Mission and Vision
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Posted on May 9, 2012, 3:00 pm | 11 comments
Topics: Mission and Vision
We needed to pay more attention to our confessional identity if we want to have a voice in our missional future. Is our tiny classical liturgy of binary subscription to our Forms of Unity sufficient?
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Posted on March 22, 2012, 1:10 pm | 1 comment
Topics: Mission and Vision
It's not easy to take a picture of a classis. Both Rev. Devries and Rev. Boot spoke about how this project is helping both denominations move closer together, and this I celebrate. But I think it's also important to see how in many ways classis is a better initial level in which to pursue practical collaboration and unity.
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Posted on December 13, 2011, 10:57 am | 7 comments
We're not alone in focusing on congregational health. What's not so clear is how "middle judicatories" like the classis figure in. I can't help but wonder - is the classis a potential key as we try to balance all the organizational dynamics we're trying to address?
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Posted on July 18, 2011, 4:44 pm | 1 comment
Topics: Mission and Vision
Why do I want to blog about classis? I believe that the continued development of classis will be key for the vitalization of the CRCNA. I think classis is the least supported, most neglected, level of our three tiered system of church structure. I think investment in classis as a tool offers some of the greatest potential
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Posted on June 20, 2011, 2:24 pm | 7 comments
Topics: Classis Structure, Mission and Vision
No more "exceptional gift" entry for Ministers of the Word (Article 7) by Classis. In 2010 Synod discouraged affinity classes. In 2011 Synod didn't like ratifying confessional changes at Classis. It's not difficult to see within these debates the tension between uniformity and diversity, between trust and control.
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Posted on May 17, 2011, 8:38 am | 27 comments
Topics: Mission and Vision
Many of our churches are becoming more diverse so we think this will naturally flow to having a more diverse leadership in our churches and then more diversity in our classes and denomination. But it isn't happening naturally. It seems like if we are to become more diverse... we will need to become more
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Posted on April 7, 2011, 1:48 pm | 2 comments
Topics: Mission and Vision
Is it right that congregations ask the question about classis: “What’s in it for us?” and then base their participation on the answer? Or should congregations be participating, not for what they can get out of classis, but for what they can contribute?
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Posted on January 17, 2011, 5:05 pm | 3 comments
A classis is a way of organizing the church so that the church can be governed effectively. Can we effectively describe what it means to be a group of churches together? A dictionary definition will never be able to adequately define being together as a classis. This may be in part because our being together as a classis changes as the culture changes ...
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Posted on December 21, 2010, 11:02 am
Topics: Classis Resources, Mission and Vision
The Achieve-Preserve-Avoid (APA) vision-casting exercise is a tool to assist you with envisioning your classis 5 years from now. The APA can also assist a classis in developing a strategic plan.
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Posted on December 21, 2010, 10:59 am
Topics: Classis Resources, Mission and Vision
Once a vision has been produced how do you make sure it stays current and relevant to a classis? This document helps a classis ask the right questions to help keep a clear vision.
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Posted on December 20, 2010, 4:45 pm
Topics: Classis Resources, Mission and Vision
In 2007, Home Missions updated its strategy for Classes to use when looking at mobilizing church planting and church development. Although time has passed, this document still is helpful for classes wanting to be strategic about growing their churches.
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