Installation and Inaugural Services of Rev. Den Boer

After sixteen years without their own shepherd and teacher the congregation of Covell Avenue, Grand Rapids, Michigan, was humbled and gladdened to receive the acceptance of their call to Rev. A. M. den Boer of Dirksland, the Netherlands. After many trials and delays in the immigration process, the Lord, in His time, opened doors and enabled Rev and Mrs. Den Boer to receive their visas and come to the United States in late November of 2002. This was another confirmation of Psalm 37:5, which was the text applied to the minister, giving him freedom to accept our call.

On December 11, 2002, the Covell congregation could witness God's faithfulness with the installation of their new minister. The service was held at the Beckwith Avenue church at 3:00 P.M., with Rev. C. Vogelaar, Covell's moderator, preaching the installation sermon. The text chosen was Isaiah 52:7, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" The theme was "Good Tidings unto Zion." The points were: 1) The messenger of those tidings; 2) The contents of those tidings; and 3) The address of those tidings.

The messengers who bring good tidings are evangelists and ministers. Scriptural examples given were John the Baptist and Christ Himself. Their feet are swift, ready to go, longing to bring the message. The message is the good tidings of salvation. The beauty that Zion sees is the suitability, timeliness, and seasonableness of these good tidings.

The contents of these goods tidings are o f deliverance. They publish peace, well being, prosperity, completeness, and harmony. There is peace for spiritual exiles in the blood of Jesus Christ. Good tidings also include that God reigneth; Christ is King and is victorious over the enemies; He protects, preserves, and delivers His people.

The address is to Zion; a people often in the dust, in misery, sorrow, poverty, and captivity because of their guilt. They come to know His Name. Everything of self must fall away, and then He reveals Himself as the Mighty One. Then they are enabled, when those good tidings are preached, to magnify His greatness, power, and mercy, and to adore Him as their King.

Rev. Vogelaar then read the Form for Ordination, to which Rev. Den Boer gave his answer of "Yes, truly, with all my heart." Rev. Vogelaar spoke a few personal words to his brother in the ministry, the Covell consistory and congregation, and Rev. Den Boer's wife and family.

A light lunch was prepared for out-of-town guests and served by the ladies of Covell in the Fellowship Room.

In the evening, at 7:30 P.M., Rev. Den Boer preached his inaugural sermon. The text was 2 Corinthians 4:5, "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." The title was "The Preaching of Christ Jesus the Lord." The three points were: 1 ) A serious warning for the preacher; 2) A glorious theme for the preacher; and 3) The right attitude for the preacher.

Rev. Den Boer opened by recognizing this as a solemn moment both for the Covell congregation and for himself. He became the sixth minister to serve this congregation in its onehundred- fifteen-year history.

In the chapter of Scripture from which the text was taken, we find Paul defending his ministry, because many in Corinth did not believe it. The serious warning to preachers is that they may not preach themselves. Many such false preachers were active in Corinth, a city o f half a million people. Yet it was a privileged city, because the Lord promised to have much people there. The greater Grand Rapids area is a city twice the size of what Corinth was then. Many of God's servants have preached in Grand Rapids over the years, and many of God's people have lived here. Where true preaching is found, it is o f Christ Jesus the Lord.

The glorious theme is Christ Jesus the Lord. He is the great Prophet and Teacher; He is the only High Priest and our Eternal King. This glorious theme is a good tiding for lost sinners who may hear there is deliverance in the blood of the Lamb.

The right attitude of the preacher is to be a servant for Jesus' sake. Ministers are servants of the Lord, His ambassadors. They serve the congregations of the Lord in Word and sacrament. Christ is the great Shepherd, and His servants are undershepherds.

Paul could preach in a big city wherein was much sin but yet a remnant who served the Lord. In Grand Rapids there is much sin but also yet a remnant who serve the Lord. None were or are too sinful that they cannot be saved. Preaching Christ Jesus the Lord is to point to Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Rev. Den Boer then acknowledged Rev. Vogelaar for the installation service and encouragement given. He also acknowledged the other ministers and office-bearers present. Recognition was given that nineteen of the North American congregations were represented. He addressed the Covell consistory and congregation, acknowledging his weaknesses and coveting their prayers. He also spoke personally to his wife and family.

Addressing the minister were Rev. G. M. de Leeuw on behalf o f Classis Midwest, Rev. J. Spaans on behalf of Classis East, and Rev. J. den Hoed on behalf of Classis Farwest. Elder Kooy from the congregation of Dirksland, the Netherlands, Rev. Den Boer's former congregation, also spoke a few words. All o f these brothers were thanked by Rev. Den Boer.

After the service, there was opportunity to greet the minister and his family.

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