December 5, 2019
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Deacons at Classis and Synod: From Faraway to Feasible
In this post, we'll talk about the feasibility of attending classis and synod. We'll discus not just the where, but also the when and the how much.
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October 23, 2019
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Deacons at Classis & Synod: Moving From Formal to Focused
While classis and synod may seem too formal to some, perhaps there is value in the way they are designed and conducted. Perhaps instead of being too formal, they are actually focused.
September 24, 2019
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Deacons at Classis and Synod: Moving From Foreign to Familiar
Welcoming deacons at Classis and Synod requires paying attention: both to the receiving and to the showing up.
September 6, 2019
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The Four "F" Words Deacons Utter About Classis and Synod
When it comes to deacons at classis and synod, what is your immediate reaction? In our many discussions with deacons (and other ministry leaders), we came to realize this is a pretty hot topic!
August 14, 2019
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Classis Functionaries - Some Basics
Have you ever wondered about the basic structure of our denomination? If so, I wanted to share some of the typical roles you will find in a classis.
July 16, 2019
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Classis by Video
Can classis meetings happen by video? Should they?
June 6, 2019
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Classis as a Worshiping Community
What does it mean for a classis to worship and pray as a community of churches?
February 8, 2018
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Who Is a Stated Clerk and What Does a Clerk Do?
You might be surprised at the varied, changing, and expanding role assumed by your classical stated clerk. Here's how I experienced my role in the winter of 2017-18 in Classis Lake Superior.
January 25, 2018
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Collecting Classis Delegate Information
Some shared wisdom & experience from Stated Clerks on collecting credentials and other delegate information ahead of the meeting.
September 13, 2017
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Strengthening Ministry Relationships
I recently asked the CRC Pastors’ Facebook Group what they wanted to tell CRCNA staff about our connection to classes. There were many responses, but here is the main nugget: show you care about us.
November 22, 2016
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Classis: Near and Far
Classis is like a set of bifocal lenses. There are times when we need to look close by, and times when we need to look farther. Do you agree that classis functions this way or is there a better metaphor?
October 20, 2015
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Who Does Classis Serve?
In one classis where I served, most of our attention and energy was focused elsewhere. Even though we had our share of struggling congregations, time was mostly taken up with denominational issues.
August 11, 2015
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Trusting the Spirit
In response to the news that choosing by lot had been part of the selection process, someone commented that it was good to see us trusting the Spirit just a little. What do you think?
July 27, 2015
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Classis Renewal - The Momentum Builds
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.
June 30, 2015
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Weighing Classical Exams
Over the last ten years classis Chatham has conducted more than fifteen exams. My overall impression is that one exam is pretty much like another, even though the purpose of each exam is different.
June 18, 2015
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By Any Other Name
My father was ordained as an evangelist. Though he served under a different title, the work he did is not that much different from what I do as a minister of the Word.
May 22, 2015
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Classical Appointment, an Endangered Species?
The classical appointment might be an endangered species. While understandable given a surfeit of preaching resources available, its passing may further fray our communal identity.
April 29, 2015
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Clear the Decks
I once read that organizations should periodically clear the decks, disband every committee, and run lean for a season. Classes may soon be given the opportunity to do something like this...
April 14, 2015
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Long Pastorates, an Old Problem?
“The extremely long pastorates of our day place a great strain on many a congregation and especially upon its minister.”That comment may sound familiar, but it is not new.
April 7, 2015
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Diakonia Redux: Will Deacons Get a Voice?
I am not sure I’ve ever heard a deacon speak up at classis. We will soon be able to test whether this is simply a failure of my own perception.
March 12, 2015
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Break It Up
Years ago I was a guest at a Presbytery meeting that broke into advisory committees. I recently heard of a CRC classis that did the same. Why don’t more classes break up the work in this way?
February 19, 2015
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One Hundred
Is 100 members the threshold for congregational viability? If so, what might that mean for congregations seeking pastors and candidates seeking a call?
February 6, 2015
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Self Diagnosis and Church Visiting
“I doubt that church visiting is very effective anymore.” In spite of comments like that, church visiting is one way classes can help strengthen congregations.
January 30, 2015
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Does Classis Help Churches?
While talking with a church council, it became clear that few members could remember a time when their church felt engaged and motivated by classis. Few knew much about classis at all.
January 21, 2015
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What Do Ministers Do?
Over time our official descriptions of what pastors do have grown longer. The latest evidence is a recommendation to add engaging in “the work of diaconal outreach” to the list.