Classis Michigan
Classis Michigan
10th Meeting
Bulletin Insert Classis Michigan
Classis Michigan
10th Meeting
Bulletin InsertClassis Michigan Summary
October 16, 2001
The handiwork of the Creator was in full display in the autumn trees as His servants met in Olive Center, Michigan for the tenth meeting of Classis Michigan. As chairman, Rev. Art Besteman began the meeting by reading from Ephesians and offering prayer.
The main item on the afternoon agenda was the colloquium doctum of Rev. Rick Miller. Rev. Rick Miller grew up a Roman Catholic, became a Baptist in his late teens. While studying at seminary in Dallas, the Spirit of the Lord led him to the reformed faith. He served as the pastor of the Cutlerville Independent Reformed Church and later accepted a call to Dutton URC.
Rev. Miller gave a marvelous testimony of his faith, knowledge, and gifts for ministry. The delegates of classis voted unanimously to receive him as Minister of the Word and Sacraments in the URCNA.
Filling up the bulk of the late afternoon session was a discussion of an overture asking for the examination an individual who, although gifted for ministry, does not have the qualifications required by the URCNA Church Order. The individual in question did not have the required knowledge of the original languages of the Holy Scriptures. After a lengthy discussion by the delegates, the overture requesting Classis examine the individual was defeated.
About a hundred people showed up for the evening session which consisted of a lengthy discussion about the Canadian/American Reformed Church. The 2001 URCNA Synod voted to move into Phase 2 of ecumenical relationship with the CanRC. Consistories were asked to vote by January 1, 2002 whether or not to ratify the decision of Synod. In order for Consistories of Classis Michigan to make an intelligent vote, the last Classis meeting decided to encourage all Council Members and other interested parties to attend this part of the meeting.
An appointed committee gave a report on the history of the CanRC and the differences in our Church Orders. Differences include the CanRC’s insistence on a denominational seminary; the Book of Praise which contains anglo-genevan Psalms primarily in metrical settings [one note for each syllable], and views concerning the Lord’s Supper [close vs. closed communion].
Much of the discussion centered around what Phase 2 in ecumenical relations with another church meant; the identity of the URCNA; concerns about the CanRC’s view of covenant, communion, and church.
While the Lord’s work could be seen outside in the autumn leaves, it could also be seen in His Church as delegates worked together to bring glory to His name. We give thanks to God for the new minister in our midst, the open discussion concerning a faithful sister church, and the opportunity to be able to work in the Kingdom of our Lord.
Submitted by Rev. W. H. Oord
Clerk of Classis
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