Minutes of Classis Illiana - 1 -

Transcription

1 Minutes of Classis Illiana ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SECOND SESSION Hope Community Church, Indianapolis, Indiana Article 1. Article 2. President of the Day, Rev. Herman Schutt, calls Classis to order. For opening devotions Classis experienced a time of singing and prayer following the model suggested by the Classical Home Missions Committee in Classis Illiana Prayer and Praise, (adopted September 16, 2003). The credentials are presented and the roll call of the churches indicates that the following have been delegated to attend this session of Classis by their respective councils: Ch urche s Min ister Elde r Elde r Crown Point J oel Sheeres Ed Bult DeMotte, Bethel Eric Schering J ohn Broertjes DeMotte, First Robert Tigchelaar Albert Hamstra* Gary, Beacon Light J ames LaGrand --- Hammond --- Ken Leep Don Dykstra Highland, First Randall Bergsma Gerald Kroll Highland, Second Stephan VanEck Timothy Abbring* Indianapolis, Hope Gary Schipper Peter Bruinsma Community Lafayette Gerald DeVries Hank J onker Lafayette, Sonrise Robert Lyzenga Dennis Fisher Lansing, Bethel Calvin Hoogendoorn Henry J. Schenkel* Lansing, First Philip Stel George J onkman, J r.* Momence Carl Afman Larry Herman Monee, Family of Faith --- J esse Powell* Steve Goodzwaard Munster, First Herman Schutt Gerald Hoogewerf* Nashville, Faith Gerald Hoek Gene Bratt Roselawn, Community J oel Zuidema Wm. H. Walstra* Schererville, Crossroads Kris Vos J ames Schoon Community Sauk Village, Emmanuel Tim Koster Ed Klain* South Holland, Cottage J ames McCune Ted Postma Grove South Holland, First Richard Blauw Bernard DeGraff South Holland, Peace Thomas Kok Chris Postma* Article 3. Article 4. Article 5. The Chair read the Form ula of Subscription. Those ministers and elders present as delegates for the first time sign the Form ula of Subscription (indicated by * above). A motion prevails to seat the delegates from Sunrise CRC, Lafayette, whose credentials were mailed but not received. Classis is declared constituted and the following serve as officers of the day: Pres ident: Herman J. Schutt Vice Pres ident: Gerald Hoek Stated Clerk: Stephan VanEck As s is tan t Cle rk: Thomas Kok Minutes of Classis Illiana - 1 -

2 Article 6. Article 7. Article 8. Article 9. The Chairman welcomes the delegates and the following visitors to Classis (as they arrive throughout the session): Robert Knol Church Planter at Valparaiso; Rev. Ildefonso Torres Pastor of New Com m unity Fellowship; Rev. J am es Osterhouse Board of Home Missions, Regional Director; Marv Eylander of Trinity Christian College; Doug Evenhouse Pastor of Family Life at First CRC, Munster; Rudy Visser, second staff, First CRC, DeMotte; and Eileen DeVries, Classis representative to the Board of Publications. The Chairman makes the following appointments: A. Devotions: noon Rev. Carl Afman; afternoon session: Elder Don Dykstra. B. Balloting: Visitors from Hope CRC C. Credentials/ Article 41 Committee: delegates from Cottage Grove CRC, South Holland. D. March appointments: 1. Financial Requests Screening Committee: Rev. Tim Koster, Rev. Randall Bergsma, Rev. Herman Schutt 2. Nominating Committee: Revs. J ames Lester, J ames McCune, Carl Afman 3. Church Visiting Teams to start in October 2004 and function through September Note: see Functionary sheet attached to Minutes. a) Team 1: E. Schering, J. Zuidema, alts. G. Veenstra, T. Koster b) Team 2: J. Sheeres, T. Kok; alts. I. Torres, H. Reyenga c) Team 3: R. Lyzenga, K. Vos; alts. P. Stel, G. Schipper d) Team 4: J. LaGrand, C. Afman; alts. J. McCune, R. Tigchelaar Correspondence requiring Classical action (Other correspondence listed in Stated Clerk s Report). A. Rev. Calvin Hoogendoorn (President of the September 2003 meeting of Classis). The Minutes of the meeting of Classis, September 16, 2003 are in order. B. A motion carries to approve the transcribed minutes. The Nominations Committee presents their report and ballot. Opportunity for additional nominations is given. Elections throughout the day result in the following: A. Regional Board Nominations: 1. Back to God Hour: a. Ellen Hamilton (30 votes received) b. Sheri Van Spronsen-Leppink (11 votes received) 2. Calvin Theological Seminary: a. Rev. J. Medenblik (14 votes received) b. Rev. J oel Sheeres (28 votes received) B. Classical positions elected/ re-elected: 1. Classis Home Missions Committee: a. Rev. J oel Zuidema (2 nd term) b. Cindy Musch (2 nd term) 2. Board member Board of Home Missions (see Article 12b) 3. Christian Counseling Center: a. Alternate member: Neil Zandstra (1 st term) 4. Alternate Stated Clerk: Rev. Thomas Kok (2 nd term) C. Denominational: 1. Alternate, Synodical Deputy: Rev. Gerrit Veenstra (1 st term) 2. Delegate, Board of World Missions: Rev. Eric Schering (1 st term) 3. Alternate, Board of World Missions: Rev. Gary Schipper (1 st term) Minutes of Classis Illiana - 2 -

3 4. Alternate, CRWRC Board: Mary Dornbos (1 st term) 5. Denominational Historical Committee Rep.: David Zandstra (2 nd term) D. Delegates to Synod 2004: 1. Elders: First Delegate Bernie Smit; Second Delegate George Beezhold; First alternate Randy Buteyn; Second alternate J ohn Faber. 2. Ministers: First Delegate Rev. S. VanEck; Second Delegate Rev. J. Sheeres; First alternate Rev. G. Hoek; Second alternate Rev. C. Hoogendoorn Article 10. Stated Clerk s Report (Agenda pp. 6-9, Supplement: see handout) A. The work of the Stated Clerk is presented. B. Upon request from the Council of Lafayette CRC, a motion is made and prevails to approve the retirement of the Rev. Gerald E. DeVries and the granting of honorable emeritation by reason of age, effective October 1, C. Upon request of the Council of Peace CRC, South Holland, a motion is made and prevails to approve the retirement of the Rev. Dennis M. Mulder and the granting of honorable emeritation by reason of age, effective February 15, D. A motion carries to receive the report of the Stated Clerk and to approve the work done. Article 11. Classical Treasurer s Report: A motion carries to receive the report of the Classical Treasurer and approve the work. Article 12. Classical Interim Committee (Agenda p. 10) A. A motion carries to approve the work of the Classical Interim Committee. B. A motion is made and carried to approve the CIC appointment of Harley VerBeek as the delegate to the Board of Home Missions, effective through J uly Article 13. Classical missionary Robert Knol of Daybreak Community Church (see Handout). Rev. Knol reviews his report, addresses Classis on the work in Valparaiso and answers questions. Article 14. Rev. Ildefonso Torres addresses Classis, reports on the work he is doing and answers questions. (see Handout) Article 15. Rev. J esse Powell, Elder delegate from Family of Faith CRC, addresses Classis concerning the church planting effort he is directing in Peoria under the guidance of Family of Faith Church. Article 16. Classis Home Missions Committee Report (Agenda, pp ) A. A motion is carried to adopt the Guidelines for Established Church Partnering proposal as presented in the Agenda, pp B. A motion carries to receive the report of the CHMC and approve the work done. Article 17. The Rev. J im Osterhouse, Chicagoland Regional Director & Leadership Development Specialist: reports on the Board of Home Missions and the transitions taking place in his ministry with CRHM. The report is received as information. Article 18. Student Fund: A. The committee presents the report of its work and notes that the Report to Synod on Alternate Paths to the Ministry will greatly impact how Classis interacts with the students it supports. B. A motion carries to receive the report of the Student Fund Committee and approve the work done. Minutes of Classis Illiana - 3 -

4 Article 19. October 2003 September 2004 Church Visitor Reports: A. No reports were received. Article 20. Church Counselor Reports: A. Momence: Rev. Gerrit Veenstra s written report is read by the Stated Clerk. B. Hammond: Rev. Robert J ipping s written report is read by the State Clerk. C. A motion carries to receive the reports and approve the work. Article 21. Financial Requests Screening Committee (reports in September). Article 22. Regional Pastor: Herman Schutt presents an oral report and answers questions. Article 23. The Credentials (Article 41) Committee reports on items presented on the credentials. The relevant credentials are filed with Agenda. A. A request from First CRC, DeMotte is made to extend the licensure of Rudolph Visser for one year. A motion is passed to approve the request. B. A request is made for Executive session. 1. First CRC, South Holland requests advice of Classis concerning a communicant member. A motion carries to advise First CRC to proceed. C. Beacon Light Overture: The Beacon Light CRC request is referred to the discussion to be had concerning the overture from First South Holland. D. Beacon Light requests information regarding funding for local internship programs. Classis refers Beacon Light to pursue contact with the CHMC and also to request offerings from the churches for support. E. Hope CRC, Indianapolis, submits a request for information regarding the Ministers Pension Fund and the need of small churches. The Stated Clerk directs the church to consider the materials from the Pension Fund which indicate a fund for churches which cannot make full payments. F. A request from Bethel, Lansing, IL, is received for pulpit supply once per month, beginning September A motion is made and approved to grant the request. G. A joint overture from the Councils of Emmanuel (Sauk Village), Beacon Light (Gary) and First CRC (Munster) is presented (see pp , Agenda). A motion is made and adopted to form a Christian Service Ministry organization to serve the needs and enrich the mission of the churches of Classis. First C.R.C. of Munster will convene a group of individuals to plan and prepare a vision statement and will facilitate the articulation of the dymanics of the committee. H. Hammond CRC presents a request that Classis Illiana addresses the issue of same-sex marriage. Background: At present time same-sex marriages continue to take place in San Francisco even though California is one of 40 states that have laws defining marriage as being between a man and a woman. The Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled last November that the Commonwealth must begin accommodating same-sex couples who apply for marriage licenses. President George W. Bush responded by saying: After more than two centuries of American jurisprudence and millennia of human experience, a Minutes of Classis Illiana - 4 -

5 few judges and local authorities are presuming to change the most fundamental institution of civilization. God has made it clear in Genesis 2:24 that His created order for marriage is between a man and a woman: For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. In Ephesians 5:23-33, the Apostle Paul sees the union of husband and wife as a symbol of the union between Christ and His church. The church does not take its orders from the surrounding culture, but from Scripture. As members of Christ s body we need to embrace with humility a countercultural witness regarding the sanctity of marriage. A motion is made and passed that Classis Illiana send a letter of commendation to President George W. Bush for his moral leadership regarding marriage and assure him of our prayer support. A motion is made and passed that Classis Illiana also thank President Bush for his support of a constitutional amendment which states: Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. A motion is made and passed that Classis Illiana urge all the members of our churches to be in contact with our elected officials at the national and state levels. Our officials need to be reminded regularly of where we stand as Christians on this important issue of the definition of marriage. A motion is made and passed that the churches of Classis Illiana remind the members of our Churches that the involvement of Christians in this debate is due to our concern for the homosexual person and for society in general. It is an expression of our obedience toward God and love for our neighbor. Godly marriages must be strengthened and they will be a blessing to our nation. The Chairman rules that a copy of the letter will be distributed to the church via by the Stated Clerk. Article. 24. The overture from First CRC, South Holland is considered. A. Motion is made and approved to send the following overture to Synod. Classis Illiana overtures Synod 2004 to exercise special discipline (under Church Order Article 83) upon the office-bearers of the Council of First CRC of Toronto. Grounds: 1. The Council has seriously deviated from sound doctrine by its decision to allow individuals engaged in homosexual fornication to be eligible for ecclesiastical office. Minutes of Classis Illiana - 5 -

6 2. The Council has seriously deviated from sound doctrine by allowing individuals engaged in a lifestyle of homosexual fornication to continue as members in good standing without discipline for their ungodly behavior. 3. The decision of Council is contrary to the Scriptures and previous decisions of Synod (cf. Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-28; I Corinthians 6:9; Acts of Synod 1973, pp ; Report pp ; Acts of Synod 1997, pages , ; and also the CRC s Pastoral Care for Homosexual Members). 4. The Council of First Toronto has not rescinded nor repented of its decision. The desire to bring the matter before the church for discussion does not address the fact of the matter that even thought the Council s decision will not be presently implemented, it still stands. 5. For over a year no action has been taken. It seems the ecclesiastical process has been cynically manipulated in an attempt to avoid any meaningful censure or discipline. Refusal to apply discipline tacitly condones ungodly conduct. 6. By refusing to address this issue, Classis Toronto and Synod appear to be acquiescing to First Toronto s disobedient decision. Further procrastination will impair the church s witness as the pillar and ground of the truth and will significantly compromise the gospel. B. A motion is made and passed that the overture to Synod be our answer to the overture from Beacon Light Church on this matter. Article 25. Christian Counseling Center Report: A. A written report by Bruce Frens, Director, Agenda, p. 15 is received as information. Article 26. New Leaf Counseling Center report, Agenda, p. 16, is received as information. Article 27. Roseland Christian Ministries Center, Agenda, p. 14 is received as information. Rev. Herm Schutt, representative to Roseland Christian Ministries Center addresses Classis and answers questions. Article 28. Self-Help J obs Program Report (Agenda pp ). Article 29. Trinity Christian College. Marv Eylander briefly addresses Classis. Article 30. The Synodical Delegates report in September. Article 31. The Combined Report of CRCNA denominational ministries (see Agenda) is received as information: A. Calvin College: Rev. Gerald Hoek addresses Classis briefly. B. Calvin Seminary (Wayne Leys) Cf. Ministry Report, Agenda. C. Back to God Hour (Richard Williams) Cf. Ministry Report, Agenda. D. Board of Home Missions (Harley VerBeek) Cf. Ministry Report, Agenda. E. Board of World Missions (Ildefonso Torres) Cf. Ministry Report, Agenda. F. Board of Publications (Eileen DeVries) Cf. Ministry Report, Agenda. G. Christian Reformed World Relief (Dan Zandstra) Cf. Ministry Report, Agenda. Article 31. The next regular Meeting of Classis: A. September 14, 2004 B. A motion carries to meet at Cottage Grove CRC (South Holland, Illinois). C. Rev. Gerald Hoek will serve as President. Rev. J oel W. Zuidema will serve as Vice-President. Article 32. The Vice-President thanks the Chairman of Classis and the Host Church for its accommodations. Minutes of Classis Illiana - 6 -

7 Article 33. A motion to adjourn is adopted. Article 34. Rev. Gerald Hoek closes the meeting with prayer. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Stephan R. Van Eck Rev. Stephan R. Van Eck Stated Clerk Reports and Overtures for the September 2004 Agenda of Classis should be sent to the Stated Clerk by August 2, Mail Address: 3010 Ridge Road, Highland, IN 46322; Phone (219) ; FAX (219) ; Address: svaneck@jorsm.com OR statedclerk@classisilliana.org All attachments should be sent in MSWord format. Minutes of Classis Illiana - 7 -