The convening church, Cloverdale, declared Classis constituted.
The chairman warmly welcomed all the delegates and acknowledged the presence of a fraternal delegate, Rev. De Boer, from ARPC in the United States.
As part of the memorabilia, the chairman reflected on the passing of Rev. Moesker and Rev. Bosch. He also gave thanks for the ongoing work of the seminary in Hamilton, expressing gratitude for the Lord’s blessing on the professors’ health, the seminary’s continued labors, and the students preparing for ministry.
According to the Classis regulation, the examination takes priority.
The meeting therefore proceeded with a sermon examination. Candidate Reese Gaillard presented his sermon on Psalm 67.
In closed session, Classis evaluated the sermon proposal. The chairman first invited impressions from the elders and ministers who are not assigned as evaluators, after which the appointed ministers gave their formal assessments.
After three rounds of discussion, Classis judged the sermon to be sufficient for approval and proceeded to the next stage of the examination.
After giving short testimony on his motivation for seeking ministry, the candidate was examined by the assigned ministers in the areas of Old Testament, New Testament, Knowledge of Scripture, Doctrine and Creeds, Church History, Church Polity, Ethics, and Pastoral Theology. The order of subjects was adjusted so that the examination on Knowledge of Scripture took place first, as a group of Grade 12 students had been invited to observe this portion. (The students were excused following the completion of the Old Testament examination.)
Classis judged that Candidate Gaillard had sufficiently sustained the examination, and the deputies of the Regional Synod concurred with this decision.
We gave thanks to God and sang from Hy 47:4.
The chair asked Candidate Gaillard whether he promised not to preach or teach anything contrary to the Holy Scriptures or the Three Forms of Unity. Candidate Gaillard answered in the affirmative.
The agenda was adopted.
The chair noted that two appeals had been submitted. However, since the submitted material was incomplete, Classis encouraged both the Appeals Committee and the appellants to bring their appeals to the next Classis.
The chairman exercised Church Order Article 44. Two churches requested advice, and advice was given.
The next Classis is scheduled for December 11.
Rev. DeBoer from ARPC extended fraternal greetings on behalf of the ARPC. He also shared some mint news in ARPC and also brought some updates regarding the ARPC’s relationships with other denominations in North America and abroad.
Brother J. Kuik gave a report on behalf of the Committee for Financial Aid to Needy Churches.
The church visitors submitted reports on their visits. Some questions were asked with regards to some reports. The chairman gave thanks to church visitors.
The following brothers were appointed, or reappointed, to the Committee for Appeals:
- Primary: Rev. K.Janssen (convenor); J.Kuik; J Vierson
- Alternates: Rev. H.Alkema; C van de Kamp; K Wubs
The following delegates were appointed to Regional Synod West:
- Ministers
- Primary: Rev. D. Vandeburgt; Rev R. Vanderhorst
- Alternate: Rev H. Alkema (primary), Rev. K. Janssen.
- Elders:
- Primary: G. Gunnink; H. Moes
- Alternate: K. Dykstra (primary), R. Gelderman
The executive will adopt the act.
The chairman closed with Prayer and singing of Hymn 8.