Rev. Alvin Hoksbergen wrote in an article for The Banner: (see article here) that there seems to be a “waning interest” in the Christian Reformed Church structures including classis. He writes that “we must either recognize the value of these structures and take action to strengthen them, or allow them to continue down a course that reflects what some may think is the irrelevance of our denomination.”
In my experience there are a number of people who think that classes have become irrelevant to our congregations. And perhaps overall, there is a waning interest. But I also know that there are many who are working hard at helping classis do things differently in order that they become more relevant and address the needs of leaders and churches.
I have heard stories here and there about what is happening around our denomination. Classes Grand Rapids East, Hamilton, Niagara and Toronto have Ministry Coordinators who work to help classes do things differently. Alberta North just started a Restorative Justice Team. Another few classes have youth coordinators who work to help youth programs in their classes.
Let's hear more about what is happening. We need to start sharing these stories all over the denomination. We need to hear more about what is being done to strengthen our congregations at every level. What is your classis story? What have you been doing that has given life to the congregations in your classis?
