Classis was in the spotlight at synod—in part because of the big structure decision! Synod also asked to take a hard look at the purpose and structure of classis. This is momentous for classis leaders.
What makes the classis structure so valuable? Here's a few of the things I've come to notice and like about classis.
I'm sharing a story of an experience in Grace CRC's food pantry. I'd like some feedback on any aspect of this story.
Four years and two months ago our daughter Sarah died of leukemia. For the last couple years of Sarah's life, after the diagnosis, God gave her calm, a contentment, a peace, that blessed us then, and still does.
When the CRCNA wants to speak on “issues” such as race relations, justice, etc., voices of caution and concern are always raised about whether the church may speak on issues such as these which are not within the church’s realm of expertise or responsibility.
When I think about the things that make me impatient with synod, I confess to the sin of cynicism. (Is cynicism de facto a sin? I’ve come to think so. Christians just don’t get to do gratuitous negativity.) On the other hand, when I’m feeling good about a particular synod, and someone snidely says to me, “Yeah, but what did they actually ACCOMPLISH?” I feel deflated...
This is the "in-between year" — between Prayer Summits, and regional and local prayer summits are being planned. Would you let us know here if you know of one?
Could we be refreshed by recovering a tired old practice, and injecting it with some new vision and vigor?
Do you see these trends in the denomination? Are we trending in healthy directions? Signs of hope in the CRC? Do you see any?
Could a classis ever slow down and get quiet enough to hear the Holy Spirit's voice? How might we arrange our meetings so that we increase the likelihood that we'll discern wisely and respond promptly and sincerely?
After the Prayer Summit, I've been thinking a lot about discernment and the Spirit's leading in our assemblies. How's our decision making in the light of renewed commitment to prayer?
Spiritual biographies can be compelling reading. But fictional treatment of the spiritual journeys of four women? What kind of book would that be? And why would I read it? I had heard such good things about Sensible Shoes. And I DO find it helpful to hear others reflect on their deepening walk with Jesus and how that relationship...
We've all got stories (testimonies?) of times when we experienced a special leading of the Holy Spirit. We are often hesitant to tell these stories. Could it be that these days are days for telling each other our stories?
Is classis Church? The Word is not preached there. Well, maybe it is. The Sacraments are not served there. Well, maybe sometimes. Discipline is not carried out there. Hmmm…. Maybe it is after all.
For what is classis responsible? The Church Order can help us - but only to a point.
To our surprise and delight, renewal at the classis level is becoming more and more part of the denominational dialog on structure, leadership, and culture. We are recognizing the strategic importance of the classis for so many dimensions of our life together. Change at classis is inevitable, and invites our best proactive interventions.
Conversations about change in the structure, culture, and leadership of the CRC are more and more beginning to recognize the strategic position and importance of classis. This marks a change in how we are thinking about the denomination's future. It's where change and church connect! Classis renewal is coming of age!
This is a time of significant questioning in the CRC – why are we shrinking so fast? What should we do? What structures do we need? What kind of leadership? What vision? Are there resources for a sustainable and robust future? Are we at risk of paralysis of polarization? We need to do some heavy discernment together.
The power of classis - the strategic intersection between congregations and denomination. If you’ve been reading the CLASSIS network, you’ve already heard the invitation to consider the vital importance of classis renewal. So why wouldn’t it be one of the places we’d expect the Holy Spirit to be at work reforming the CRC? A few extra minutes designed to catch the breeze wouldn’t be amiss, right?
Recently I was encouraged to read Growing the Church in the Power of the Holy Spirit, a book I probably would not have picked up on my own. The title set off my warning bells. Exactly why that is, I’m not even sure I know myself. Somehow I feared gimmickry or formula or an unspiritual pragmatism. But I read it, and I want to recommend it...
In the plethora of meetings, schedules, and busyness, and our anxiety about decline - are we together taking the time to pause, to tune in, to pray, to really listen, and to discern together the path of obedience?
Neo Liberal Conservatism. What I mean to say with that made-up bit of jargon is that we need to get WAY past our current categories, or we won’t be able to think creatively about the Church today -- not our church, and not anybody’s church.
When I ran across this story, I just KNEW I had to share it with Network readers! It’s great. Is it about classis? Maybe not so much. (But think what might have happened if the whole classis had passionately supported this leader!)
Maybe it’s a little risky to talk so crassly about money, but unless we get real about how we use the resources God gives us, we’ll waste money, increase frustration, and continue to fade as a denomination.
The Church Order wants to avoid the dangers associated with people who stay in their leadership role too long. I applaud that. Organizations get into ruts, things go stale, power-hungry people hold onto power, we are led by the willing instead of the capable, innovation becomes rare, vision dims, and who knows what else could befall us when we keep leaders in place too long.