Sorry. That first sentence should say CRC Church Order COMMENTARY. Newly writing a Church Order is not really my style! Only a synod could do that.
Church Order Commentary
Henry DeMoor on Sat, 12/18/2010 - 12:39pm
Tim Postuma on Tue, 12/21/2010 - 2:09pm
Henry,
Come on....that was barely half a toot.
A full toot of the horn should really include a link so we can read the sample chapter and, of course, buy! Let me help you out:
http://www.faithaliveresources.org/Products/155303/christian-reformed-church-order-commentary.aspx
This may not reach mass-market status with an interview by Oprah, distribution through Costco, and the rest. Not to shatter any dreams, of course.
But Christian Reformed pastors, elders, and entire congregations are in debt to you for putting this all down. And to Faith Alive for publishing it. Thank you.
Gayla Postma on Wed, 01/05/2011 - 5:30pm
I've got my order in ....
Jeff Brower on Thu, 01/06/2011 - 8:33pm
Got mine in the mail today! Woo hoo!
Randy Blacketer on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 7:18pm
I just got my shiny new copy!
John Zylstra on Wed, 02/23/2011 - 3:44pm
I read the first chapter of your book. I think technically it was well-written. However, I suspect your book simply explains and supports the status quo. Which is okay I suppose for those who enjoy the status quo.
Where I have problems with the church order are some of its inconsistencies, where it contradicts itself. For example, it states all the offices are equal in importance and then proceeds to have about 20 articles or more on the office of "minister of the word", and one article shared between elders and deacons. I get the impression sometimes that the church order is as much a professional document for maintaining the professionalism of "ministering" as it is for order in the church.
Many of the ideas in the church order seem to be predicated on worldly hierarchies and institutions, rather than on a careful examination of scripture. This is no less true today than when it was written, although the worldly priorities have changed and have thus affected the church order subsequently.
The idea of distinguishing ministerial associates from ministers in terms of function, and the underlying impact on retirement, pension funds etc., distort the true roles and significance of pastoring, preaching, leading, teaching.
The sometimes duplicity in the church order, where for example it identifies "ministers" as leading the sacraments, without any biblical or scriptural warrant for doing so, and yet technically the order does not mandate or forbid elders or deacons from leading these sacraments...., but the impression is left to the point that people think it is another rule.
The unscriptural, or at least very contrived reasoning, that limits elders from presenting the blessing or benediction....
The regulation upon regulation, precept upon precept, that imposes a hierarchical requirement (rather than a suggestion or an opportunity) for congregations to require the blessing of classis for decisions that ought to be their's alone.
There is more that could be said, but I find that I had more respect for the church order as a christian document before I studied it closely, than afterwards.
I don't really care to toot my own horn, but ship date for my newly written CRC Church Order -- according to Faith Alive Resources -- is January 10. The book features a treatment of each article of our Church Order -- half of it exposition, being theological, historical or practical in nature, the other half of it real life questions and answers that I have received and written over many years of work at Calvin Theological Seminary. It just strikes me that this book might be good fodder for this Church Order Forum. I would appreciate a discussion of any of it. I have broad enough shoulders to entertain hefty criticism of the negative kind and will receive with humility any favorable reactions. All that is not important. What is important is that we as members of the CRCNA learn once again what the basics of our church government are and how they function in our communities. So let me hear from you in the New Year after you order the book at Faith Alive. Thanks. I look forward to many discussions here. Have a great year of our Lord, 2011.