March 12, 2005 –
I. OPENING
OF CLASSIS
Opening Prayer: President
Ben Sweet opened the Spring 2005 Stated Session at 9:05 a.m. with prayer.
II.
ENROLLMENT OF DELEGATES, INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS
AND GRANTING THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR TO GUESTS
·
The Classis
Enrollment Register was passed around for the delegates to register their
attendance. See Attachment I.
·
Requests for leave
of absence were received from CCBA Elders, David Chu, Don Hammond, Warren
Bovenkerk, Tim Boeve, Janet Mahrle, Steve With, and Ed Yee.
·
President
Sweet welcomed the delegates and guests and granted the privilege of the floor
to all present.
·
President Sweet
introduced Barb Schutt, Classis Prayer Coordinator, who explained the
“Worshipful Work Model” that would be followed during this meeting.
III. PRAISE,
CELEBRATION, WORSHIP
·
New Life
Community Church and Sunrise C.C. Praise Teams opened the worship service by
leading the singing of several praise songs.
·
Rev. Jonathan
Brownson, RCA Prayer Ministry Coordinator, was introduced and presented a
devotional message based on being called to prayer as individual Christians, as
churches, classes, and as a denomination and his calling to facilitate this
process.
A season of intercessory prayers were offered for Rev. Brownson’s
function and role as Prayer Ministry Coordinator of the RCA and for the all the
items on the day’s agenda.
IV. PRESIDENT’S
REPORT
President Sweet reported that he had visited nearly every church in
the classis over the last six months and gave a summary of the praises and
concerns that were raised during his visits.
Following his report for each individual church, a prayer was offered for
the concerns and praises that were mentioned.
President Sweet also summarized the findings of the 2004 Statistical
Report of Classis Churches (Attachment II).
He noted that while there was a net loss of 26 confessing members
in the classis (with six churches reporting an increase in confessing members)
total membership increased by 188 over 2003.
Average attendance increased by 205 over last year, with nine
churches reporting increases. He noted
that kingdom growth continues with 104 adult baptisms. One new congregation (Lighthouse Community
Church) was added to the classis on Dec. 12 and one disbanded (Celebration Life
Ministries).
V.
SERVANT TEAM REPORT
President Ben Sweet directed the attention of the delegates to the Servant
Team Reports dated Dec. 6, 04 and Feb. 10, 05.
All of the recommendations contained in the S.T. Reports will be acted
upon during the Classis Minister’s Report or during Commission Reports.
President Sweet reported that a member of Hope Community Church was
concerned that little information was available to the average church member
regarding the activities and ministries of other churches within the
classis. To address this issue Ben asked
Tim Arensmeier, Classis Web-Master, to add a ‘Classis Corner’ to the classis
website. Church leaders can enter
information about their church by simply accessing the website (www.svccrca.org/classis), clicking on
‘Classis Corner’ in the lower right corner of the home page and typing
in the information. He encouraged the
classis delegates to take advantage of this resource and to alert members of
their congregations of its availability.
VI. CLASSIS
MINISTER’S REPORT
Classis Minister Tim Vink opened his report by
reading the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30) and commented on three
aspects of this parable: responsibility, accountability, and authority.
·
Infant Baptism: Tim reported that the question of infant
baptism is becoming a growing issue within our classis, especially among new
church starts and in recruiting qualified church planting pastors. Tim explained that in Aug. 2001 the Classis
of California conducted a Symposium on Infant Baptism and then held a series of
three focus groups on the subject at different churches to hear various
perspectives on the subject. Out of this
process a position paper was prepared by the Classis of California, dated
4/30/03, entitled: Reformed Beliefs and Practices on Infant Baptism. Tim
distributed copies of this paper and urged the delegates to study and discuss
it within their consistories in anticipation of a classis forum to be scheduled
at a later date. Tim emphasized that the
goal is to avoid making infant baptism a “dividing issue” among our churches.
·
Celebration Life
Ministry Transition Report: Tim distributed
copies of Report on the Transition of Celebration Life Ministries
(Attachment III) which was prepared by Jeff Kreiser. Tim explained that the Servant Team had
commissioned Jeff Kreiser to produce a written report from research gathered in
the greater Sacramento area on how to best utilize the resources emerging from
the transition at CLM for multiplication of new believers, leaders and churches
in the coming months and years.
A PowerPoint presentation was shown that traced
the 38-year history of classis ministry in South Sacramento and Elk Grove,
beginning with the Sacramento Drive-In Church founded by Rev. Richard Evers in
1967. As the drive-in concept fell out
of vogue, a traditional walk-in ministry emerged in 1986 under the name
Crossroads Community Church and the leadership of Rev. Phil Somsen and later
Rev. Steve Allison. Following a two year
closure (1995-97) of classis ministry in Elk Grove the classis called Rev.
Michael DeRuyter in Oct. 97 to begin a new ministry, which emerged as
Celebration Life Ministries. Following
the resignation of Rev. DeRuyter in May 2003, a discernment process began to
determine the next season of ministry at this site. Out of this process a call was issue to Brett
Cushing but just 5 months after his arrival at CLM, Mr. Cushing resigned after
determining that he was not suited for church planting.
On Jan. 6, 05 the CLM consistory voted unanimously
to recommend to classis that CLM be officially disbanded as a congregation and
that the property at 8555 Stockton Blvd. be sold. Tim reported that the Servant Team thoroughly
discussed the consistory recommendations at its Feb. 10 meeting and unanimously
supported both recommendations.
ACTION #1: M/S – To
officially disband Celebration Life Ministries as a RCA congregation. CARRIED.
ACTION #2: M/S – To
authorize the Servant Team to seek offers for the Elk Grove property (8555
Stockton Blvd.) that best meets the church planting goals of classis and to
authorize the Servant Team to execute the sale of the property at no less than
$4,000,000. CARRIED.
Tim pointed out that there were many more
recommendations contained in the Report on the Transition of CLM that the New Church
Development Commission and the Servant Team would be studying in the coming
months. It is expected that these
recommendations will be acted upon at the Fall-05 Stated Session of Classis.
Intercessory prayers were offered for those people
associated with CLM who are now looking for new church homes and for the
negotiations for the sale of the property.
The morning session was concluded with prayer and
a blessing for the lunch meal.
Adjournment
for Lunch
President Sweet called the afternoon session to order with prayer at
1:05 p.m., with the Sunrise Praise Team leading the singing of several praise
songs.
VII. COMMISSION
REPORTS
New Church Development
Commission – Jim Schoon, Moderator
Moderator Schoon called the delegates attention to the NCD Commission
Report dated Jan. 20, 05. He highlighted
the following items as an indicator of God’s goodness:
·
The
Journey-San Jose celebrated
its 3rd anniversary. They
have raised $85,000 for a church planter who they hope will come on staff in
2005 to begin the process of planting a new church (Greenhouse) within 15
months.
·
Lighthouse
Community Church-Lathrop,
under the leadership of Pastor Tim Voogd, was organized as a congregation on
Dec. 12, 04 with 52 confessing members. 70-80 adults are attending worship
regularly.
·
The
Orchard-Brentwood, under the
leadership of Steve With, is now in their second full year of ministry in
Brentwood. They are currently searching
for a new worship location that will enable them to conduct Sunday morning
worship services.
·
Iglesia
Emmanuel-Chowchilla -- Jim
introduced Eddy Aleman, who is an Apostolic Missionary Pastor seeking to claim
the lost for Christ among the Hispanic population in the Merced-Fresno
region. He has gathered a flock which is
meeting in the Cornerstone Community Church facilities on Sunday afternoons for
worship. Eddy is also hosting a weekly
radio ministry out of a Fresno radio station.
Eddy indicated that he is also working with the consistory at Church of
the Cross on the possibility of serving as a sponsoring/host church for a
Hispanic ministry in their facilities.
·
Master’s
Harvest – Jim introduced
Dale Adema who spoke of his organization. This ministry is directed at coming
alongside existing churches who express a desire to plant a new church. The NCD Commission is working in conjunction
with Dale to develop a Master’s Harvest Fund where churches and individuals
will be encouraged to invest in kingdom advancement through church planting.
·
New
Life Community Church-Tulare
– Jim introduced Rev. Larry Dodson, pastor of NLCC, who told of his spiritual
pilgrimage and that of NLCC. He
emphasized that NLCC is a multi-cultural ministry that seeks to find unity in
the midst of diversity. He thanked the TCC and Sunrise congregations for their
support and willingness to share their campus facilities for this
ministry. In submitting an application
for Placement in the Denominational Plan, Rev. Dodson explained that being
connected with a denomination for accountability purposes was very important to
him personally and for the members of the congregation. He explained the hope
to organize as an RCA congregation and join the classis later this year.
ACTION #3: M/S – To
approve the application of New Life Community Church for Placement in the
Denominational Plan. CARRIED.
·
Home
Fellowship Celebration Church-Fresno
– Jim introduced Rick Browatzke and Greg Fiske who are providing leadership to
this unique house church movement in Fresno among inner-city poor. They have also submitted an application for
Placement in the Denominational Plan.
ACTION #4: M/S – To
approve the application of Home Fellowship Celebration Church for Placement in
the Denominational Plan. CARRIED.
Intercessory prayers were offered following the report from each of these
ministries.
Congregational
Development and Renewal Commission – Beryl Banks, Moderator
Beryl called the delegates attention to the minutes of the Feb. 24, 05
CDR Commission meeting. He announced
that Paul Borden, author of the book, Hit the Bull’s Eye, will be the
speaker at the Fall Classis Resourcing Roundtable event.
Beryl reviewed the ‘Nine Unhealthy Trigger-Points” that signal to the
classis that a church is falling from a stage of dynamic health to a need for
‘hospice care.’ The data for determining
the ‘trigger-points’ is gathered from the annual consistorial reports. Beryl explained that churches identified by
this mechanism will fall under the supervision of the CDR Commission which will
assign a team to come alongside the church to assist in regaining health. Three churches have tripped several trigger
points and have been assigned a CDR team.
Beryl also noted that three churches have not completed the NCD survey
in the past 24 months and were encouraged to do so at the earliest possible
date.
Beryl also emphasized the importance for every church to appoint an NCD
Point Person (someone other than the Sr. Pastor).
Intercessory prayers were offered for the three churches that are under
‘hospice care,’ and for revitalization efforts this commission is endeavoring
to implement.
Leadership Development
Commission – Jerry Davelaar, Moderator
Commission Moderator Davelaar directed the attention of the delegates to
the L.D. Commission Report, March 05.
Jerry reported that a total of seven Commissioned Pastors have been
ordained by the classis and he reviewed the various ministries they are
involved in currently. He also reported
that five additional candidates are completing the requirements for commission
pastor.
Jerry reported that Keith Poppen resigned as chairperson of the Candidate
Care Committee and that Richard Evers, Minister Emeritus, has consented to take
over this responsibility. Six students
are currently enrolled with the Classis Candidate Care Committee. He also reported that Dwight Bailey is
finishing up his last term at Western Seminary and his ordination is scheduled
for Aug. 21 at Church of the Chimes.
Arrangements have been made with the MFCA Certification Committee for
Dwight to postpone the CPE intensive requirement for a time following his
ordination. The classis has agreed to
ensure that this requirement is fulfilled.
Pomin Wang is also completing his studies at Fuller Theological Seminary
this Spring and will complete his CPE requirements this summer.
Jerry reported that because of Ron Kaulen’s resignation as Youth Pastor
at Christ Community Church, the Youth Ministries Committee is currently without
a chairperson. He asked for suggested
candidates for this vital position.
Jerry also reported that Barb
Schutt continues to serve as the Classis Prayer Coordinator and is also a
member of the denominational ‘Houses of Prayer Equipping’ Team. He thanked Barb for arranging for prayer intercessors
to be present at this classis meeting.
Jerry announced that Rev. Michael Scott was nominated and consented to
serve as the classis minister delegate to Words of Hope to fill the unexpired
term of Rev. David Chu.
ACTION #5: M/S – To accept the nomination of Rev.
Michael Scott as Classis Minister Delegate to Words of Hope to fill the
unexpired term of Rev. Chu. CARRIED.
Intercessory prayer was offered for each of the students under the care
of the Classis Candidate Care Committee.
Also prayers were offered for candidates for the Youth Ministries
Committee, Moderator of the Relationship Development Commission, and Vice
President of the Classis.
Relationship
Development Commission Report -- Don
Werkhoven, Stated Clerk
Stated Clerk Don Werkhoven reported that Rev. David Chu resigned as
Senior Pastor of Christ Church of the Bay Area, effective Dec. 31, 2004.
ACTION #6: M/S – To
dissolve the pastoral relationship between Rev. David Chu and Christ Church of
the Bay Area. CARRIED.
·
Elder and Consistory Minute Review: The
following Elder and Consistory Minutes were review and found to be
acceptable: Church of the Chimes,
Community Reformed-Oakland, Tulare Community.
The following consistory minutes were not available for review and will
be re-scheduled for review at the Fall-05 Stated Session: Chinese Community,
and Christ Community.
· RCA Health Insurance Matching Grant Program: Don reviewed the offer of the RCA Bd. of Benefit Services (BOBS) to provide $2,000 in grant funds to churches whose minister is entering the RCA health insurance program for the first time, contingent on the classis matching each approved grant. This offer is being made available to help churches absorb the impact of mandatory participation in the RCA health plan approved by the 2004 General Synod. Don reminded the delegates that, if approved, this would be an unbudgeted expenditure that would come from reserve funds which he estimated to be no more than $6,000. Considerable discussion ensued regarding the general merits of the mandatory nature of the health plan, however, little opposition was expressed regarding classis participation in the BOBS matching grant offer.
ACTION #7: M/S -- To
approve the expenditure of classis reserve funds for the purpose of
participating in the BOBS matching grant program. CARRIED.
VIII. STATED CLERK’S REPORT
·
BCO Amendments: Don
reported that seven amendments to the RCA Constitution where adopted by the
2004 General Synod and referred to the 45 classes for approval. Don explained that 2/3 of the 45 classes must
approve each amendment to become a part of the Constitution. A simple majority is required to pass each
amendment at the classis level. The
following results were recorded:
1. Clarification of Membership and
Accountability for Minister of Word and Sacrament. APPROVED.
2. Definition of Minister of Word and
Sacrament. APPROVED.
3. Immediate Suspension of Office-Bearers. APPROVED.
4. General Synod President’s Report. APPROVED.
5. Candidates at Other Seminaries. APPROVED.
6. Conscience Clause. APPROVED.
7. Time Requirement for the Certificate of
Fitness for Ministry. APPROVED.
ACTION #8: M/S – To approve the
2004 Fall Stated Session Minutes. CARRIED.
Intercessory prayers were offered in thanksgiving for the services that Don provides as Stated Clerk.
IX.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer Don Werkhoven distributed copies of the Balance Sheet Report
and Profit and Loss Budget vs. Actual Report for the calendar year ending Dec.
31, 2004 (Attachment IV). Don pointed
out that expenses exceeded income by $24,960.66 due largely to an unbudgeted
severance package for Jeff Kreiser. He
reported that assessment income, with one exception, was on target. Don also distributed copies of the Balance
Sheet Report as of March 11, 05 (Attachment V).
ACTION #9: M/S – To approve the Balance Sheet and
Year-Ending Budget Reports as presented.
CARRIED.
Intercessory prayers were offered
for the provisions that God has made available to the members churches in the
classis and for their faithfulness in supporting the work of the classis.
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Stated Clerk Werkhoven announced that the Fall 2005 Stated Session will
be hosted by Church of the Cross in Modesto on Sept. 24, 2005.
Delegates to the 2005 General Synod: Ministers — John Oldenburger and
Keith Poppen. Elders – Elisebeth
Kersten, Christ Community and Daniel Ruiter, Sunrise Community.
Stated Clerk Werkhoven urged delegates to reserve Aug. 21 for the
ordination and installation of Dwight Bailey at Church of the Chimes in San
Jose.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
AND CLOSING INTERCESSORY PRAYER
A season of intercessory
prayer, directed by Barb Schutt, was offered for classis and denominational leaders,
for the churches of the classis, and for church planting and revitalization of
churches throughout the denomination and classis.
ACTION #10: M/S -- To
adjourn the 2005 Spring Stated Session of Classis. CARRIED.
Rev. John Foster closed the 2005 Spring Stated
Session with prayer at
_________/s/ Ben Sweet______________________ _______March 12, 2005_______
President Date
_________/s/ Don Werkhoven_________________ _______March 12, 2005_______
Stated Clerk Date
Web posted:
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