For the last 18 months either my husband or I took our baby to our family doctor for regular check-ups. None of these appointments were made because he was unhealthy but just because, if there is a problem, it is so important to catch it early. Classis check-ups are important, too.
Over the past several years many churches have had check-ups of sorts to look for points of health and places that need work (Natural Church Development surveys, Healthy Churches surveys, WillowCreek Reveal survey, etc.). But when it comes to classes we often just keep going with the way things have always been. We don’t bother to check the health and vitality of this mid-level of church life.
In 2003 the Classis Renewal Ministry Team (CRMT), a joint project of Home Missions and Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC), developed a set of nine benchmarks that can help a classis take a check-up of their health. This past year CRMT added one more to the list to make it a nice round number. Take a look at the 10 Benchmarks and do a quick check-up on your classis. How healthy is it? What areas need to be developed? Where do you excel?
I encourage you to take your classis for a check-up. Discuss the health of your classis with others. What steps can you take to become a healthier, more vibrant community of Christian Reformed Churches in your region?
