Classis, and Classis meetings, suffer from a lack of interest - or should I say a lack of knowlege - of what classis is all about or what it does or what makes it interesting.
As a frequent elder, deacon, or ministry representative, I attended almost every classis meeting. I got caught up in the activities, the pains, the successes, the challenges, the excitement, and the good the classis could do for the region of churches. I tried to convey these things to my home church. However, now retired and no longer an "office-bearer", I am quickly out of the loop. Our delegates do not report back to the congregation, rather our bulletin reprints the "Classis Highlights".
The reported "Highlights" of the last meeting were:
1. opening devotions
2. all 28 churches present
3. appointment of chair and vice chair
4. treasurere reported 100% of budget income received
5. Bob xxx re-appointed classis treasure
6. classis youth consultant will soon be choosen and introduced at next meeting
7. schedule classis for a Saturday once a year
8. an out-of-work pastor was given another year to receive a call
9. next meeting date
Be still, my heart, I can hardly stand the excitement. Only one item - classis youth consultant - could be described as exciting IF it would have been accompanied by a overview of how this person will help our churches with dynamic input for our youth programs.
Classis suffers from a "who cares" illness. But there is a lot of good happening. Lets at the very least report it in a positve, vibrant way. Have your church representative write the bulletin notice. Have your delegate give a verbal update at your following Sunday service. Have the delegate send a note, email, visit, whatever,to all in your church who might be remotely affected by what happens at classis. Tell of the wonderful ministry in your regional churches. Connect your outreach team to an adjoining church to begain working together. Learn from other churches. Consider area projects with a few churches. Yout get the idea. I really don't care who chaired the meeting - I care more about what ministry has happened, and how we as a congregation can learn from it.
As a two time elder delegate to Synod, allow me to add my rules for an effective delegate.
1. Attend classis meetings as much as possible so that you are familiar with the issues. Some churches have a "Denominational Ministry" elder position in their church, who would be a regular at classis meetings.
2. Be prepared. Read the Synod Agenda, talk to as many people as possible about the issues, attend Classis.
3. Do not be intimidated. You have every right to be there, and your voice and thoughts are just as important as those who have a title of "Rev."
4. Pick your battles. You might not be a theologian, but chances are you are more informed about governance, committee structure, accountability, ministry in your church. Hopefully you were assigned to the right advisofry committee, and be able to contribute there in a smaller setting.
5. Social life at Synod is important. I have seen "networking" (old boys club) retiring for a social evening, leaving elders standing on the sidewalk wondering what to do that evening. Work your way into that cliique. "Hey, fellow delegates, what ar WE doing tonight?
6. Don't worry about catching that early flight out. God has asked you to be at Synod. Complete the work.
7. Have your fellow delegates assign you to report to the next classis meetingn. Why leave it up to the clergy? I attended one Sept Classis meeting where the chair (pastor) ruled no report was necessary, as all of you were briefed at the "Internos" (ministers retreat). What an insult ! This may have changed with recent electronic reporting, but summaries need to be reported to the entire Classis, including lay members, and it might as well be by you.
8. Soak in the experience, feel God's spirit at work. And if your picture appears in the next Banner, cut it out and frame it.
9. Blessings, and be proud that you can be humble at this important task.
I agree Classis meetings can be boring and ineffective. But if pastors, who are supposed to know what is going on, feel that way, pity the poor elder/deacon who attends once ore twice during their 3 year council term. Some churches have solved that by finding a designated Classis delegate, who is interested, goes to every meeting, follows issues from one classis session to the next, knows the rules and regulations, and can actually contribute to better working of classis. As both an elder and deacon, I have enjoyed that responsibility for 2 different churches. If each church has, as its delegate(s), an elder and/or deacon who have not been to classis the last few sessions, you have about half or a third of people who may have no clue what everyone else is talking about, and would feel foolish to stand up and ask. So my first suggestion would be that the church has a responsibility to send a qualified delegate.
Once we are there, we are treated to the classis old boys network, as suggested by the following real events
- Chair is pastor of the church based on alphabetical rotation, regardless of that pastors gifts to chair (or not)
- "Welcome to Pastor Sam, first time here, newly installed at Acme Church", while ignoring first time elders and deacons
- "Pray for Pastor Bob, who is fighting his major disease" OK, says the elder/deacon, who is Bob?
- A pastor from our classis is one of the nominees for one of the CRC Boards. A elder/deacon delegate asks, could you introduce that pastor, and have someone tell us more, such as his passion for that cause, his interests, his ability, etc. The chair replies that the nomination committee did its work, and anyway, we all know Pastor Bill. The elder was no wiser, did not vote.
- "Vacant (how I hate that term) church counselors reports, while the elder/deacon delegates of that church, sitting right there, are totally ignored as if they don't know anything or don't count.
One of the other main frustrations, leading to ineffective classis meetings, are unprofessional, incomplete, ministry proposals and programs. Often a grand, beautiful, terrific action is proposed in an awkwardly worded report, and something seems to be left out - the budget, the administration, the oversight, the reporting, the personnel requirements, the job description, the net cost to classis for the next few years - resulting in confusion, the proposal deferred to next meeting. Only problem is, the main lead person is on holidays, no meetings, no report in time for next classis, and a year from now we finally review the program, except that there is a complete turnover of delegates who do not know the initial issues.
Some of this could be overcome by having a classis ministry coordinator, adminstrative officer, CEO, clerk with authority, whatever. to keep their fingers on these things - push, pull , plead, or shepherd, whatever it takes to keep things on track, on time, and well-done.
And one other thought - guest speakers. Ever agency leader worth his/her salary will fight for the opportunity to address some 50 church leaders - for prayers, yes, but also for Public Relations and for funds. Often not a Classis function, and even if it is, we have heard/read/seen it all in other media.
Make classis inclusive, effective, and interesting - and you won't be bored.
Thanks for those observations, John. Quite accurate in a lot - not all - of Classis meetings. It would seem that part of the reason is that Elders/Deacons allow these things to happen. In my particular classis in Ontario each church delegates a pastor, elder, and deacon - so laypersons outnumber clergy 2 to 1. However, whether it is inexperience, intimidation, attitude, lack of speaking confidence, whatever, non-clergy don't speak up too often, allowing the clergy to dominate. This is unfortunate, as some clergy are not interested - or competent (sorry, pastor) in business administration.
(As a curious aside to the role of pastors/laypeople, it amazes me that at synod, the clergy half of the delegates debate and vote on pensions, clearly a conflict of interest !)
But this is where the God-given gifts of the delegates should be used for the sake of the church. When it comes to new ministry candidate examinations, for instance, I would leave the leadership of the theology observations to the clergy. But I have a good grasp of the administrative and governance of classis and its programs, and think I can debate the pros and cons of any new initiative. Not sure if we are responsible when we start delving into unknown or uncomfortable areas.
If one accepts that classis exists not only for the mutal oversight of churches, but also for ministry programs, new initiatives, impacting their area, encouraging and facilitating, we need people who not only are gifted in these areas, but use those gifts responsibly. Classis can be interesting, informative, alive, exciting, productive, advancing God's kingdom, but we need good rules, good people, and positive attitudes to make that happen.
We all - clergy and laypeople - need to know our gifts and talents, and use them to the glory of the Lord - whether its in the pulpit, in our our church council meetings, in classis meetings, and in our daily life..
In all of this, I want to recognize there are many pastors who have encouraged me to continue to speak and be a part of the classis deliberations and effectiveness.
I cannot speak for John Zylstra, and I'm not sure I agree with the term "entitlement". It is perhaps more of an issue that elders have taken and accepted a secondary role at classis. Elders allow that vacuum to exist. Elders need to recognize they have responsiblily to be an effective delegate - not a wallflower. Imagine if the concept of "its your turn to be a delegate at classis" was equal to "its your turn to play the organ at next Sunday's service" Not good.
If they insisted I play our organ, piano, guitars, drums, or any musical instrument, I would set back worship services about 500 years ! (about those gifts...)
Posted in: Introducing A New Guide
Classis, and Classis meetings, suffer from a lack of interest - or should I say a lack of knowlege - of what classis is all about or what it does or what makes it interesting.
As a frequent elder, deacon, or ministry representative, I attended almost every classis meeting. I got caught up in the activities, the pains, the successes, the challenges, the excitement, and the good the classis could do for the region of churches. I tried to convey these things to my home church. However, now retired and no longer an "office-bearer", I am quickly out of the loop. Our delegates do not report back to the congregation, rather our bulletin reprints the "Classis Highlights".
The reported "Highlights" of the last meeting were:
1. opening devotions
2. all 28 churches present
3. appointment of chair and vice chair
4. treasurere reported 100% of budget income received
5. Bob xxx re-appointed classis treasure
6. classis youth consultant will soon be choosen and introduced at next meeting
7. schedule classis for a Saturday once a year
8. an out-of-work pastor was given another year to receive a call
9. next meeting date
Be still, my heart, I can hardly stand the excitement. Only one item - classis youth consultant - could be described as exciting IF it would have been accompanied by a overview of how this person will help our churches with dynamic input for our youth programs.
Classis suffers from a "who cares" illness. But there is a lot of good happening. Lets at the very least report it in a positve, vibrant way. Have your church representative write the bulletin notice. Have your delegate give a verbal update at your following Sunday service. Have the delegate send a note, email, visit, whatever,to all in your church who might be remotely affected by what happens at classis. Tell of the wonderful ministry in your regional churches. Connect your outreach team to an adjoining church to begain working together. Learn from other churches. Consider area projects with a few churches. Yout get the idea. I really don't care who chaired the meeting - I care more about what ministry has happened, and how we as a congregation can learn from it.
Good communication can create excitement.
Blessings
Posted in: Are We ignoring Elders at Synod?
As a two time elder delegate to Synod, allow me to add my rules for an effective delegate.
1. Attend classis meetings as much as possible so that you are familiar with the issues. Some churches have a "Denominational Ministry" elder position in their church, who would be a regular at classis meetings.
2. Be prepared. Read the Synod Agenda, talk to as many people as possible about the issues, attend Classis.
3. Do not be intimidated. You have every right to be there, and your voice and thoughts are just as important as those who have a title of "Rev."
4. Pick your battles. You might not be a theologian, but chances are you are more informed about governance, committee structure, accountability, ministry in your church. Hopefully you were assigned to the right advisofry committee, and be able to contribute there in a smaller setting.
5. Social life at Synod is important. I have seen "networking" (old boys club) retiring for a social evening, leaving elders standing on the sidewalk wondering what to do that evening. Work your way into that cliique. "Hey, fellow delegates, what ar WE doing tonight?
6. Don't worry about catching that early flight out. God has asked you to be at Synod. Complete the work.
7. Have your fellow delegates assign you to report to the next classis meetingn. Why leave it up to the clergy? I attended one Sept Classis meeting where the chair (pastor) ruled no report was necessary, as all of you were briefed at the "Internos" (ministers retreat). What an insult ! This may have changed with recent electronic reporting, but summaries need to be reported to the entire Classis, including lay members, and it might as well be by you.
8. Soak in the experience, feel God's spirit at work. And if your picture appears in the next Banner, cut it out and frame it.
9. Blessings, and be proud that you can be humble at this important task.
Posted in: Why Your Pastor Hates Classis
I agree Classis meetings can be boring and ineffective. But if pastors, who are supposed to know what is going on, feel that way, pity the poor elder/deacon who attends once ore twice during their 3 year council term. Some churches have solved that by finding a designated Classis delegate, who is interested, goes to every meeting, follows issues from one classis session to the next, knows the rules and regulations, and can actually contribute to better working of classis. As both an elder and deacon, I have enjoyed that responsibility for 2 different churches. If each church has, as its delegate(s), an elder and/or deacon who have not been to classis the last few sessions, you have about half or a third of people who may have no clue what everyone else is talking about, and would feel foolish to stand up and ask. So my first suggestion would be that the church has a responsibility to send a qualified delegate.
Once we are there, we are treated to the classis old boys network, as suggested by the following real events
- Chair is pastor of the church based on alphabetical rotation, regardless of that pastors gifts to chair (or not)
- "Welcome to Pastor Sam, first time here, newly installed at Acme Church", while ignoring first time elders and deacons
- "Pray for Pastor Bob, who is fighting his major disease" OK, says the elder/deacon, who is Bob?
- A pastor from our classis is one of the nominees for one of the CRC Boards. A elder/deacon delegate asks, could you introduce that pastor, and have someone tell us more, such as his passion for that cause, his interests, his ability, etc. The chair replies that the nomination committee did its work, and anyway, we all know Pastor Bill. The elder was no wiser, did not vote.
- "Vacant (how I hate that term) church counselors reports, while the elder/deacon delegates of that church, sitting right there, are totally ignored as if they don't know anything or don't count.
One of the other main frustrations, leading to ineffective classis meetings, are unprofessional, incomplete, ministry proposals and programs. Often a grand, beautiful, terrific action is proposed in an awkwardly worded report, and something seems to be left out - the budget, the administration, the oversight, the reporting, the personnel requirements, the job description, the net cost to classis for the next few years - resulting in confusion, the proposal deferred to next meeting. Only problem is, the main lead person is on holidays, no meetings, no report in time for next classis, and a year from now we finally review the program, except that there is a complete turnover of delegates who do not know the initial issues.
Some of this could be overcome by having a classis ministry coordinator, adminstrative officer, CEO, clerk with authority, whatever. to keep their fingers on these things - push, pull , plead, or shepherd, whatever it takes to keep things on track, on time, and well-done.
And one other thought - guest speakers. Ever agency leader worth his/her salary will fight for the opportunity to address some 50 church leaders - for prayers, yes, but also for Public Relations and for funds. Often not a Classis function, and even if it is, we have heard/read/seen it all in other media.
Make classis inclusive, effective, and interesting - and you won't be bored.
Shalom, and blessings.
Posted in: Why Your Pastor Hates Classis
Thanks for those observations, John. Quite accurate in a lot - not all - of Classis meetings. It would seem that part of the reason is that Elders/Deacons allow these things to happen. In my particular classis in Ontario each church delegates a pastor, elder, and deacon - so laypersons outnumber clergy 2 to 1. However, whether it is inexperience, intimidation, attitude, lack of speaking confidence, whatever, non-clergy don't speak up too often, allowing the clergy to dominate. This is unfortunate, as some clergy are not interested - or competent (sorry, pastor) in business administration.
(As a curious aside to the role of pastors/laypeople, it amazes me that at synod, the clergy half of the delegates debate and vote on pensions, clearly a conflict of interest !)
But this is where the God-given gifts of the delegates should be used for the sake of the church. When it comes to new ministry candidate examinations, for instance, I would leave the leadership of the theology observations to the clergy. But I have a good grasp of the administrative and governance of classis and its programs, and think I can debate the pros and cons of any new initiative. Not sure if we are responsible when we start delving into unknown or uncomfortable areas.
If one accepts that classis exists not only for the mutal oversight of churches, but also for ministry programs, new initiatives, impacting their area, encouraging and facilitating, we need people who not only are gifted in these areas, but use those gifts responsibly. Classis can be interesting, informative, alive, exciting, productive, advancing God's kingdom, but we need good rules, good people, and positive attitudes to make that happen.
We all - clergy and laypeople - need to know our gifts and talents, and use them to the glory of the Lord - whether its in the pulpit, in our our church council meetings, in classis meetings, and in our daily life..
In all of this, I want to recognize there are many pastors who have encouraged me to continue to speak and be a part of the classis deliberations and effectiveness.
Shalom, Ben
Posted in: Why Your Pastor Hates Classis
I cannot speak for John Zylstra, and I'm not sure I agree with the term "entitlement". It is perhaps more of an issue that elders have taken and accepted a secondary role at classis. Elders allow that vacuum to exist. Elders need to recognize they have responsiblily to be an effective delegate - not a wallflower. Imagine if the concept of "its your turn to be a delegate at classis" was equal to "its your turn to play the organ at next Sunday's service" Not good.
Ben
Posted in: Why Your Pastor Hates Classis
If they insisted I play our organ, piano, guitars, drums, or any musical instrument, I would set back worship services about 500 years ! (about those gifts...)