Retired pastor living in Arizona. Besides being a pastor, I also worked in mediation for businesses, divorce and custody cases. I am the former Deputy Director of Maricopa County Family Court Conciliation Services. During my ministry in CHandler, AZ ( a church plant) I belonged to many community boards including hospitals, schools, social service agencies, etc. I am a past president of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce.
Posted in: Check Out the Music
I think it is possible to question the judgment of others in picking songs. The Hymnal has a history of scrutiny and approval by way of Synodical decisions. I am not certain each individual has the collective theological wisdom to scrutinize songss as well as the collective mind of the entire body (CRC). I know I don't. However the bigger issue is the role of consistories in giving leadership to our worship services and I am not sure that much time is spent in consistory meetings on the issue of worship.
Posted in: Check Out the Music
I am a bit surprised that we did not receive more comments on "consistory supervision" of music, words, worship service in general. They seem to delegate without oversight.
One last try at "untameable". It means to me no control - God is controled by his own righteousness in which he wants us to be righteous as he is righteous. Love our neighbor as he loves us, etc.
Posted in: Check Out the Music
I am just pointing out what the church order states. I don't think you need to know music to check out the words of a song.
Posted in: Check Out the Music
Thank you for your response and information.
Posted in: Check Out the Music
If I am not mistaken the Synodical delgations from each classis begins at the local level delegating to Classis and then delegating elders to Synod. So Elders at Synod make the final decision. Prior to that happening the proposed Hymnal is asked to be reviewed by the churches for feedback. So the whole process still places emphasis on "elder supervision and approval".
I mentioned in an earlier comment I was not completely against the word "untameable" but I still maintain it is not the best word to describe God. However to each his own interpretation of the word as used in the song.
Posted in: Check Out the Music
Thanks for all the feedback. Coming up next my "take" on Church Discipline.
Posted in: Order of Worship: How was It Created?
Appreciate your comments. I would suggest as leaders in the church we need to give reasons for why we have the order of worship we do. Elders in the past were more active than they are today and not sure why that is the case.
Posted in: Order of Worship: How was It Created?
I agree, Howard, there are perimeters. But as a confessional church "what we believe" does come first. As I mentioned in my illustration with the Social Justice Office of the denomination, we disagree how we should carry out what we believe to a certain extent, but both of our solutions are based on what we believe in common. I will be doing further posts on the elements of worship and question why some churches have abandon them all together. I think we would agree that churches in our denomination have taking liberties with "how we worship". Recently I was in three different churches with three completely different styles of worship. The question have is if we believe the same thing, how do those "differences in worship style" reflect that same belief?
Posted in: Order of Worship: How was It Created?
Thanks for the constructive comments and a good idea to supply training materials for the elders that would include a history of Reformed liturgy.
Posted in: So How Good are the Sermons in the CRC?
Thank you - I think that is a great idea and a way to know how the congregation is responding to your sermons.
al
Posted in: Why Do You Attend a CRC Church?
Thanks for the comment. I still attend Palm Lane but like you I like traditional worship (even though our church plant was contemporary) The Presbyterian church is very traditional and make some comments on that in next week's blog.
al
Posted in: Why Do You Attend a CRC Church?
Thanks for your experience in the CRC. Interesting that at one time all CRC's worship style was the same but now depending on what part of the country you are in they differ. But what is important your faith in Christ and findinga church home where you can continue to grow in that faith.