United Reformed Churches in North America
Second Synod Minutes
United Reformed Churches in North America
Second Synod MinutesContents
Minutes page 1
Classical Map page 38
Reports
Stated Clerk (preliminary) page 39
Stated Clerk page 40
Inter-Church Relations page 42
Church Order page 46
Federative Structure page 56
Delegate to ICRC page 66
Office of Deacon in the Churches page 68
Communications page 80
Overtures (corrected) page 88
Ecumenical Observers presentations page 122
The Chairman of the Council of the calling church, Trinity Orthodox Reformed Church of St. Catharines, Mr. Chuck Dykstra, calls for the singing of Psalter Hymnal Numbers 114, 298, and 287:1-3. The Rev. Calvin Tuininga reads from Ephesians 1 and leads in opening prayer.
Roll call reveals the following delegates:
| Agassiz, BC-Evergreen Covenant Reformed | Rev. Mark Zylstra | |
| Allendale, MI-United Reformed | Rev. Clarence Werkema | |
| Alto, MI-Grace United Reformed | Rev. Peter Adams | Bruce Brink |
| Aylmer, ON-Bethel United Reformed | Rev. Jerry Van Dyk | Neil Van Gurp |
| Balmoral, ON-Covenant Reformed | Rev. Al Bezuyen | Al Bruining (Oct. 21) Roger Vanoostveen (Oct. 22-23) |
| Boise, ID-Cloverdale United Reformed | Rev. Ed Marcusse | Bruce Cooper |
| Brockville, ON-Ebenezer ORC | Ralph Buter Jerry Van Rijn |
|
| Byron Center, MI-Trinity United Reformed | Rev. Brian Vos | Ed Heerema |
| Calgary, AB-Bethel United Reformed | Rev. Dick Wynia | Arie Schalk |
| Cape Coral, FL-Trinity Reformed | Rev. Allen Vander Pol Rev. Richard Stevens |
|
| Coopersville, MI-Eastmanville URC | Rev. Stephen De Boer | Cliff Lieffers, Jr. |
| Clinton, ON-Grace Orthodox Reformed | Rev. P. J. Vellenga | Arie Peters |
| Delavan, WI-Orthodox Reformed | Ben Hoekstra | |
| DeMotte, IN-Immanuel Reformed | Rev. Thomas Wetselaar | Bill Vander Molen |
| Doon, IA-United Reformed | Rev. Tim Perkins | Ed Van Maanen |
| Dunnville, ON-Grace Reformed | Rev. Richard Stienstra | Richard Schotsman (Oct.
21-22) Wilfred Westerveld (Oct. 23) |
| Edmonton, AB-Orthodox Reformed | Rev. William Pols | Norm Greidanus |
| Ferrisburg, VT-URC of Champlain Valley | Jerry Nop Jacob Gosliga |
|
| Grande Prairie, AB-Covenant Reformed | Rev. William De Jong | Menno Klunder |
| Grand Rapids, MI-Christian Reformation | Allen Veurink Willem Pols |
|
| Grand Rapids, MI-Walker United Reformed | Rev. Joel Vander Kooi | John De Graaf |
| Grant Park, IL-Faith United Reformed | Rev. Rein Leestma | |
| Guthrie, ON-Grace Orthodox Reformed | Rev. Brian Schouwstra | Peter Geus |
| Hamilton, ON-Rehoboth United Reformed | Rev. Raymond Sikkema | Henry Schilthuis
(Oct. 21-22) Ray Koetsier (Oct. 23) |
| Highland, IN-Community Ref. Bible | Donald Terpstra Edward De Boer |
|
| Holland, MI-Faith United Reformed | Ron Telman Harris Dyke |
|
| Hudsonville, MI-Cornerstone United Ref. | Rev. Stephen Arrick | John Sterk |
| Jenison, MI-Bethel United Reformed | Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen | Willis Van Dyke |
| Jordan, ON-Immanuel Orthodox Reformed | Rev. John Bouwers | John Veldhuizen |
| Kalamazoo, MI-Covenant United Reformed | Rev. Philip Vos | Kenneth J. Zigterman |
| Kansas City, MO-Covenant Reformed | Rev. Stuart Pastine | Wil Postma |
| Lansing, IL-Oak Glen United Reformed | Rev. Paul Ipema | John Witvoet |
| Leduc, AB-Grace Reformed | Eelke Eilander | |
| Lethbridge, AB-Trinity Reformed | Rev. Jelle Tuininga | Dick Vander Molen |
| London, ON-Cornerstone United Reformed | Rev. Dennis Royall | James Bakker |
| Longmont, CO-Pleasant Valley | Rev. Allen Elder | |
| Loveland, CO-Calvary United Reformed | Rev. Dale Piers | Gail Koops |
| Lynwood, IL-Lynwood United Reformed | Rev. Jerome Julien | Paul Dykstra |
| Neerlandia, AB-Emmanuel Reformed | Rev. Theo Hoekstra | Andy Viersen |
| Newton, NJ-Covenant Reformed | Rev. Casey Freswick | Raymond Vander Wey |
| Orange City, IA-Redeemer United Reformed | Rev. Ralph Pontier | Roger Heckathorn |
| Phoenix, AZ-United Reformed | Rev. Bradd Nymeyer | Joel Gross |
| Pompton Plains, NJ- Reformed Bible | Rev. Richard Kuiken Rev. James Graveling |
|
| Ponoka, AB-Parkland Reformed | Rev. Henry Van Olst | Roelof Hoojkamp |
| Sanborn, IA-Cornerstone Orthodox Ref. | Rev. Harry Zekveld | Dick Hofman |
| Santa Ana, CA-Saigon Ref. Presbyterian | Rev. Bao Xuan Nguyen | |
| Sheffield, ON-Zion Reformed | Rev. Robert Heerema | Tony Brouwer |
| Smithers, BC-Bethel Reformed | Rev. Barry Beukema | John Bandstra |
| St. Catharines, ON-Trinity Orthodox Ref. | Rev. Calvin Tuininga | Chuck Dykstra |
| Telkwa, BC-Reformed Church | Rev. Jim Klazinga | Joe Boonstra |
| Toronto, ON-Covenant Reformed | Rev. Phil Grotenhuis | Art Miedema (Oct. 21-22) Robert Van Tol (Oct. 23) |
| Walnut Creek, CA-Trinity United Ref. | Bill Godsey | |
| Wellandport, ON-Orthodox Reformed | Jake Veldman Dick Baarda |
|
| Winnipeg, MB-Providence Reformed | Rev. Fred Folkerts | Peter Verbeek |
| Woodstock, ON-Independent Reformed | Rev. William Van Hal | K. J. Werkema |
| Wyoming, MI-Beverly United Reformed | Rev. Arthur Besteman Rev. E. J. Knott |
|
| Wyoming, ON-Covenant Christian | William Weiland Arend Korvemaker |
NOTE: The following churches, members of the federation, do not have delegates present: United Reformed Church, Lynden, WA; Christ Reformed Church, Placentia, CA; and Bethany Covenant Reformed Church, South Holland, IL.
The following Ecumenical Observers are present:
| The Orthodox Presbyterian Church | Rev. Thomas E. Tyson and Rev. Stephen L. Phillips |
| Reformed Church in the United States | Rev. Maynard Koerner and Rev. Jim Sawtelle |
| Presbyterian Church in America | Rev. Donald McNair and Rev. Thomas Vanden Heuvel |
| Free Reformed Churches of North America | Rev. Carl Schouls |
| Canadian Reformed Churches | Rev. W. Den Hollander, Hank Vander Velde, and Dr. Jack DeJong |
| Protestant Reformed Churches in America | Rev. Robert Decker |
| Christian Reformed Church in Myanmar | Rev. Chris Matu |
| Independent Presbyterian Church of Mexico | Dr. J. P. Roberts |
The following churches have Official Observers present: Ancaster, ON, Independent Christian Reformed Church; Chino, CA, First Christian Reformed Church; Dutton, MI, Independent Reformed Church; West Sayville, NY, Christian Reformed Church, Independent.
The Credentials Committee reports:
A. A motion is made to seat the Rev. Edward Knott as a delegate from Wyoming, MI, Beverly United Reformed Church.
Adopted
B. A motion is made to seat the Rev. R. Leestma as a delegate from Grant Park, IL, United Reformed Church.
Adopted
C. A motion is made to make an exception for Chino, CA, First CRC, which has voted to become part of the URCNA, and receive them without sponsorship or colloquium doctum. They will finalize their relationship with us early in December of this year.
Adopted
D. A motion is made to make an exception for Escondido, CA, CRC, which has voted to become part of the URCNA, and receive them without sponsorship or colloquium doctum. They will finalize their relationship with us during November of this year.
Adopted
Synod is declared constituted after the delegates assent to the Form of Subscription as printed. [see page 39]
The acting chairman extends a welcome to the delegates, fraternal delegates/observers, and the visitors.
The following time schedule is adopted:
Tuesday, 1:30 - 5:30, Evening
Inspirational meeting, 7:30 P.M.
Wednesday, 8:30 - Noon, 1:30 - 5:00, 6:30 -
9:00;
Thursday, 8:30 - Noon, 1:30 - 5:30, 7:00 - 9:00.
Fifteen minute breaks at
10 A.M. and 3 P.M.
Sessions may be extended by vote, if necessary.
Election of officers is held. The following are elected:
President: Elder
Chuck Dykstra
Vice-President: Rev. Ralph Pontier
A. Willem Pols requests permission to report on the last meeting of the Alliance of Reformed Churches. This will be done at the time the Fraternal Delegates speaks.
B. The Rev. Robert Heerema requests permission to be absent on Wednesday afternoon to conduct a funeral. The alternate delegate from Sheffield will not be able to attend in his place due to his involvement with the funeral. The chair so grants the request.
Report of the Calling Church:
A. The Rev. Calvin Tuininga presents the report of the committee.
B. Recommendation: That committees of pre-advice as outlined in the report be appointed. This, in essence, is the answer to Overture 30. [see page 96]
Tabled until we can consider it at a more favorable time.
1. Motion is made to take up Overture 30.
Adopted
2. Motion is made to table Overture 30 and authorize the chairman to appoint committees.
Adopted
3. Motion is made to proceed with the recommendation to appoint committees which comes from the Trinity consistory.
Adopted
C. Recommendation made to give the clerk an honorarium of $1,000 U.S.
Adopted
D. Motion is made to declare overtures 29-45 and 48-71 out of order because they were not properly considered by Classis East..
Defeated
Stated Clerk’s Report:
A. Motion is made that the officers assign the matters listed for consideration in this report to an appropriate committee.
Adopted
B. Motion is made to approve the work of the Stated Clerk.
Adopted
Canadian Treasurer’s Report:
A. The report indicates that the account balance as of October 6, 1997, is $2,603.41 CN.
B. A motion is made to approve the work of the Canadian Treasurer.
Adopted
[See Article XXV for the U.S. Treasurer's report.]
Committees of Pre-advice are appointed by the chairman.
Committee 1 Church
Order Articles 1-7
Overtures IV, VI,
XXXV, XXVI,
LV, LVIII,
LIX, LX,
LXXVIII
Rev. Al Bezuyen, Elder Jake Veldman, Rev. Theo Hoekstra, Elder Peter Verbeek, Rev. Tom Wetselaar, Elder John Witvoet, Elder James Bakker, Rev. Casey Freswick, Elder Dick Vander Molen
Committee 2 Church Order Articles 6-14
Overtures V, VII,
XXXI, XXXVII,
XXXVIII, XXXIX,
XL, XLI,
XLVI, LIV,
LXII
Rev. Jerry Van Dyk, Elder Roger Vanoostveen, Elder Tony Brouwer, Rev. Ed Marcusse, Elder Andy Vierson, Rev. Fred Folkerts, Rev. Tim Perkins, Elder Gail Koops, Rev. Edward Knott.
Committee 3 Church Order Articles 15-27
Overtures VIII, IX,
X, XI,
XXXII,
XLII, LVI,
LVII, LXIII,
LXIV, LXVIII,
LXIX
Rev. Richard Stienstra, Elder Peter Geus, Rev. Dennis Royall, Rev. William De Jong, Rev. Jelle Tuininga, Elder Norman Greidanus, Elder Jerry Nop, Rev. Joel Vander Kooi, Elder Paul Dykstra
Committee 4 Church Order Articles 28-35
Overtures XII, XIII,
XIV, XV,
XVI,
XLIII, XLIV,
XLVIII, LXV,
LXXV, LXXIX
Rev. William Van Hal, Elder Art Miedema, Elder William Wieland, Elder Roelof Hoojkamp, Rev. William Pols, Elder Menno Klunder, Rev. Peter Adams, Rev. Stephen De Boer, Rev. Arthur Besteman
Committee 5 Church Order Articles 36-48
Overtures XVII, XVIII,
XIX, XX,
XXI,
XXVI, XXVII,
XXVIII, LXVI,
LXXXII
Elder Neil Van Gurp, Rev. Brian Schouwstra, Elder Ron Telman, Rev. Mark Zylstra, Elder Bruce Cooper, Elder Arie Schalk, Rev. Rein Leestma, Rev. Harry Zekveld, Rev. Richard Kuiken
Committee 6 Church Order Articles 49-64
Overtures XXII, XLV,
XLIX, LXVI,
LXX
Elder Don Terpstra, Elder Dick Baarda, Elder Arie Peters, Rev. Henry Van Olst, Rev. Barry Beukema, Elder Joe Boonstra, Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen, Elder Bill Godsey, Elder Harris Dyke, Rev. Steven Arrick
Committee 7 Church Order - General
Overtures II, III,
XXIII, XXIX,
XXXIII,
XXXIV, L,
LI, LII,
LXI, LXXXI
Church Order Committee Report,
Communication from
Lansing, IL, Oak Glen
Elder Will Postma, Rev. Phil Grotenhuis, Elder Ralph Buter, Rev. Dick Wynia, Rev. Clarence Werkema, Rev. Brian Vos, Elder Cliff Lieffers, Jr., Elder Ken Zigterman, Rev. Jim Klazinga.
Committee 8 Church Order - Ecumenical Matters
Overtures I, LIII,
LXXVII,
Communications I-IV,
Inter-Church Relations Committee Report,
I.C.R.C. report
Rev. Allen Elder, Elder Raymond Vander Wey, Rev. Paul lpema, Rev. Dale Piers, Elder Joel Gross, Elder Arend Korvemaker, Elder James Bakker, Elder Bruce Brink, Rev, Bradd Nymeyer.
Committee 9 General Matters
Overtures XXIV, XXV,
XLVII, LXXI,
LXXII, LXXIII,
LXXIV, LXXVI,
LXXX
Stated Clerk's Preliminary Report
Rev. James Graveling, Elder Dick Hofman, EIder William Pols, Rev. Allen Vander Pol, Rev. Stuart Pastine, Elder K. J. Werkema, Elder Richard Schotsman, Rev. Richard Stevens, Elder John Sterk
The assembly recesses for supper. Devotions are led by Elder John Sterk. After the supper hour a public meeting of praise and thanksgiving is held. The Rev. John Bouwers addresses the evening assembly on the subject of "Remembering for Renewal."
The meeting is called to order by the chairman as he calls for the singing of Psalter Hymnal Number 1. The Rev. Harry Zekveld reads from Psalm 149 and leads in prayer.
Elder Roger Vanoosteveen replaces Elder Al Bruining as delegate from Balmoral, ON. He stands to assent to the Form of Subscription.
Concept Minutes are read and approved.
The clerk reads a letter received from Independent Presbyterian Church of Mexico. The letter extends greetings to our assembly and requests that Dr. J. P. Roberts speak on behalf of their churches. The chairman indicates that this request will be granted when Dr. Roberts arrives.
Ecumenical Observers are welcomed by the chairman. The following bring greetings: The Rev. Thomas E. Tyson of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, The Rev. Maynard Koerner of the Reformed Church in the United States, the Rev. Thomas Vanden Heuvel of the Presbyterian Church in America, the Rev. Carl Schouls of the Free Reformed Churches of North America, the Rev. Robert Decker of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America, the Rev. W. Den Hollander of the Canadian Reformed Churches, and the Rev. Chris Matu of the Christian Reformed Church in Myanmar. The chairman responds to each of the brothers, thanking them for their greetings.
The assembly recesses in order that the Committees of Pre-Advice may meet.
The body reconvenes for noon devotions led by Elder Jacob Gosliga, and then adjourns for lunch.
The afternoon meeting is called to order by the chairman as he calls for the singing of Psalter Hymnal Number 58. The Rev. William Pols reads from Psalm 115 and leads in prayer.
Concept minutes are read and approved.
The following matter appears on the credentials of the Saigon Reformed Presbyterian Church, Santa Ana, CA:
Saigon Reformed Presbyterian Church requests assistance in purchasing a permanent worship facility as soon as possible.
Referred to the churches
It is further noted that as soon as they move to their permanent facility they will change their name to Saigon United Reformed Church.
Received for information
Federative Structure Matters
A. The Federative Structure Committee Report is presented.
1. The committee requests privilege of the floor be given to Mr. Gerald Rozema and Mr. Herm Faber.
So Ruled
2. Following the reading of the report and recommendations the chair declares that the report of Advisory Committee 9 is before us.
B. The report of Advisory Committee 9 is read.
C. The Federative Structure Committee Report is declared on the floor. [See page 56]
1. Motion is made to adopt the report’s resolutions.
Tabled to be taken up at the next regular meeting of synod.
2. Motion is made to make this our answer to Overtures 25, 72, and 80.
Adopted
[Advisory Committee 9 report continues in Article LXIV]
U.S. Treasurer’s Report:
A. The report indicates that the account balance as of September 24, 1997, is $3,681.06 US.
B. A motion is made to approve the work of the U.S. treasurer.
Adopted
[For the Canadian Treasurer’s Report, see Article XI]
A. Overture 22 - Church Order Article 53, 54, and 57. [See page 94]
Recommendation: That we not accede to Overture 22.
Ground: These articles do not infringe upon the local consistory’s responsibility to exercise the key of discipline.
Adopted
B. Overture 49 - Church Order Article 53. [See page 102]
Recommendation: That we not accede to Overture 49.
Grounds:
1. The present article is consistent with classic Reformed polity.
2. The proposed changes would not safeguard the consistory in case of civil action anymore that the present article.
Adopted
C. Overture 66 - Church Order Article 64. [See page 108]
Recommendation: That we not accede to Overture 66.
Ground: For the sake of unity in our federation, a 2/3 majority of consistories is preferable.
Adopted
D. Overture 70 (a) - Church Order Article 25. [See page 110]
Recommendation: That we accede to Overture 70 (a) (with ground) without the word “ordinarily.”
Ruled not properly before us.
E. Overture 70 (b) - Church Order Article 54. [See page 110]
1. Recommendation: That we accede to Overture 70 (b) (with grounds), Article 54: To delete the phrase “with the advice of classis.”
Grounds:
a. According to Article 53 the consistory has already sought the advice of classis before proceeding to the second step of discipline. If the sinner remains unrepentant after obtaining the concurring advice of classis to proceed, there should be no need to seek the advice of classes a second time in order to proceed.
b. Such an emphasis on the need for classis’ advice tends to undermine the authority of the consistory of the church, and puts too much weight on the classis.
c. Because our classes might meet once per year, such a double requirement could in fact render the discipline less effective.
Adopted
2. Article 54 now reads:
If these steps of discipline, having been carried out in a loving manner, do not bring about repentance, but rather harden the sinner in his ways, the Consistory shall proceed to the extreme remedy, namely, excommunication, in agreement with the Word of God and with the use of the appropriate liturgical form.
[Advisory Committee 6 report continues in Article LII]
A. Overture 1 - Ecumenical Relationships. [See page 88]
1. Recommendation: That we accede to Overture 1 with its grounds.
a. Motion to amend by adding: “and that this be implemented through the Interchurch Relations Committee.”
Adopted
b. The recommendation with amendment is before the body. That synod pursue the establishment of ecumenical relations with the following federations and that this be implemented through the Interchurch Relations Committee:
1. The Canadian Reformed Churches
2. The Free Reformed Churches
3. The Orthodox Christian Reformed Churches
4. The Orthodox Presbyterian Church
5. The Presbyterian Church in America
6. The Protestant Reformed Churches
7. The Reformed Church in the United States
8. The Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America
Adopted
2. Recommendation: That we add the following groups of churches to the list:
The Reformed Church of Quebec
The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
The Christian Reformed Church in Myanmar
The Independent Presbyterian Church of Mexico
Adopted
B. Overture 53 - Fraternal Delegates to the Alliance of Reformed Churches. [See page 104]
Recommendation: That synod send two fraternal delegates representing our churches to the next meeting of the Alliance of Reformed Churches and accept the grounds listed.
Ruled out of order
C. Closer Ties with OPC
1. Communication III [See page 82]
Recommendation: That synod accept the OPC’s invitation to enter “corresponding relations” with them.
Grounds:
a. The Lord calls us to manifest visibly our spiritual unity with congregations sharing our common bond of faith. Furthermore, this unity should strive for the mutual edification of member congregations as well as the development of an effective witness to the world. (John 17:20-23; I Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:1-6; 4:11-16; Philippians 2:1-2).
b. Our Reformed confessions reflect the ancient ecumenical creeds concerning "one holy catholic and apostolic Church." (Belgic Confession, Articles 27, 28, and 29; Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 21).
c. By engaging in ecumenical relations, as defined in Articles 33, 34, and 35 of the Church Order, we intend to accomplish the following:
1) To advise one another regarding questions and problems of import pertaining to the spiritual welfare and the Scriptural government of the churches;
2) To confer together, as far as advisability or necessity may require, regarding missionary work of the churches at home and abroad;
3) To strive to attain a common course of action with respect to common problems; likewise to issue joint resolutions regarding movements, practices or dangers, when joint statements are deemed necessary;
4) To give united testimony to our common Reformed faith in the midst of a world living in error and groping in darkness, particularly to the many churches which have so lamentably departed from the truth of God's Holy Word, and which are in dire need of a return to the faith of the fathers;
5) To express our precious unity in Christ and our oneness as Reformed churches, though scattered over the earth. (Cf. Acts of the Reformed Ecumenical Synod, 1963, p. 130.)
Adopted
a. Recommendation: That synod appoint a committee to study the Confessional Standards, Form of Government, Book of Discipline, and Directory of Worship of the OPC with regard to the similarities and differences between them and the Confessional Standards and Church Order of the URCNA in order to work toward ecclesiastical unity with the OPC.
Grounds:
1. At its 1997 General Assembly the Orthodox Presbyterian Church expressed its close affinity with the United Reformed Churches in North America when it severed ties with the Christian Reformed Church in North America and voted to enter into "corresponding ecclesiastical relations" with the United Reformed Churches in North America.
2. We need to build upon a long history of seeking ecclesiastical unity with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church which began in the Christian Reformed Church and continued for many years until it was prematurely cut off in 1963 when the CRC Synod rejected the recommendations of the Committee on Closer Relationships with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (see following addendum taken from the Acts of Synod, 1963, pp. 274-282). Unity with the OPC was once again pursued when the Alliance of Reformed Churches studied the confessional similarities and differences and in 1994 and 1995 adopted the Westminster Standards as part of its Confessional basis.
Adopted
b. Recommendation: That the following be appointed to this study committee: Dr. Nelson Kloosterman, Rev. Jerome Julien, Rev. J. S. Gangar, Rev. Paul Ipema, Elder Robert Clausing, and Dr. Robert Godfrey (Advisor).
Adopted
c. Recommendation: That the materials presented in the addendum be referred to this committee for use at its discretion.
Adopted
d. Recommendation: That synod direct the Stated Clerk to express our deep gratitude to the OPC and Free Reformed Churches for recommending the URCNA to the ICRC.
Adopted
[See Article LVI for change in personnel.]
D. Communication II - Interclassical Conference of the CRC [See page 81]
Recommendation: That synod receive this letter for information.
Received for information
E. Communication I - Concerns of Dutton Independent Reformed Church [See page 80]
1. Recommendation: That synod consider its answer to Overture 81 as its response to this letter.
2. Motion made to refer Communication I to Committee 7.
Adopted
(For action, see Article XLV, J and Article L, A.)
F. ICRC Report (from Rev. J. Gangar) [See page 66]
Recommendation: That synod allows this report to be distributed and read.
Adopted
G. Interchurch Relations Committee Report [see page 42]
1. Recommendation: That synod change the name to “Committee for Ecumenical Relations and Church Unity.”
Adopted
2. Recommendation: That synod refer the request for refining the mandate of the committee back to the committee instructing them to do this by contacting other Reformed and Presbyterian federations which share like precious faith. Also that it recommends the refined mandate to our next synod.
Adopted
3. Recommendation: That synod designate observers from other federations “Ecumenical Observers.”
Adopted
4. Recommendation: That synod appoint the committee members to a three year term at which time they become eligible to be reappointed by synod.
Adopted
The committee is to arrange for rotation so all the committee members will not be replaced at the same time.
[Advisory Committee 8 report continues in Article XXXIV]
The chair notes that Rev. Philip Vos returned to Kalamazoo to conduct a funeral.
The assembly recesses for supper. Elder John Bandstra leads in devotions.
The evening session is called to order by the chairman, announcing Psalter Hymnal Number 299:1-4. Rev. Dale Piers reads from Romans 15:5-6 and leads in prayer.
The concept minutes are read and approved.
Credentials Committee Report
A. Motion is made to seat Elders Ralph Buter and Jerry Van Rijn of Ebenezer Orthodox Reformed Church of Brockville/Hulbert, ON.
Adopted
B. They rise to assent to the Form of Subscription.
Ecumenical Observer Rev. Thomas Vanden Heuvel of the Presbyterian Church in America introduces Dr. Don McNair of the PCA.
Advisory Committee 8, continued from Article XXVII
A. Recommendation: That synod receive the report of the Interchurch Relations Committee and thank them for their work.
Adopted
B. Stated Clerk’s Report. [See page 40]
1. Recommendation: That synod not respond to the request for advice from Classis East regarding ecumenical relations with the Independent CRC of Ancaster, ON, due to insufficient information. Motion to table this until the committee has had time to study the letter requesting this from Classis East.
Adopted
2. Recommendation: That synod accede to the request of Classis West for advice to send regular observers to the meetings of the western classes of the OCRC. Motion to table this until matters regarding Overture 16 be taken up.
Adopted
[See Article XXXV, E, 3]
C. Recommendation: That the stated clerk of the federation be an ex-officio member of the Interchurch Relations Committee.
Adopted
D. Recommendation: That the following be appointed to the Interchurch Relations Committee: Rev. John Bouwers, Rev. Harry Zekveld, and Rev. J. S. Gangar.
Motion to amend this by deleting the name of Rev. J. S. Gangar.
Adopted
The recommendation as amended is
Adopted
[Advisory Committee 8, continued in Article LVI]
A. Overtures 12 and 44 regarding Church Order Article 29. [See pages 91 and 101]
1. Recommendation: That we keep the wording of our present Article 29.
Grounds:
a. The present article already requires a reasonable and responsible mutual accountability.
b. The proposed changes would seem to afford too much opportunity for external interference and for agitation within the congregation before leaving the federation.
c. The present article has already served well in answering questions from prospective federation member churches concerning our method for withdrawal from the federation.
Adopted
2. Recommendation: That this be our answer to Overtures 12 and 44.
Adopted
B. Overtures 13, 65, and 79. [See pages 91, 108, and 117]
1. Recommendation: That we adopt Overture 13. In addition to its grounds, we add ground 2 from Overture 79, so that Overture 13 reads: “Classis West overtures synod to delete the last sentence of Article 31 of the Church Order, and replace it with the following:
Any such church shall be provisionally accepted into membership in the federation by the classis, pending ratification by the following synod.
“Grounds:
a. “According to Article 8 of the Church Order, and Appendix 4 (Guidelines for a Colloquium Doctum), classis has the responsibility to examine such ministers and to declare them eligible for call. As it now stands, Article 31 gives the responsibility of examination to the classis, but does not allow it to accept such church/minister into the federation. This appears to be somewhat ambiguous. To clear matters up and provide consistency in our rules, classis should be able to provisionally accept such congregations and/or ministers until ratified by the following synod.
b. “According to the present reading of Article 31, a minister and/or congregation desiring to join the federation could be required to wait for three years before being admitted, since synod will ordinarily meet every three years.
c. “Even if synod meets annually, a congregation wanting to unite with the federation may be under undue constraints to disunite with another denomination in a timely manner if it had to wait almost a year.”
Adopted
2. Recommendation: That this be our answer to Overture 79.
Ground: Synod ought to have a voice in the reception of churches into the federation .
Adopted
3. Recommendation: that we keep the wording of our present Article 31 regarding the reception of ministers with their congregations into federation. This is our answer to Overture 65.
Adopted
4. Article 31 now reads:
Any church may be admitted into the federation provided that its office-bearers subscribe to the Three Forms of Unity and agree with this Church Order, and its minister sustains an examination by the nearest classis, according to the regulations adopted by the federation. Any such church shall be provisionally accepted into membership in the federation by the classis, pending ratification by the following synod.
C. Overture 14 - Church Order Article 32. [See page 91]
Recommendation: That we keep the wording of the present article.
Ground: The present article was written by an attorney.
Adopted
D. Overtures 15 and 75 - Church Order Article 33. [See pages 91 and 111]
1. Recommendation: That we adopt Overture 75 with the following changes:
- replace the words “official ecclesiastical” with the word “ecumenical.”
- include the word “occasional” before “pulpit exchange.”
- delete the words “membership transfer.”
Adopted
Editorial change to Article 33 as it is before the body in Overture 75: Use “churches” in place of “congregations” as revised in Overture 75. Article 33 now reads:
Churches must seek and pursue official ecclesiastical relations with Reformed congregations outside the federation which manifest the marks of a true church and demonstrate faithful allegiance to Scripture as summarized in the Three Forms of Unity. Each church is to give account of its ecumenical activities to classis. Fraternal activities between congregations which need not be reported to classis may include occasional pulpit exchanges, table fellowship, as well as other means of manifesting unity.
2. Recommendation: That this be our answer to Overture 15.
Adopted
E. Overture 16 - Church Order Article 34. [See page 92]
1. Recommendation: That we adopt Overture 16. “Classis West overtures synod that the second sentence in Article 34 be changed to read:
The classis shall keep synod informed of such ecumenical relations, thereby honoring our federative bond.
Grounds:
a. As it now stands, a classis might have to wait a total of three years before being able to initiate ecumenical relations which it deems necessary and beneficial.
b. The present wording of these articles tends in the direction of hierarchy-rule from the top down.
Adopted
2. Article 34 now reads:
The churches of a classis may, as a group, enter into ecumenical relations with an individual church or group of churches such as a classis or presbytery. The classis shall keep synod informed of such ecumenical relations, thereby honoring our federative bond.
3. Motion that this be declared our answer to items 5 and 6 in the Stated Clerk’s Report. [See Article XXXIV, B, 1 and 2.]
F. Overture 43 - Church Order Article 28. [See page 100]
1. Recommendation: That we adopt the proposed change for Overture 43 as a replacement of the third sentence alone, with the omission of the words “or Church Order.”
Ground: The formulation ". . . insofar as they agree with the Word of God . . ." raises the potential of members and churches submitting with mental reservations, producing undesirable and unscriptural consequences, as in the history of the churches this has indeed happened in the Netherlands when in 1816 the Dutch Reformed Church adopted new Regulation (Algemeen Reglement), which allowed the churches to accept the Reformed Confessions and the Church Order "insofar as they agree with the Word of God." The resultant turbulence produced the secession of 1834.
a. Motion to amend by omitting the following words, “with the omission of the words ‘or Church Order.’”
Adopted
b. Editorial change: Begin sentence 3 with “All” in place of “The.”
c. The motion as amended is
adopted.
d. Article 28 now reads:
If any assembly complains of having been wronged by the decision of another assembly, it shall have the right to appeal to the broader assemblies. An individual's appeal must proceed first to the Consistory, and only then, if necessary, to a broader assembly. All decisions of a broader assembly are to be received with respect and submission, and shall be considered settled and binding, unless it is proved that they are in conflict with the Word of God or the Church Order. Consistories who are convinced that they cannot comply with a decision of a broader assembly because it does not agree with the Word of God cannot be compelled to do so, provided that they state to the classis the points at which the decision of the assembly disagrees with the Word of God. If a Consistory refuses to comply with the final decision of the synod and a subsequent synod rules by majority vote that submission in the matter is essential for the unity of the churches, the congregation is no longer eligible for membership in the federation.
2. Recommendation: That this be our answer to Overture 43.
Adopted
[Advisory Committee 4 report continues in Article XLI]
Rev. Mark Zylstra leads in closing devotions, reading from Ephesians 3.
Opening devotions are led by the Rev. Bradd Nymeyer. Psalter Hymnal Numbers 48 and 282 are sung. He reads from Psalm 65 and seeks God’s blessing for the day through prayer.
The following delegates are seated:
A. Elder Bob Van Tol replaces Elder Art Miedema for Covenant, Toronto, ON
B. Elder Ray Koetsier replaces Elder Henry Schilthuis for Rehoboth, Hamilton,ON.
C. They stand to signify their agreement with the Form of Subscription.
The concept minutes are read and approved.
The following speak to the assembly:
A. Delegate Willem Pols brings greetings and a report from the recent meeting of the Alliance of Reformed Churches which met at Kalamazoo, MI.
B. Dr. J. P. Roberts, Ecumenical Observer from the Independent Presbyterian Church of Mexico, brings greetings.
Advisory Committee 4, continued from Article XXXV.
Overture 48 - Church Order Article 28. [See page 102]
Recommendation: That we keep the wording of the present Article 28 regarding the percentage of vote required for such decisions of broader assemblies.
Grounds:
1. Requiring a two-thirds majority could give undue power to a minority of churches.
2. Our present method requiring a simple majority is effective for the working of broader assemblies in matters pertaining to this article.
Adopted
A. Overture 8 - Church Order Article 18. [See page 90]
1. Recommendation: That Synod accede to Overture 8 and change Church Order Article 18 to use the words “Chairman” and “Vice-Chairman” instead of “President” and “Vice-President.” All references in the Church Order referring to President and Vice-President ought to be changed to “Chairman” and “Vice-Chairman.”
Adopted
2. Article 18 now reads:
In every assembly there shall be a chairman, assisted by a vice-chairman. It is the chairman's duty to state and explain clearly the matters to be dealt with, and to ensure that the stipulations of the Church Order are followed and that every delegate observes due order and decorum in speaking. In all delegated assemblies the above named functions shall cease when the assembly adjourns.
B. Overture 9 - Church Order Article 20 and 22. [See page 90]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to Overture 9 because it confuses the distinctive roles of Elder and Deacon.
Ground: Our present Church Order is clear and concise. It gives us clear definitions of both offices. (Consistory is defined as Ministers and Elders.) To suggest that deacons may be members of consistory is a confusion of terms. This is not to say that Elders and Deacons should not have a very close and cooperative relationship.
Adopted
C. Overture 10 - Church Order Article 25. [See page 90]
1. Recommendation: That synod accede to Overture 10 and replace the word “six” in the first sentence with the word “twelve.” In addition, the following should be placed after the first sentence: “If three consistories in the classis deem it necessary that a classis meet earlier than the regular time determined, the consistory charged with convening the meeting shall determine when and where the meeting is to occur.”
Adopted
2. Article 25 now reads:
A classis shall consist of neighboring churches whose Consistories delegate two of their members with proper credentials to meet at a time and place determined at the previous classis meeting, within the next twelve months. If three consistories in the classis deem it necessary that a classis meet earlier than the regular time determined, the consistory charged with convening the meeting shall determine when and where the meeting is to occur. The churches shall take turns providing a chairman and acting as the convening church. Furthermore, the classis shall inquire of each Consistory whether Consistory and deacons' meetings are held, the Word of God is faithfully preached, the sacraments are faithfully administered, church discipline is exercised, the poor are cared for, and God-centered schooling is promoted; and whether the Consistory needs the advice and help of the classis for the proper government of the church. Each classis shall inform the other classes regarding matters of mutual concern by forwarding its minutes to them in a timely manner.
D. Overture 11 - Church Order 26. [See page 90]
1. Recommendation: That synod accede to Overture 11 so that Article 26 reads “two experienced office-bearers appointed by classis . . .”
Ground: Classes should choose church visitors, not the church herself. This committee concurs with the grounds stated in the overture as well.
Adopted
2. Article 26 now reads:
Each Consistory of the classis shall invite the two experienced office-bearers appointed by classis, either two ministers or a minister and an elder, to visit the council once every two years, who shall give account of their visit to the classis. These visitors shall inquire whether the office-bearers faithfully perform their duties, adhere to sound doctrine, observe in all things the adopted order, and properly promote as much as lies in them, by word and deed, the edification of the congregation, including the youth, to the end that these visitors may fraternally admonish those office-bearers who have in anything been negligent, and may by their advice and assistance help direct all things unto the peace, edification and greatest profit of the churches.
E. Overture 32 - Church Order Article 24. [See page 97]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to this overture, in keeping with the conclusion of the Church Order.
Ground: Church Order committee report which states: “The participation of classis is important in giving wisdom, refinement, and analysis. Moreover, because interpretation is needed regarding which matters ought to be discussed on the federative level, the proposed change seems unworkable.
Adopted
F. Overture 42 - Church Order Article 20. [See page 100]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to Overture 42.
Ground: The focus of Article 20 is not the relationship of the consistory to Jesus Christ, but rather the relationship of the consistory to the other assemblies of the church: classis and synod.
Adopted
G. Overture 56 - Church Order Article 26. [See page 105]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to Overture 56 regarding Article 26.
Ground: As the Church Order Committee report states: “The proposed alternative leaves the matter too voluntary. Moreover, the experience of ministers is a valuable asset for this practice of visiting. Finally, in classic Reformed polity both elders and deacons (the council) are visited.
Adopted
H. Overture 57 - Church Order Articles 24-27. [See page 105]
Recommendation: That the synod not accede to Overture 57 regarding Articles 24-27.
Ground: We affirm the principle that we have a common interest in maintaining the practice of regular, respectful, and brotherly church visitation. We believe the Church Order is fine in its present wording.
Adopted
I. Overture 63 - Church Order Article 19. [See page 107]
1. Recommendation: That synod not accede to the first request of Overture 63, regarding Article 19.
Ground: We find that the request of this overture moves in a direction that is not in accord with historic Presbyterian Reformed polity and is inconsistent with the purpose of the Church Order which is to establish mutual accountability.
Adopted
2. Recommendation: That synod not accede to request #2 because it will not serve the church well.
Grounds:
a. The committee of preadvice foresees an increasing amount of disarray and poor record keeping if we moved in the direction suggested by request # 2.
b. There is sufficient latitude allowed by Article 19 for each classis to decide how matters will be handled in their classes. The Church Order does not call for a stated clerk, but merely (only) for a clerk.
Adopted
3. Recommendation: That synod not accede to request #3 to add a new article.
Adopted
J. Overture 64 - Church Order Article 20. [See page 108]
Recommendation: That synod accede to Overture 64 with the slight change of the words: “all the” to “each.” With that change the Church Order Article 20 will read:
In each congregation there shall be a Consistory composed of the minister(s) of the Word and the elders, which shall ordinarily meet at least once a month. The Consistory is the only assembly in the church(es) whose decisions possess direct authority within a congregation, since the Consistory receives its authority directly from Christ; and thereby directly accountable to Christ.
Adopted
K. Overture 68 - Church Order Articles 24, 25 and 27. [See page 109]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to Overture 68.
Grounds: Although the sentiments in this overture are understandable; they should not be codified in the Church Order.
1. Classes and Synod are intended to be deliberative bodies.
2. What exactly is a ‘weighty matter’ is open to a difference of opinion. In Acts 15, had the minds of delegates been bound, the status of Gentile Christians would not have been recognized.
3. To accede to overture 68 would be a compromise of fundamental Reformed polity and the leading of the Holy Spirit upon the Word of God in deliberative bodies. We draw your attention to page 26 in the back of Church Order under the heading: Foundational Principles of Reformed Church Government, No. 9 - "Member churches meet together in consultation to guard against human imperfections and to benefit from the wisdom of a multitude of counselors in the broader assemblies. The decisions of such assemblies derive their authority from their conformity to the Word of God.”
Adopted
L. Overture 69 - Church Order Articles 25 and 27. [See page 109]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to Overture 69.
Grounds:
1. This matter was dealt with at last year’s synod and defeated, and therefore should have been declared out of order because it was dealt with under Article 17, Paragraph b, of the Acts of Synod 1996 of the URC.
2. Sending three delegates from each church will result in a synodical assembly that is too large and involving more cost.
3. Delegating more elders does not guarantee their participation.
4. Attempting to outnumber the ministers of the Word fosters an atmosphere of distrust. The committee believes we should guard against an attitude of anti-clericalism.
5. The present wording of our church order allows for two elders to represent their church when this is the preference of the council.
Adopted
The chairman recognizes that Elder Wilbur Westerveld replaces Elder Richard Schotsman as delegate from Dunnville, ON. He stands to signify his agreement with the Form of Subscription.
The chairman recognizes Observer Jake Klaasen of West Sayville, NY. He briefly addresses synod.
A. Overture 2 - Church Order: use “concurring” before “advice.” [See page 88]
1. Recommendation: That, for the sake of consistency in the Church Order, we add the word “concurring” before “advice” in Articles 9 and 21, but not in Articles 4, 6, 34, and 59.
Grounds:
a. The word “concurring” is already used in Articles 4, 34, and 59.
b. Article 6 deals with advice from the congregation, and so it would not be appropriate to add the word “concurring” in this article.
Adopted
2. Recommendation: This be our answer to Overture 2.
Adopted
3. Articles 9 and 21 now read:
a. Article 9 - A minister of the Word is bound to the service of the churches for life and may change the nature of his labor only for weighty reasons, upon approval by his supervising council with the concurring advice of classis.
b. Article 21 - When a congregation is organized within the federation, this shall take place under the supervision of a neighboring Consistory and with the concurring advice of the classis.
B. Overture 3 - Church Order --Headings and Table of Contents. [See page 88]
Recommendation: That synod accede to this overture and hand this matter over to the Church Order Committee.
Adopted
C. Overture 23 - Guidelines for Colloquium Doctum. [See page 94]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to this overture.
Grounds:
1. Publishing personal information in such a manner could be a problem.
2. The proposed change invites problems for ministers who leave a denomination for doctrinal reasons to enter a church in the URCNA.
3. The letters from the examinee and the sponsoring Consistory required by provision 1 of the Guidelines for Colloquium Doctum should provide classis with sufficient information.
Adopted
D. Overture 29 - Continue to Use the 1934 Church Order. [See page 96]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to this overture.
Grounds:
1. The substance of this overture was dealt with and defeated last year.
2. The overture argues that we broke procedural rules, whereas our federation has not established any such rules.
3. Ground 2b from this overture is incorrect in that the motion referred to was defeated. [Minutes of Synod, 1996, Article 17, pp. 6f]
4. The decision to adopt the Church Order is settled and binding. [Church Order Article 28]
Adopted
E. Overture 33 - Church Order—Introduction. [See page 97]
Recommendation: That synod adopt Overture 33 with Ground 1 deleted.
Ground: The phrase “confessional nature of the Introduction” may be problematic.
Adopted
The fourth sentence of the Introduction now reads:
This headship is exercised in the churches by His Word and Spirit through the God-ordained offices, for the sake of the purity of doctrine and the holiness of life.
F. Overture 34 - Church Order--Introduction. [See page 98]
Recommendation: We recommend that synod adopt the overture, amended as proposed by the Church Order Committee in their report, thus using the following division headings: I. Ecclesiastical Offices (Articles 1-14), II. Ecclesiastical Assemblies (Articles 15-35), III. Ecclesiastical Functions and Tasks (Articles 36-48), IV. Ecclesiastical Discipline (Articles 49- 64).
Ground: The word “ecclesiastical” provides a consistency which the word “church” does not. Confusion may result when the word “church” is used to refer both to the local congregation and the federation.
Adopted
G. Overture 50 - Guidelines for a Candidacy Examination. [See page 103]
Recommendations:
1. That synod not accede to this overture.
Adopted
2. That synod replace the requirement for “A medical certificate of good health” with a requirement for “A medical evaluation of health.”
Grounds:
a. Ill health should not necessarily be a deterrent to candidacy.
b. This would serve the interest of the church in making sure that they are made aware of the candidate’s health status.
Adopted
H. Overtures 51 and 52 - Guidelines for a Candidacy Examination. [See page 103]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to either Overture 51 or 52.
Ground: Entrance into the ministry of the Word in Reformed Churches today without a Reformed seminary education ought to be regarded as extremely exceptional. It would not be wise to write the exception into the Guidelines.
Adopted
I. Overture 61 - Church Order - Add an Article on Congregational Meetings. [See page 106]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to this overture to add an article on the congregational meeting.
Grounds:
1. The congregational meeting is not an ecclesiastical assembly to which people are elected or delegated to make decisions on ecclesiastical matters.
2. This is a matter which should be left up to the local churches to codify in their own constitutions and by-laws.
Adopted
J. Communication I - Consideration of the Concerns of Dutton Independent Reformed Church about the Church Order. [See page 80]
Recommendation: That synod’s answer to Overtures 15 and 75 be our answer to Dutton’s first concern.
Adopted
[See Article XXXV, D]
[Advisory Committee 7, continued in Article L]
Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen conducts devotions. He reads from I Corinthians 15:51-58 and leads in prayer. The assembly recesses for lunch.
The afternoon session is called to order with the singing of Psalter Hymnal Number 445. The Rev. Phil Grotenhuis leads in devotions.
The Concept Minutes are read and approved.
The clerk requests to be freed from the Study Committee to study the similarities and differences between the OPC and URC due to other federation responsibilities. [See Article XXVII, C, 2, b]
Chairman so rules
Recommitted to Advisory Committee 8 to recommend a new committee member.
[see Article LVI]
Advisory Committee 7, continued from Article XLV
A. Communication I, continued
1. Recommendation: That synod’s answer to Overture 21 be our answer to Dutton’s second concern.
Adopted
[See Article LXII, B]
2. Recommendation: That synod’s answer to Overture 20 and 27 be our answer to Dutton’s third concern.
Adopted
[See Articles LVII, F, G, and LXII, A]
3. Recommendation: That synod’s answer to the first section of the Church Order Committee’s report be our answer to Dutton’s fourth concern.
Adopted
[See Article L, B, 2]
4. Recommendation: That synod answer the fifth of Dutton’s concerns by stating that the Church Order reflects common usage and there is no scriptural teaching requiring that we call the church “she” (for example, see Matthew 16:18).
Adopted
B. Church Order Committee Report. [See page 46]
1. Recommendation: That synod accede to recommendation 1 of the Church Order Study Committee Report and grant the privilege of the floor to Church Order committee members during the discussion of this report.
Adopted
2. Recommendation: That synod accede to recommendation 2 with the following amendment: revise the last sentence so that “If the released minister desires...” reads as follows: “If the minister released from his congregation desires...”
Adopted
The new article to be inserted after Article 10 (requiring the renumbering of all subsequent articles) reads as follows:
If, for reasons other than such as warrant ecclesiastical discipline, either a minister of the Word or the congregation he is serving desires to dissolve their pastoral relationship, that dissolution shall occur only upon mutually satisfactory conditions and only with the concurring advice of the classis. If the released minister desires to receive a call to serve another congregation, the council from whose service he is being released shall announce his eligibility for call, which eligibility shall be valid for no more than two years, whereafter he shall be honorably released from office. If the minister released from his congregation desires to leave his office in order to seek non-ministerial labor, he must receive the approval of the classis before doing so.
3. Recommendation: That synod accede to recommendation 3 of the report and so adopt the edited forms as printed in the report.
Adopted
4. Recommendation: That synod accede to recommendation 4 of the report and so adopt the proposed editorial changes as listed in the report, with the provision that any other changes made to these articles by this synod take precedence.
Adopted
The following articles, appendices, and the Foundational Principles are corrected to read:
A minister who has been ordained in a church outside the federation shall not be admitted to serve in a church within the federation without an examination conducted to the satisfaction of the classis, according to the regulations adopted by the federation, whereupon he may be declared by classis eligible for call by his sponsoring Consistory. (See Appendix 4.)
The churches of a classis may, as a group, enter into ecumenical relations with an individual church or group of churches such as a classis or presbytery. Before entering into such relations, a classis shall seek the concurring advice of a synod, thereby safeguarding the purity of the federation.
The Consistory shall maintain accurate membership records which include names and dates of baptisms, professions of faith, marriages and deaths of members of the congregation.
When a minister, elder or deacon has committed a public or gross sin, or refuses to heed the admonitions of the Consistory, he shall be suspended from his office only by his own Consistory and with the concurring advice of the Consistories of two neighboring churches. When he hardens himself in his sin, or when the sin committed is of such a nature that he cannot continue in office, he shall be deposed only by his Consistory and only with the concurring advice of classis.
Included among the gross sins, but not to the exclusion of all others, which are worthy of suspension or deposition from office, are these: false doctrine or heresy, public schism, public blasphemy, simony, faithless desertion of office or intrusion upon that of another, perjury, adultery, fornication, theft, acts of violence, habitual drunkenness, brawling, filthy lucre, in short, all sins and gross offenses which render the perpetrators infamous before the world and which in any other member of the church would occasion excommunication.
Those who seek membership in another congregation shall request in writing that their current Consistory send to the receiving Consistory an official letter including pertinent membership information and testimony concerning their doctrine and life.
These articles, relating to the lawful order of the church, have been so drafted and adopted by common consent, that they ought to be observed diligently. If it be found that God may be more honored and the churches better served by changing any article, this shall require a two-thirds vote of a synod and shall be ratified by two-thirds of the Consistories prior to the next synodical meeting, after which meeting they shall take effect.
– omit the words “inquire concerning” (occurring six times)
– replacing “Fellowship of Uniting Reformed Churches” with “United Reformed Churches in North America” (throughout entire document)
3. CONTENT
b. . . . .
(2) Bible knowledge: inquire concerning the prospective candidate’s doctrine of Scripture, canonicity, hermeneutics, etc., and familiarity with the contents of the various books of the Bible.
(3) Biblical exegesis: an Old Testament and a New Testament passage should be assigned to the prospective candidate at least three weeks in advance (one of them in connection with one of his assigned sermons); the examiner should inquire concerning the meaning of the text and the prospective candidate’s ability to work with the original languages and with a suitable exegetical method.
(4) Confessional knowledge: inquire concerning the history and content of the Three Forms of Unity, the prospective candidate’s willingness to subscribe to them by signing the Form of Subscription.
(7) Ethics: inquire concerning the meaning and function of the Decalogue, also in relation to Christian motivation and character, and to contemporary moral problems.
3. CONTENT
(1) Practica: inquire concerning the prospective candidate’s personal and spiritual life, his relationship with the Lord, his growth in faith, his background and preparation for ministry, his understanding of ministerial office and his motives for seeking entrance thereto, liturgics, homiletics, pastoral care, and evangelism.
FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES OF REFORMED CHURCH GOVERNMENT
14. Being the chosen and redeemed people of God, the church, under the supervision of the elders, is called to worship Him according to the Scriptural principles governing worship.
Leviticus 10:1-3; Deuteronomy 12:29-32; Psalm 95:1,2,6; Psalm 100:4; John 4:24; I Peter 2:9
C. Church Order Committee Membership
Motion that the present members of the Church Order Committee be requested to serve until the next meeting of synod.
Adopted
D. Communication from Oak Glen, Lansing, IL. [See page 85]
Oak Glen has withdrawn this document.
A. Overture 4 — Church Order Article 2. [See page 89]
Recommendation: That synod adopt Overture 4 on the basis of the grounds given.
Defeated
B. Overture 60 — Church Order Article 2. [See page 106]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to this overture.
Grounds:
1. The language and the grammar of the overture make it difficult to interpret.
2. An overture of this nature should not be considered without due consideration being given to what manner of work beyond the parish ministry might be served by an ordained minister under the oversight of a local consistory: i.e. teacher of theology, seminary professor, parachurch organization, etc. And finally, we question whether this concern is best dealt with in connection with Article 2.
Adopted
C. Overture 58 — Church Order Article 3. [See page 105]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to this overture.
Ground: The substance of the proposed change is already included in the words, “must evidence genuine godliness.”
Adopted
D. Overture 35 — Church Order Article 4. [See page 98]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to this overture.
Grounds:
1. We do not believe that synodical deputies are truly able to represent the federation.
2. With the Church Order Study Committee advice we believe that the role of the synodical deputies has yet to be defined.
Adopted
E. Overture 36 — Church Order Article 6. [See page 98]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to this overture.
Grounds:
1. We do not believe that synodical deputies are truly able to represent the federation.
2. With the Church Order Study Committee advice we believe that the role of the synodical deputies has yet to be defined.
Adopted
F. Overture 6 — Church Order Article 7. [See page 89]
1. Recommendation: That synod adopt the following change to Article 7: Replace the sentence “He shall consider a call only with consent of his current council,” with “Any minister receiving a call shall consult with his current council regarding that call. He may accept the call only with their consent.”
Grounds: [Ground 3 is deleted.]
a. The present reading of this article gives the impression that a minister may not even consider a call without the consent of his current consistory. This would be unjust both for the minister and for the church which is extending the call.
b. The present requirement is over restrictive and may prevent the legitimate needs of vacant congregations from being met.
Adopted
2. Article 7 of the Church Order now reads:
Those who are already ordained ministers within the federation may be called to another congregation in a manner consistent with the above rules, without the examination or the laying on of hands. Any minister receiving a call shall consult with his current council regarding that call. He may accept the call only with their consent. Upon receipt of proper credentials from the church he last served, he shall be installed with the use of the appropriate liturgical form and shall subscribe to the Three Forms of Unity by signing the Form of Subscription.
G. Overture 55 — Add an article to section I of the Church Order. [See page 104]
Recommendation: That synod not add an article as follows: “Men who aspire to the office of elder or deacon must be appropriately trained to fulfil the demands of that office. The training for the specific office is to be conducted by, and is to be under the supervision of the consistory.
Ground: Though we endorse the sentiments of the overture we think it proper that the training of aspiring office-bearers be left to the discretion of the local church.
Adopted
H. Overture 59 — Add an article to section I of the Church Order. [See page 105]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to Overture 59 which requests whether there is a need for an article in section I allowing for admission to the gospel ministry of men who possess “exceptional gifts. . .”
Ground: This matter has not been dealt with as far as possible in the narrower assembly.
Adopted
I. Overture 78 — Grandfather Clause for Evangelists. [See page 117]
1. Recommendation: That synod not accede to this overture.
Ground: It would be better to deal with such eventualities in each concrete situation by way of exception.
Defeated
2. Motion to adopt Overture 78:
That any church which is admitted into the United Reformed Churches which already has an ordained evangelist working under its supervision, be allowed to continue the evangelist in office according to its own rules even though the United Reformed Churches do not recognize the office of evangelist. This permission shall be limited as follows:
a. The office of evangelist in that church shall be terminated when the position becomes vacant.
b. The evangelist's supervision shall be an entirely internal matter with his calling church.
c. The evangelist shall not exercise his office outside the field to which he has been called.
Grounds:
a. This permission will help minimize potential impediments to churches considering membership in the United Reformed Churches. At least one church considering membership in the United Reformed Churches has an ordained evangelist.
b. By requiring that the office be terminated when the position becomes vacant, this permission seeks to uphold the high standards embodied in the Church Order for those who would preach the Word of God, namely a seminary education including training in the original languages of Scripture, something not required for the office of evangelist where that office is recognized.
c. This permission is preferable to having the church "upgrade" the evangelist's office to that of minister of the Word before entering the federation.
Adopted
Advisory Committee 6, continued from Article XXVI.
Overture 45 — Church Order Article 59. [See page 101]
A. Recommendation: That we accede to Overture 45 (with the grounds) except that we end the article after the phrase: “. . . with the concurring advice of classis,” and delete the words: “And in case of a minister, also with the concurring advice of the deputies of synod.”
Ground: The overture assumes the functions of synodical deputies that do not exist in our federation.
Adopted
B. Article 59 of the Church Order now reads:
When a minister, elder, or deacon has committed a public or gross sin, or refuses to heed the admonitions of the Consistory, he shall be suspended from his office by his own Consistory with the concurring advice of the Consistories of two neighboring churches. Should he harden himself in his sin, or when the sin committed is of such a nature that he cannot continue in office, he shall be deposed by his Consistory with the concurring advice of classis.
A. Overture 5 — Church Order Article 6. [See page 89]
1. Recommendation: That synod delete the provision for the approbation by members of the calling church, after the name of the minister has been announced for two successive Sundays and no lawful objection has arisen.
Ground: Article 6 seems to preserve a procedure found in Article 4 of both the Dort Church Order and the 1914 CRC Church Order. However, those church orders envision the possibility of a consistory extending a call without having a congregational vote. Therefore, in the procedure outlined in Article 6, the advice of the congregation in step three is redundant.
Adopted
2. Article 6 of the Church Order now reads:
The lawful calling to the office of minister of those who have not previously been in that office consists of:
First, the election by the council of one who has been declared a candidate according to the regulations prescribed herein, after having prayed and received the advice of the congregation;
Second, the examination of both doctrine and life, which shall be conducted to the satisfaction of the delegates to the classis of which the calling church is a participant, according to the regulations adopted by the federation (see Appendix 3);
Finally, the public ordination before the congregation, which shall take place with appropriate instructions, admonitions, prayers and subscription to the Three Forms of Unity by signing the Form of Subscription, followed with the laying on of hands by the ministers who are present and by the elders of the congregation, with the use of the appropriate liturgical form.
B. Overtures 7, 37-39 — Church Order Article 13. [See pages 89 and 99]
1. Recommendation: That synod reword Article 13 to read as follows:
The duties belonging to the office of elder consist of continuing in prayer and ruling the church of Christ according to the principles taught in Scripture, in order that purity of doctrine and holiness of life may be practiced. They shall see to it that their fellow elders, the minister(s) and the deacons faithfully discharge their offices. They are to maintain the purity of the Word and Sacraments, assist in catechizing the youth, promote God-centered schooling, visit the members of the congregation according to their needs, engage in family visiting, exercise discipline in the congregation, actively promote the work of evangelism and missions, and insure that everything is done decently and in good order.
2. Recommendation: That this change be synod’s answer to Overtures 7, 37-39.
Adopted
C. Overture 31 — Church Order Article 10. [See page 97]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to Overture 31.
Grounds:
1. Grounds given in the overture do not support the desired changes.
2. Article 10 adequately handles the situation of the status of retired ministers.
Adopted
D. Overture 40 — Church Order Article 14. [See page 100]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to Overture 40.
Ground: The work of “promoting with Word and deed the unity and fellowship in the Holy Spirit” in the congregation is implicit in Article 14.
Adopted
[Advisory Committee 2 report continues in Article LV]
Word is received that the mother of the Rev. Stephen Phillips, Ecumenical Observer from the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, went to be with the Lord. The chairman extends the sympathy of synod and Rev. Pontier leads in prayer.
Advisory Committee 2, continued from Article LIII.
A. Overture 41 — Church Order Article 14. [See page 100]
1. Recommendation: That synod accept Overture 41. The first sentence of Article 14 would be changed to read thus: “The duties belonging to the office of deacon consist of continuing in prayer and supervising the works of Christian mercy in the congregation.”
Adopted
2. Article 14 of the Church Order now reads:
The duties belonging to the office of deacon consist of continuing in prayer and supervising the works of Christian mercy in the congregation; acquainting themselves with congregational needs; exhorting members of the congregation to show mercy; gathering and managing the offerings of God’s people in Christ’s name, and distributing these offerings according to need; and encouraging and comforting with the Word of God those who receive the gifts of Christ’s mercy. Needs of those outside the congregation, especially of other believers, should also be considered as resources permit. The deacons shall ordinarily meet every month to transact the business pertaining to their office, and they shall render an account of their work to the Consistory.
B. Overture 46 — Report on “The Office of Deacon in Churches.” [See page 102]
1. Recommendation: That synod recommend to the churches for study the report on “The Office of Deacon in the Churches.”
Adopted
2. Recommendation: That this be synod’s answer to Overture 46.
Adopted
C. Overture 54 — Church Order Article 12. [See page 104]
1. Recommendation: That Article 12 be re-worded: “Elders and deacons shall be elected to a term specified by the consistory, and upon . . .”
Adopted
2. Recommendation: That this be synod’s answer to Overture 54.
Adopted
3. Article 12 of the Church Order now reads:
Elders and deacons shall be elected to a term specified by the Consistory, and upon subscribing to the Three Forms of Unity by signing the Form of Subscription, shall be ordained or installed with the use of the appropriate liturgical form before entering upon their work.
D. Overture 62 — Church Order Articles 3, 6, 9, and 11. [See page 106]
1. Recommendation: That synod not accede to this overture.
Grounds:
a. Re: point #1 of the overture, the word “diaconate” is included in the word “council.”
b. Article 22 already covers the concerns expressed in the overture.
Adopted
2. Recommendation: That regarding point 2 of the overture, it is not our place, nor do we have time to formulate an article for the Church Order.
Adopted
Advisory Committee 8, continued from Article XXXIV.
Recommendation: That Elder Dave Perron replace Rev. J. Julien on the OPC Study Committee. [See Article XXVII, C, 2, b and Article XLIX]
Adopted
A. Overture 17 — Church Order Article 37. [See page 92]
1. Recommendation: That synod not accede to the proposed change in Article 37.
Grounds:
a. Preaching has already received primary position in this article.
b. Article 37 declares that the regulation of these elements of worship belong to the Consistory.
Defeated
2. Motion that synod change the second half to read: “Namely: that the preaching of the Word have the central place, that confession of sins be made, praise and thanksgiving in song and prayer be given, and gifts of gratitude be offered.”
Grounds:
a. In the context in which we live, there is a collapsing of worship and praise.
b. We wish to make clear that preaching and hearing the Word of God is to be central.
Adopted
3. Article 37 of the Church Order now reads:
The Consistory shall regulate the worship services, which shall be conducted according to the principles taught in God's Word: namely, that the preaching of the Word have the central place, that confession of sins be made, praise and thanksgiving in song and prayer be given, and gifts of gratitude be offered.
B. Overture 18 — Church Order Article 41. [See page 92]
1. Recommendation: That synod accede to this addition in Article 41; namely, “with the use of the appropriate liturgical forms.”
Grounds:
a. It ensures a greater consistency in usage in Articles 12, 40, 42, 44, etc.
b. This guards the proper practice of adult baptism.
Adopted
2. Article 41 of the Church Order now reads:
Adults who have not been baptized shall receive holy baptism upon public profession of faith, with the use of the appropriate liturgical forms, and be thus accepted as members. They shall be obliged to persevere in the fellowship of the church, not only in hearing God's Word, but also in partaking of the Lord's Supper.
C. Overture 19a — Church Order Article 42. [See page 93]
Recommendation: That synod not accede to the deletion in Article 42.
Grounds:
1. The sentence is not redundant because it deals with a new context.
2. This scriptural requirement (Hebrews 10:25, I Corinthians 11:17a) needs to be spelled out since we receive people from different church communions who do not always understand this requirement.
Adopted
D. Overture 19b — Church Order Article 42. [See page 93]
1. Recommendation: That synod accede to the addition to Article 42, but with different wording: “interviewed to the satisfaction of the Consistory concerning doctrine and life.”
Ground: The wording of the Church Order Committee is succinct.
Adopted
2. Article 42 of the Church Order now reads:
Baptized members who have been instructed in the faith and who have come to the years of understanding shall be encouraged to make public profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Those who wish to profess their faith shall be interviewed to the satisfaction of the Consistory concerning doctrine and life, and their public profession of faith shall occur in a public worship service after adequate announcement to the congregation and with the use of the appropriate liturgical form. Thereby baptized members are accepted into full communion in the congregation and shall be obliged to persevere in the fellowship of the church, not only in hearing God's Word, but also in partaking of the Lord's Supper.
E. Overture 67 — Church Order Article 42. [See page 108]
1. Recommendation: That synod accede to the following addition: Persons coming from other denominations shall be admitted to communicant membership only after the consistory has examined them concerning doctrine and life. The consistory shall determine in each case whether public profession of faith shall be required. Their names shall be announced to the congregation for approval.
Ground: It is the task of elders to examine the life and conduct of those who seek membership from other denominations.
Adopted
2. Recommendation: That this be included as a separate article immediately following Article 42.
Ground: Adding it as an additional article makes Article 42 less cumbersome.
a. Motion made to amend this article by deleting the last two words: “for approval.”
Adopted
b. Motion made to amend this article by adding: “two weeks prior to reception in ord