Join Another Classis If You Must, Synod Tells Churches

Synod 2013 has allowed two west Michigan Christian Reformed congregations to move to a different classis, provided such a move is agreeable to both the classis and churches involved.

Synod had received two requests to allow Trinity CRC in Sparta, Mich., and Second CRC in Kalamazoo, Mich., to form a new classis, based on a shared conviction that the Bible prevents women from being officebearers in the church.

Synod said no, stating that such a classis would “create a fixed uniformity that runs contrary to biblical principles and practices of unity.”

Instead, synod advised the churches to “seek ways to continue in their current classes” and to seek reconciliation. But if that isn’t an option, it said that those churches could join Classis Minnkota – a group of theologically conservative churches in Minnesota and the Dakotas that is willing to accept them. It is a request that Synod 2010 had turned down.

Synod heard that, in spite of written requests from the two churches, no geographically closer classis has offered to take them in.

“I’m glad there are some churches who want to stay in the CRC in spite of their differences,” said elder delegate George Monsma Jr. of Classis Grand Rapids East. “I wish they could agree to stay with other churches that feel differently, but if they can’t in good conscience, let’s give them another option.”

Rev. Joe Vanden Akker of Classis Minnkota said that allowing a theologically-based classis would have been a gracious acknowledgement of what previous synods have affirmed as a valid interpretation of Scripture.

“Now that those [supporting women in office] have a position of power, other concerns are being swept under the rug,” he said.

Some delegates expressed concern that a new classis might incline other theologically conservative churches to leave their classes.

“I hope there are not churches thinking about leaving our classis,” said Rev. Timothy Howerzyl of Classis Zeeland.

“In our classis we have a great diversity of opinions, but we’ve forged a careful policy of holding together.”

We have a great diversity of opinions, but we’ve forged a careful policy of holding together.

“I’m struck by the amazing amount of effort these churches went through to do the right thing and remain in the CRC,” said elder delegate Jacob Ellens from Classis Hamilton. “It’s extremely commendable.”

Delegates voted 163-12 to allow the two Michigan churches to join a willing classis. “Even though the discussions have been difficult, sometimes painful, there’s something that creates peace in that, to have a strong majority in our vote,” said Synod 2013 president William Koopmans.

The Christian Reformed Church is organized into 47 classes, mostly based on geography, though Classis Pacific Hanmi is based on Korean identity. In an earlier decision, Synod 2013 allowed Urim CRC in Lake Forest, California to move from Classis California South to Classis Pacific Hanmi.

For continuous coverage of Synod 2013 including the live webcast, news, video recordings, photos, liveblog, social media links, and more visit www.crcna.org/synod.