More FOS Overtures

It looks like the discussion over the proposed revision of the Form of Subscription is going on all over the CRC. This is wonderful and a vast majority of the overtures and communcations coming out of the churches and classes demonstrate a strong desire to maintain confession unity in the CRC. Keep in prayer for the delegates of Synod this summer as they deliberate over this (as well as many other matters).

All of the overtures that we have posted previously have been compiled, along with some others, in the Agenda for Synod 2008. Go to page 235 for the study committee report and 288 for the first of the overtures.

Additional overtures and communications have been submitted after the printing of the agenda. They can be seen by clicking here. The overtures begin on page 69.

Other updates and additions will probably be posted. Those can be found by periodically checking here. Also, for some of the other response letters sent by church councils, scroll through previous posts on this blog.

Report on April 17 Meeting

We had a good meeting in Byron Center, MI, on April 17. Dr. Robert Swierenga set the tone for the evening by giving an historical sketch of the use of the Form of Subscription, primarily in the Dutch Reformed Churches, to which the CRC has historical ties. Over the years, different denominations have watered down their FOS resulting in similar results across the board: a move away from Scriptural truth. In fact, there is not one example of a denomination disconnecting from its confessional foundation that is flourishing today. Just the opposite is true. His conclusion was that a FOS does not guarantee orthodoxy, however without a FOS orthodoxy is impossible. Why should we be so arrogant to think that we can repeat the same behavior as many others have done and expect different results -isn't there a word for that...?

The whole discussion of the FOS was framed by the issue of truth; what place does truth have in our congregations - especially in light of the post-modern society in which we live. The panel included Dr. Swierenga and Revs. CJ denDulk (Trinity CRC, Sparta, MI) and Tom Groelsema (1st CRC, Byron Center, MI). They fielded a variety of questions from the audience of about 70 or so on the topic at hand. Although many things were discussed, it came down to the vital need we have for the truth of God's Word. The confessions offer to us a unity around Scripture that allows us to go about the work of Christ in His kingdom. There was a common concern that this unity would disipate if the proposed Doctrinal Covenant was adopted by Synod this summer.


It was also encouraging to have Rev. Duane Kelderman from Calvin Seminary present, as well as a number of seminarians. Rev. Kelderman was not an official representative of CTS, but he did offer words of encouragement and solidarity. He noted that the seminary is very concerned about watering down our confessional foundation (which can be seen in the most recent edition of the CTS Forum).

Returning Church Meeting in April

The Returning Church will be holding a meeting in Michigan on Thursday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m. We will again be hosted by 1st CRC in Byron Center.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss "The Vibrancy of Confessionalism" and the place of biblical truth in our local congregations. Dr. Robert Swierenga (Research History Professor at the VanRaalte Institute and CRC member) will be giving a brief background on the role of the Form of Subscription in the Reformed churches to set a starting point for maintaining biblical truth in a denomination. His speech will be followed by an open forum/panel discussion on the broader topic of the place of biblical truth in our local congregations and the role of our confessions. In light of rampant post-modernism - even an all-out assault on truth - in our society and even in our churches, this topic could not be more timely.

There is no need to preregister but PLEASE HELP US GET THE WORD OUT. You can cut and paste this posting and email it to your friends and fellow church members. You can also print off and copy a half-page bulletin insert/flier (MS Word) to be passed around by clicking here.

P.S. This conference is held on the eve of the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology (see posting under "Conferences 2008!" below). So if you are from outside West Michigan, make it a weekend. You can find more information on the PCRT by going to www.alliancenet.org.

Overtures/Communications Related to the Form of Subscription/Covenant of Ordination

There have been several overtures and communications working through church councils and classes in the past several months. Here are a few of them. If you know of others, please comment and we'll post them here.

Classis Alberta North - overture requesting Synod to reject the proposed Covenant of Ordination (Scroll down through classis agenda)
NEW: Classis Columbia - overture rejecting the proposed Covenant of Ordination.
Classis Holland - overture re-emphasizing confessional unity in the denomination
Classis Minnkota - overture requesting Synod to reject the proposed Covenant of Ordination
Classis Zeeland - overture re-emphasizing the Form of Subscription (see Agenda below)

NEW: Also, there are also overtures and communications listed in the 2008 Agenda for Synod from Classes Northcentral Iowa, Iakota and Lake Superior and Erie. Click here for a PDF version of the agenda.

Conferences 2008!

Attending a conference is a great way to get good, solid biblical teaching and also broaden your perspective of Christ's church. There are several good conferences this spring - and most of them aren't just for pastors! If you have any others to add to the list, please post a comment. Here are some links:

• February 4-6 Desiring God (John Piper) National Pastors' Conference, Minneapolis, MN: "The Pastor as Father and Son"
• February 29-3/2 PCRT (Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology), Sacramento, CA: "Precious Blood: Christ's Atoning Work"
• March 13-15 Ligonier National Conference, Orlando, FL: "Evangelism According to Jesus"
• April 4-6 PCRT, Atlanta, GA: "Precious Blood: Christ's Atoning Work"
• April 15-17 T4G (Together for the Gospel), Louisville, KY
• April 18-20 PCRT, Grand Rapids, MI: "Precious Blood: Christ's Atoning Work" There will again be a Returning Church event the evening before the PCRT begins. Watch the blog for more details.
• April 25-27 PCRT, Philadelphia, PA: "Precious Blood: Christ's Atoning Work"
• May 27-29 Banner of Truth Ministers' Conference, Grantham, PA

Returning Church on Facebook

Facebook? If you're older than 25 that's probably your first reaction. Facebook.com is an increasingly popular social networking site used primarily by our young people (but there are a few seniors poking around too!). A Returning Church facebook group was created and has become an active forum for discussing the issues facing the CRC and the broader evangelical, Christian church - especially among our seminarians. There is a link posted on the right-hand column of this blog. Feel free to check out the Discussion Board there and even join the group yourself.

Responses to FOS Revision Committee

Several church councils and individuals have indicated that they are formulating responses to the Form of Subscription revisions, a.k.a. Covenant of Ordination. Below are a few of them. These do not necessarily represent a completely unified vision but do carry a similar tone and theme. If you have one you'd like to post, please forward a copy to returningchurch@yahoo.com.

1st CRC, Muskegon, MI - Letter from Council
Dr. Randy Blacketer, Neederlandia, AB
Central Avenue CRC, Holland, MI - Letter from Council
1st Byron Center CRC, Byron Center, MI - Letter from Council
Transcona CRC, Winnipeg, MB - Letter from Council

Rev. Stan Scripps of Graafschap CRC, Holland, MI, highlighted some concerns with the FOS Revision Report. You can see them here.

For an OVERTURE regarding the Form of Subscription click here.

There are also some comments on CRConnect

REPORT on Recent Meetings

On September 13 there was a meeting of the Returning Church in Oskaloosa , Iowa , organized by Rev. Marv Leese (Bethel CRC, Oskaloosa) and Rev. Jack Gray (Sully CRC, IA). There were about 85 in attendance, which is a good starting point and a show of God's blessing.

Rev. Leese opened the meeting with a mediation on John 17:20-23 and Jesus' prayer for unity in the church, followed by Rev. CJ denDulk (Trinity CRC, Sparta , MI) speaking on II Kings 22 and Josiah's reforms based on the discovery of God's Word. Unity and God's Word certainly were central themes for the evening.

There was also a Q&A time where various issues and topics were raised, including biblical complementarianism, nurturing our covenant youth, the "Form of Subscription" revisions (see below) and other challenges to ministry. It was noted that the CRC has always sought to be biblical, and that must be encouraged and insisted upon going forward.

The question was asked, "What are you 'returning' to?" That is a great questeion and one that needs to be brought up often. The reply went something like this - we are prone to wander - as individuals, as congregations and as denomination. And recognizing that fact we must return to God every day, seeking Him at His Word. This Returning Church movement is not issue-centered, as some have claimed, but focused on returning us back to God and living for His glory each and every day.

This meeting in Iowa was almost one year to the date of the first Returning Church meeting in Byron Center, MI. God has seen fit to draw many people into the discussion around both the U.S. and Canada . May God answer our prayers and bring genuine revival and reform to the CRC.

The following day, Rev. Henry Reyenga (Family of Faith CRC, Monee , IL ) and Rev. Ben Tol (1st CRC, South Holland , IL ) invited several pastors to meet at 1st CRC in South Holland , IL , to further the discussion about particular issues and to introduce others to the ideas behind this movement. Many expressed a growing need for theological classes – where churches can show their unity in working together without binding their consciences. Again, biblical complementarianism and the "Form of Subscription" were discussed.

We encourage the gathering of pastors and elders in your area and when you do, to stay in contact with us. We will advertise on this blog and also via email, if you'd like. In the meantime, keep our denomination a matter of your prayers. We certainly all need it as we tread these waters and seek to faithfully minister to the congregations and community in which God has placed us.

Covenant of Ordination (f.k.a. Form of Subscription)

The proposed revisions by the synod-appointed committee to the "Form of Subscription" - proposed to be called the "Covenant of Ordination" - has already raised significant discussion (see comments under "Nederhood's Banner Article" post below and the CRC-Voices discussion group). Does the "Covenant" essential end the CRCNA's position as a confessional church or are people over-reacting? Since all office-bearers will sign it going forward and it will guide who leads our church into the future, it is a vital topic to discuss.

Click here for a copy of the report and proposed revision.

Click here for a copy of the current "FOS".

Dr. Raymond Blacketer wrote a response letter which you can find on the CRConnect blog by clicking here.

Nederhood's Banner Article

Most of you have probably read Dr. Joel Nederhood's article "Our Dangerous Journey" in the September issue of The Banner (If not, click here for a link). What are your thoughts? If you have been part of this Returning Church discussion you're probably sensing some level of danger for the current journey of the CRC. Is it possible for the CRC to "move beyond" the women-in-office issue as we stand today? Or has it unfortunately come to define who we are as a church - pro or con?

PK's Reflections on the CRC and "Righting the Ship"

George Pierson is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois and an elder in the Palos Heights CRC. As a PK (preacher's kid), he offers some interesting and provocative reflections on church life and what it takes to "right the ship." Click here to read his thoughts and please leave your comments by clicking below.

Returning Church Meeting in Iowa

On September 13, a group of pastors in Iowa are planning a "Returning Church" meeting. It will be held at Bethel CRC in Oskaloosa and will begin at 7:00 p.m. Revs. Marvin Leese (Bethel CRC, Oskaloosa, IA) and Jack Gray (Sully, IA, CRC) are planning the meeting. In addition, Rev. CJ denDulk (Trinity CRC, Sparta, MI) will be speaking and giving background to this movement. It is hoped that this will be another forum to proactively discuss how the CRC can be a biblical, Reformed and confessional church while at the same time being mission-focused to reach our communities with the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please check back here for more details as they develop. If you have any questions or comments, please email returningchurch@yahoo.com.

Rome's View of the Church

The Vatican issued a statement saying that all non-Roman Catholic Christian churches are not "true churches." This certainly has implications on the discussions we as a Christian Reformed Church have been having with Roman Catholic bishops and theologians in the last several years and Synod 2006's decision regarding Q&A 80 of the Heidelberg Catechism. In a letter to the Vatican, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC - of which the CRC is a part) says, "It makes us question the seriousness with which the Roman Catholic Church takes its dialogues with the Reformed family and other families of the church." To read the CNN article, click here. For the Fox News article, click here.

Vacation Bible School

No doubt many of our churches will be engaging in Vacation Bible School this summer. This is both an important evangelistic tool to reach the children and families of our communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and an opportunity for our covenant children to grow in their faith. With the plethora of VBS curriculums available, what have you found that faithfully represents the Gospel and teaches the Word without getting lost in the hype? Maybe you've found a more effective way to reach children in your community. Your comments would be appreciated here.

Synod 2007

Synod met from June 9-15 this year at Calvin Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They dealt with many issues this year that you can catch up on by clicking here to go to the Synod's homepage. A summary is posted there. We've prayed the God would lead and guide the delegates by His Word and Spirit. It is disheartening when so many things are advanced merely on personal experience and emotion. Continue to pray that God brings sweeping renewal to the CRC and a revitalized heart for His Word as the rule for both faith and life.

"R" Words

Renewal. Reformation. Return. Revitalization. Rejuvenation. Restoration. Restructuring. There are plenty of "R" words to go around. It seems there is a growing tide within many denominations of those concerned with theological, and subsequently spiritual, drift. For your information and our discussion, we are posting links to various efforts in other denominations to call for faithfulness to God's Word and also to maintain integrity to their respective confessions:

RCA Integrity (Reformed Church in America)
Confessing Church Movement (Presbyterian Church USA)
New Wineskins (PCUSA)
American Anglican Council (Episcopal Church USA)
Evangelical Lutheran Confessing Fellowship (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)
Biblical Witness Fellowship (United Church of Christ)

A Broader, Non-Denominational Effort:
Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals

*Note: We do not necessarily endorse any of these groups, but notice some similarities to the CRCNA. Pray that God's Spirit blows the wind of biblical renewal in His Church universally.

If you would like to be added to the email list, please send a message to returningchurch@yahoo.com. Please include your name, church and town/city. Don't worry, you won't be barraged with emails. We send out messages maybe once a month with updates on up-coming various events related to this discussion or other items that may be beneficial for the edification of the church.

Report on April 19 Meeting

On April 19, several members of CRCs in Michigan, the Midwest and Canada met to further the conversation about bringing biblical, confessional, Christ-centered renewal to our congregations and the CRC as a whole. There was an informal agenda that covered two basic areas: position papers and the “Year of Faith Formation.” Also, time was given for more general questions and comments.

First, Rev. CJ denDulk presented a copy of Trinity CRC’s (Sparta, MI) recently adopted “Position Paper” and then Rev. Tom Groelsema presented a draft of the “Elder Covenant” 1st CRC (Byron Center, MI) is considering (Trinity’s document can be found by clicking on this link: “Trinity’s Position Paper.” We hope to add 1st Byron’s “Elder Covenant” soon). Other churches at the meeting indicated that they’ve adopted similar statements and they have served to provide unity for the congregation. It is hoped that documents such as these can lead the congregation into biblical discussion and definition of issues facing our churches and denomination.

Since the CRCNA has declared the 2007/2008 church year to be a “Year of Faith Formation” in conjunction with the denominations 150th anniversary, several discussed how faith was being “formed” in their congregations as an encouragement to others. The importance of catechetical instruction was discussed. Rev. Chad Steenwyk of Central Ave CRC (Holland, MI) presented an after-school catechism program they are looking to implement next year for elementary-aged children. They will be using Great Commission Publications “Kid’s Quest Catechism Club.” While based on the First Catechism, they plan to integrate the Heidelberg Catechism/Compendium into the program. This will also be a program that will actively be opened to the whole community. Rev. denDulk spoke about the existing program at Trinity which includes grades 3-12 every other Wednesday. They catechize 65 kids and have great enthusiasm and support by the elders and congregation. They use various materials, with much of it coming from Inheritance Publications in Sioux Center, IA, as well as some from Faith Alive. For greater detail on their program, click here. Rev. Tyler Wagenmaker presented an “all-ages” catechism program that is being developed in-house at Beaverdam CRC (Hudsonville, MI) with the help of a seminary intern. The hope is to bring the whole community in to the development of faith through learning together. Contact Beaverdam CRC directly for more information.

Rev. Henry Reyenga also spoke about Home Discipleship Ministry which focuses on families and equipping them to be places of faith nurture through the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Scripture reading/memorization and worship. Rev. Reyenga is the pastor of Family of Faith Church in Monee, Illinois. If you’d like to know more about his ministry, go to www.homediscipleship.org.

During the open time of questions and comments, many who were in attendance expressed that they have been greatly encouraged by these meetings and the ability to connect with other members around the CRC. There was a desire to hold additional meetings like this one in places like Chicagoland and the Midwest. It is our prayer that pastors and office-bearers from those areas will step forward and beginning planning such events. We would be more than willing to help out in any way. If you are thinking along those lines, please contact one of us.

We would love for you to interact about things at this meeting or other items you’d like to discuss. Please leave a comment or two.

Growing Interest in Synod 2007

It appears that Synod 2007 is generating a lot of interest around the CRC (and certainly in the West Michigan media). Not only will it be marked with the celebration of the CRCNA's 150th annivesary, several hot-button issues will be discussed, including paedo-communion, women's ordination, the Belhar Confession and so on. From reports of classes, overtures and communications are lining up on all sides of the issues. Please be in prayer for our denomination and pray that God's Word would prevail in all areas. Also pray that the protests and demonstrations that are sure to come will not develop into a power struggle, but that those who are involved will submit humbly to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

To keep folks informed, two groups have formed to promote the deletion of the word "male" from Church Order Article 3 and the seating for women as delegates to synod. You can learn more about these groups by going to www.synodcloudofwitnesses.org and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hearts-aflame/. If you know of other developments on this or other issues for Synod 2007, please post them here to help us all stay up to date on what's happening. Also, any comments on the above are welcome as well.

Upcoming Meeting

Elders and pastors are invited to a meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2007, at First Christian Reformed Church in Byron Center, MI. We hope to continue the conversation about bringing God-centered, biblical renewal to the Christian Reformed Church. There will be discussion of position papers, the “Year of Faith Formation” and also where we go from here. We need your help to broaden the conversation so please prayerfully consider attending. Please R.S.V.P. to returningchurch@yahoo.com or call 616-396-6230.

This meeting is being held just prior to the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology (PCRT) to be held at First Byron from April 20-22 (see next posting on this blog). We strongly encourage you to take in the conference as well.

Further, you would help us greatly by publicizing the event with those you know who might be interested in such a meeting.