On November 9, the six pastors who helped organize the Dr. Nederhood meeting this past September met together with a representation of their respective elder bodies. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss some of the thoughts coming out of the September meeting and seek direction for the future.
Many ideas were discussed, including curriculum, theological classes, ways to work together and be "salt" in the CRC, connecting with biblical, Reformed resources outside our circles and communicating throughout the CRC. Through all of this discussion, it became clear that there needed to some identification of who we are and what is trying to be accomplished.
It was decided that this identification process needed to happen first. Trinity CRC in Sparta had been working on a position paper, which it has since adopted. They will probably be asking other churches for input and offer it as a template for adoption by other councils. It possibly will be made available for broader review and consideration as well. When a meeting occurs to discuss this we will communicate further.
Several CRC pastors from around the country are going to the Bethlehem Pastors’ Conference in Minneapolis this coming February. Hopefully we will be able to have some face-to-face discussions then. Also, there has been some talk of a conference or meeting prior to or following the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology to be held in Grand Rapids, MI, on April 20-22, 2007 (the PCRT is also held in Sacramento; Jackson, MS, and Philadelphia on other dates).
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Conferences!
A way to promote renewal in the churches is to get our pastors and members under the teaching of solid, biblical teachers. Are there any good, Reformed conferences you have been to in the past that you could recommend to others? What was good about it? Who were some of the speakers and what were the topics?
Issues in Classis
Many pastors, elders and churches have expressed their consternation with how to deal with the issue of women-in-office at the classis level. Until now, there has been a sort of "theological classis" format with some leaving "male" in the church order and some declaring it "inoperative." How has your congregation dealt with the issue or how are you planning to deal with it in the future as it looks like Synod will delete the word "male" out of the church order altogether?
Friday, October 27, 2006
Faith Nurture within the Family
Our family has profited in times past from memorizing the Westminster Shorter Catechism for children. I believe it's put out by Great Commission Publications. It's a nice resource for families to use to catechize within the home.Is there anything like it from the Heidelberg? I'm not aware of anything that puts the Heidelberg in quite such simple form.
Rev. Tom Groelsema, 1st Byron CRC
If you have any resources for nurturing children in the faith at home, please share them here.
Rev. Tom Groelsema, 1st Byron CRC
If you have any resources for nurturing children in the faith at home, please share them here.
Friday, October 06, 2006
What's Next
What are (or should be) CRCs and other churches in your area doing to foster God-glorifying, Christ-exalting, Spirit-led, Word-centered, Mission-focused renewal?
Monday, September 25, 2006
The Returning Church
Below is the document that was handed out before the September 11, 2006, meeting in Byron Center.
THE RETURNING CHURCH
As many other denominations, the Christian Reformed denomination has gone through difficult times the last decades. Many individuals, families and pastors who were long part of the denomination have left for other churches and some have formed another denomination.
Those who remain within the denomination are saddened by polarization, by a sense of unease and by the threat of further membership losses. On a deeper level, there are many who feel that the denomination no longer benefits from careful attention to the Scriptures and an enthusiastic recognition of the value of its confessional treasure. Discussion of serious ecclesiastical issues often occurs with little reference to the Bible and the confessions.
This evening’s meeting is the beginning of an exploration of ways that the Lord may be pleased to use to bring renewal to our denomination. We have considered and have rejected the option of leaving this denomination for three reasons: (1) We believe the denomination has many members and churches that are dedicated to God’s Word and who value the confessions. (2) We believe that other denominations have problems as well. And (3) we feel that God is calling us to exercise our faith and use our spiritual energy to bring about renewal in the Christian Reformed Church.
We are dedicated to revitalizing local Christian Reformed churches so that the power of Scripture will be the primary influence within them. We are dedicated to the catechetical instruction of our children that reflects the continuing importance of the Reformation tradition. And we are dedicated to evangelism and missions built on biblical principles.
We view what has occurred in the denomination thus far as events God is using to teach all of us, regardless of our convictions with regard to various issues. Many of the differences among us are the result of men and women of faith who are, with the best of intentions, seeking to respond to our complex and dynamic age. We respect all members of this denomination and expect to be respected as well.
Those of us who meet this evening share the conviction that the Christian Reformed denomination is now compromised by a failure to live in obedience to the biblical message. We believe that our churches and our denomination must return to the Scriptures. Failure to do so will further estrange us from our holy Master and from his Holy Spirit.
We pray for the presence of Christ’s Spirit as we seek God’s leading. On this evening, there is no program, no agenda, no specific plan presented for approval. But we believe that as we respond to the conviction that something must be done to bring renewal to the Christian Reformed denomination, God will show us the way to greater faithfulness, to greater service, and to greater participation in the great work God is doing in the world at this hour. We wait his leading.
September 11 Planning Committee
THE RETURNING CHURCH
As many other denominations, the Christian Reformed denomination has gone through difficult times the last decades. Many individuals, families and pastors who were long part of the denomination have left for other churches and some have formed another denomination.
Those who remain within the denomination are saddened by polarization, by a sense of unease and by the threat of further membership losses. On a deeper level, there are many who feel that the denomination no longer benefits from careful attention to the Scriptures and an enthusiastic recognition of the value of its confessional treasure. Discussion of serious ecclesiastical issues often occurs with little reference to the Bible and the confessions.
This evening’s meeting is the beginning of an exploration of ways that the Lord may be pleased to use to bring renewal to our denomination. We have considered and have rejected the option of leaving this denomination for three reasons: (1) We believe the denomination has many members and churches that are dedicated to God’s Word and who value the confessions. (2) We believe that other denominations have problems as well. And (3) we feel that God is calling us to exercise our faith and use our spiritual energy to bring about renewal in the Christian Reformed Church.
We are dedicated to revitalizing local Christian Reformed churches so that the power of Scripture will be the primary influence within them. We are dedicated to the catechetical instruction of our children that reflects the continuing importance of the Reformation tradition. And we are dedicated to evangelism and missions built on biblical principles.
We view what has occurred in the denomination thus far as events God is using to teach all of us, regardless of our convictions with regard to various issues. Many of the differences among us are the result of men and women of faith who are, with the best of intentions, seeking to respond to our complex and dynamic age. We respect all members of this denomination and expect to be respected as well.
Those of us who meet this evening share the conviction that the Christian Reformed denomination is now compromised by a failure to live in obedience to the biblical message. We believe that our churches and our denomination must return to the Scriptures. Failure to do so will further estrange us from our holy Master and from his Holy Spirit.
We pray for the presence of Christ’s Spirit as we seek God’s leading. On this evening, there is no program, no agenda, no specific plan presented for approval. But we believe that as we respond to the conviction that something must be done to bring renewal to the Christian Reformed denomination, God will show us the way to greater faithfulness, to greater service, and to greater participation in the great work God is doing in the world at this hour. We wait his leading.
September 11 Planning Committee
Origins
During CRCNA Synod 2006 several pastors, elders and other members met to discuss where the denomination was headed and what could be done. From those meeting six pastors in West Michigan began meeting to discuss how to handle this in their own congregations and ministries. The model of just being against something didn't accurately articulate the response to some trends in the church. Rather, it was more that we were for the upholding of God and His Word.
As a result, Dr. Joel Nederhood was asked to speak and on September 11, 2006 a meeting was held at 1st CRC in Byron Center. Several hundred CRC pastors, elders, deacons and members were in attendance. Rev. Jerry Dykstra, Executive Director of the CRCNA, spoke briefly and was offered our support and prayers. Dr. Joel Nederhood preached on Jeremiah 6:16, challenging us to resist the powerful idolatry of this world and return, not to the traditions of 30-40 years ago, but the “ancient paths” of God’s Word. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, prayer and God’s Word, may the Christian Reformed Church always be a “returning church” and may God bless her for the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
As a result, Dr. Joel Nederhood was asked to speak and on September 11, 2006 a meeting was held at 1st CRC in Byron Center. Several hundred CRC pastors, elders, deacons and members were in attendance. Rev. Jerry Dykstra, Executive Director of the CRCNA, spoke briefly and was offered our support and prayers. Dr. Joel Nederhood preached on Jeremiah 6:16, challenging us to resist the powerful idolatry of this world and return, not to the traditions of 30-40 years ago, but the “ancient paths” of God’s Word. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, prayer and God’s Word, may the Christian Reformed Church always be a “returning church” and may God bless her for the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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