classis illiana of the christian reformed church classis minutes/cla… · web viewclassis...

CLASSIS ILLIANA of the CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH

146th Session Convening at Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL. Wednesday, September 17, 2014 8:30 am

Schedule: Morning – 8:30am – 9:50 am ; Afternoon -- 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm Officers: President: Tim Koster; Vice-President: Kris Vos

Stated Clerk: Laryn Zoerhof; Alternate Stated Clerk: Cal Aardsma

First time delegates are asked to sign their agreement to the covenant for office-bearers when they arrive for this meeting of classis.

1. The President of the day, Tim Koster, welcomes the delegates to Classis. He reads from Ephesians 3:7-13 and comments on the awesome task we have of taking the gift of the gospel and making it known to our communities and our world through the ministry of the church. He leads us in an opening prayer for God’s blessing.

2. The credentials are presented and the roll call of the churches indicates that the following have been delegated to attend this session of classis by their respective councils.

CHURCH MINISTERS ELDERSCedar Lake, IN Pathway delegates not presentCrown Point, IN - First Joel Sheeres Jim Hollendoner DeMotte, In - Bethel Rick Vanderwal Jerry Recker

DeMotte, IN - First Laryn Zoerhof Tom PostGary, IN - Beacon Light John Hoffmaster Jim Groen Hammond, IN John Kostelyk Kenneth Leep Highland, IN - Faith Rick Brouwer (elder) Larry Bolt

Highland, IN – New Life Bill Sytsma Sam Van Til Indianapolis, Hope Community delegates not present

Lafayette, IN Mark Bonnes Stan Poelstra Lafayette, IN - Sunrise Randy Bergsma Tony Vyn

Lansing, IL - Bethel Calvin Aardsma Jack ElzingaLansing, IL - New Hope Daniel Roels Bruce Hoekema Monee, IL - Family of Faith David Feddes Marc Zumhagen Munster, IN - First Jeff Bulthuis Rodger MaatmanNashville, TN - Faith Jerry Hoek George Garden Roselawn, IN - Community Joel Zuidema Butch Zandstra Sauk Village, IL - Emmanuel Tim Koster Gary Dykstra Schererville, IN - Crossroads Com. Kris Vos Ken Schoon South Holland, IL - Cottage Grove Richard Zekveld Herbert Potts South Holland, IL - First Ben Tol Dan Hanenburg South Holland, IL - Peace Larry Van Drunen (elder) Nick Zandstra

Classis Illiana September 17, 2014

3. First time delegates are requested to sign the covenant for office bearers if they have not done so before the meeting.

4. The president declares classis constituted, and welcomes first-time delegates and visitors to classis.

5. Appointments by PresidentA. Devotions: Opening of Afternoon Session -- John HoffmasterB. Credentials – Article 41 Committee – Delegates from Cottage Grove, South Holland C. Balloting Committee -- New Life Highland

6. Joel Zuidema, President of March 4, 2014 meeting, reports that the transcribed minutes of the March 4, 2014 meeting of Classis Illiana are accurate. A motion to approve the transcribed minutes is ADOPTED.

7. Overture from Emmanuel CRC, Sauk Village

The council of Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church overtures classis to authorize the Classical Interim Committee (CIC) to create a realistic budget for Classis and realistic expectations for denominational ministry shares that can be communicated to the denominational agencies to better equip them to steward their funds and ministry. This budget should be constructed after frank discussion with the local deaconates about how much they are willing to commit to contributing to the ministries we share and what they hope to contribute. It can also be constructed with an eye to those items which are essential as a cost of doing business and the varying levels of priority. The conversation can also include discussion of alternate funding models going forward (i.e. A congregational “tithe” on their collections towards shared ministries, a classical/denominational faith-promise model). The goal is to have a sustainable model for joint ministry going forward.

Grounds:1. The ministry share system is broken with worthwhile causes being endorsed but not

funded with programs and people being impacted by poor planning. A realistic small contribution is more helpful than a large promise that remains undelivered.

2. We have chronically been unable to have frank discussions about what we are capable of contributing and we need to.

3. Unless we come up with a sustainable model of funding classically and denominationally before the ministry share system completely collapses, our joint ministries and the people working for them are likely to suffer intensely.

The above overture is ADOPTED.

8. Reports of Classis Functionaries and Standing Committees A. Nomination Committee 1) Regional Boards


Calvin College --- both clergy and non-clergy nominations will be considered. Glen Porter and Jonathan Persenaire are interested in serving on the Calvin Board representing Region 9. A motion that we submit their names to Calvin College for consideration is ADOPTED. 2) Classical Positions that need to be filled Alternate Classical Treasurer: Mike Hoeksema is reelected for a three year term.. Classical Home Missions Kyle Sanford and Gary De Vries are elected to 3 year terms. Roseland Christian Ministries Jim Van Zyl and Tom Stallinga are elected to 3 year terms.

B. Stated Clerk – Laryn Zoerhof Since the last meeting of Classis Illiana, I have…

1. Prepared and sent minutes of the March 4, 2014 meeting of Classis Illiana to the churches and others on the mailing list.

2. Sent the names and addresses of the delegates to Synod to the Executive Director’s office.

3. Forwarded the minutes of the May Board of Trustees meeting to the churches of classis.

4. Sent a notice to the churches announcing this meeting of classis and the deadline for agenda items to be submitted.

5. Prepared the agenda for this meeting of Classis Illiana.6. 2014 Ministers’ Compensation Survey and Ministry Shares, Minister’s Pension and

Other Resources for 2015 can be found on the CRCNA website.7. Received the Summer and Fall Reports from the Ministry Agencies of the CRC and

forwarded them to the churches of Classis Illiana.8. Handled correspondence on behalf of classis.

A motion to approve the work of the stated clerk is ADOPTED. C. Classical Interim Committee – Laryn Zoerhof

1. Church Visiting: Two years ago we began a new model for church visiting in which almost all of the churches in our classis were visited by church visitors from a neighboring church. We want to thank our church visiting teams for taking the time to encourage the leaders of a neighboring church as they seek to faithfully carry out their ministry for Christ. Last year we asked our church visiting teams to contact the church you visited last year and schedule a brief checkup visit between September and December. Many of those visits have not yet been made. We encourage all church visiting teams to contact their assigned church this call. If your church is currently without a pastor, two elders are encouraged to make this visit to a neighboring church. The visit does not need to be long -- 30 minutes can be adequate to communicate your interest and concern for the healthy functioning of the church to which you have been assigned. We believe that shorter and more frequent visits are a more effective way to build the relationship between church visitors and their assigned church than lengthy sporadic visits. Here are a few model questions that you might want to consider for a checkup visit with your church:1. What blessing have you experienced as a church during the past year?


2. What have been some of the most challenging/frustrating aspects of your work during the past year?3. Are there any creative or new ministries that you have initiated this past year? 4. What are some of the issues that we as church visitors can pray about with regard to your church?5. What has your congregation been able to do to advance the Racial Reconciliation initiates encouraged by Classis Illiana? 6. Do you have any ministry ideas that you would be willing to share with the churches of classis?Remind the church council that you are always available to consult with as the need arises, and offer a prayer for God’s blessing on the church and its varied ministries. Send ministry ideas to the stated clerk by the January agenda deadline for classis so that ministry ideas can be shared with the other churches of classis at our March meeting.A list of churches and assigned visitors follows:CHURCH VISITORSCrown Point RoselawnDeMotte, Bethel Crown PointDeMotte, First Bethel, DeMotteRoselawn First, DeMotte Highland, Faith MunsterHighland, New Life Bethel, Lansing Lansing, Bethel Highland, FaithMunster Highland, New LifeSouth Holland,Cottage Grove Lansing, New HopeSouth Holland, First South Holland, Cottage GroveSouth Holland, Peace Sauk VillageSauk Village, Emmanuel Beacon Light, GarySchererville, Crossroads Family of Faith, MoneeHammond Peace, South HollandLansing, New Hope HammondGary, Beacon Light Pathway, St. JohnMonee, Family of Faith First South HollandSt. John, Pathway Crossroads, ScherervilleNashville, Faith IndianapolisIndianapolis, Hope NashvilleLafayette, First Sunrise, LafayetteLafayette, Sunrise First, Lafayette

2. At our March 4 meeting, a motion that the eligibility of Jesse Powell for a call be extended for another year was adopted. This motion needs the concurrence of the synodical deputies. We will ask the deputies present at our fall classis meeting to concur with this decision.3. Swartz, Retson & Co. Certified Public Accountants reviewed the financial records of Classis Illiana for the years 2012 and 2013. They write: “Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying financial statements in order for them to be in conformity with accounting standards


generally accepted in the United States of America.” 4. Arrangements were made for the examination of Candidate Kyle Sanford and James Hollendoner.

5. A letter was received from David Feddes informing us that the Family of Faith Church in Marquette Heights, IL. has decided to disband and the members are seeking out other churches in the area.

6. Rev. Dan Bloesch is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and he and his family are joining Bethel CRC of Lansing. He is in agreement with the doctrinal standards of the CRC, and is planning to attend the fall meeting of Classis Illiana so that he can be introduced to the delegates in attendance. He would welcome the opportunity to serve the churches in our classis by way of pulpit supply and may also available for temporary service to our churches. His address is 30 Geneva Court, Crete, IL. 60417. Telephone: (765)762-6382 Email: [email protected]. Don Jabaay is a Commissioned Pastor originally from Munster CRC. He has served churches in Montana, Iowa, and Michigan. He recently retired and is living in Winfield, IN. He would like to be on the pulpit supply list for Classis Illiana and perhaps available for temporary service in a congregation. Contact information: (219) 226-4755 [email protected] Classis Yellowstone, at its March 6-7 meeting, approved the following motion: “That Classis Yellowstone recognizes the retirement of Commissioned Pastor Don Jabaay, effective April 30, 2014; in thanks for his effective service, Classis confers on him the status of “Commissioned Pastor emeritus” upon his effective retirement date. By this status we allow him to serve congregations in our Classis with a ministry of pulpit supply and leading of sacraments, parallel to the ministry of Ministers of the Word emeritus. By this Declaration we also recommend Donald to churches and Classes in the rest of the CRCNA where Donald may live in retirement, encouraging them to offer Don these privileges and responsibilities, under the supervision of whichever local CRCNA holds his membership papers.”

Ground: 1) Mr. Jabaay has reached retirement age and announced intent to the Stated Clerk. 2) Mr. Jabaay has requested of Bethel CRC to accept his retirement and their council has acceded to the request. 3) Since the CRCNA does not specifically provide for “Commission Pastor emeritus” at this time -- Rev. David R. Koll, Director of Candidacy, suggested Classis make this motion to encourage the Classis where Mr. Jabaay moves to confer the status to him also. A motion that Classis Illiana confer on Don Jabaay the status of “Commissioned Pastor emeritus” with gratitude for his years of faithful service in the Christian Reformed Church is ADOPTED. 8. Herm Schutt attended the Safe Church Conference in Grand Rapids, MI April 25-26. 9. Marc Zumhagen has been appointed to a new chaplaincy position at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The job description will be included in the agenda for the approval of classis and the concurrence of the synodical deputies. 10. James Martin is a commissioned pastor serving as Dean of Students for Christian Leaders Institute. He is available for pulpit supply in the churches of Classis Illiana. Telephone: (708) 941-7900 Email [email protected] 11. A letter was received from Ron Meyer about an informal survey he is conducting


mailto:[email protected]

with regard to classical reimbursement for Elder delegates to Synod. 12. A letter from Michael Vander Berg was read informing us of reasons why they would not be present for today’s classis meeting. A motion to approve the work of the Classical interim Committee is ADOPTED.

We break away from our classis agenda to attend a chapel service with Dr. Chap Clark and Trinity students. This is followed by a presentation by Dr. Chap Clark on Sticky Faith, lunch in the Grand Lobby, and a presentation by the Back to God Hour celebrating 75 years of media ministry.

John Hoffmaster opens the afternoon session with a reading of Psalm 23 and prayer.

Lois Ooms speaks on behalf of World Missions. Eight new missionaries have recently been sent out to serve with World Missions. She reports on a recent trip to various countries in the far east and the mission efforts taking place there.

D. Classical Home Missions Committee – Harley Ver Beek CHMC: Kris Vos, Cal Aardsma, Barbara Leep, Jamie Bogaard, Peter Kelder, Joel Zuidema, Jeff Bulthuis, Harley VerBeek, and Marj Kooy.

Harley expresses thanks for the role that Kris has played in classical home missions. Kris has accepted a call to serve Lake Worth CRC in Florida.

Harley expresses concern about the shortfall of funds that have been received for the work of classical home missions.

As a team our mandate is to work in conjunction with denominational Home Missions in our region. Here are the priorities we passionately pursue together:· Multiply New Churches and Campus Ministries· Cultivate Diverse Missional Leaders· Helping Churches Discern Their Place in God's Mission

Since our last report dated March 2014, we met in May and July. As a result of these meetings we wish to share the following:

a.) Intervarsity, Purdue Calumet– Colleen Degen was at our July meeting to introduce herself and to tell us about the work at Purdue Cal. Last year was a transition year as Christy Klippel left and Colleen replaced her. There are about 15-20 active students with 5 students making up the leadership team. The leaders are eager and passionate and Colleen is looking forward to working with them. The Advocacy Council which Christy started last year is in place and will be a great support for Colleen. Jeff Bulthuis will be the new liaison with IVCF.

b) Church PlantsAqua Viva - Arturo reports there are about 5-10 people in addition to the Hubers and the


Mulders meeting on Sundays and a number of others that he meets with during the week. Mark Hubers and Doug Mulder have met with a consultant group to discuss about the future of this church plant. They are financially set for this year and starting into next year, but some financial decisions must be made. Some of the children are attending GEMS and Cadets at Roselawn CRC.

c. Compass – Kendal Martin did not have enough leaders to get this plant properly launched. They had 20 attendees at Easter, but attendance decreased from there and this plant did not survive.

d. Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2015:2014 2015

CHMC Expense FundRacial Reconciliation 100 0Prayer 100 200Misc. 200 200Intervarsity Colleen Degen 1,000 1,000Field Development Aqua Viva 10,000 5,000Church Plants 7,000 12,000Compass 5,000 0Roseland CMC 4,000 2,000Site Purchase 0 0Regional Team 30,000 30,000Total 57,400 50,400

Motions to reduce the proposed amount for church plants from $12,000 to $7,000 and increase the amount for Roseland from $2,000 to $4,000 were ADOPTED. The total budget for 2015 is now $47,400.

We want to thank Mrs. Barbara Leep for her years of service to the committee. She was very helpful as a committee member.

Recommendations:1. Privilege of Floor for church planters2. Approval of Budget 3. Motion: That we authorize the Classical Home Missions Committee to reallocate funds from the site purchase fund for other needs in the event that classical home mission shares fall significantly short. This motion is ADOPTED. A motion to approve the work of the Classical Home Missions Committee is ADOPTED.

E. Emerging Churches Arturo Olguin speaks about how his ministry has changed over the years. He says: “In the beginning people came because of food and other benefits we were providing. When we changed to a teaching and preaching ministry, people stopped coming. So now education is being taken


into the homes of people because many people are not willing to come to Sunday worship. They are willing to receive us into their homes, so much of the work is done on an individual and family basis rather than as a church plant. Many of the people come from a Roman Catholic background, and they are not in the habit of weekly worship. My wife invests time with the women in the community. I love the people, and it is difficult, but it is worth the effort because of the changes that people are making in their lives. The financial support for this ministry is currently in jeopardy. Support from any of the churches of classis would be greatly appreciated and is needed if this ministry is to continue.” Marc Zumhagen offers a prayer for Aqua Viva and Pastor Arturo and his family.

F. Home Missions Regional Leader – Peter Kelder Peter Kelder speaks about collaboration efforts in the denomination as illustrated by a joint meeting of World Missions and Home Missions. He talks about Kingdom Enterprise Zones(church plants by the CRC and RCA cooperatively), and plans for ministry development in the Chicago area. He mentions the cluster groups that focus on encouraging missional development in established churches. He also calls attention to the Salaam Project (helping churches connect with Muslim neighbors) and a seminar on discipleship October 2 at New Life Church in New Lennox, IL. G. Student Fund Committee – Richard Zekveld Richard Zekveld shares information about those who have not repaid debts owed to the student fund during executive session. The committee is asked to come back with recommendations regarding this at our next meeting A motion to grant $4,300 from the student fund to James Hollendoner for his EPMC studies through Calvin Seminary is ADOPTED.A motion to approve $3.00 per professing member for ministry shares in 2015 is ADOPTED. A motion to approve the work of the Student Fund Committee is ADOPTED.

H. Financial Request Screening Committee – Tim Koster The Financial Screening committee recommends that Classis renew Roseland Christian Ministries place on the list of approved causes for offerings. Such offerings are particularly encouraged in light of reduced classical support. This motion is ADOPTED.

I. Classical Treasurer – Andrew Balkema (See pages 9-12) Andrew Balkema presents his report as classical treasurer. The 2015 ministry shares for denominational and classical ministries are reviewed. The following budget for 2015 is ADOPTED. A motion to approve the work of the Classical Treasurer is ADOPTED. (The budget is printed on the next page.)


J. Church Visitors -- No reports

K. Regional Pastor – Herman Schutt First, I want to encourage all of our churches to pray for our leaders and especially our pastors and their families. Church leaders face the same struggles and tensions as everyone else. There are some unique pressures for the pastor and spouse and their families. They usually have to deal with the balance of their schedule between church work and family time. It is challenging to know how to refresh your own soul while you keep giving out your heart and emotional energy to others. We need to pray for protection from all of the temptations that surround us in this society where the moral values and norms are rapidly changing. At times the pastor and spouse may feel isolated and alone in the middle of an active congregational life. The minister has to be a gentle and humble person in dealing with others, while having a strong ego and identity to meet the demands of a public position. By the way: The old joke about ministers only working one day a week is dead and very passé’. Actually it is boring and not funny anymore. A good word of encouragement for your pastor and for the spouse will be of great Christian value.Note: For the Pastoral Care role and for the Classical Interim Committee, I attended the “SAFE CHURCH” Conference in April. It was a great conference and gave emphasis to theimportance of each church having a Safe Church Policy.

Questions for your Church: 1. Does your church have a Safe Church Policy, is it written ? 2. Do you review that policy with your children’s ministry and youth leaders every year ? 3. Have you connected with your Church Insurance Company about the resources that they have for Child Protection programs ? 4. Note: Some insurance companies are requiring, or requesting, and some churches are doing Police Background Checks for all of their children’s ministry leaders, and nursery workers. 5. “Circle of Grace” is also a great program to help children to learn about safety and protection from abuse. Great information is available for this program through the Safe Church Office.

L. Report of Article 41 Committee Richard Zekveld reports. Cottage Grove has a comment attached to their credentials about a ministry plan that they intend to present to their congregation on Sunday, September 21. They plan to make a detailed presentation to the Classical Interim Committee about this in the near future, and seek the involvement of classis in their discussions. Delegates are encouraged to remember the Cottage Grove CRC in prayer. Ben Tol offers a prayer that the Cottage Grove church will be able to work through the issues in this ministry plan with humility, integrity, courage, and love.

M. Delegates to Synod 2014 (Report on page 14)

N. Church Counselors Peace, South Holland Tim Koster reports that an interim pastor is currently serving at Peace.


Pathway, St. John IN Kris Vos reports on behalf of Drew Brown. Pathway is planning to hold a congregational meeting soon to decide on extending a call.

6. Related AgenciesA. Christian Counseling Center – Mel Jonkman (Report on page 15)B. Roseland Christian Ministries – John Kostelyk (Report on page 16)

C. Self Help Jobs Program – Laura Vande Werken (Report on page 17-18) D. New Leaf Resources – Gerrit Veenstra (Report on page 19) new office in DeMotte

E. CRCNA Historical Committee – Jeff WhiteF. Providence Life Services – Bill Buikema (Report of page 20)

7. Denominational Boards and Agencies A. Regional Boards 1) CRCNA Board of Trustees – Liz Rudenga

2) Calvin College – Pedro Aviles 3) Board of Home Missions – Bruce McMurry

4) Board of World Missions – Lois Ooms 5) Calvin Theological Seminary – Bill Sytsma

6) Back to God Ministries International – Cal Aardsma B. World Renew -- James Groen presents a packet of information for each of the churches of classis.

8. External SpeakersSteven Timmermans, Executive Director of the CRC, addresses classis during the morning session. He speaks about a renewed emphasis on our bi-nationality and the importance of the local church. He hands out a list of 13 Key Ministry Challenges for our review and consideration. He also talks about the technical and adaptive challenges that are being talked about as we move forward into the future. Ben Tol offers a prayer for Steven Timmermans in his new leadership role.

9. Examination of Candidate Kyle Sanford (biographical information on pages (21-22) The following synodical deputies are present: Michael Kooy from Classis Chicago South, John Huizenga from Classis Northern Illinois, Michael Winnowski from Classis Wisconsin. A. Introduction – Laryn Zoerhof B. Examination: Practica – Joel Sheeres Opportunity is given for additional questions by the delegates and synodical deputies. A motion to proceed with the examination is ADOPTED. C. Report: Sermon Evaluation Committee – Rick Vanderwal and Henry Vanderwal The assigned text, Colossians 1:15-20, was preached by Candidate Kyle Sanford on August 31. A motion that classis proceed with the examination is adopted. The synodical deputies concur. D. Examination: Biblical and Theological – Cal Aardsma Opportunity is given for additional questions by the delegates and synodical deputies.


Classis enters into Executive Session. 1. A motion is made to admit Candidate Kyle Sanford to the office of the ministry of the Word and sacraments. 2. Prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit is offered by Tom Post. 3. Voting takes place by ballot, and the examination is successfully sustained. 4. The synodical deputies concur.

Open Session (assuming a positive outcome to the examination) 1. The chairman informs Candidate Kyle Sanford of the action of classis. 2. Candidate Kyle Sanford is called upon to sign the formula of subscription. 3. The chairman presents the classical diploma to Candidate Kyle Sanford. 4. The chairman declares that the consistory of the First DeMotte CRC is herewith authorized to proceed to the ordination of Candidate Kyle Sanford. His ordination is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2014. 5. A prayer of thanksgiving was offered by Joel Zuidema. 6. The delegates and synodical deputies and friends extend congratulations and best wishes to Candidate Kyle Sanford and his wife Kat.

10. Family of Faith Monee requests that the new job description for Chaplain Marc Zumhagen be approved by classis and the synodical deputies. (pages 23-25) A motion to approve the job description is ADOPTED. The synodical deputies concur.

11. The synodical deputies also concur with the decision of Classis Illiana at our March 4, 2014 meeting to extend of eligibility of Jesse Powell for a call for another year.

12. Examination of James Hollendoner for the position of Commissioned Pastor at Crown Point (pages 26-27) A. Introduction by Joel Sheeres B. Sermon Evaluation by Drew Brown and an elder from Crossroads The assigned text, Hebrews 12:1-6, was preached by James Hollendoner on August 24. C. Examination by Jerry Hoek D. Prayer for Guidance by Tim Koster E. In executive session, the delegates vote to approve James Hollendoner for the position of Commissioned Pastor. The chairman presents him with a classical certificate, and Jeff Bulthuis offers a prayer of thanksgiving. He will be ordained as a commissioned pastor on September 21, 2014.

13. Our next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Crossroads CRC in Schererville.

14. A motion to adjourn is ADOPTED.

15. Kris Vos makes appropriate acknowledgments and closes the meeting with a prayer of thanksgiving.


classis illiana of the christian reformed church classis minutes/cla… · web viewclassis...

Documents