Opening and Roll Call
The chairman, Rev. Jeff Temple, led in opening devotions. All the governors were
present along with the administrative assistant, Mrs. Leanne Kuizenga who was present
to take the minutes of the meeting.
Memorabilia
Information was shared about the personal circumstances of the emeriti professors Drs.
de Visser, Van Dam, and Visscher and their wives. Sr. Gootjes is also doing well and
the chairman will contact sr. DeJong and sr. Deddens in the near future.
Minutes and Agenda
The agenda for the meeting was established. The minutes of the regular meeting held
on September 4, 2025 were approved. Correspondence and outstanding matters on the
action log were reviewed.
Correspondence
The Board received confirmation from the CRA that the amended bylaws for the
seminary have been filed.
Decisions, Reports, Agenda Items
- The board decided to adopt the following updated wording for the Core Values
- Uphold gospel truth
- Foster spiritual maturity
- Cultivate pastoral effectiveness
- Pursue academic excellence
- Serve supporting churches
- Promote the Reformed faith
- After considering the outcomes of the September 2025 strategic planning day,
the board decided to pursue the following thrusts and initiatives:- Uphold faithful integrity in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and equipping
the CRTS community to avoid the pitfalls of AI usage and to deal responsibly
with AI by focusing on spiritual maturity and integrity for lifelong ministry. Within
this main thrust two initiatives were approved: (i) the senate and staff will work
together to determine an effective way to equip faculty and staff concerning AI;
(ii) the staff will explore ways to incorporate training on the responsible use of
AI within the curricular and co-curricular programs at CRTS. - In an effort to ensure a high degree of preparation for ministry among CRTS
graduates, the Board tasked a committee with investigating how the PTP and
other program modules could be used to further cultivate an aptitude for
ministry. - In an effort to strengthen preparation for potential mission service, both
domestically and abroad, the Board tasked a committee with reviewing, and
potentially revising, the requirements and guidelines for the Diploma of
Missiology.
- The board approved proposals (1) to ensure a smooth transition as the
appointments of executive members come to an end and new governors are
appointed; (2) to optimize the timing of strategic planning to ensure that the work
remains sustainable. - The board reviewed a discussion paper dealing with the question of the
relationship between the CRTS professors and the church holding their
ministerial credentials. The paper noted that whereas the credentials of
professors who come from other federations are held by their new home church
in the Hamilton area, the credentials of professors who come from Canadian
Reformed churches remain with the last CanRef church they served which may
or may not be their home church in the Hamilton area. The board decided to
study the matter further in case it is a good idea to have more consistency on this
matter. - The Board received the November 13, 2025 and January 5, 2026 minutes from
Academic Committee, as well as a very positive report on lecture visits to the
CRTS (Fall 2025). - The Board approved the Advanced Theological Studies Assistance (ATSA)
Bursary application guide for prospective applicants and the internal guidelines
for applications. This bursary exists to support recent graduates of the CRTS
who intend to pursue advanced theological studies prior to entering the ministry
in the Canadian Reformed churches. - The Board received the October 21 minutes from the Finance and Property
(F&P) Committee, and noted their ongoing faithful work with thankfulness. - The Board received very positive feedback from the Association of Theological
Schools (ATS) concerning the work CRTS recently did to update and improve
our bylaws and policy documents as well as our plan for keeping them current in
the future. - The Board approved a policy concerning annual staff visits.
- Dr. Van Vliet presented his principal’s report and the board joins him in giving
thanks to the LORD for the ongoing work of the seminary. - The Board received reports from Dr. William den Hollander about his visit to the
churches in Manitoba, and Dr. Van Vliet about his participation at the Evangelical
Theological Society (ETS) Conference.
Press Release and Closing
The next Academic Committee meeting is scheduled for September 8, 2026 , and the
next Board meeting is scheduled for September 10, 2026. The completion of the Press
Release was delegated to the vice-chairman in consultation with the Executive and the
Principal. Rev. Jeff Temple closed the meeting with prayer.
On behalf of the Board of Governors of the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary,
Rev. Julius VanSpronsen (Vice-chairman)