Classis Watch: Late Spring 2022 | The Banner Rev. Jeff Wenke March 31st, 2020 Read More Momentum Event Pictures! Classis declared the appeal not legally before it on the grounds that the matter was not finished at the consistory level, that the individual had not researched and interacted with the decisions of recent PRCA synods that may touch on the matter, and that the individual gave evidence of not understanding the necessary function of the Three Forms of Unity in the process of protest and appeal. They shall be obliged to persevere in the fellowship of the church, not only in hearing God's Word, but also in partaking of the Lord's Supper. C. Griess spoke on "Scripture Alone," Rev. On Tuesday, Sept.26 an Officebearers' Conference on the Five Solas of the Reformation was held, also in Hull PRC (cf. Classis also unanimously sustained the second part of the appeal and declared that the consistory erred in their announcement of the perpetrators sin. 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. In light of its decision to disband, Bethel also brought a request for her pastor, Rev. ), Article 65 Equality of Churches and Office-Bearers. These consistories were not able to attend the meeting due to the restrictions of the Canadian government with respect to COVID-19. A consistory may release a persons membership to churches that have neither Ecclesiastical Fellowship with the URCNA nor membership in NAPARC. All rights reserved. Cornelis Venema Mid-AmericaReformed Seminary, Contact Stated Clerk Rev. Rev. The decisions which were declared to be in error were 1) to sustain an appeal against a consistorys decision to read an apology in response to the members protest of Rev. An appeal is a written complaint of having been wronged by a decision of an assembly within the federation. Loveland (CO) PRC, Host of Classis West meeting held March 7, 2018. The churches shall meet as a synod at least once every three years. Classis treated an appeal from an individual that objected to a statement in a sermon by his minister. Classis Huron | Christian Reformed Church Our Church Order defines classis in this way: "A classis is a group of Christian Reformed churches that come together to seek, discern, and submit to God's will; offer one another mutual support and accountability; find ways to live out a collective calling within their region; and allow for a healthy and sustained connection to the wider denomi. The prospective licentiate must submit two written sermons for review by his Consistory. Rev. Classis appointed Revs. Appendix 4 Guidelines for an Ordination Exam The meeting was capably chaired by Rev. The restoration of a sinner whose sins are public, or have become public because the admonition of the church was despised, shall take place upon sufficient evidence of repentance, in such manner as the Consistory shall deem conducive to the edification of the church. The prospective candidate must submit three written sermons for evaluation. Any such church shall be provisionally accepted into membership in the federation by the classis, pending ratification by the following synod. Article 51 The Nature and Purpose of Discipline. No member shall be admitted to the Lord's Table who has not first made public profession of faith and is not living a godly life. 2. At least thirty days before the exam, the Consistory is to announce publicly its intention to examine the prospective licentiate, providing opportunity for other Consistories to render observation and/or objections. Dan DonovanSchererville, IN | Community URC, Rev. Apart from Synodical actions (see URCNA Church Order Articles 34, 35 and 36), a consistory may charitably consider another church to be a true church (Belgic Confession Article 29) if therein the gospel of Jesus Christ is preached and the two sacraments Christ instituted are administered under the oversight of elders who exercise church discipline. Ken Anema Divine Hope Reformed Bible SeminaryDr. We share in local ministry together using shared offerings to . Classis also treated two protests. No church shall in any way lord it over other churches, and no office-bearers shall lord it over other office-bearers. Classis concurred with the decision of First Edmonton to approve Rev. Both requests were approved. CREDENTIALS: two letters of request and information relating to the background and circumstances of the relationship, one from the examinee and one from the sponsoring Consistory. Contact Stated Clerk Rev. Brummel;Nov. 19 and 26 Rev. Each synod shall determine a time and place for the subsequent synod and shall authorize a Consistory to convene that synod. Article 8 Calling a Minister from Outside the Federation, A minister who has been ordained in a church outside the federation shall not be admitted to serve in a church within the federation without an examination conducted to the satisfaction of the classis, according to the regulations adopted by the federation, whereupon he may be declared by classis eligible for call by his sponsoring Consistory. EldridgeNorth Ridge Community Church. 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. Below you will findspecial highlights of PRC and sister-church news. After careful deliberation, Classis advised both consistories to proceed. Ed MarcusseLynwood, IL | Lynwood URC, Rev. The exercise of a federative relationship is possible only on the basis of unity in faith and in confession. The first protest, which was treated in open session, was a protest of the decision of Classis in September 2020 to declare the individuals appeal not legally before it. (See Appendix 5 and 6). 2.2Knowledge of New Testament background and canonics; hermeneutics/textual criticism. Roberto RossiDes Moines, IA | Providence Reformed Church, Rev. That will take place Friday evening, Sept.29, at 7 pm (CT) in Edgerton PRC. Upon resuming General Session, the Chairman shall announce the outcome of the examination and the broad outlines of the Classis dealings with the examinee (see #3 above). Classis approved both sermons, and then proceeded to examine the men in ten different subject areas for 20 minutes each. After emeritation a ministers credentials may follow a membership transfer but only with the consent of both councils that are involved. Greg LubbersRock Valley, IA | Rock Valley URC,Rev. (See Appendix 7), 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. CREDENTIALS: three letters of request and information relating to the background and circumstances of the relationship, one from the examinee, one from the examinees consistory, and one from the recommending Consistory. Classis Central US includes 19 Churches. In the first, the name of the sinner need not be mentioned, that he be somewhat spared. DIRECTORY OUR WORK Classis Toronto exists to provide unity and support to the Christian Reformed Churches in the Greater Toronto Area. The Consistory need not seek advice if classis has previously advised it to proceed to the second step of public discipline. Joshua Engelsma Stated Clerk, Classis West. The following schedule of classical appointments for Immanuel (Lacombe) PRC was approved:Nov. 5 and 12 Rev. Benjamin DavenportWaupun, WI | Grace URC, Rev. Article 35 Ecumenical Relations on a Classis Level. 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. Five first-time delegates to Classis signed the Formula of Subscription, the minutes of the previous meeting of Classis were approved, and the four questions of Article 41 of the Church Order were asked and answered. The time-frame for ratification shall be determined by synod. Learn more News A Quick Video from Classis Leader, Rev. Rev. 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. Following the examination, the delegates will enter executive session. Special services may be called in observance of Christmas Day, Good Friday, Ascension Day, a day of prayer, the national Thanksgiving Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, as well as in times of great distress or blessing. The Consistory shall call the congregation together for corporate worship twice on each Lord's Day. There are 185 nonprofits in Bellflower, California. The meeting was capably chaired by Rev. R. Barnhill was reappointed to a three-year term as a primus synodical deputy, and Rev. Receiving the news of their approval from the chair of Classis, Rev. Regnerus (November 10 and 17), Rev. document.getElementById('cloak9655f625ff13feae8daefcdb33976454').innerHTML = ''; That will take place, Lord willing, on Sunday, October 6, with Rev. Classis approved the subsidy requests for 2022 for two churches and forwarded them on to Synod for its approval. Classis West News Report - March 1-2, 2023 - Lynden (WA) PRC, Report on Classis West Meeting September 28, 2022, Classis West Report - March 2-3, 2022 (Hope PRC - Redlands, CA), News from Classis West - Sept.25-27, 2019 & November 5, 2019 **(Updated), Report of Classis West - March 7, 2018 - Loveland PRC, Report on Classis West Special Meeting - Wednesday, Nov.29, 2017, Meeting of Classis West - September 27, 2017 *(Updated), News from Classis West, March 1, 2017 - Stated Clerk's Report, Classis West Meeting, Sept.28, 2016 (Updated with Clerk's Report), Classis West Meeting - Crete PRC, IL - Wednesday, March 2, 2016 (Updated! A determination that the candidate has sustained this exam shall be made based upon each specific area of the exam having received a particular vote of approbation from the delegates to classis. Because Calvin's doctrinal principles ultimately became dominant, the Calvinist Church is identified with the Reformed . After the great controversy among these . Classis Central California | Christian Reformed Church 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. Josh Engelsma, has now completed his first official public report, which now follows, along with some pictures sent in from various observers. (See Appendix 7), Article 30 Withdrawing from the Federation. Trinity PRC will host the next meeting of Classis East on September 13, 2023. Joshua EngelsmaStated Clerk, Classis West. Dennis Lee chaired the meeting. R. Barnhill, president of Classis. The Central Plains Classis of the Reformed Church In America One of these sermons must be preached in a public worship service. The consistory should inform the congregation of this action and the reasons for it. 10.In order to manifest our spiritual unity, local churches should seek the broadest possible contacts with other like-minded churches for their mutual edification and as an effective witness to the world. This eligibility shall be valid for no more than two years, whereafter he shall be honorably discharged from office. addy5e266a4a29fb3e8968a7168e37795a2f = addy5e266a4a29fb3e8968a7168e37795a2f + 'sbcglobal' + '.' + 'net'; Abraham Kuyper was a key leader in building the new denomination, helping them focus on the lordship of Jesus Christ over all . Should he harden himself in his sin, or when the sin committed is of such a nature that he cannot continue in office, he shall be deposed by his Consistory with the concurring advice of classis. Rev. Routine reports from the stated clerk, the classical committee, and the reading sermon library committee were read and approved. The assembly whose decision is being appealed is the respondent to the appeal. A delegate from the examinees Consistory shall be sent to explain what is going to happen next (see #3 below), and accompany the examinee back into Executive Session and to the front of the assembly. 2023 Classis Central U.S. of the URCNA All Rights Reserved | After lengthy, careful deliberation, Classis did not sustain the appeal. 29). The expenses of Classis totaled $8,433.31. Beecher, IL | Faith URC, Rev. (See Appendix 5 and 6). Previous Post Nate Decker (pastor of Grandville PRC) officiating. Article 19 The Officers and Order of Assemblies. Classis West, with the concurrence of the synodical deputies from Classis East, unanimously approved their examinations and advised both consistories to proceed with their ordinations. Following a question that arose with the report of the stated clerk, Classis approved a number of guidelines that the stated clerk can follow when he receives requests for confidential material from an individual who is not an officebearer. 5.3Church polity/ecclesiology (both theory and application of the URCNA Church Order). Classis West held a special meeting on Wednesday, November 29, in Lynden PRC. Classis Youth Ministry Team President Joseph M. Groeneveld DMC Board Member Peter Van Harmelen (8) Church Polity: the history and principles of Reformed church polity, and the content of the Church Order. Article 17 The Matters and Manner of Assemblies. East Sioux Classis - Northwestern College Classis EastThis email address is being protected from spambots. 1. Article 66 The Observance and Revision of the Church Order. C. Griess was appointed to the classical committee, Rev. Co-Pastor | Reformed Church in America S. Key assumed the chair. Pablo Landzuri Quito, Ecuador |Iglesia Reformada Luz de VidaRev. The church's missionary task is to preach the Word of God to the unconverted. The following appointments were made: Rev. M. De Boer was re-appointed to a three-year term as a secundus synodical deputy, Rev. To serve Drayton Reformed Church by working alongside the Co-Pastor and the Elder of Education to faithfully teach and mentor our children and youth according to Biblical truths. Furthermore, the classis shall inquire of each Consistory whether Consistory and deacons' meetings are held, the Word of God is faithfully preached, the sacraments are faithfully administered, church discipline is exercised, the poor are cared for, and God-centered schooling is promoted; and whether the Consistory needs the advice and help of the classis for the proper government of the church. Routine were the reports of the stated clerk, classical committee, church visitors, and reading sermon committee. 14.Being the chosen and redeemed people of God, the church, under the supervision of the elders, is called to worship Him according to the Scriptural principles governing worship. All this, the Lord willing. Such summary and defense shall not introduce new evidence not previously presented through written submissions. Appendix 1 Guidelines for a Thoroughly Reformed Theological Education, Appendix 2 Guidelines for a Licensure Exam What is the Baptist Church and what do Baptists believe. var addy_text9655f625ff13feae8daefcdb33976454 = 'Stated Clerk';document.getElementById('cloak9655f625ff13feae8daefcdb33976454').innerHTML += ''+addy_text9655f625ff13feae8daefcdb33976454+'<\/a>'; Classis WestThis email address is being protected from spambots. Classis will meet next in Doon PRC on September 28, 2022, the Lord willing. Ministers delegated to Synod 2018 were Revs. The next day, Thursday, March 2, Classis began by treating an overture from a consistory. The Reformed Church in the United States ( RCUS) is a Protestant Christian denomination in the United States. Pastor-elect Regnerus' ordination in Lynden is scheduled for Friday, December 1, and Pastor-elect Feenstra's ordination in Lacombe is scheduled for Sunday, December 10. In the second, the Consistory shall seek the advice of classis before proceeding, whereupon his name shall be mentioned. The following day was largely taken up by the joyful work of examining Mr. Kortus. After hearing of the extensive work of the consistory regarding the two baptized members, Classis advised the consistory to proceed to erasure in both cases. In connection with the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, the conference was entitled "The Five Solas and How They Matter for the Ministry." The expenses of this meeting totaled $8,853.17. For full reports and exact statements of the CRCNA position on a particular issue, see references provided below. Article 24 Equality and Unity of Congregations. Christian marriages shall be solemnized with appropriate admonitions, promises, and prayers, under the regulation of the Consistory, with the use of the appropriate liturgical form. What is the Presbyterian Church and what do Presbyterians believe? Langerak;Feb. 11 and 18 Rev. Bethel CRC. Home | Classis Heartland 5. Classis Eastern Canada | Christian Reformed Church The newly appointed Stated Clerk of Classis West, Rev. The Reformed Church in America ( RCA) is a mainline Reformed Protestant denomination in Canada and the United States. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; To update this list, ask the stated clerk to send changes to [emailprotected]. Classis stated that, in order to suspend a man for teaching false doctrine or heresy, it must be demonstrated that a mans teaching is characterized by consciousness and deliberateness as well as persistence after having been admonished, which was not true of the minister. Classis West of the Protestant Reformed Churches met on September 28, 2022, in Doon PRC (Doon, IA), finishing its work by about 9:30 PM. Confirmation of Marriage before the Church, Articles 29-52: Of the Ecclesiastical Assemblies, Articles 53-70: Of Doctrines, Sacraments, and Other Ceremonies, Articles 71-86: Of Censure and Ecclesiastical Admonition.