Minutes of Classis Midwest 2019 Meeting

On Tuesday afternoon, April 9, 2019, prior to the Classis Midwest meetings, an office-bearers’ conference was conducted by Rev. A.T. Vergunst in the True Dutch Reformed Church in Lansing, Illinois. Rev. A.T. Vergunst opened the meeting with singing Psalter 60:1&2; reading Psalm 128; and prayer. His topic was entitled Domestic or Spousal Abuse, using the words of Proverbs 13:14, “The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” There is nothing more damaging in our natural and spiritual life than sexual, physical, verbal, or domestic abuse. An outline was followed which concluded with a real-life story written by an abused wife. In the evening Rev. H. Hofman led a prayer service. His text was

In the evening Rev. H. Hofman led a prayer service. His text was from Amos 2:13, “Behold, I am pressed under you, as a cart is pressed that is full of sheaves.” The theme was Perspectives of a Harvest Wagon, with three thoughts: 1) A fully-loaded cart, 2) A squeaking cart and 3) A stopped cart. He explained the context in the time of Amos and applied the text to striking similarities today. May our cries go up to heaven that the Lord would cause the cart of our heart, school, church, and families to be stopped, for then there is hope. On Wednesday, April 10, 2019, Rev. G.M. de Leeuw opened the

On Wednesday, April 10, 2019, Rev. G.M. de Leeuw opened the Classis Midwest meeting with Psalter 371:1&2, read Psalm 119:81-88, and prayed. He then welcomed all delegates, office bearers, and friends. This was followed by some words about Psalm 119:88, “Quicken me after Thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of Thy mouth.” Dear brothers, if we may be quickened, then we shall be helped in our offices. May we edify one another. So be it.

Rev. G.M. de Leeuw then read some Special Memories since our last meeting. This was followed by the presentation of the credentials of the delegates; twenty were seated; two were absent.

The moderamen, either by rotation or appointment, were Rev. E.C. Adams, President; Rev. J.J. Witvoet, Vice President; Elder Jerry Fluit, Clerk; Elder Paul Firlit, Treasurer.

The meeting was then declared open for business and turned over to Rev. E.C. Adams. The minutes of the last two meetings were approved and signed. Correspondence was reviewed. Discussion was held concerning distribution of classis letters when it is not in session. This will be addressed in a documented mandate of duties submitted to the next classis.

Under Article VI the youth committee announced our next Youth Day will be on July 5 and 6, 2019, in Rock Valley, Iowa. Consistories were asked to assist parents and the youth who wish to attend the Classis Midwest youth events by providing transportation for them. Future Youth Days will be held every other year and in the interim year the Midwest youth will be encouraged to join the Classis East Youth Day event. The ministers proposed moderatorship assignments which were

The ministers proposed moderatorship assignments which were confirmed by vote of the delegates. There was one point of discussion from a member of Grand Rapids Covell Avenue Church about the interpretation of the history regarding the midwives in Exodus 1. The classis agreed that this biblical subject was not an essential doctrine of salvation and Bible expositors do differ in their interpretation. Thus, the matter was at rest and ministers will be careful in their exegesis over such texts.

Church visitations were then discussed under Article X. They have all been done properly and reports submitted and read. Details regarding these meetings were documented for the future. A new Church Visitation question booklet is being reprinted by NRC Book & Publishing with many improvements which will make it conformable with the original Dutch edition.

The election of a new classis clerk was conducted to replace Elder Jerry Fluit who is retiring from the position after serving nine years. Elected to a three-year term was Elder Larry Teunissen who accepted the position. It was agreed that a mandate or a classis document of the specific duties of the classis clerk be written and presented at the next classis meeting. Customary Questions under Article XI were opened. Sheboygan

Customary Questions under Article XI were opened. Sheboygan asked for and was given advice regarding the continuation of their school which does not have a teacher for this coming year. It should definitely be continued. Sioux Falls then asked that the points in the prayer service be further explained, which Rev. H. Hofman freely offered to do. This was satisfactory to all. Waupun asked if there were guidelines for delaying a classis if there are no pressing needs to have one. It was agreed that we will have at least one classis meeting per year even if there are no points from specific consistories.

The expenses were published and the next classis meetings were scheduled. The Lord willing, Waupun will be the calling church on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. If a special Classis Midwest meeting is to be held for a classical examination of a student for the ministry, that date is set for Wednesday, July 24, 2019.

Rev. E.C. Adams made some closing remarks, acknowledging the Lord for His help. Rev. J.J. Witvoet, as vice president, thanked the chairman for leading the meeting and asked to sing Psalter 308:1&3, and then closed the Classis Midwest meetings with prayer.

All the Lord willing.

—Elder Jerry Fluit, clerk

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