AGENDA FOR CLASSIS CENTRAL PLAINS Saturday, September 22, :00 a.m. Tracy, Iowa CRC

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1 AGENDA FOR CLASSIS CENTRAL PLAINS Saturday, September 22, :00 a.m. Tracy, Iowa CRC Chair: Rev. Gary Brouwers Vice-Chair: Rev. Tom Wolthuis Clerk: Rev. Ryan Faber 1. Opening Devotions 2. New Business a. Licensure Request - i. Examination: Jeremy Engbers (Faith, Pella) - p. 2 ii. Renewal Requests: Nathan Schelhaas; Royce Spoelstra; Joel Vander Molen - p. 2 b. Overture from Peace, Cedar Rapids i. Overture - p. 3 ii. Advisory Report from the Finance Committee - p. 5 c. Recommendation re. Classis Renewal Event - p. 6 d. Recommendation re. Student Fund - p. 7 e. Proposed FY2018 Budget - p Continuing Business 4. Reports a. Recommendation re. Three Classis Meetings / Year - p. 9 a. Classical Committees i. Classical Interim Committee - p. 9 ii. Church Health Committee - p. 10 iii. Diaconal Committee - p. 11 iv.classis Mission Committee - p. 11 v. Classical Ministry Leadership Team (Student Fund) vi.finance Committee - p. 12 vii.nominating Committee - forthcoming, see agenda supplement b. Classical Functionaries i. Mentors written reports - p. 14 ii. Church Visitors - churches to be visited in Team 1 - Peace, Cedar Rapids; Faith, Pella 2. Team 2 - Newton; Leighton 3. Team 3 - Calvary, Pella; Second, Pella iii. Church Counselors 1. Rev. George Den Oudsten for Bethel, Oskaloosa 2. Rev. Brad Bierma for Second, Pella 3. Rev. Sheldon Starkenburg for Leighton; Newton

2 4. Rev. Matt McClure for Grace Fellowship, Pella 5. Rev. Brian Ochsner for Tracy iv.regional Pastors - Revs. Gary Brouwers & Sheldon Starkenburg - p. 14 v. Synodical Delegate - p. 15 c. Denominational Agencies i. Resonate Global Mission - p. 16 ii. Calvin Theological Seminar - p Speakers a.tyler Helfers, Areopagus b.tom Wolthuis, Geneva Campus Ministry c.peter Kelder, Resonate Global Mission 6. Next Regular Meeting - TBD 7. Closing Devotions Rev. Ryan Faber, Stated Clerk statedclerk.centralplains@gmail.com (641) Licensure Request Classis Central Plains, Jeremy Engbers currently serves as the Director of Youth Ministries at Faith CRC in Pella, IA and has expressed to us a desire to pursue a license to exhort. Jeremy is currently pursuing additional formal theological education by taking some on-line courses through Fuller Seminary. We believe it will also be beneficial to Jeremy to have opportunities to preach and we, the Faith Church Council, support his desire to pursue this license to exhort. Please consider this request for possible inclusion in your next meeting. For the council of Faith, Pella Elder John Brouwer, Chair Licensure Renewal Requests from Nathan Schelhaas Yes, I would like to apply for renewal. 2 times at Sully CRC (4/23/17, 10/29/17) 3 times at First CRC in Oskaloosa (4/2/17, 1/28/18,8/20/17) 1 time at Peoria CRC (12/3/17) 7 times at Faith CRC in Pella (7/3/16-8/28/16) from Royce Spoelstra 2

3 Yes I am requesting renewal. Attached is where I was the last 2 years and what I have on my calendar for the balance of the summer at this point. Royce s list is too exhaustive to print here. Since his last renewal, he has exhorted 74 times in the following churches: CRC - Sully; Peace, Cedar Rapids; First, Oskaloosa; Good News Chapel, Oskaloosa; Prairie City; Bethel, Oskaloosa; Cedar; Peoria RCA - Sully; Ebeneezer, Leighton and Lower Grove from Joel Vander Molen (NOTE: Joel received his license in 2017, per classis rules his first application for renewal comes after 1 year) Yes, I would like to apply for license extension. My preaching dates, location, and sermon title are in the attached document. 11/12/17 Calvary CRC, Responding to Suffering 04/08/18 -Sully CRC, Tools of Service 04/29/18 -Pella II CRC, Tools of Service 07/29/18 - Trinity CRC (Ames, Iowa) 08/05/18 - Faith CRC, 2 Timothy 3: /12/18 - Pella II CRC Overture from Peace, Cedar Rapids HISTORY Over the past two years, Classis Central Plains has attempted to change the way we create our annual budget to more accurately reflect the giving patterns of our classis. This has resulted in positive effects. First, we are no longer spending above the level of income, and second, we are seeing an increase in giving. However, the changes that were made have also had some negative effects. The first is that our final budget is no longer based on a per-member amount, as was the practice in the past. In the past, some churches would volunteer to give above the requested per-member amount. With the current system, churches are now requested to give at a higher level. For example, Classis Central Plains currently has 2688 members in its churches. The budget for 2018 is $210,000, which means that each member is asked to give $78. However, at the September classis meeting, each church was asked to pledge an amount calculated from $100 per member. Those churches committed to pay full shares respond to that request and pledge that amount. Giving above a per-member amount is no longer voluntary but is now requested, and perhaps expected. Our current practice can have a harmful effect on the overall ministry of classis. For example, if a committee would like to propose a new ministry that may require significant cost, that number is added to the proposed budget, driving the per-member number in the proposed budget higher. The weight of that cost will fall on the churches who are committed to giving full ministry share amounts, which in 2017 was the minority. Churches who give full requested shares may be less eager to support new ministry proposals if they perceive the financial responsibility falling on a minority of churches. 3

4 Currently, the finance committee merely compiles the various requests from the classis committees and presents them to classis for input. Rather than merely accumulating the numbers, the finance committee could be empowered by classis to consider the requests in light of past giving trends and the goals of classis and present a proposed budget that is appropriate to the giving of the churches. The finance committee can inform classis of all the requests they had received and give a rationale for the proposed budget at which they arrived. This change can be assisted by removing Dordt College as an item included in the classis budget and return it to the denominational ministry share category as it was in the past. Prior to the change in the classis budget process, churches would designate funds for funds for Dordt when they submitted ministry shares to classis treasurer. The treasurer simply forwarded to Dordt the funds so designated. Under the new system, all receipts from churches are deposited into classis fund. The treasurer pays to Dordt the amount designated for Dordt in the approved budget. If receipts do not support budgeted amount, they are paid from cash reserves. Conversely, surplus receipts remain in classis fund. PROPOSAL Therefore, we propose that the annual budget of Classis Central Plains be built on the giving patterns of the churches from the previous year. A per-church amount would be considered when creating the budget, as well as any changes that the finance committee would consider based on requests from the classis committees or on spending or giving patterns. 1. Authorize the finance committee to present a proposed budget to the September classis meeting which is realistically based on three items: 1) the requests of the committees of classis; 2) the giving trends of the churches from the previous year; 3) an increase or decrease that is deemed appropriate by the finance committee. Grounds: 1. The finance committee will be able to present a realistic proposed budget to the church from which they will make their pledges. 2. The finance committee will be able to suggest a percentage increase that will apply to all the churches equally. 3. Classical committees will feel free to suggest new ministry plans without the fear that the weight of additional classis ministry will fall only on the minority of churches who pay their full shares. 4. The distinction between churches that give full ministry shares and those who don t will be eliminated. 5. This process more closely mirrors the process by which the local church develops its own budget 2. Remove Dordt College ministry shares from the classical budget and return them to the domain of denominational ministry shares. Classis serves as the administrator of these gifts. Grounds: 1. Over the past two years, giving to Dordt College has been reduced to make the classis budget fit the pledges of the churches. Removing Dordt as a recipient will allow classis to develop a more realistic budget. 2. Dordt College, rather than Calvin College, is the recipient of the ministry shares of those in the Midwest. Calvin College is deemed to be part of the denominational ministry 3. This action returns classis to a long-standing practice which changed only recently when the budget process was changed. 4

5 3. We propose that the following change to the Rules of Procedure for Classis Central Plains be made to reflect this change. (new is underlined) Appendix 1. I. B. At the Fall Classis meeting held in September, the Finance Committee would present its preliminary budget including classical expenses and the cost of the programs it would propose to fund during the next fiscal year based on written, reported and requested funds from the classical committees. This would include an estimated per-member cost if the programs were 100% funded. This amount would be based on the giving of the churches of classis from the previous year, along with any change which the finance committee may deem appropriate. The budget would include a request for each church to give according to their previous year s donation, along with the suggested change. 4. We request classis to instruct the church visitors to meet with churches who are not currently giving full requested ministry shares in order to identify and address the causes of the shortage. Approved in council on June 28, 2018 Peace Christian Reformed Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Rich Dykema, Council President John Van Rheenen, Council Clerk Advisory Report (Finance Committee) Item #1 --Changing the budgeting practice The Committee recommends not to accede to this Overture on the following grounds: 1) That the reasoning at the beginning of the Overture misunderstands the process, particularly when it addresses the "per member" disparity. While the original proposed budget does in fact reference a per-member amount derived from all Classical Committee requests, the final budget is based solely on what each individual church pledges to support. At that point a per-member amount is moot; it is the total pledged amount that determines the final budget. 2) The Committee did not think it was wise to look at giving levels of individual churches, and have the Committee make adjustments accordingly. It was thought that placing that responsibility on individual Councils and Congregations was a far better approach. 3) Changing the budget process will not solve one major problem, which is the general trend of declining membership which results in reduced resources. How to deploy these limited funds is an ongoing challenge, particularly for the smaller congregations. Item #2--Removing Dordt College from ministry shares The Committee recommends not to accede to this Overture on the following grounds: 1) The amount for Dordt College is synodically mandated and is not determined by the Finance Committee. 2) Dordt College is a cause that historically tends to receive wide-spread support amongst the Classis congregations; collecting these funds through Classis is an efficient method to pass 5

6 through these funds to Dordt. The alternative of Dordt individually invoicing each church for the amount specified by Synod does not seem to be a good use of time and resources. 3) While Dordt College does not receive full funding from Classis, it would not receive full funding were it part of the Ministry Shares formula. Typically, Classis Central Plains pays only 60-70% of its denominational ministry shares. It is believed that Dordt College likely receives more funds from the present method via Classis, as opposed to other collection alternatives. Item #3--Changing the Rules of Procedure The Committee recommends not to accede to this Overture on the following ground: 1) If Classis does not accede to the components of this Overture, as is recommended by the Study Committee, the Rules do not need to be changed. Additionally, as noted earlier, Classis was already planning to formally review the new budgeting process in the spring of Item #4--Instructions to Church Visitors The Committee recommends not to accede to this Overture on the following ground: 1) Church Article 42 specifies the practice and purpose of church visiting, with the denominational publishing guidelines in These guidelines include asking questions about church finances and commitment to ministry. As such, church visitors should already be discussing these issues with the churches, so any additional instruction is deemed unnecessary. Recommendation re. Classis Renewal Event (CIC) Church Order Article 75 indicates that all classis shall have a ministry plan. At Synod 2018, classes were also encouraged to share their ministry plans and/or develop one if one did not exist. Recently, leaders from several classes in our region (Iakota, Heartland, Central Plains, and North Central Iowa) began exploring a combined gathering to discuss, share, and collaborate on developing intentional plans for ministry in our respective classes. Towards that end, this gathering would also be a place to share best practices, learn from one another, and explore the overall purpose of classis for our churches. The gathering would be facilitated by Al Postma, who supports classis renewal in the CRC. Our proposal is: 1. That classis affirm the development (and/or refinement) of a stated ministry plan for our classis 2. That classis send a group of 3-5 people to participate in a gathering, tentatively scheduled for March 2019 in Des Moines. 3. That classis ask Rev. Gary Brouwers to take leadership in drawing together this group of 3-5 people, to be involved in the planning of the gathering, and to be responsible for reporting to classis on any recommendations generated by our participation. 4. That classis set aside time at the meeting directly after the gathering in order to hear the report and explore any recommendations or considerations for moving forward. 5. That classis fund the expenses of those participating on behalf of classis. (Estimated cost for 6

7 4 persons to participate is $750.) The CIC recommends that classis adopt these recommendations, with the event to be funded (up to $1000) from the conferences line item of the classis budget. Recommendation re. Student Fund (CMLT) Background The Classis Ministry Leadership Team, which is tasked with overseeing the classis student fund, has experienced challenges with the misalignment of the classis budgeting process, fiscal year, and the academic year. Earlier this year representatives of the CMLT met with the finance committee to review the administration of the classis student fund. (See the finance committee s report in Agenda Supplement A) The finance committee asked the CMLT to formalize a propose for classis, which the CMLT has done. The following proposal was submitted to the finance committee for feedback, which was faovrable. Recommendation: 1. That classis instruct the treasurer to retain any and all unused portions of the student fund budget as restricted funds designated for the purpose of supporting students. 2. That future classis budgets allocate money to be added to these restricted funds designated for the purpose of supporting students. (This budget allocation would be independent of disbursements of the restricted funds and not be connected to any named student.) 3. That disbursements from these restricted funds be approved by classis, or its interim committee, upon recommendation from the CMLT. Grounds: 1. Retaining any and all unused portions of the student fund budget would help build up a small reserve for the student fund committee which would (1) eliminate potentially large swings in the committee s budget request between years when there are many students and years when there are fewer students; (2) provide the committee with funds to accommodate mid-fiscal year applications for student loan funds. 2. Disconnecting budget allocation from specific disbursements would eliminate the challenges the committee experiences with the misalignment of the classis fiscal year and the academic year. (The committee cannot know by June of one year who may request funds the following spring for studies beginning the fall.) 3. Requiring that all disbursements from the restricted funds be approved by classis (or its interim committee) retains current practice and provides appropriate oversight of the student fund monies. 7

8 Proposed FY2019 Budget FY2018 Budget FY2019 Request Disbursements Student Fund Aaron Gunsaulus $5,000 $5,000 Matthew Spoelstra $5,000 $2,500 Jeremy Engbers $5,000 $4,000 Potential Student $5,000 $5,000 Total $20,000 $16,500 Home Missions Committee Expense $1,500 $1,500 Geneva Campus Ministries $20,800 $21,300 Areopagus Ministries $10,000 $10,500 New Life Prison $18,000 $17,000 New Church Plant $9,000 $9,000 Total $59,300 $59,300 Dordt College $111,700 $178,924 Diaconal Expenses & projects $4,000 $2,500 Classis Expense Travel Expense $5,300 $4,000 Classis Meals $1,100 $1,100 Printing, Postage $500 $500 Treasurer Bond $100 $100 Conferences $2,000 $2,000 Clerk $3,000 $3,000 Treasurer $3,000 $3,000 Total $15,000 $13,700 $ $270,924 Ministry Share: $103.50/member Classis Membership:

9 Recommendation re. Three Classis Meetings / Year (CIC) Background: At its February 2018 meeting, classis decided to begin meeting three times per year on a schedule to be recommended by the classical interim committee. (Minute 7405 D.2) The interim committee surveyed the councils of classis regarding a preferred scheduled for three meetings per year. The survey results were as follows (pluralities indicted in bold): Which would you prefer: only weekday meetings (11%); only weekend meetings (37%); open to a mixture of both (52%) Which week day: Monday (30%); Tuesday (19%); Wednesday (14%); Thursday (37%) If a weekend: Friday & Saturday (12%); only Friday (26%); only Saturday (62%) Continuing education events are: not important (30%); somewhat important (65%); very important (5%) How often (re. cont. event): every meeting (7%); twice a year (26%); once a year (58%); never (9%) First meeting: mid to late Jan (28%); early to mid Feb (40%); late Feb (32%) Second meeting: late April (26%); early to mid May (32%); mid to late May (42%) Third meeting: early to mid Sept (19%); mid to late Sept (47%); early to mid Oct (33%) Recommendation: That classis adopt the following meeting schedule, to begin in 2019, and instruct the Stated Clerk to revise the classical rules of procedure accordingly: the second Saturday of February (8am-noon); the third Thursday of May (7-9pm); and the third Saturday of September (8am-???). Note: The September meeting should always include a continuing education portion to which all officebearers in classis and the public are invited. Should there be need to examine a candidate for the ministry of the Word at the September classis meeting, this will take place at an additional meeting on the Friday evening prior to classis. Classical Interim Committee Ministerial Matters 1. Approved the ministerial credential of Rev. Richard Loerop from Classis Niagara and forwarded it to Rev. Sheldon Starkenburg, counselor for Leighton. (Rev. Brian Ochsner, counselor for Tracy was on sabbatical), and Rev. Will Verhoef, who conducted the installation service. Other Matters 9

10 2. Appointed Robert Rus (Second, Pella) to serve as deacon delegate to Synod Approved Church Health Committee request of $100 from classis expense fund for training on Emotionally Health Spirituality. 4. Referred the overture from Peace, Cedar Rapids to the finance committee with a request that the finance committee advise classis on an appropriate response. 5. Received request from Faith, Pella to examine Jeremy Engbers for licensure to exhort. Made the following arrangements for his examination at the September classis meeting: a. Ask Jeremy to lead opening devotions on Saturday morning, including a minute meditation. b. Appointed Rev. Brad Bierma to lead the practica portion of the examination. c. Appointed John C. Roose to lead the biblical-theological portion of the examination. (Rev. George Den Oudsten as alternate) 6. Recommended to the finance committee that renumeration for the Stated Clerk and Treasurer remain at $3000 for FY Prepared recommendation for classis re three meetings / year. (Minute 7405 D.2) 8. Received the following request/recommendations from Al Postma (CRC staff person for classis renewal) and Gary Brouwers (chair of church health committee). Prepared recommendation for classis response. Church Health Committee The Church Health Team continues to meet to support local churches and the classis as a while in achieving our common goal, to foster such health in the individual churches of classis that we are regularly celebrating the rebirth of people into Christ. To accomplish that goal, we meet and discuss current trends we are noticing in the various aspects of ministry in which we participate. As representatives of each committee of classis, we ve discussed an apparent lack of trust that exists regarding leadership in some of the churches. We ve talked about how our society competes for our attention and loyalty, drawing us away from a Christ-like love for His church. We ve discussed the need to manage our anxiety and to look for where God is leading us next, rather than trying to focus on all areas at once. As a team, we also support our church visitors in the work they do in supporting and encouraging our local churches using the definitions we ve established for healthy churches and healthy leaders. We see the ministry of church visitors as a vital part of becoming more healthy. Finally, we are planning on offering a leadership training event in the upcoming months using material from the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality ministry led by Peter Scazzero. Three of our members are receiving training that will equip them to lead the rest of us through the training. Watch for more information for when this event will happen. Diaconal Committee 10

11 Classis Central Plains Diaconal Committee Minutes of April 18, 2018 Article 1: Members present: Brad Bierma, Al Kopaska, Ed Meinders, Sheldon Starkenburg, Tim Vander Schell and Claude Zylstra. Article 2: Pastor Starkenburg opened with prayer. Article3: Minutes of the previous meeting were received for information. Article 4: The treasurer s report indicates a balance of $3,080 in the treasury. We approved the work of Mary as the Coordinator of Diaconal Ministry. Article 5: We discussed the term of service Marilyn Harms has represented us as Classsical World Renew Board member. Marilyn will be missed and the secretary will send her a thank you card. Article 6: We reviewed some of the past work trips involving people from the area. Henry & Twyla Van Roekel, Harold & Twyla Van Wyk went to Texas, Ron & Linda Wickhart were In NC and Gerry & Marilyn Harms & Claude Zylstra were in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Article 7: We questioned the usefulness of this committee as times have changed. Are we prepared for disaster relief with facilities to house and feed responders? Are there needs in the community we should address? Who is caring for the homeless, abused and other needy? Classis will need to direct us in this matter. Article 8: Al closed with prayer. Article 9: The next meeting is scheduled for July 11, 2018 at 7:00. Claude Zylstra, secretary Classis Mission Committee Minutes ~ June 18, Matt McClure read Psalm 103:1-8 and opened with prayer 2. Budget Request 1. Geneva Campus Ministries $21, Areopagus Ministries $10, New Life Prison Church $17, Church Plant Fund $9, Committee Expenses $1, Total $59,300 11

12 Motion made to present proposed budget to Classis Finance Committee - carried 3. Update from Areopagus Board Tim reported from their June 5 board meeting, brought their proposed budget showing supposed from various income streams. Relayed a request for increased funding to cover health insurance costs Tyler Helfers is working on MDiv through Calvin Seminary via distance learning Areopagus is the only on-campus ministry that is reformed Tyler shared about international ministry that is happening and his willingness to visit churches to preach and share what is going on at Areopagus 4. Suggestions for churches to present at Classis about what God is doing. Request 20 minutes again so three different ministries can present 5. Update from New Life Prison Church Tim and George were not able to attend the last board meeting 6. Update from Geneva Campus Ministries Chuck said to watch for upcoming possibilities for new ministry opportunities as part of Geneva; 7. Next steps Alex Agbuya Next step set up a meeting with Alex Agbuya, Jon Van Woerkom or other member from 2nd CRC, Peter Kelder (regional director for Resonate) and Matt McClure in order to clarify what happens next the church plant that was talked about back in Prayerfully consider a nomination for replacing Chuck. Chuck suggested Russ Marcus, member at Peace CRC, would be willing to serve on Geneva s board He is serving his third or fourth term as elder, has a heart for missions, leads a group to Malawi for Farmer-to-Farmer. Born in Minnisota, got his MBA at U of I, full time engineer, international traveler for business, farms on the side. Married with four children, youngest in high school. Motion made to present Russ Marcus to the nomination committee to serve on the Classis Missions Committee carried 9. Next meeting Tuesday, August 28 8am 10.Motion to adjourn - carried 11.Chuck Veldhuizen closed with prayer Finance Committee July 18, Calvin opened the meeting with prayer. 2. Ryan informed the Committee that Stan Ekdom was resigning his committee seat due to health reasons. Ryan will provide some suggestions to the Nominating Committee for another member. 12

13 3. The Committee reviewed the proposed budget. All of the Classis Committees have met and have submitted their requests. The total budget is $270,924, which equates to $ per member. It was noted that the largest component of this is the Dordt College allocation, which is $68.37 per member of Classis Central Plains, or $178,924. This is the number set by Synod as a reduction in Ministry Shares for the outlying Classes, so that they in turn can support an area Christian college that is geographically closer than Calvin College. A motion was made and supported to present this proposed budget to Classis at the September meeting; it carried unanimously. 4. The Committee then reviewed a new proposal by the Student Loan Fund Committee. Presently, the Classis budget includes specific amounts for specific students. This process is sometimes compromised by the timing of loan applications and the once-a-year budget, which restricts the Committee if a new loan application is received. It is also noted that there is a great deal of variability in the number of students seeking assistance, with some years having no students and other years having an unexpectedly high number of students. For this reason, the Student Loan Fund Committee believes that any unused funds should be restricted to allow a reserve to be built up. Because of that, the Student Loan Fund Committee requested feedback from the Finance Committee concerning: 1) A budget request that is a defined amount but not applicable to certain students. Any disbursements from this fund would be approved by either Classis or the Classis Interim Committee, with the disbursements to be identified in the year-end summary from the Student Loan Fund Committee. 2) That all funds not disbursed in a given year would be restricted, and would build up a reserve for those years when there are an unusually high requests. This should help stabilize the annual budgeted amount and reduce big fluctuations in the amount requested. The Classis Treasurer would be instructed to note the amount of restricted funds when providing the annual financial report to Classis. By consensus the Finance Committee endorsed both of these proposals from the Student Loan Fund Committee, and asked that that Committee present these changes as a formal motion to Classis. This year's budget will be completed as in the past. Additionally, the Finance Committee requested that the Student Loan Fund Committee present as a motion its proposal for handling the non-payment of funds from students who did not meet their obligation to Classis. In regard to restricted funds, the Committee noted that part of the Home Missions Committee budget is $9,000 for a new church plant. As this endeavor typically takes a significant amount of resources that must be collected over time, the Finance Committee believes that these monies need to be restricted as well. The Classis Treasurer will be informed of this, and each year the ending balance in the account should reflect an amount for the yet-to-be-identified "New Church Plant", with these funds restricted and not to be used for other Classis expenses. 5. The Committee then reviewed and discussed an Overture from Peace CRC in Cedar Rapids regarding the Classis finance structure. The Classis Interim Committee requested that the Finance Committee function as the Study Committee and provide its recommendation to Classis. Noting that this new budgeting model began nearly three years ago, with Classis then stating that this new procedure was to be formally reviewed in the spring of 2019, the Finance Committee made the following recommendations, addressing each of the 4 points in the Overture. (See p. 5 above.) A motion was made and supported to provide this recommendation to Classis; motion carried unanimously. 13

14 Auditing the books of Classis was discussed; Calvin and Ray will follow up with Don DeWaard about this, and Calvin will visit with Sheldon Starkenburg about the Diaconal Committee books. There being no further business, a motion was made and supported to adjourn the meeting, and it carried unanimously. Ray closed in prayer. Mentor Report Aaron Gunsaulus continues to make good progress on the path to ordination in the CRC, with a goal of graduating with an M.Div. degree from Reformed Theological Seminary in May 2019, and being a candidate for ministry in the CRC in June. He is working closely with David Koll, director of the CRC s Candidacy Committee, as he continues taking courses through RTS Virtual and Calvin Seminary. Aaron also continues to serve the Newton congregation as their pastor. The Newton congregation is grateful for Aaron s service in their church, and anticipates calling Aaron as their pastor when he is a candidate. Classis provides pulpit supply one Sunday a month to allow Aaron time to complete his course work, and Aaron and the Newton congregation greatly appreciate that ongoing support. Aaron and I meet regularly to discuss both his course work as well as his ministry at Newton CRC. Sheldon Starkenburg Regional Pastors Over the past year, the Church Health Team has developed a definition of what a healthy church leader looks like. The definition includes three categories, a relationship with God, with others and with self, with a variety of aspects of health under each category. One aspect that seems particularly difficult to grasp is the quality of humility. Maybe you ve heard C.S. Lewis definition of humility, from his book Mere Christianity, that Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less. The definition that the Church Health Team developed states: Health ministry leaders are humble (Philippians 2:1-11). Humility was at the heart of Jesus as He provided for, protected, and guided us into His salvation, and it must be the heart of every leader who provides for, protects and guides God's sheep into His salvation and out on His mission. Health ministry leaders do nothing out of selfish ambition or personal gain, but are compelled by the love of Christ (Philippians 2:3; 2 Corinthians 5:14), Many leaders find this difficult to accomplish. We would love to be able to say with Paul, from 1 Corinthians 4:3, I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. That s not always easy to do while still remaining willing to hear the opinions and desires of others. We don t want to become calloused but we can t allow the opinions of others, and even ourselves, to dictate our actions and priorities and schedules. How do we achieve this Christ-like characteristic of humility? By accepting one of the other aspects of what it means to be a healthy leader, a dependence on Christ. Again, the Church Health Team s definition states: All pastoral care, direction, protection and nurture find their Source in Christ, the Good Shepherd Who lays down His life for us as seen through the I Am statements of Christ (John 6:35; 8:12; 10:9-11, 14-15; 14:6; 15:1-5). Ministry Leaders must find their identity and ministry passion solely in Christ Jesus and must lead the flock as much by personal example as by teaching (1 Timothy 4:11-16; Philippians 1:21; Ephesians 1:3-14). 14

15 As branches, we are dependent on the Vine. As leaders, we receive our gifts and abilities, personalities, and our humility from our Head, Jesus Christ. In a position of dependence, we will find Jesus shaping us more and more into healthy leaders. You can find more qualities of healthy leaders on the classis website, in the Resources file, in the Healthy Pastors document, though the definition includes everyone serves as a leader. :) Synodical Delegate Report Joys I thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship with other Christians from many different congregations and viewpoints. It was good to sit and talk with Mike Hoogeterp Director of the Centre for Public Dialogue over coffee break and lunch about reconciliation work in Canada between indigenous peoples and the Canadian Government. The CRC Centre for Public Dialogue has been invited to play a key role in this process. He talked about the importance of sharing uncomfortable stories, acknowledging wrongs done, even if they are long past, as the path for healing in the future. Another person I talk with was Stanley Jim from Classis Red Mesa about the work happening on the Indian reservations and his hopes and dreams for the future. It was good to hear about the work Resonate Global Mission, World Renew and others are doing with our help and on our behalf. It felt very deliberative and the topics addressed were handled in a way that gave them due diligence and thought. In response to the overtures dealing with the church and politics, it was decided to form a standing committee to provide oversight to the Office of Social Justice (OSJ). This is parallel to the structure that has been in place for many years in Canada. North of the border the Committee for Contact with the Government has been in existence for 50 years and it has given oversight to the Center for Public Dialogue which is roughly the Canadian equivalent to the OSJ in the US. The Committee for Contact with the Government is made up of representatives from across Canada and intentionally seeks to have a diversity of Christian opinions on it. Its job is to help the church be aware of what biblical principles we need to weigh as we think about current events. Concerns The joint sessions with the RCA Friday and Saturday mornings felt more feel good than helpful. There has been a measure of and should continue to be reconciliation and healing between our sister denominations. I am glad for the areas we can cooperate already, but tying ourselves closer to them seems unwise given the amount of water under the bridge and how divided the RCA itself is. Pray for the RCA as they wrestle with their future. They are growing more and more divided. What does the future hold going forward as a denomination? I am deeply proud to be part of the CRC denomination and what God has seen fit to accomplish through us. Our Reformed thought and deeply biblical approach to issues is something respected by other denominations. 15

16 At the same time, I am concerned how we in the CRCNA who disagree on the issue of women in church office would continue to strive to live together and respect each other. We can be better together than apart and need to work hard to love each other as a family with differences. I am concerned about the self sorting as already is happening with Classis Minnkota and the path that will lead the CRC down. Rev. George DenOudsten Ministerial Delegate Classis Central Plains Resonate Global Mission Classis Report: Resonate Global Mission-Central US To: Classis Lake Superior, North Central Iowa, Central Plains, Heartland, Iakota, Minnkota, and Wisconsin From: Peter Kelder, Regional Mission Leader, Central US A. Resonate Global Mission: A year ago, Resonate Global Mission was formed, combining World and Home Missions in the Christian Reformed Church. The Central US region is made up of the seven Classes listed above as well as three in the Chicagoland area. With such an expanded region, the first order of business was to locate Local Mission Leaders in various parts of the region. This regional team has met face to face a couple of times and virtually several more times this year. Local Mission Leaders give one day a week toward the desired outcomes of Resonate and catalyze mission in congregations, start new ministries, and develop leaders. Here is the team as of this Fall, Marianne Giebel, administrative specialist, who keeps us all on task. Marianne lives in Pleasant Prairie WI and works from her home in this role. Dave Katsma, local mission leader, located in Horicon Wisconsin, pastor of Marshview Ministries and serves Classis WI in coaching, leadership development, and starting new ministries. Ruth Kelder, local mission leader, located in Joliet IL, serves as the GO LOCAL coordinator. GO LOCAL is a discernment process to assist congregations and leaders to listen, seek God in their community and to partner with Him there. Rick Droog, local mission leader located in NW Iowa. Rick wears many hatsleads the Siouxland Diaconal Conference, local church leader, works with Barnabas, and consults with congregations and leaders. Jeff Heerspink, local mission leader residing in Lincoln NB. Jeff leads F Street Church, connects to the F Street neighborhood in practical and incarnational ways, and develops leaders. Mike Moore, local mission leader, Chicago IL. Mike is planting a new ministry in a neighborhood called Bridgeport in Chicago. He serves as a campus coach and resource person for Resonate. 16

17 Peter Kelder, Regional Mission Leader, is available to connect with leaders and congregations in areas not yet served by a local mission leader, or for any question you may have about the region and team. This team is the face of Resonate for you and your congregation. Please feel free to call us first for what missional questions you might have. B. New Ministry Developments: Sgt. Bluff, Iowa Friendship Church finds itself in one of Iowa s fastest developing communities. While around 20 years old, the church and its leader. Scott Van Voorst, face new opportunities and are partnering with Resonate to reinvest in the community. Sioux Falls, SD a church development team out of Classis Heartland is focusing on the west side of this growing city and is presently interviewing a couple of church planter candidates for the new church development there. Des Moines/Altoona, Iowa conversations with Pastor Alex Abuya around a multiethnic ministry are taking place with the Classis Mission Committee of Central Plains. Minneapolis, MN Trinity Hill is a new congregation that began worship on Easter of this past year. Arlan Koppendraayer is the leader of this Classis supported ministry in Lake Superior. C. Campus Ministry: Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa Areopagus is led by Tyler Helfers Korean Campus Ministry, Ames, Iowa is led by Jin Young Lee Geneva, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa led by Tom Wolthuis Geneva, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI led by Mike Winnowski and James Kirk D. Holistic Transformational Network Urban Ventures, Minneapolis, MN LIVE!, Chicago IL F Street Neighborhood, Lincoln Nebraska Kansas City KS, Argentine neighborhood, led by Kurt Rietema Des Moines, Iowa, Pillars of Promise E. Deeper Journey: This series of spiritual retreats will begin a new cycle in January 2019 with a Taste and See weekend. All retreats begin on Sunday evening at 5:30pm and finish on Tuesday noon. The retreats are introductions to some spiritual practices which we commit to during the time between retreats. A small group encourages and challenges us to be accountable. 17

18 The 8 retreats over 2 years are as follows: An Invitation to Community An Invitation to Solitude and Silence Engaging Scripture for Spiritual Transformation Deepening Our Intimacy with God Through Prayer Transformation through Self-Examination and Confession Restoring the Soul: Sabbath Rest Discernment: Pursuing the Presence of God Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation Our retreats are all held at Bishop Lane Retreat Center, Rockford IL. It is a place of quiet and silence and simple beauty that nurture an authentic spirituality. You are invited to consider this for yourself or any leader that might benefit from this in your congregation. I will send a brochure when you of your interest. Request it from When there is no time to do it, that s when you most need to unclutter the calendar and go apart to pray. When the gridlock in your schedule relentlessly forbids it is the time you most need retreat. That is when your heart beats against the prison walls of your enslavement and says. Yes, Lord, I want to spend time with You. Emily Griffin Calvin Theological Seminary Greetings from Calvin Theological Seminary where persons who are Called to Serve are being equipped for ministry in the church. This will be my final report as the representative of region 8. From now on Rev. Bob Drenten of Orange City, Iowa, will serve as your representative. I will say that it has been a blessing to serve in this capacity for the last 6 years. The May board meeting was a good one. We were blessed to hear that the ten year accreditation team had given a preliminary good report (and since that time a full accreditation with commendations). This reflects both quality and dedication on the part of the whole faculty and staff. The fiscal situation was good, with the nearly met goal of 1.5 million in fundraising along with the ministry shares and tuition income enabling the Seminary to stay within the budget. Thank you to all the Classes for your ministry shares, student support, offerings, and individual gifts that helps keep tuition as reasonable as possible while providing top notch facilities and programs. At the meeting we also approved the retirement of Professor Michael Williams who taught for 23 years and also had a key role in the extensive report that was prepared for the accreditation team. It was inspiring to attend the graduation of 60 graduates who received diplomas ranging from certificate programs to the Ph. D. level. Ten of the graduates received their diploma primarily through the distance program. As a global seminary, we were blessed to have graduates from 12 different countries. These graduates will serve in different capacities all around the world. In the summer the staff is busy with refurbishing the building and grounds. The apartments are always fully occupied with a number of transitions each summer. The Admissions team is busy finalizing enrollment and the Development team is continuing contacts for support and 18

19 scholarship donations. Professors are getting ready for new courses, serving as synod advisers, assisting with the student DIG program to help young people consider their vocational calling, doing research or writing. Maybe you participated in the Loving Your Neighbor Conference offered this summer? The Seminary will also have a 400 th anniversary of the Canons of Dordt conference on September 14-15, I'm sure many of you are among the nearly 1,000 hits per day on the Center for Excellence in preaching web site. This is a great resource for pastors but many lay people also benefit from the materials added every week. Around August 20 the International Student Orientation begins. On September 5 is Convocation marking the 143 rd year of Biblical-theological-pastoral education at Calvin Seminary. Rev. Scott Hoezee will be the convocation speaker. Please be in prayer for the Seminary. -for President Jul Medenblik and the entire administration team. -for professors as they teach and serve the church in many capacities throughout the year. -for the students, including International students that they can deepen their skills to meet their calling. -for faithfulness to the Scriptures and to our ever faithful God. Pastor Tim Ouwinga 19