I'm a husband, dad, and pastor/church planter who lives in Longmont CO. I love coffee and conversation - in fact, it is among my favorite things in the world.
Thank you Henry. And sorry Eric, I really disagree with your perspective. I think this is where those of us who think Synod 2024 overstepped their bounds, have issue. The local council has original authority, that has been our history in the CRC. Part of the reason for that is exactly what Henry mentioned, because at the local level, we meet people and wrestle with people face to face. The actions of Synod were heavy handed and outside of the way that discipline takes place, or certainly has taken place historically in the CRC. The actions of Synod 2024 to suspend office bearers and councils was not a part of an appeal process but superceded the discipline process. To reject a protest out of hand (despite allowing the ongoing protest of Classis Minnkota against women serving at Synods) then immediately put office bearers and councils under discipline without following the church order process is not the way we have historically functioned nor does it follow the biblical model of discipline for restoration. This is not a canard.
Great piece Ken. As one of my early mentors in church planting, you offered some amazing advice that, at the time I didn't see, but has become nuggets I pass on to every church planter I meet. However, the difference you are talking about is a significant step forward and one we would be wise to heed as a denomination. This is a difficult calling and we go into it only so prepared - seminary cannot do it all, this is OJT and it is the nature of the beast. But to have someone there who can guide and direct, this could be very helpful. Obvious caution is needed for any unintended consequences, but this is a road worth traveling.
Posted in: Did Synod 2024 Ignore or Violate Church Order?
Thank you Henry. And sorry Eric, I really disagree with your perspective. I think this is where those of us who think Synod 2024 overstepped their bounds, have issue. The local council has original authority, that has been our history in the CRC. Part of the reason for that is exactly what Henry mentioned, because at the local level, we meet people and wrestle with people face to face. The actions of Synod were heavy handed and outside of the way that discipline takes place, or certainly has taken place historically in the CRC. The actions of Synod 2024 to suspend office bearers and councils was not a part of an appeal process but superceded the discipline process. To reject a protest out of hand (despite allowing the ongoing protest of Classis Minnkota against women serving at Synods) then immediately put office bearers and councils under discipline without following the church order process is not the way we have historically functioned nor does it follow the biblical model of discipline for restoration. This is not a canard.
Posted in: Did Synod 2024 Ignore or Violate Church Order?
I appreciate the correction. Thanks for pointing that out.
Posted in: Do Pastors Need Professional Supervision?
Great piece Ken. As one of my early mentors in church planting, you offered some amazing advice that, at the time I didn't see, but has become nuggets I pass on to every church planter I meet. However, the difference you are talking about is a significant step forward and one we would be wise to heed as a denomination. This is a difficult calling and we go into it only so prepared - seminary cannot do it all, this is OJT and it is the nature of the beast. But to have someone there who can guide and direct, this could be very helpful. Obvious caution is needed for any unintended consequences, but this is a road worth traveling.