14 Jun

PRC Synod 2023 - Day 2 - Wednesday, June 14

SW PRC 2012

The PRC will convene at 8 am in Southwest PRC today. After opening devotions, synod will proceed to the oral examination of Sem. Matt Koerner. This is the schedule as adopted by synod yesterday and which will be followed this morning and Thursday morning:

a. Intro to Dogmatics: 20 minutes (Questions by Prof. Cammenga)
b. Six Loci of Dogmatics: 30 minutes each (Questions by Prof. Cammenga)
c. Church Polity: 45 minutes (Questions by Prof. Gritters)
d. Church History: 45 minutes (Questions by Prof. Kuiper)
e. OT History: 45 minutes (Questions by Prof. Huizinga)
f. NT History: 45 minutes (Questions by Prof. Cammenga)
g. Practica: 20 minutes (Questions by Rev. Mahtani)

The examination will be livestreamed through Southwest PRC's website. Visit the link here for that.

MKoerner exam dogmatics 1

This afternoon synod will begin to treat the advice of its committees (see Day 1's webpage for the layout of the committees and their work).

MKoerner parents
Sem. M. Koerner with his parents, Jim and Beth Koerner

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Report of Day 2

Immediately after opening devotions, the oral examination of Seminarian Matt Koerner began. Professor Cammenga asked questions for Introduction to Dogmatics, the Study of God, the Study of Man, the Study of Christ, the Study of salvation, the Study of the Church, and the Study of the Last Things.

From June of 2022 to June of 2023 Elders Dave Kregel, Sid Miedema, and Pete VanDerSchaaf, Revs. DeVries and McGeown, and Profs. Dykstra, Griess, and Gritters have served on the Contact Committee. The Contact Committee reported on work with Covenant Protestant Reformed Church in Northern Ireland, Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church in Singapore, The Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines, The Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia, The Confessing Protestant Reformed Congregation of Giessen Germany, and The North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council. Synod approved all the above work performed by the Contact Committee.

MWee address

Synod had the privilege of welcoming and hearing from Rev. Marcus Wee (photo above) from the Covenant Evangelical Church in Singapore and Dr. Bernhard Klautke (photo below) from the Confessing Protestant Reformed Congregation of Giessen Germany. We are thankful for the fellowship we have with these men and the churches they represent in the Lord.

BKlautke address

The Contact Committee also reported on some work done by Trinity PRC with contacts in South Korea and work done under the oversight of First PRC (Grand Rapids) in Mexico.

The Contact Committee still communicates with churches in Namibia and South Africa, although there has been little contact in the past year.

Synod approved a budget of $71,000 for the Contact Committee for 2024.

Synod treated a report from the Psalter Revision Review Committee. This committee was appointed in 2020. Members are Belinda Brummel (Zion), Don De Jong (Holland), Michelle Drnek (Trinity), Pam Dykstra (Faith), Matt Elzinga (Zion), Cal Kalsbeek (Hope), Steve Kuiper (Southwest), Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity), and Shelly VanderKolk (Hudsonville). Advisors to the committee are Josh Hoekstra (Hudsonville), Prof. Gritters (Hudsonville), and Prof. Kuiper (Trinity).

The committee reports that it intends to present a final product for the review and approval of Synod 2024.

Synod approved some changes to the doxologies that will be included in the revised Psalter (if the Psalter is approved by Synod 2024). Noteworthy is that synod approved the addition of the Gloria Patri. Approval was also given to proposed changes for the songs of Mary, Zacharias, and Simeon. Synod approved changes of the tunes for the Lord’s Prayer and the addition of tunes and lyrics for the Apostle’s Creed and the Ten Commandments.

Synod approved adding to the mandate of the Psalter Revision Review Committee:

1. To recommend how to implement the use of the revised Psalter should synod approve it,
2. To recommend to Synod 2024 how to publish and print the revised Psalter should synod adopt it, and
3. To take steps to familiarize the denomination with the final product. For more information on the work of the revision of the psalter visit www.thepsalter.net.

Synod failed a motion to declare a protest against a decision of Synod 2022 illegal. It also declared three overtures legally before it. Around 4:30pm synod decided to recess until 8:00am Thursday.

On behalf of synod, Rev. C. Spronk, 2nd Clerk

snack fellowship 1

13 Jun

PRC Synod 2023 - Day 1 - Tuesday, June 13

presynod service SWPRC audience

Last evening the pre-synodical service was held in the sanctuary of Southwest PRC, the host of this year's PRC Synod. Rev. Steve Key (president of the 2022 Synod and an emeritus pastor in the PRC) led the service and preached on "In the Potter's Hands" based on Jeremiah 18:1-6. Part of what he had to say was this:

"To us whom He has chosen to look upon in Christ, and therefore to form as vessels that show forth the beauty which is His grace, we can only stand in deepest humility and awe at what God has made of us. But there are always those who rise up against such a portrayal of God as absolutely sovereign. When Satan has so long attempted to deceive and to teach, “You shall be as God,” the sinfulness of the human heart is such that it is given to swell itself in pride and to think that way. It is easy to begin to think of ourselves that way. How many decisions don’t we make without God in our thoughts, let alone seeking His will?

"But to be told that our heads are far too big, and that we are not so important as we might think — that isn’t easy to take. The apostle Paul, in facing that natural but very wicked argument against God’s sovereignty, says, “Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?” I like the way Calvin put it: “Here Saint Paul sheers off our horns. He says, “You poor wretch, you dare talk back to God? You are less than a clay pot!” We must humble ourselves. Always we must humble ourselves before God, asking, What wilt Thou have me to do?” We have to do that as a Synod. The nature of a broader assembly being a deliberative assembly means that we don’t always have the answers as individuals. Iron sharpens iron. We have to take into account what our brothers have to say. But ultimately we have to answer to God. How does He direct us in His Word? What are the means that He has appointed to accomplish His purposes in the midst of His church? When we remember what it cost Him in shaping us as His own, how important it is that we remember to live in humility before Him. Remember that as the delegates of Synod. Labor in humility, remembering Him before Whom and for Whom you labor. "

SKey presynodical sermon

Today synod will begin its official sessions. The delegates will elect her officers and appoint a "Committee on Committees" to organize the work for the week.

UPDATE: The officers of synod are; Pres., Rev. G. Eriks; Vice-pres., Rev. W. Langerak; 1st clerk, Rev. J. Engelsma; 2nd clerk, Rev. C. Spronk.

After this, synod's attention will be turned to the examination of senior PRC seminary student Matthew Koerner. The exam will begin Tuesday morning around 10 am with the delivery of his specimen sermon. Starting Wednesday morning (and again Thursday morning), Sem. M. Koerner will be examined in the main branches of his studies - dogmatics, knowledge of Scripture, knowledge of the confessions, church history, church polity, and practica. These parts of the exam are open to the public and will also be livestreamed through Southwest PRC's website - in part for the benefit of his family, friends, and fellow saints.

MKoerner sermon

UPDATE: Synod has approved the sermon specimen of Sem. Koerner and will proceed to his examination Wednesday morning.

Look for the full report of Tuesday later today. Updates will be given as provided by the clerks of synod. Photos provided are compliments of elder John Van Baren (Hudsonville PRC).

Let us remember to pray for synod in all its work, and for Sem. Koerner as he submits to his examination with a view to his candidacy for the ministry of the Word in the PRC.

REPORT of Day 1

Last night the delegates of synod gathered with the congregation of Southwest PRC for a worship service led by Rev. Steve Key. This morning Rev. Key fulfilled his other duties that are required of him as the President of Synod 2022. He led in opening devotions, read the credentials of the delegates from Classis East and West, and declared synod properly constituted. After the election of the officers for Synod 2023, Rev. Key, recently retired from active ministry and therefore no longer eligible to serve as a delegate, bid synod adieu, wishing God’s blessings on the deliberations.

After the election of officers, Rev. Eriks assumed the chair as President of Synod 2023, Rev. Langerak took his seat as Vice President, and Rev. Engelsma began serving as First Clerk with Rev. Spronk serving at his side as Second Clerk.

Synod welcomed Rev. Marcus Wee from the Covenant Evangelical Church in Singapore and granted him the right to be seated at synod and participate in all discussions.

The committee assignments for this year’s synod:

Committee 1: Revs. Spronk and Barnhill; Elders Keith Bruinsma and John Van Baren; Prof. Kuiper.

Comm 1

1. Contact Committee Report
2. Psalter Revision Review Committee Report
3. Supplemental Letter from CERC 4. Protest of Rev. W. Langerak

Committee 2: Revs. Mahtani and Engelsma; Elders James Regnerus and Dan Van Uffelen; Profs. Griess and Huizinga.

Comm 2

1. Domestic Mission Committee Report
2. Overture of Covenant of Grace PRC 3. Overture of Providence PRC

Committee 3: Revs. Decker and Kortus; Elders Joel Minderhoud and Peter Smit; Prof. Gritters.

Comm 3

1. Foreign Mission Committee Report
2. Overture of Zion PRC

Committee 4: Revs. Langerak and Marcus; Elders Chester Hunter and Tim Pipe Jr.; Prof. Cammenga

Comm 4

1. Theological School Committee Report
2. Rector’s Report
3. Student Aid Committee Report
4. 100th Anniversary Committee Report
5. Synodical Deputies’ Report, Classis East
6. Appointment of Synodical Deputies from East and West
7. Catechism Book Committee Report

Committee 5: Revs. Eriks and Brummel; Elders Randy Dykstra and Ryan Van Overloop.

Comm 5

1. Board of Trustees Report and Supplements
2. Treasurer’s Report and Supplement and Financial Statements
3. Emeritus Committee Report
4. Finance Committee Report
5. Subsidy Requests
6. Stated Clerk’s Report and Supplement
7. Synodical Expenses
8. Budget for 2024
9. Time and place of Synod 2024

At around 10:00am Senior Seminarian, Matt Koerner, preached a specimen sermon on 2Cor. 8:9 under the theme, Rich through Christ’s Poverty. The delegates approved his sermon and will proceed to his oral examination tomorrow morning.

At around 11:00am synod recessed so the committees could get to work formulating advice.

If you are interested in hearing the examination come to Southwest PRC tomorrow morning at 8:00am. The examination will take place Wednesday and Thursday covering:

Mark your calendars to attend the graduation ceremony that is scheduled to take place Thursday evening 7:30 pm at Southwest PRC. Prof. Cammenga will be the speaker.

In Christ’s Service, Rev. C. Spronk, 2nd Clerk

12 May

Report of Classis East Meeting - May 10-11, 2023

Faith PRC 2021

May 2023 Classis East Report

Classis East convened Wednesday May 10, 2023 at Faith PRC in Jenison, MI. Rev. McGeown served as chairman. Eight elders served at classis for the first time and signed the Formula of Subscription, a vow to uphold the teaching of Scripture summarized in the Reformed Confessions.

The routine matters treated by classis included approving the work of its Stated Clerk and Classical Committee (this committee does work on behalf of classis when classis is not in session). A schedule for classical appointments for Georgetown, Hudsonville, and Zion PRCs was adopted. The expenses for the meeting of $3,065 were approved.

Classis appointed two moderators for churches that currently do not have pastors, Rev. McGeown for Zion, and Prof. Dykstra for Georgetown.

One consistory requested the advice of classis regarding a discipline case. The elders representing the consistory summarized the work done with a member walking impenitently in sin. Classis advised the consistory to proceed in its work of discipline and announce the name of the impenitent member to the congregation (Article 77 of the Church Order). This matter was treated in closed session.

Classis treated one appeal of an individual against a consistory regarding a sensitive matter in closed session. Classis upheld the appeal and directed a previously appointed special committee of classis to continue to assist the consistory in working with the individual.

Classis treated seven protests against a decision taken in March not to approve of the overture of Providence PRC, which overture proposes that synod hire an independent third party to investigate the incidents of child sexual abuse in the PRCA. In January of 2023 classis appointed a committee to look further into certain matters and bring a recommendation to classis in March. The committee was divided and presented a majority and minority report. Classis adopted the majority report that recommended that classis not approve the overture. Two of the seven protests contended that classis should have rejected the majority report and declared that it did not fulfill the mandate given to it by classis in January. Classis did not sustain the protests on this point. Six of the protests argued that the four grounds of the majority report adopted by classis were erroneous. Classis sustained these protests. Classis then approved a recommendation to “inform synod that it erred in adopting the four grounds of the majority report and forward the…decision to Synod 2023.” Classis did not treat requests to approve the overture of Providence PRC since the overture has been submitted for the consideration of synod in June. A motion to acknowledge and apologize for any harm done to victims of abuse and their families caused by the March decision failed.

Trinity PRC will host the next meeting of Classis East on September 13, 2023.

Pastor Clayton Spronk

Stated Clerk, Classis East

For the full public Minutes and Supplements, visit this link:

Minutes and Supplements for Publication 2023.5.10.pdf

17 Mar

Classis East Report - January 11-12 and March 15, 2023

Grandville small
Grandville (MI) PRC, host of Classis East meeting

Classis East met for two full days Wednesday and Thursday, January 11,12 at Grandville PRC.

An appeal was treated in closed session, and therefore, the details of the case cannot be shared publicly. It can be said that classis made some decisions in response to the appeal and approved the appointment of a committee to work with the involved consistory and appellant; we pray these actions will assist in bringing the case to a God-glorifying resolution.
First PRC of Grand Rapids officially notified classis of the resignation of brother Rodney Kleyn from the ministry in the PRCA.
Grace PRC asked for and received permission from classis to distribute a clarification of language used in a handout that was previously distributed to the denomination.
First PRC of Holland’s request for “a special day of prayer in response both to recent and past cases of abuse in our denomination” was approved. Classis designated January 31, 2023 as the special day of prayer.
Elected as primi synodical delegates: Revs. Decker, Eriks, Langerak, Mahtani, Spronk, and elders Randy Dykstra, Joel Minderhoud, Tim Pipe Jr., John Van Baren, Dan VanUffelen. And as secundi synodical delegates: Revs. Bruinsma, Dykstra, McGeown, Noorman, Smidstra and elders Andy Bylsma, Josh Hoekstra, Steve Kuiper, Peter VanderSchaaf, Dirk Westra.
Classis also treated an overture from Providence PRC “to be forwarded to Synod 2023 to commission G.R.A.C.E (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) to perform a full, independent, third-party investigation or assessment of the Protestant Reformed Churches.” Classis decided to appoint a committee to study the overture further and to recess until March 15, 2023. Therefore, on March 15, 2023 classis will reconvene at 8:00 am at Grandville PRC to treat the committee’s recommendations regarding the overture.
May God use the decisions of classis for the welfare of His church, and may He guide the study committee in its work for the benefit of our churches in responding properly to the grievous sin of sexual abuse. (summary from Rev. C. Spronk, stated clerk)

Report of Continuing Session on March 15, 2023

Classis East reconvened at 8:00am on Wednesday morning. The main business of the day involved the treatment of an overture from Providence PRC to hire a third party to investigate sexual abuse in the PRCA. A committee of seven men submitted a majority report signed by four men, opposed to the overture, and a minority report signed by three men, in favor of passing the overture on to synod with the approval of Classis East. Both committees read their reports.

After lengthy deliberation, Classis East voted to approve the majority report. By adopting the majority report Classis East declared it did “not approve of the overture of Providence PRC that the PRCA commission a full, independent, third party investigation and assessment of sexual abuse in the PRCA” on the basis of four grounds. Adopting the majority report means that classis did not treat the minority report.

Classis approved two weeks of supply for five churches in Classis West. Classis approved a recommendation from a special committee to continue its work with a consistory on an abuse case.

Expenses of the meeting totaled $2,549.47.

Classis adjourned around 2:30pm.

Below are three (3) downloads with pertinent documents:

1. Special CE Committtee Majority Report

2. Special CE Committee Minority Report

3. Minutes of both sessions of Classis East, Jan.11-12 and March 15, 2023

03 Mar

Classis West News Report - March 1-2, 2023 - Lynden (WA) PRC

sm lynden

News Report of Classis West of the PRCA Meeting March 1-2, 2023

Classis West of the Protestant Reformed Churches met on March 1-2, 2023, in Lynden PRC (Lynden, WA). This small congregation did an outstanding job of hosting the twenty-eight delegates from the fourteen churches in the Classis.

Classis began on Wednesday, March 1, with opening devotions led by the chairman of the previous meeting, Rev. M. Kortus (pastor of Hope Redlands PRC), who gave a fitting meditation on Psalm 20. After Classis was legally constituted, the meeting was capably chaired by Rev. Jonathan Langerak (pastor of Covenant of Grace PRC), who was serving in this capacity for the first time in his ministry.

Five first-time delegates to Classis signed the Formula of Subscription, the minutes of the previous meeting of Classis were approved, and the four questions of Article 41 of the Church Order were asked and answered. Routine reports of the stated clerk, classical committee, and reading sermon committee were read and approved. The church visitors reported on their work over the last year and the presence of unity, peace, and love prevailing in the churches in spite of the hardships of the last year.

After recessing for the late morning and most of the afternoon for the committees of pre-advice to prepare advice, Classis met and gave approval to Prof. D. Kuiper to publish some material from the Classis West archives in upcoming articles he intends to write in the Protestant Reformed Theological Journal on the history of Classis West.

Classis made a schedule of pulpit supply for the five vacant congregations in the Classis: Doon (IA) PRC, Hosanna PRC (Edmonton), Loveland (CO) PRC, Lynden (WA) PRC, and Randolph (WI) PRC. Due to the large number of vacancies in Classis West, it was decided to ask Classis East for assistance in covering two Sundays for each of the vacant congregations in the next six months.

Classis approved the subsidy requests for 2024 for five congregations and forwarded them on to Synod 2023 for its approval.

Classis treated in closed session an appeal in which a victim of child sexual abuse objected to a consistory’s discipline work with the perpetrator of the abuse. Classis permitted close loved ones of the victim to be present in the sessions and also allowed a pastor and another individual to speak on the victim’s behalf. Classis unanimously sustained the first part of the appeal and declared that the consistory erred in accepting the initial confession of the perpetrator. Classis judged that a more thorough investigation of the nature and extent of the sin was required, that confession of sin to those sinned against should have taken place before an announcement of reconciliation was read in the church, and that later events seriously called into question the genuineness of the confession. Classis also unanimously sustained the second part of the appeal and declared that the consistory erred in their announcement of the perpetrator’s sin. Classis judged that the announcement of sin should have included more information regarding the specific nature of the sin committed: rather than merely a general reference to sin against the 7th commandment, the announcement should have included a reference to the 6th commandment and that this was a case of child sexual abuse by an adult in a position of authority over a period of several years. Classis also explained how this was necessary for the covenant community, the sinner, and the victim. Classis also appointed a special committee to provide assistance to the consistory in this case.

Having met until about 9:00 PM on Wednesday, Classis decided to recess until the following morning.

The next day, Thursday, March 2, Classis began by treating an overture from a consistory. The consistory submitted to Classis an overture to be forwarded to Synod 2023 that Synod appoint a committee to research and engage an independent, third-party investigation to conduct an investigation into sexual abuse in the PRCA. Classis decided not to forward the overture to Synod, on the grounds that: 1) the overture had insufficient information for Classis to make an informed judgment to approve the request, and 2) that with the limited information provided about what would be the nature and work of a third party investigation, the overture did not show the necessity of such an investigation from the Scriptures.

Throughout the meeting, Classis also voted for various classical functionaries. Rev. J. Engelsma was reappointed to a three-year term as Stated Clerk, and Rev. J. Langerak was reappointed to a three-year term as Assistant Stated Clerk. Rev. M. De Boer was reappointed to a three-year term on the Classical Committee, and Rev. R. Barnhill was appointed to a one-year term to fill a vacant position. Rev. A. Brummel was appointed to a three-year term as a primus synodical deputy, Rev. M. De Boer was re-appointed to a three-year term as a secundus synodical deputy, Rev. J. Marcus was appointed to a one-year term as a secundus synodical deputy to fill a vacant position, and Rev. S. Regnerus was appointed to a two-year term as a secundus synodical deputy to fill a vacant position. Classis appointed Revs. A. Brummel, R. Hanko, S. Key, and J. Marcus as church visitors, with Revs. R. Barnhill and J. Engelsma as alternates.

Ministers delegated to Synod 2023 were Revs. R. Barnhill, A. Brummel, J. Engelsma, M. Kortus, and J. Marcus. Alternates are Revs. H. Bleyenberg, M. De Boer, J. Langerak, and S. Regnerus. Elders delegated to Synod 2023 were Keith Bruinsma (Peace), Chester Hunter, Jr. (Edgerton), James Regnerus (Doon), Peter Smit (Hope), and Ryan Van Overloop (Crete). Alternates are Robert Brands (Loveland), Travis Feenstra (Hope), Steve Huizenga (Crete), Alvern Miersma (Hope), and Joel Moore (Loveland).

Classis appointed Rev. J. Langerak as the moderator for Lynden PRC in their upcoming vacancy.

Classis finished its work around 12:30 PM on Thursday.

The expenses of this meeting totaled $17,638.94.

Classis will meet next in Crete (IL) PRC on September 27, 2023, the Lord willing.

Rev. Joshua Engelsma Stated Clerk, Classis West

29 Sep

Report on Classis West Meeting September 28, 2022

News Report of Classis West of the PRCA Meeting
September 28, 2022

Classis West of the Protestant Reformed Churches met on September 28, 2022, in Doon PRC (Doon, IA), finishing its work by about 9:30 PM. The Doon congregation had opportunity to show off the new addition to their church building, and they did a fine job in hosting, including scrambling to make arrangements for the delegates during a town-wide power outage for several hours in the afternoon.

Rev. S. Key had the opportunity to lead Classis in opening devotions, which was fitting as this was his last meeting of Classis before emeritation, and he gave a humbling and encouraging meditation on Psalm 112:7: “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.”

Delegated to Classis were 28 men (11 ministers and 17 elders), and they were joined by three synodical deputies from Classis East. Rev. M. Kortus chaired Classis for the first time in his ministry, and led the meeting capably.

The questions of Article 41 of the Church Order were asked and satisfactorily answered. Regular reports from the stated clerk, classical committee, and reading sermon library committee were read and their work approved.

One important item on the agenda was a request from Loveland PRC for the emeritation of their pastor, Rev. S. Key. Classis approved the request for emeritation effective January 1, 2023 (which received the concurrence of the three synodical deputies from Classis East), approved his financial support for 2023, and expressed thanksgiving to God for his 36 years of faithful service to our churches. Rev. Key has especially been used of God for the benefit of the churches in Classis West, having served as pastor in the Classis for 31 years, as stated clerk for six years, as a representative of the Classis to Synod 27 times, as church visitor for 19 years running, as a member of many special committees of the Classis, and as a humble and wise leader in the Classis. May God bless Rev. Key and his wife as they enter this new phase of life!

An individual submitted a protest to Classis of decisions taken by a previous meeting of Classis West which related to the refusal in September 2021 to seat delegates from the former consistory of First Edmonton PRC and to approve the labors of the church visitors with that congregation. Classis did not sustain the individual’s protest.

In closed session, Classis treated an appeal of an individual regarding the discipline work of a consistory. After careful deliberation, Classis did not sustain the appeal.

Classis made a schedule of pulpit supply for the vacant congregations of Doon (IA) PRC, Hosanna PRC (Edmonton), Randolph (WI) PRC, and the soon-to-be-vacant Loveland PRC. Due to the large number of vacancies and small number of active pastors, Classis decided to request assistance from Classis East in covering five 1 Sundays in the next six months.

Classis received a special request from a congregation for subsidy for 2023, and a special request from a congregation to increase subsidy for 2023. Both requests were approved. The expenses of this meeting totaled $8,853.17. Classis West will meet next in Lynden (WA) PRC on March 1, 2023, the Lord willing.

Rev. Joshua Engelsma Stated Clerk, Classis West

ClWest Doon Sept 2022 3

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