent of the sin was required, that confession of sin to those sinned against should have taken place before an announcement of reconciliation was read in the church, and that later events seriously called into question the genuineness of the confession. If a member seeks to resign while under church discipline, the consistory needs not advancein thediscipline process while warning the member against resignation. Nathan Langerak (Crete PRC) served as chair, and Rev. Delegates in support of Neland Avenue Christian Reformed Church gather at the end of the denomination's annual synod on June 15, 2023, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich. Photo courtesy . The advice of classis must be sought before proceeding to such exclusion. Co-Pastor | Reformed Church in America Allen Vander Pol MINTS International SeminaryDr. PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for July 2, 2023 * (Updated) First PRC Grand Rapids, MI. Report of the Meeting of Classis Western Canada, Mar 8, 2022. Classis Grand Rapids South | Christian Reformed Church In the first, the name of the sinner need not be mentioned, that he be somewhat spared. The calling Consistory must invite classis to participate in a colloquium doctum. (3) Biblical exegesis: an Old Testament and a New Testament passage should be assigned to the prospective candidate at least three week in advance (one of them in connection with one of his assigned sermons); the examiner should inquire concerning the meaning of the text and the prospective candidate's ability to work with the original languages and with a suitable exegetical method. This is expressed as they cooperate and exercise mutual concern for one another. Elders delegated to Synod 2022 were Keith Bruinsma (Peace), Loren Gritters (Hull), Chester Hunter, Jr. (Edgerton), Peter Smit (Hope), and Phil E. Van Baren (Crete). The classis shall remain in the Executive Session declared for the purpose of discussing and voting on the examinees performance in his examination. Increased subsidy for one of our churches was approved. If a synod does not sustain an appeal, the appellant may file that appeal for a final adjudication only once and to the next synod. Classis began on Wednesday, March 1, with opening devotions led by the chairman of the previous meeting, Rev. A member should be disciplined rather than released if he or she has embraced heretical doctrines or is seeking to join a false church. When a minister, elder or deacon has committed a public or gross sin, or refuses to heed the admonitions of the Consistory, he shall be suspended from his office by his own Consistory with the concurring advice of the Consistories of two neighboring churches. 79-80 of the Church Order for his teachings on providence and sanctification, and an appeal of the consistorys decision to do so. Brummel (March 15 and 22). R. Barnhill (left - president) and Rev. Classis East - prca.org In case anyone errs in doctrine or offends in conduct, as long as the sin is of a private character and does not give public offense, the rule clearly prescribed by Christ in Matthew 18 shall be followed. Pastor-elect Kortus (with his wife, Sarah) receiving his classical diploma and congratulations from Rev. Beecher, IL | Faith URC, Rev. Classis unanimously approved his examination, and the synodical deputies from Classis East heartily concurred. E. Guichelaar on "Grace Alone," Rev. Contact Stated Clerk Rev. The church is the possession of Christ, who is the Mediator of the New Covenant. Home | Classis Heartland ABOUT CRC HOME OUR CHURCHES Classis Toronto consists of 22 churches in the Greater Toronto Area. This email address is being protected from spambots. Having been advised by classis, the Consistory may proceed to exclude from membership the one who is forsaking Christs church. Some of the (young) audience in attendance at Classis (local Christian school children). B. Huizinga, S. Key, R. Kleyn, D. Kuiper, and J. Laning, with Revs. J. Laning May 13; Rev. Meeting Dates February 4, 2023; May 30, 2023; October 10, 2023; February 3, 2024; May 28, 2024; September 24, 2024 Website classisontariosw.ca. The Consistory may, with concurring advice from classis, erase the membership of those with whom they have not been able to communicate for at least two years. (7) Ethics: the meaning and function of the Decalogue, also in relation to Christian motivation and character, and to contemporary moral problems. . [3]Scripture provides many examples of such attestation by the apostles; e.g. Classis will meet next in Crete (IL) PRC on September 27, 2023, the Lord willing. Doug Kuiper tendered his resignation as stated clerk of Classis West, a service he has performed for almost 10 years. Appendix 5 Guidelines for a Colloquium Doctum, Appendix 6 Example of Procedure for Examinations, Appendix 8 Pastoral Advice Regarding Membership Departures, Foundational Principles of Reformed Church Government. 1. Regnerus (November 10 and 17), Rev. A minister who has emeritated due to age or who is unable to perform the duties of his office due to age, sickness, or other personal disabilities, shall retain the honor and title of Minister of the Word, and his ministerial credentials shall remain with the church he last served, which shall provide honorably for his support, with the assistance of the churches of classis if necessary. A motion to acknowledge and apologize for any harm done to victims of abuse and their families caused by the March decision failed. Each classis shall inform the other classes regarding matters of mutual concern by forwarding its minutes to them in a timely manner. His stated reason for his request was neither age nor health, but his desire to be closer to his son Neal who lives in Spokane. M. Kortus (pastor of Hope Redlands PRC), who gave a fitting meditation on Psalm 20. Praveen P. MuthusamyKansas City, MO | Covenant Reformed Church, Rev. With Rev. If you are a registered member, you may access the secure side of the website by logging in using your username and password. S. Regnerus (right - clerk). Classis made a schedule of pulpit supply for the vacant congregations of Doon (IA) PRC, First PRC Edmonton, and Peace PRC (Dyer, IN). Article 66 The Observance and Revision of the Church Order. Classis West met on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, in Hull, IA PRC. The duties belonging to the office of minister of the Word consist of continuing in prayer and in the ministry of the Word, administering the sacraments, catechizing the youth, and assisting the elders in the shepherding and discipline of the congregation. Article 36 Ecumenical Relations on a Federation Level. B. Huizinga April 8 and 15; Rev. T. Miersma, presently serving Immanuel PRC in Lacombe, AB, requested emeritation due to age (66) and increasing physical limitations and infirmities. Mark Vander Hart Mid-AmericaReformed SeminaryRev. In the event of a ministers death, adequate provision shall be made for the support of his dependent wife and children. Any church may be admitted into the federation upon the recommendation of a consistory and provided that its office-bearers subscribe to the Three Forms of Unity and agree with this Church Order. 5.3Church polity/ecclesiology (both theory and application of the URCNA Church Order). J. Marcus. J. Laning was reappointed to a three-year term as a secundus synodical deputy. Their alternates are Bob Brands (Loveland), Alden De Jong (Hull), George De Jong (Crete), David Griess (Loveland), and Jim Lenting (Crete). Those who persist in resignation by refusing and/or disregarding the consistory should be treated in the same manner as those who resign in order to escape church discipline or who openly reject Jesus Christ and/or his church. Among churches belonging to the federation, three assemblies shall be recognized: the Consistory, the classis and the synod. If it be found that God may be more honored and the churches better served by changing any article, this shall require a two-thirds vote of a synod and shall be ratified by two-thirds of the synodically-approved Consistories of the federation, after which they shall take effect. Marcus teaching on providence was erroneous, suspension according to Arts. Classis expressed its deep appreciation to Rev. The council of his church should help him ensure that his financial needs are met. A. Brummel, R. Hanko, S. Key, and J. Marcus as church visitors, with Revs. Even so, the consistory should request the elders of the receiving church to provide confirmation of the persons affiliation there. Year Organized 1967 Churches. At the conclusion of such training, a student must approach his Consistory to become a candidate for the ministry of the Word, which shall arrange for his examination at a meeting of the classis of which his Consistory is a participant. Consistories who are convinced that they cannot comply with a decision of a broader assembly because it does not agree with the Word of God cannot be compelled to do so, provided that they state to the classis the points at which the decision of the assembly disagrees with the Word of God. The appellant or his representative shall be given opportunity to present a concise oral summary and defense of the appeal to the adjudicating assembly, as well as to any advisory committee tasked with advising the adjudicating assembly.