Classis Michigan Classis Michigan 3rd Meeting
Minutes Classis Michigan Classis Michigan 3rd Meeting
MinutesOfficers of the Day
Chairman: Rev. Brian Vos
Clerk: Rev. W. H. Oord
Vice-Chairman: Rev. Steve De Boer
Treasurer: Mr. Clarence Kamstra
Article 1
Rev. Brian Vos called the meeting to order by reading Hebrews 4:9-16 and leading the delegates in prayer. Delegates sang #166 from the Psalter Hymnal, "Zion Founded On the Mountains."
Article 2
Presentation of Credentials and Roll Call of Delegates.
The following delegates were present:
Church / Minister Delegates / Elder Delegates
Allendale
Alto – Grace / Rev. Peter Adams / Mr. Duane Sneller
Caledonia – Trinity / Rev. Brian Vos / Mr. Percy De Kam
Eastmanville / Rev. Steve De Boer / Mr. J. Van Timmeren
Grand Rapids – Beverly / Rev. Art Besteman / Mr. Frank Jones
Grand Rapids – Walker / Rev. Joel Vander Kooi / Mr. John De Graaf
Grand Rapids – Zion / / Mr. Claude Wierenga, Mr. Willem Pols
Hudsonville – Cornerstone / / Mr. Henry Nuiver, Mr. John Velthouse
Jenison – Bethel / Rev. D. Vander Meulen / Dr. Greg Zandstra
Kalamazoo – Covenant / Rev. Phil Vos / Mr. Leon Bronsink
Olive Center – Faith / Rev. W. H. Oord / Dr. Lynn Brouwer
Article 3
The Chairman declared that Classis was constituted and requested that first time delegates sign the Form of Subscription.
Article 4
The chairman welcomed guests and visitors. They included Rev. Ed Knott, Rev. and Mrs. Nanda, Rev. Sy Vortman, Rev. Clarence Werkema, Rev. Jay Wesseling, Mr. Dale Van Dyke and family.
Article 5
The proposed time schedule was adopted.
Article 6
The Chairman appointed Rev. Peter Adams and Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen to be the Credentials Committee.
Article 7
The Classis proceeded to the Classical Examination of Mr. Dale Van Dyke as requested by Cornerstone URC.
A. The chairman reported that the credentials of the prospective candidate were in good order.
B. Rev. Sy Voortman presented the sermon evaluation.
A motion was made and supported [AMMAS] to proceed with the examination – Carried.
C. Rev. Art Besteman examined the prospective candidate in matters of Practica.
AMMAS to proceed with the examination – Carried.
D. Rev. Phil Vos examined the prospective candidate in matters of Bible Knowledge.
AMMAS to proceed with the examination. – Carried.
E. Rev. Steve De Boer examined Mr. Van Dyke in matters of Biblical Exegesis.
AMMAS to proceed with the examination. – Carried.
Article 8
The chairman interrupted the examination in order to break for lunch. He offered prayer for the meal.
Article 9
Elder Gerrit Kortman replaced Rev. Art Besteman as a delegate to Classis.
Article 10
The examination of Mr. Dale Van Dyke continued.
A. Rev. Ed Knott examined the prospective candidate in matters of Church History.
AMMAS to proceed with the examination. – Carried.
B. Rev. Joel Vander Kooi examined Mr. Van Dyke in matters of Confessional Knowledge.
AMMAS to proceed with the examination. – Carried.
C. Rev. Brian Vos examined the prospective candidate in matters of Reformed Doctrine.
AMMAS to proceed with the examination. – Carried.
D. Rev. Jay Wesseling examined the prospective candidate in matters of Ethics.
Article 11
Executive Session was declared.
A. AMMAS that the prospective candidate, Mr. Dale Van Dyke, sustain the examination.
B. After seeking guidance from the Lord in prayer, the delegates vote by ballot.
C. Mr. Dale Van Dyke sustained the examination.
D. AMMAS to waiver the ordination exam should Candidate Dale Van Dyke receive and accept a call in our Classis – Carried.
Article 12
An end to Executive Session was declared.
A. Candidate and Mrs. Dale Van Dyke, and their three children, along with family and friends are invited back to the meeting.
B. Candidate Van Dyke was informed that he has sustained the examination and that the ordination exam would be waived if he accepted a call in Classis Michigan.
C. Rev. Jay Wesseling offers a prayer of thanksgiving.
D. Rev. Joel Vander Kooi leads the assembly in singing "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow."
Article 13 - Overture 1
The Council of Trinity United Reformed Church overtures Classis Michigan to overture Synod to takes the steps necessary to begin a daily devotional for distribution among the congregations of the United Reformed Churches.
Grounds:
1. There is currently a drought of solidly Reformed family devotionals available.
2. Many members are currently using devotional material put out by other denominations and organizations [ex. Today, Words of Hope], while we neglect this need.
3. A daily devotional put together by our ministers would [bring] further unity among the United Reformed Churches
AMMAS to adopt Overture 1 – Defeated.
Article 14 - Overture 2
The Council of the Beverly United Reformed Church of Wyoming, Michigan, overtures Classis to overture Synod to establish the position of MINISTER-AT-LARGE [full or part time] to represent the United Reformed Churches in North America in circumstances described below. This Minister-at-Large, called and under the supervision of a local consistory/council designated by Synod, is to be supported by all the churches of the Federation.
The duties of the Minister-at-Large would be:
1. To represent, provide information about, and promote the United Reformed Churches to interested individuals, groups of people interested in forming a United Reformed congregation, and congregations desirous in joining the U.R.C.
2. To develop, obtain, and provide attractive and pertinent materials about the U.R.C., useful in expansion of the federation.
3. To be available to conduct worship services for emerging congregations when possible, or make arrangements for such preaching services.
4. To conduct surveys and to make recommendations to the various Classes and/or Synod with respect to possible expansion of the Federation in underrepresented areas of the United States and Canada.
5. To work in close cooperation with the pastor[s] and councils/consistories in any area in which contacts are developed and preaching services are conducted.
6. To engage in any other activities determined by Synod in consultation with the calling church.
Grounds:
1. There is a need to provide assistance to concerned groups and congregations who are struggling with the question of denominational affiliation.
2. Requests concerning the availability of a Minister-at-Large have come from concerned individuals and groups.
3. It is our calling as a Federation of churches committed to the Reformed faith to provide assistance to believers who share like-minded concerns and convictions.
AMMAS to adopt Overture 2 – Defeated.
Article 15 - Overture 3
Cornerstone United Reformed Church of Hudsonville respectfully presents this Overture, asking that you will adopt it and forward it as your own to the Synod meeting of June 1999.
Classis Michigan overtures Synod to encourage our churches to support Reformed Youth Services in its ongoing ministry to the youth of our denomination. The Director and Board have provided [at no cost to member churches] two books of distinctively Reformed study materials on a variety of subjects and books of the Bible, a total of 60 lessons, primarily prepared by URCNA Pastors and Youth Directors. In addition, RYS regularly sponsors events that prominently feature Scripture and foster fellowship. The need for a broader participation in the support of this great work is surely clear. We are asking in a simple way for your consideration of this matter with the hope that this work can continue to expand with the same kind of blessing God has already given us.
a. AMMAS to adopt Overture 3.
b. AMMAS to amend the first sentence to read:
"Classis Michigan endorses Reformed Youth Services and overtures Synod to encourage our churches to join the ongoing ministry of Reformed Youth Services to the youth of our denomination." – Carried.
c. AMMAS to make the three sentences in the body of the overture the grounds for the overture. – Carried.
d. AMMAS to place the last sentence of the overture after sentence one. – Carried.
e. The amended overture:
Classis Michigan endorses Reformed Youth Services and overtures Synod to encourage our churches to join the ongoing ministry of Reformed Youth Services to the youth of our denomination. We are asking in a simple way for your consideration of this matter with the hope that this work can continue to expand with the same kind of blessing God has already given us.
Grounds:
1. Reformed Youth Services has provided [at no cost to member churches] two books of distinctively Reformed study materials on a variety of subjects and books of the Bible, a total of 60 lessons, primarily prepared by URCNA Pastors and Youth Directors.
2. Reformed Youth Services regularly sponsors events that prominently feature Scripture and foster fellowship.
3. The need for a broader participation in the support of this great work is surely clear.
Overture 3, as amended – Carried.
Article 16 Credentials Committee Report
Rev. Peter Adams reported that all the credentials were in good order.
Article 17
Concept Minutes were read and approved.
Article 18
The Chairman reminded the delegates that the location for the next meeting had already been determined at the last meeting. It will be, D.V., at the Eastmanville United Reformed Church on March 16, 1999 beginning at 8:30 a.m.
[Deadlines: Classis Agenda - February 2, 1999. Synod Agenda - April 1, 1999.]
Article 19
The Chairman thanked the host church for the use of their facility and for providing a delicious lunch.
Article 20
Chairman Rev. Brian Vos closed the meeting with prayer.
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