Classis of Central California

Classis Minutes

Fall Stated Session

September 28, 2002 – Cornerstone Community Church – Chowchilla

 

 

 

I.          OPENING OF CLASSIS

 

Worship, Celebration, Communion:  President Jay Zwagerman opened the Fall 2002 Stated Session at 9:05 a.m. with prayer.  After the singing of several praise songs, Jay presented a devotional message based on Proverbs 16:1-4.  The theme of his message centered on placing God at the center of your work activity and then you can expect what you’ve planned will take place.  Following the devotional message each church delegation came forward as a group, expressed a praise and prayer request and then partook of communion together while the remainder of the classis delegates and guest prayed for that church.

 

II.        ENROLLMENT OF MEMBERS, INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS,

            AND GRANTING THE PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR TO GUESTS.

 

The Classis Enrollment Sheet was passed around for those present to register their attendance.  The Classis Enrollment Sheet is attached as Attachment A.  Requests for Leave of Absence were received from Warren Bovenkerk, Tim Boeve, and Ron Spence. 

 

ACTION #1:  M/S -- To grant the privilege of the floor to all guests present.  CARRIED.

 

 

III.       APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

 

Copies of the minutes of the Spring Stated Session, dated March 9, 2002, were included in a mailing to all delegates.  No additions, deletions, or corrections were noted.

 

ACTION #2: M/S -- To approve the Minutes of the Spring Stated Session, dated March 9, 2002.  CARRIED.

 

 

IV.       SERVANT TEAM REPORT

 

President Zwagerman briefly reviewed the Servant Team minutes dated Aug. 15, 2002.  He called the delegate’s attention to the recommendation from the Servant Team to increase the Classis Minister’s hours from 10 hours to 20 hours per week, plus 5 hours per week administrative support.  The budget impact for this recommended change is $19,550.

 

ACTION #3: M/S -- To increase the Classis Minister’s hours from 10 to 20 hours per week, plus 5 hours per week for administrative assistance and to budget $19,550 to fund this increase.  CARRIED.

 

President Zwagerman asked Stated Clerk Werkhoven to present the second reading of an addendum to the classis bylaws.  Werkhoven reminded the classis delegates that the first reading of this addendum, entitled: Ordaining of a Commissioned Pastor, was read at the Spring Stated Session.  Werkhoven asked for a motion to waive a classis bylaw provision that requires amendments to the bylaws be read verbatim prior to vote.

 

ACTION #4: M/S -- To waive the bylaw provision that requires bylaw amendments to be read verbatim prior to vote.  CARRIED.

 

ACTION #5: M/S -- To approve the addendum to the Classis Bylaws known as “Appendix B” Ordaining of a Commissioned Pastor.  CARRIED.  

 

Action on BCO Amendments:

 

1. 

Mission and Ministry in the Church Order.

Approved

2. 

Diaconal Conferences.

Approved

3. 

Consistories and Administrative Duties.

Approved

4. 

Relation of the Assemblies.

Approved

5. 

Responsibilities of the General Synod Council.

Approved

6. 

Substitution for 27-Month Period for Theo. Students.

Approved

7. 

Conscience Clause.

Disapproved

           

ACTION #6:  M/S -- To accept the Servant Team Report as presented.  CARRIED.

 

 

V.          CLASSIS MINISTER REPORT

 

Tim Vink summarized his activities on behalf of classis during the past 6-months.  He reported that he has spent time helping to fine tune the Mobilizing Leadership for Mission and Ministry proposal. Promotional packets are now available for this program.  In addition, Tim has been working with several people who have contacted him about possible church starts in Brentwood, Inner-city Fresno, and Chico. 

 

Tim reminded the delegates of the three-pronged focus of the classis program that he is spearheading with consultant Gary Reinecke: 1) Strengthening existing pastoral support systems; 2) Developing a self-sustaining process for church health; 3) Increase production capacity for church multiplication.  He called attention to the Phase I, II, and III proposal presented by Gary Reinecke, which is scheduled to begin next month, if approved.

 

Tim also called the delegates attention to the results of the Regional Synod Evaluation Report and highlighted several important areas of this report.

 

ACTION #7: M/S -- To accept the Classis Minister’s Report as presented.  CARRIED. 

 

ADJOURNED FOR LUNCH

 

Don Werkhoven closed the morning session with prayer at 12:05 p.m.

 

 

                                                                                           RECONVENED FOR P.M. SESSION

 

President Zwagerman reconvened the p.m. session with prayer at 1:10 p.m.

 

 

VI.       COMMISSION REPORTS

 

Leadership Development Commission – Jerry Davelaar, Moderator

 

Moderator Davelaar presented a request from Christ Community Church for classis approval to ordain Keith Poppen as Minister of Word and Sacrament.

 

ACTION #8: M/S -- To approve the ordination of Keith Poppen on Oct. 27, 2002, 4:00 p.m. at Christ Community Church in Carmichael.  CARRIED.

 

Men’s Ministry Report:  Dan Kruse reported that Calvary Reformed will once again be hosting a Men’s Retreat in the Spring.  He announced that this retreat is open to men from other churches in the classis.  The event is geared toward encouraging leaders in the formation of men’s ministries in their local churches.

 

Nomination Committee Report:  Because of Dave Schutt’s request to step aside as the Moderator of the NCD Commission, the nominations committee recommended that Jim Schoon be approved as Moderator of the NCD Commission.  

 

ACTION #9: M/S -- To approve the nomination of Jim Schoon as Moderator of the NCD Commission.  CARRIED.

 

NOTE: Earle Hall was nominated for the office of Vice President, to fill the unexpired term of Jim Schoon.  The Servant Team, acting on behalf of classis, approved Earle’s nomination via email ballot on Oct. 3, 2002.

 

Candidate Care Committee Report:  Keith Poppen presented a very encouraging report that three churches formally requested that classis take under its care three new students of theology, Kyle Davelaar, COTC-Modesto (Fuller Seminary); Felix Chu, CCBA-San Mateo (Trinity Seminary); and Po Min Wang, CCBA-San Mateo (Fuller Seminary).  Keith reported that the committee interviewed each of these candidates and found them to be persons they could wholeheartedly recommend to come under the care of classis. 

 

ACTION #10: M/S -- To accept Kyle Davelaar, Felix Chu, and Po Min Wang under the care of classis as enrolled students of theology.  CARRIED.

 

ACTION #11: M/S -- To accept the Leadership Development Commission Report as presented.  CARRIED.

 

New Church Development Commission – Dave Schutt, Moderator

 

Dave introduced Steve and Jill With who are in the beginning stages of a church plant in Brentwood, which is the fastest growing community in California, located in eastern Contra Costa County.  Steve is a graduate of the Reformed Theological Seminary and has served in Presbyterian churches and at Fellowship Bible Church.  He is not ordained but is interested in becoming ordained in the RCA and doing this church plant as an RCA ministry.  Steve and Jill have gathered a group of people in Brentwood who share their vision for a new church.  Steve and Jill reported that they have tentatively settled on the name “Orchard Community Church of Brentwood” for this new work. Steve recently completed the Ridley assessment, at the request of the NCD Commission.  Jeff Wenke and Jim Schoon were assigned to mentor Steve in the church planting process and Jerry Davelaar will coordinate issues related to ordination in the RCA, through the Leadership Development Commission.  Although the NCD Commission originally recommended $5,000 be placed in the 2003 budget for this church plant, Dave reported that because things are moving faster than expected, they are recommending up to $40,000 be allocated from the 20/20 Church Planting Fund for this ministry.

 

ACTION #12: M/S -- To approve an allocation of up to $40,000 from the 20/20 Church Planting Fund to the Brentwood church plant.  CARRIED.

 

Duane Laman gave an update on the Lighthouse Community Church of Lathrop.  They held their first service on Sept. 16 and were very encouraged by the turnout the first two weeks.  This church plant is under the direction of Dale Adema and a sponsoring group from Calvary Reformed Church.

 

Dave Schutt reported that conversation continues with a mission organization called Impact Ministries that is planting house churches in inner-city Fresno.

 

A core group from Church of the Chimes-San Jose continues to meet and plan for a potential church plant in the Morgan Hill/Coyote Creek area in south Santa Clara County.

 

Dave also introduced Mike Chenevey from Chico.  Mike has been involved in planting a new church in Chico for the past year.  Because he is not affiliated with a denomination, this plant has been of the “tent-making” variety.  His visit to the classis meeting is for the purpose of orienting himself to the RCA, with the possibility of establishing some ties in the future.

 

ACTION #13: M/S -- To accept the NCD Commission Report as presented.  CARRIED.

 

Stated Clerk Werkhoven expressed appreciation to Dave Schutt for his leadership as Moderator of the NCD Commission over the past 4 years.  Because of the time commitment and added responsibilities brought on by Dave’s election as Vice President of the General Synod, he is stepping down as NCD Commission Moderator.  The entire classis body gathered around Dave, laid hands on him and prayed over him for strength, courage, health and wisdom as he begins his three-year commitment to the denomination. 

 

 

Relationship Development Commission – John Oldenburger, Moderator

 

John called the delegates attention to the Commission’s report.  He thanked God for blessing every church of the classis with a full time pastor.  He reported that he and Don Werkhoven are scheduling “classis visits” with pastors and consistories.

 

Examination of Consistory and Elder Minutes: John Oldenburger reported that the consistory and elder minutes from the following churches were examined and found to meet acceptable standards: Calvary Reformed, Church of the Cross, Cornerstone Community, Hope Community, New Hope Community, Sonoma Valley Community, and Sunrise Community.  The minutes of Living Faith and Tulare Community were not available for review, thus will be scheduled for review at the Spring 03 Stated Session.

 

ACTION #14: M/S -- To accept the Relationship Development Commission Report as presented.  CARRIED.

 

 

Congregational Development and Renewal Commission – Beryl Banks, Moderator

 

Beryl called the delegates attention to the CDR Commission report dated July 18, 2002.  Beryl summarized the recommendations of the commission regarding several concerns of paternalism and racism they felt were inherent in the Mobilizing Leaders Proposal.  These recommendations were presented as motions before the body, as follows:

 

ACTION #15: M/S -- That the Leadership Development Commission intentionally and fully include ethnic churches in the implementation of leadership development strategies and guidelines with regards to the Mobilizing Leaders Proposal.  And that such inclusion be with regards to the development of implementation guidelines as well as the specific targeting of tomorrow’s leaders.  CARRIED.

 

ACTION #16: M/S -- That the classis bylaws be appended by adding a training practicum to the Mobilizing Leaders curriculum (Know, Be, Do) that intentionally stretches the leader to engage and consider cross-cultural and cross-socioeconomic ministry.  It is further recommended that this practicum consist of two total immersion weekends and that $150 per classis church be budgeted to encourage participation in this practicum.  CARRIED.

 

ACTION #17: M/S -- That classis churches, consistories, and the Classis Servant Team seize the opportunity to visit and warmly receive one another, especially those places of Model Ministries, to further facilitate relationship building, sharing of resources, and cross-pollination.  To encourage such visitation, it is recommended that $200 per church be added to the classis budget to serve as grant funds to finance such visits, based on demonstrable vision, strategy, and purpose for the visit.  CARRIED.

 

Approval of Church Bylaw Amendments:

 

Tulare Community Church requests that classis approve the following amendment to its bylaws by adding the following sub-section: The Consistory shall appoint annually a Selection Interview Committee composed of four to five members and the pastor.  The committee shall nominate candidates to be presented to the Consistory.

 

ACTION #18: M/S -- To approve the above bylaw amendment as requested by Tulare Community Church.  CARRIED.

 

Church of the Chimes requests that classis approve the following amendment to its bylaws:  The fiscal year of the Church shall be the calendar year September 1 through August 31.

 

ACTION #19: M/S -- To approve the above bylaw amendment as requested by Church of the Chimes.  CARRIED.

 

ACTION #20: M/S -- To accept the CDR Commission Report as presented.  CARRIED.

 

 

 VII.    HONDURAS STEERING COMMITTEE REPORT

 

Don Werkhoven reported that two work parties, composed of members from six churches in the classis, spent two weeks each in Puerto Lempira, Honduras working on the construction of a building to house a Bible Institute.  Because of concern over accounting procedures for construction supplies, work on the Bible Institute has been halted.  Werkhoven reported that a meeting, attended by Jhonny Alicea-Baez and Dave Dethmers from the RCA Missions Office, was recently held in Bethlehem, PA with members of the International Moravian Church and the Moravian Church of Honduras, to talk through issues of accountability and partnership strategy.  Don reported that $43,742 remains in the Honduras Partnership Fund. 

 

Don introduced Jhonny Alicea-Baez, Liaison for RCA Mission Programs in Latin America.  Jhonny reported that the meeting in Bethlehem, PA was productive and should result in better accountability of funds and increased communication with Moravian leaders in Honduras.  Jhonny also reported on developing mission opportunities in Cuba, Argentina, and Guatemala.

 

ACTION #21: M/S -- To accept the Honduras Steering Committee Report as presented.  CARRIED.

 

 

VIII.    REPORTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES

 

Words of Hope: Howard Anderson reported on the Words of Hope meeting that he and Rev. David Chu attended last weekend as classis delegates.  Howard indicated that the response to overseas broadcast remains much stronger than broadcasts in the U.S.  He encouraged churches to continue to pray for the worldwide radio ministry and to consider including Words of Hope in each church’s budget.

 

IX.       TREASURER’S REPORT

 

Treasurer Don Werkhoven distributed copies of the Profit and Loss Budget vs. Actual report for the period Jan. 1 thru August 31, 2002.  He indicated that income and expenses are fully in line with budget projections.  He also summarized the contents of the Balance Sheet (accrual basis) as of August 31, 2002.

 

ACTION #22: M/S -- To accept the August 31, 2002 Balance Sheet report as presented.  CARRIED.

 

2003 Proposed Budget:  Treasurer Werkhoven review the 2003 proposed budget that totals $291,862.  Per member assessments are set at $85.39 based on a reported membership of 3,288 in 2001.  Income from assessments is projected at $280.762 and $11,100 from interest bearing accounts for a total of $291,862.  In addition, the proposed budget calls for the following expenditures from the 20/20 Church Planting Fund:

 

Orchard Community Church of Brentwood             up to $40,000 (subject to NCD conditions).

Morgan Hill/Coyote Creek                                       up to $40,000 (subject to NCD conditions).

Lighthouse Community Church of Lathrop                        $20,000

 

ACTION #23: M/S -- To approve the proposed 2003 budget of $291,862 and expenditures up to $100,000 from the 20/20 Church Planting Fund.  CARRIED.

 

Salary Scale Committee Report:  Don Werkhoven call the attention of the delegates to the Classis Salary Scale Committee Report, Fall 2002.  The committee recommended the following minimum cost-of-living adjustments for ordained pastor salaries in 2003, based on Western Region Federal Consumer Price Index figures:

 

San Francisco Bay Region: +1.7%

Sacramento County Region: +1.5%

San Joaquin Valley Region: +1.3%

 

The minimum salary scale for ordained pastors for 2003 is as follows:

 

                                                                 Years of Ordination

Geographic Area

0-2 Years

3-5 Years

6-10 Years

11+ Years

 

 

 

 

 

S.F. Bay Region

$40,755

$43,975

$45,275

$46,930

Sacramento Co.

$41,174

$43,340

$44,630

$46,260

San Joaquin Valley

$39,595

$42,720

$43,990

$45,595

 

 

 

 

 

 

The auto mileage allowance recommendation for 2003 is $0.325 per mile, or $4,143 annually (Federal Maximum $0.36).

 

ACTION #24: M/S -- To approve the 2003 Classis Salary Scale for Ordained Pastors as presented.  CARRIED.

 

ACTION #25: M/S -- To accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented.  CARRIED.

 

 

X.        OTHER BUSINESS

 

Karl Overbeek raised a question regarding funding for the various program and ministry initiatives the classis is undertaking, particularly church planting opportunities.  Karl pointed out that the 20/20 Church Planting Fund will nearly be depleted by 2004 unless some means of replenishing it is established.  In an effort to deal with this in a pro-active manner, Karl proposed the following motion:

 

ACTION #26: M/S -- To instruct the Classis Servant Team to explore creative alternatives for financing the various ministry opportunities God has presented to us as a classis and to return to the Spring 2003 Stated Session with a recommended course of action.  CARRIED.

 

 

XI.       ADJOURNMENT AND CLOSING PRAYER

 

ACTION #27 M/S -- To adjourn the 2002 Fall Session of Classis.  CARRIED.

 

Rev. Earle Hall closed the 2002 Fall Session of Classis with prayer at 3:15 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Jay Zwagerman

President                                                          Date:  October 10, 2002

 

 

 

/s/ Don Werkhoven

Stated Clerk                                                     Date:  October 10, 2002

 

Web posted:  October 11, 2002

Updated:  October 16, 2002

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