Classis Michigan
Classis Michigan
13th Meeting
Minutes Classis Michigan
Classis Michigan
13th Meeting
Minutes| Chairman | Rev. Brian Vos |
| Vice-Chairman | Rev. Steve De Boer |
| Clerk | Rev. W. H. Oord |
| Treasurer | Mr. Clarence Kamstra |
Chairman Rev. Brian Vos began the meeting by reading Revelation 5. He also led the delegates in the singing of Psalter Hymnal Number 318, "Holy, Holy, Holy" and offering prayer.
| Church | Ministers | Elders |
| Allendale | Rev. Mark Zylstra | Mr. Dale Oosterbaan |
| Alto - Grace | Rev. Peter Adams | Mr. Marv Mingerink |
| Byron Center - Covenant | Mr, Doug Herrema Mr. Mark De Jonge |
|
| Caledonia - Trinity | Rev. Brian Vos | Mr. Henry Gysen |
| Dutton | Rev. Rick Miller | Mr. Offringa |
| Eastmanville | Rev. Steve De Boer | Mr. David Broene |
| Holland - Faith | Rev. Ed Marcusse | Mr. Ron Telman |
| Hudsonville - Cornerstone | Mr. Al Veurink Mr. Harv Van Dyke |
|
| Jenison - Bethel | Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen | Mr. Will Van Dyke |
| Kalamazoo - Covenant | Rev. W. H. Oord | Mr. Herm Franke |
| Walker | Rev. Joel Vander Kooi | Mr. Jim Van Dyken |
| Wyoming -Bethany | Rev. Casey Freswick | Mr. Frank Jones |
Classis is declared constituted and first time delegates sign the Form of Subscription.
A special welcome was given by the Chairman to Rev. E. Marcusse, the new minister of Faith URC in Holland. Other guests included the Revs. Besteman, Crow, Knott, and Voortman.
a. AMMAS [a motion made and supported] to adopt the proposed time schedule.
b. AMMAS to amend the time schedule to allow only fifteen minutes for the coffee breaks was
- adopted.
c. The main motion, with the amendment, was
- adopted.
The Chairman appointed the Elders of Walker (Mr. J. Van Dyken) and Bethany (Mr. F. Jones) to the Credentials Committee along with Rev. C. Freswick.
a. The Clerk gave an oral report of his activities since the last Classis meeting.
b. AMMAS to approve the work of the Clerk was
- adopted.
a. The Treasurer handed out a written financial statement.
i. Three churches have given financial support to classis.
ii. Several expenses were explained.
iii. AMMAS to accept the report of the Treasurer was
- adopted.
b. The Chairman thanked Mr. Kamstra for his faithful work as Treasurer.
c. Nominations for a new Treasurer were made.
d. AMMAS to have Mr. Dave Vander Meer of Hudsonville be the new Treasurer was
- adopted.
e. As per Rules of Procedure Section III D. 8, AMMAS to pay the Treasurer $500 per year was
- approved.
AMMAS to table the Church Visitor's Report until after the appeals have been presented was
- approved.
a. Nominations for the Committee were requested.
b. Requirements for the Committee were as follows: [Cf. June 3, 2003 minutes Article 24 - f. 1. B.)
"The Committee should be made up of seven members, three clergy and four elders."
c. AMMAS to change the requirements for membership to this committee from "elders" to "four capable men from the churches within our classis." This motion was
- withdrawn.
d. AMMAS to change the word "elders" to "present or former office-bearers". This motion was
- adopted.
e. AMMAS to approve the following slate of men as members of the committee: Ministers: Rev. Peter Adams - Grace URC, Rev. Gene Crow - Lakeshore URC, Rev. Ed Knott - Bethany URC. P/f Office-Bearers: Mr. Edward Kooistra - Trinity, URC Mr. Doug Ulberg - Cornerstone URC, Mr. Duane Veele - Faith URC, Mr. Paul Wagenmaker - Eastmanville URC. The motion was
-approved.
f. The churches were advised to give the requested material to Rev. P. Adams. [Cf. June 3, 2003 minutes Article 24 - f. II. D.)
AMMAS to approve the minutes from the Health Insurance Committee that were received with the Agenda was
- approved.
a. The Overture: Bethany URC overtures Classis Michigan of the URC to implement Article 26 of the Church order by adding the following to the Classical Rules of Order:
II A. 2. Each Consistory shall report on the Classical Credentials brief answers to the questions stipulated in Article 26 of the URCNA Church Order. The Credentials Committee shall review these answers and, if there are any requests for advice for the proper government of the church, the Classical Credentials shall bring this to the attention of the Classis.
II. A. 3 That the Clerk assign an adequate number of churches to give a detailed oral report lasting approximately five minutes giving specific details of how specified local churches are implementing the implied questions of the Church Order Article 26. All churches should make a report every two years or every four meetings of Classis Michigan. Time for prayers of petition and thanksgiving should be set aside following these reports. This should be done prior to the lunch time so that the time of prayer can be incorporated into devotions for the meal.
b. AMMAS to adopt the overture is
- carried.
a. The Overture:
The Covenant United Reformed Church of Kalamazoo overtures Classis Michigan to appoint at least one more Church Visitor with preference given to emeritus minister[s].
Grounds:
1. We believe the work of the Church Visitors is extremely beneficial to the churches.
2. There are times when Church Visitors are called upon to help a church with additional advice. This can often entail several meetings, taking the Church Visitor away from some of his responsibilities to his own church.
3. An additional Church Visitor will lighten the load of those already appointed by Classis.
b. AMMAS to adopt the overture is
- carried.
c. Rev. A. Besteman is nominated to serve as the additional Church Visitor. His nomination is
-approved.
a. The Overture:
Bethany URC overtures Classis Michigan to send the following overture to the next Synod of the URC.
Classis Michigan overtures the fifth Synod of the United Reformed Churches in North America to adopt the following changes relating to the Committee for Ecumenical Relations and Church Unity:
That Synod approve the following method for the selection of members of the Ecumenical Relations and Church Unity Committee and the Ecumenical Relations with Churches Abroad Committee:
1. The nominations be given by the churches to each classis which will elect one member per classis to each committee for a term of three years and then to be eligible for reelection of one more term of service, after which they retire for at least three years as members of each committee (a total of six members).
2. That Synod elect from names submitted by church councils three members at large for each committee to serve a term of three years and then to be eligible for the reelection of one more term of service, after which they retire.
3. This procedure shall be implemented by the following: All current members who are sole representatives from their classis shall be considered classical members. If members of a current committee has served between two to five years he will be eligible for reelection. Where there is more than one member of a committee from the same classis the member with the least amount of time served shall be the classical representative. All other current members shall fulfill their terms and be eligible for reelection as member at large position if the have served between two to five years.
b. AMMAS to refer the overture to committee in order to provide grounds was
- approved.
a. The Overture:
Bethany URC (Wyoming MI) overtures Classis Michigan to send the following overture to Synod.
Classis Michigan overtures Synod to declare the following:
1. All homosexual desires and actions are sins that are condemned by the Word of God and the confessional standards of the URC.
2. Abortion as practiced in our culture is sin condemned by the Word of God and the confessional standards of the URC.
3. The teaching that there was any human death or animal death in Paradise is a false doctrine condemned by the condemned by the Word of God and the confessional standards of the URC.
Grounds:
A. These are issues of doctrine and life in our contemporary culture. A culture in which immorality and rebellion against the truth are present. The churches of Jesus Christ must address these issues in order to maintain a faithful witness.
1. Recent court decisions in Canada and the U.S. reflect the sinful views of homosexuality in our culture.
2. Abortion remains legal and abortions are sought and performed by millions.
3. False views of death permeate our culture such as death as the means of evolving from "lower" to "higher" forms of life.
B. The Word of God clearly speaks to these issues.
1. Homosexuality: I Corinthians 6:9-11; Romans 1:26, 27; Matthew 5:27, 28
2. Abortion: Exodus 20:13; Psalm 139:13; Psalm 106:31
3. Death before Sin: Genesis 3:14-19; Romans 5:12; Romans 8:20, 21
C. The confessions implicitly address these issues in their explicit condemnation of related sin and their summary of a holy life and Biblical truth.
1. Lord's Day 41 condemns all forms of unchastity and homosexuality is one form of unchastity.
2. Lord's Day 40 makes it clear that all forms of murder are condemned by God and abortion is clearly one form of murder rooted in hatred.
3. Lord's Day 4, 5; Belgic Confession Article 14 and the Canons of Dort III & IV Articles 1, 2, 3 teach that death is the curse of God against sin and Lord's Day 3 contrasts a cursed world with Paradise.
b. A call for division of the question was
- approved.
a. The Overture:
Classis Michigan overtures Synod to declare the following:
All homosexual desires and actions are sins that are condemned by the Word of God and the confessional standards of the URC.
Grounds:
A. This is an issue of doctrine and life in our contemporary culture. A culture in which immorality and rebellion against the truth are present. The churches of Jesus Christ must address this issue in order to maintain a faithful witness. Recent court decisions in Canada and the U.S. reflect the sinful views of homosexuality in our culture.
B. The Word of God clearly speaks to homosexuality: I Corinthians 6:9-11; Romans 1:26, 27; Matthew 5:27, 28
C. The confessions implicitly addresses homosexuality in their explicit condemnation of related sin and their summary of a holy life and Biblical truth. Lord's Day 41 condemns all forms of unchastity and homosexuality is one form of unchastity.
b. AMMAS to send the overture to Synod is
- adopted.
a. The Overture:
Classis Michigan overtures Synod to declare the following: Abortion as practiced in our culture is sin condemned by the Word of God and the confessional standards of the URC.
Grounds:
A. This is an issue of doctrine and life in our contemporary culture. A culture in which immorality and rebellion against the truth are present. The churches of Jesus Christ must address this issue in order to maintain a faithful witness. Abortion remains legal and abortions are sought and performed by millions.
B. The Word of God clearly speaks to the issue of abortion: Exodus 20:13; Psalm 139:13; Psalm 106:31.
C. The confessions implicitly addresses abortion in their explicit condemnation of related sin and their summary of a holy life and Biblical truth. Lord's Day 40 makes it clear that all forms of murder are condemned by God and abortion is clearly one form of murder rooted in hatred.
b. AMMAS to strike the words "as practiced in our culture" from the overture.
- carried
c. AMMAS to send the amended overture to Synod is
- adopted.
d. The overture to be sent to Synod reads as follows: Classis Michigan overtures Synod to declare the following:
Abortion is sin condemned by the Word of God and the confessional standards of the URC.
Grounds:
A. This is an issue of doctrine and life in our contemporary culture. A culture in which immorality and rebellion against the truth are present. The churches of Jesus Christ must address this issue in order to maintain a faithful witness. Abortion remains legal and abortions are sought and performed by millions.
B. The Word of God clearly speaks to the issue of abortion: Exodus 20:13; Psalm 139:13; Psalm 106:31.
C. The confessions implicitly addresses abortion in their explicit condemnation of related sin and their summary of a holy life and Biblical truth. Lord's Day 40 makes it clear that all forms of murder are condemned by God and abortion is clearly one form of murder rooted in hatred.
a. The Overture:
Classis Michigan overtures Synod to declare the following:
The teaching that there was any human death or animal death in Paradise is a false doctrine condemned by the condemned by the Word of God and the confessional standards of the URC.
Grounds:
A. This is an issue of doctrine and life in our contemporary culture. A culture in which immorality and rebellion against the truth are present. The churches of Jesus Christ must address these issues in order to maintain a faithful witness. False views of death permeate our culture such as death as the means of evolving from "lower" to "higher" forms of life.
B. The Word of God clearly speaks to the issue of death before sin: Genesis 3:14-19; Romans 5:12; Romans 8:20, 21.
C. The confessions implicitly address this issue in their explicit condemnation of related sin and their summary of a holy life and Biblical truth. Lord's Day 4, 5; Belgic Confession Article 14 and the Canons of Dort III & IV Articles 1, 2, 3 teach that death is the curse of God against sin and Lord's Day 3 contrasts a cursed world with Paradise.
b. AMMAS to amend the overture by changing "in Paradise" to "before the Fall in Paradise".
- carried
c. AMMAS to send the amended overture to Synod is
- adopted.
d. The overture to be sent to Synod reads as follows:
Classis Michigan overtures Synod to declare the following:
The teaching that there was any human death or animal death before the Fall in Paradise is a false doctrine condemned by the condemned by the Word of God and the confessional standards of the URC.
Grounds:
A. This is an issue of doctrine and life in our contemporary culture. A culture in which immorality and rebellion against the truth are present. The churches of Jesus Christ must address these issues in order to maintain a faithful witness. False views of death permeate our culture such as death as the means of evolving from "lower" to "higher" forms of life.
B. The Word of God clearly speaks to the issue of death before sin: Genesis 3:14-19; Romans 5:12; Romans 8:20, 21. C. The confessions implicitly address this issue in their explicit condemnation of related sin and their summary of a holy life and Biblical truth. Lord's Day 4, 5; Belgic Confession Article 14 and the Canons of Dort III & IV Articles 1, 2, 3 teach that death is the curse of God against sin and Lord's Day 3 contrasts a cursed world with Paradise.
It was announced after the morning coffee break that Rev. Fred Gunnink had been admitted to the hospital and was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs and his legs. The delegates of Classis paused from their activities to offer a word of prayer on his behalf.
a. AMMAS to move to Executive Session in order to hear the appeals noted on the Agenda.
b. AMMAS to have the appellants and their wives present during the discussion of how we would proceed with the appeals.
- carried
c. The main motion with the amendment was
- approved.
a. The Chairman of Classis relinquished the chair to address the delegates.
b. AMMAS to allow the Elders of Trinity URC to work with the appellants and the Elders of Covenant URC [Byron Center] was
- defeated.
a. The Classical Interim Committee proposed the following method for dealing with the appeals:
1. The Appellant is given ten minutes to present his appeal.
2. The Delegates are given fifteen minutes to question the appellant.
3. The Consistory of Covenant [Bryon Center] is given ten minutes to present its case.
4. The Delegates are given fifteen minutes to question the CURC Consistory.
5. The Consistory of CURC is given five minutes to present its rebuttal.
6. The Appellant is given five minutes to present his rebuttal.
7. The delegates are given fifteen minutes for discussion.
8. The appellant is dismissed for the vote.
9. The appeals be presented alphabetically.
b. AMMAS to reverse steps five and six is
- approved.
c. AMMAS to permit the Church Visitors give their report on each appellant between steps seven and eight is
- defeated.
d. AMMAS to remove the time restriction on step seven is
- approved.
e. AMMAS to dismiss the appellants before step seven is
- approved.
f. The main motion to approve the procedure as amended below:
1. The Appellant is given ten minutes to present his appeal.
2. The Delegates are given fifteen minutes to question the appellant.
3. The Consistory of Covenant [Bryon Center] is given ten minutes to present its case.
4. The Delegates are given fifteen minutes to question the CURC Consistory.
5. The Appellant is given five minutes to present his rebuttal.
6. The Consistory of CURC is given five minutes to present its rebuttal.
7. The appellant is dismissed for the vote.
8. The delegates are given time for discussion.
9. The appeals be presented alphabetically.
This was
- approved.
Covenant Elders are given the floor to discuss the reasons why the four appellants were under discipline.
Rev. S. De Boer read Psalm 8 and offer prayer before the Delegates broke for lunch.
AMMAS to go into General Executive Session when dealing with the appeals was
-approved.
a. Mr. Bouman presented his appeal.
b. Elders of CURC given time to present their case.
c. Mr. Bouman passed on his rebuttal time.
d. CURC Elders pass on their time.
e. Mr. & Mrs. Bouman were dismissed.
f. Delegates discussed the appeal.
a. AMMAS that classis not sustain the appeal of Ron Bouman.
b. AMMAS that classis amend the motion adding the words: "but instruct him to reconcile with his consistory".
c. AMMAS to table the appeal in order to reconsider the motion from Trinity URC Elders to work with the appellants and the CURC Elders. [Cf. Article 21 b]
- defeated
d. The main motion, as amended: Classis not sustain the appeal of Ron Bouman but instruct him to reconcile with his consistory.
- carried
AMMAS that we inform the appellants at the conclusion of all the appeals being heard and that before we close we discuss methods of reconciliation was
- approved.
a. Mr. Mejeur presented his appeal.
b. Elders of CURC given time to present their case.
c. Mr. Mejeur offered his rebuttal.
d. CURC Elders gave their rebuttal.
e. Mr. & Mrs. Mejeur were dismissed.
f. Delegates discussed the appeal.
AMMAS that Classis not sustain the appeal of Dan Mejeur but instruct him to reconcile with his consistory.
- carried
a. Mr. Ybema presented his appeal.
b. Elders of CURC given time to present their case.
c. Mr. Ybema offered his rebuttal.
d. CURC Elders gave their rebuttal.
e. Mr. & Mrs. Ybema were dismissed.
f. Delegates discussed the appeal.
AMMAS that Classis not sustain the appeal of John Ybema but instruct him to reconcile with his consistory.
- carried
The Classis approved the following grounds for Overture to Synod - One [Cf. Article 14]
a. This procedure will facilitate improved communications between the committees and the churches of individual classis.
b. This will broaden representatives of our federations in these committees.
a. Rev. Peter Adams gave a report on the churches that had given the required information to the committee [Cf. Minutes of June 3, 2003 - Article 24 f. II. D] and was appointed as the contact person for churches that did not bring the information with them to classis.
b. AMMAS to accept the work of the Missions Committee was
- approved.
Rev. S. De Boer read Psalm 19 and offered prayer before the delegates broke for a chicken dinner.
a. Mr. Ybema presented his appeal.
b. Elders of CURC given time to present their case.
c. Mr. Ybema offered his rebuttal.
d. CURC Elders gave their rebuttal.
e. Mr. & Mrs. Ybema were dismissed.
f. Delegates discussed the appeal.
AMMAS that Classis not sustain the appeal of Steve Ybema but instruct him to reconcile with his consistory.
- carried
AMMAS to take time to give the appellants further instruction.
- carried
a AMMAS to appoint Rev. A. Besteman and Rev. E. Knott to serve as mediators to meet with the appellants and the CURC Consistory.
b. AMMAS to amend the motion by adding "by way of confession of sin on part of the appellant".
- carried
c. The main motion as amended
- adopted
a. AMMAS that classis inform the appellants that they have been found guilty on all four charges and on that basis classis advises them to repent of their sin, to seek to be reconciled with their church council, and to show proper respect for those in spiritual authority over them as God Himself requires of us in the Fifth Commandment as beautifully explained in Lord's Day 39 of the Heidelberg Catechism.
b. AMMAS to change the word "they have been found guilty" to "Classis concurs with the action of the Covenant Consistory".
- carried
c. AMMAS to change the word "advises" to "instruct".
- carried
AMMAS to add the four charges for which the appellants are under discipline.
-carried
AMMAS to add the following statement to the appellants:
"Examples of these sins are, but are not limited to
1. Misuse of Matthew 18 by formulating or defending the letter of accusations against Rev. McGee and refusing to meet with the Elders.
2. Rejecting the authority of the Elders to warn the Congregation regarding sin and discord.
3. Continuing to meet together as a group for worship."
- approved
AMMAS to move out of Executive Session.
- approved
The appellants are individually told by the chairman: "In response to the appeal of [name] , Classis has voted not to sustain the appeal, and to instruct [name] to reconcile with his consistory."
The appellants are informed collectively:
A motion made, supported, and passed that classis inform the appellants that Classis concurs with the action of the Covenant Consistory on all four charges of raising discord, gossip, causing division, and entering into rebellion against the church. Examples of these sins are, but are not limited to
1. Misuse of Matthew 18 by formulating or defending the letter of accusations against Rev. McGee and refusing to meet with the Elders.
2. Rejecting the authority of the Elders to warn the Congregation regarding sin and discord.
3. Continuing to meet together as a group for worship.
And on that basis classis instructs them to repent of their sin, to seek to be reconciled with their church council, and to show proper respect for those in spiritual authority over them as God Himself requires of us in the Fifth Commandment as beautifully explained in Lord's Day 39 of the Heidelberg Catechism.
Classis has moved to appoint Rev. Besteman and Rev. Knott to serve as mediators to meet with the appellants and the CURC Consistory to work towards reconciliation, by way of confession of sin on the part of the appellants.
Elder H. Gysen offered a word of prayer.
a. The Credential Committee reported that the credentials were in good order.
b. It was reported that two churches sought advice from classis.
Covenant URC of Kalamazoo is offered advice in a discipline case.
a. Bethel URC of Jenison asked for advice concerning a minister who has been preaching in the home of the men who are under discipline.
b. After a lengthy discussion AMMAS that classis advise Bethel Consistory that if there is no change in the conduct of the minister then they are to proceed with Church Order Article 61.
- carried
Each Church was asked the questions of Church Order Article 26.
AMMAS to waive the Concept Minutes was
- approved.
The next meeting is scheduled for April 13, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. at the Dutton United Reformed Church.
The Clerk thanked the host church for their hospitality and the Chairman for the proficient manner in which he led the body through the appeal process.
a. AMMAS to adjourn was passed unanimously.
b. Rev. S. De Boer closed the meeting in prayer.
The next meeting:
April 13, 2004
Location: Dutton United Reformed Church
Material should be in the
hands of the Clerk by: February 23, 2004
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