Yes, I imagine Overtures 3 & 4 will be a source of much contention as we move into Synod 2013. Having served in Classis Kalamazoo, I can appreciate the attempted goodwill on the part of 2nd CRC and, by extention, Trinity Sparta. At the risk of speaking for them (a dbl-risk considering my gender), I believe they are trying desperately hard to hold on to a denomination they feel is not trying nearly so hard to hold on to them. Perhaps they wonder if there is room for them? That is a painful place to be and some empathy is required -- interestingly enough, it may be easier for me to find that sympathy because -- as a seminarian and a candidate for ministry -- I knew what that felt like.
That being said, the conversation has to settle on what it means to be "a Classis." What is the work tasked to a Classis and how is it to be executed? Central to these overtures seems, to me, a redefinition that we would be wise to wonder about together.
Posted in: Agenda for Synod Review (May Contain Spoilers)
Way to dive right in!
Yes, I imagine Overtures 3 & 4 will be a source of much contention as we move into Synod 2013. Having served in Classis Kalamazoo, I can appreciate the attempted goodwill on the part of 2nd CRC and, by extention, Trinity Sparta. At the risk of speaking for them (a dbl-risk considering my gender), I believe they are trying desperately hard to hold on to a denomination they feel is not trying nearly so hard to hold on to them. Perhaps they wonder if there is room for them? That is a painful place to be and some empathy is required -- interestingly enough, it may be easier for me to find that sympathy because -- as a seminarian and a candidate for ministry -- I knew what that felt like.
That being said, the conversation has to settle on what it means to be "a Classis." What is the work tasked to a Classis and how is it to be executed? Central to these overtures seems, to me, a redefinition that we would be wise to wonder about together.
Posted in: Agenda for Synod Review (May Contain Spoilers)
no thank you.