Classis

If you want to keep up with denominational conversations (like the Human Sexuality Report), you're going to need to know how to read them well.

A summary of key learnings from the 2020 survey of newly-ordained ministers' experiences being mentored. 

Technical advice/observations for a classis that is meeting by video. Some advice might also be applicable to things like congregational meetings.

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.

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! 

Can classis meetings happen by video? Should they?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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...