CLASSIS ILLIANA of the CHRISTIAN REFOMED CHURCH

1 Classis Illiana March 3, 2015

CLASSIS ILLIANA of the CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH 147th Session Convening at the Crossroads Christian Reformed Church 1538 Janice Drive, Schererville, IN 46375 Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at 9:00 am

Schedule: Morning – 9:00 - 12:00; Afternoon – 1:00 - 3:00 Officers: President: Ben Tol; Vice-President: Richard Zekveld Stated Clerk: Laryn Zoerhof; Alternate Stated Clerk: Cal Aardsma

Upon their arrival, delegates prepare their name tags and submit their credentials to the officers of the day; those present for the first time sign the Covenant for Officebearers in the Christian Reformed Church.

MINUTES 1. The President of the day, Ben Tol, welcomes the delegates to Classis. He reads from I Corinthians 1:17 – 2:5 and talks about the power of the gospel message based on the crucified Christ. As messengers of that gospel, we often come with fear and trembling, but we find our strength in the power of God. The delegates sing as our opening prayer “Make Me a Servant.”

2. The credentials are presented and the roll call of the churches indicates that the following have been delegated to attend this session of classis by their respective councils.

CHURCH MINISTERS ELDERS Cedar Lake, IN - Pathway Joel Zuidema Tim Spoelman Crown Point, IN - First Joel Sheeres Jim Hollendoner DeMotte, In - Bethel Rick Vanderwal Steve Reimers DeMotte, IN - First Laryn Zoerhof Dave Terborg Gary, IN - Beacon Light John Hoffmaster Harold Scheeringa Hammond, IN John Kostelyk Donald Dykstra Highland, IN - Faith Jason De Vries Highland, IN – New Life Bill Sytsma Sam Van Til Indianapolis, Hope Community (absent due to weather) Lafayette, IN (absent due to the birth of a son to Mark and Ashley Bonnes on Sunday) Lafayette, IN - Sunrise Randall Bergsma Tony Vyn Lansing, IL - Bethel Nick Van Beek Peter Feikema Lansing, IL - New Hope Dan Roels Bruce Hoekema Monee, IL - Family of Faith David Feddes Mark VanderPloeg Munster, IN - First Jeff Bulthuis Doug Achterhof Nashville, TN - Faith Jerry Hoek Roselawn, IN - Community Barry Foster Ken Jellema Sauk Village, IL - Emmanuel Tim Koster Milt Mulder Schererville, IN - Crossroads Com. Drew Brown John Van Deel South Holland, IL - Cottage Grove Richard Zekveld John Kamp South Holland, IL - First Ben Tol Jeff Dekker South Holland, IL - Peace Rick Stallinga (elder) Robert Alderden

2 Classis Illiana March 3, 2015 3. The chairman declares classis constituted, and welcomes first-time delegates and various visitors to classis throughout the day: Herm Schutt, Kyle Sanford, Glenn Spoelstra, Don Jabaay, Lois Ooms, Peter Kelder, Harley Ver Beek, Joe Huizenga, Jei Wilson, Bob Jipping.

4. Appointments by President A. Devotions: End of Morning Session and Noon Lunch -- Jason De Vries Opening of Afternoon Session -- Joel Sheeres B. Credentials – Article 41 Committee – Delegates from Peace, South Holland, Herm Schutt, Don Dykstra C. Balloting Committee – Members of Crossroads CRC D. Nominating Committee -- Bill Sytsma, Ben Tol, Laryn Zoerhof E. Financial Requests Committee – Tim Koster, John Kostelyk, Classical Treasurer

5. Tim Koster President of September 17, 2014 meeting, reports that the transcribed minutes of the September 17 meeting of Classis Illiana are accurate. A motion to approve the transcribed minutes is ADOPTED.

6. Report from the Classical Interim Committee with regard to the overture from Sauk Village approved at our September 17, 2014 meeting of Classis Illiana

MINISTRY SHARE PROPOSAL RECOMMENDATION God calls all of us to be his witnesses. It is a task that we share; one that requires our hearts, our hands, our prayers, and our money.

In the Christian Reformed Church, one important way that we participate in God’s kingdom work is through “ministry shares.” Ministry shares are a uniquely Christian Reformed tool that has its roots at the very beginning of our denomination, when churches covenanted to support the important work of ministry that they did together.

Christian Reformed congregations are asked to contribute to ministry shares based on the number of active adult members they have. A key attribute of this program is that there is almost no overhead cost. To raise the same amount of money through fundraising campaigns would require spending large amounts of money on administrative costs rather than actual ministry.

By contributing a little more than seven and one-half dollars a week in ministry shares, members of the CRC share in the work of sending out missionaries and evangelists, building healthy churches, promoting Christian education, and extending a hand of compassion to those in need. However, ministry share giving is on the decline in our classis. During fiscal year 2013, the average giving for ministry shares was 50% of the requested amount for classical ministry shares and 40% of the requested amount for denominational ministry shares. During fiscal year 2014, the average giving for ministry shares was 45% of the requested amount for classical ministry shares, and 45% of the requested amount for denominational ministry shares.

At our September meeting of Classis Illiana, an overture from Sauk Village was approved authorizing the Classical Interim Committee to dialogue with the churches of classis about this shortfall in classical and denominational ministry shares. The results of the survey were revealing. Of the churches that responded, only a couple budget for the full amount approved by classis and synod. Some publish the requested classical and denominational amounts for information only. 3 Classis Illiana March 3, 2015 Most of our churches do not budget for the entire ministry share approved by classis and synod. Rather they set a goal that they feel is more realistic and attainable for their church, and try to raise that amount by way of their general fund budget and/or special offerings.

These are some of the reasons given for failure to budget the full amount approved by synod and classis: “Synod has said that local needs should take priority over denominational needs, so when we don’t meet our budget, ministry shares are the first to go.” “We believe that a tithe (10%) of our local operating budget is a worthy goal for classical and ministry share giving, and that the amounts set by the denomination are too high and inhibit local church growth.” “We know we are unable to pay all of our ministry shares, so we select to pay those that are more theologically aligned to our church and choose not to support those that are not.” “Our church has many retired people and lacks the financial resources necessary to contribute the full amount, so we budget an amount that we think is appropriate for our church.” “We have a substantial mortgage that we are paying off.” “We support missions and mission trips outside of the denominational umbrella.” “Limited resources, declining membership, many fixed income widows, we are barely funding our own bare-bones operating fund, with a part time interim pastor.” “We are barely making our budget for our local ministry and have had to cut back on our own expenses, including salary and needed capital and building expenses. We also have an inordinate number of benevolent needs within our church and community.”

It is certainly true that the churches of Classis Illiana are not all equal in their ability and their willingness to support the denominational and classical ministries we share together. Some churches are small and struggling to make ends meet, while others are larger and blessed with abundant financial resources. Some churches have done a better job than others in teaching and promoting biblical stewardship within their congregation. Some churches focus their energies and resources on local needs and concerns, while other churches also see clearly the value of the broader work of the kingdom and desire to participate in it by their gifts as well as their prayers. Many of the churches of our classis feel that our current method of ministry share giving is unrealistic for them and results in discouragement among their members when they repeatedly fall far short of the suggested goal set by classis and synod. They feel that setting more realistic and attainable goals would develop a more positive attitude toward ministry share giving that is lacking under our current system.

The Classical Interim Committee recommends that Classis Illiana move from the current “active professing member over 18” formula for Ministry Share calculation to a percentage formula that is based on the actual financial wherewithal of the congregations in our Classis. Calculation of “expected” Ministry Shares would be based on a percentage of a congregation’s “Local Operating Budget”. This will apply both to Classical and Denominational Ministry Shares.

The congregations of Classis Illiana do not structure their budgeting or accounting processes in exactly the same way. They have significantly varying sources of income and classifications of offerings. Classis Illiana congregations do appear, however, to identify the same kinds of expenses within their budgeting and accounting processes. In order to come up with a base that could be comparably identified from congregation to congregation, the following definitions would be used: 4 Classis Illiana March 3, 2015

The “Local Operating Budget” would include:

 All payroll and other compensation and costs (including state and federal taxes) for congregation-hired personnel (including ordained pastors) engaged in local (congregational) ministry.  All expenses to support local (congregational) ministries and programs.  All local “office expenses”.  All local facilities, maintenance and utilities expenditures, including parsonage costs and housing allowances.  Insurance expenditures.  Debt service (on borrowings of the local congregation).

The “Local Operating Budget” would not include:  Ministry Share payments (to Synod or Classis).  Christian Education support.  Deacon-administered benevolence aid to local individuals and families (whether church members or not).  Missionary Support  Offerings collected and remitted for non-local-congregation ministries and causes, whether by faith- promise or some other method, whether CRCNA-related or not.  Payments to the CRCNA Ministers’ Pension Fund (under the current funding model for that Fund).

The Classical Interim Committee recommends that Classis Illiana adopt the following model for ministry share giving beginning in 2016:

1. Each church is encouraged to set a goal of contributing 3% - 4% of their “Local Operating Budget” for classical ministry shares for the initial year (4% if possible – if that goal seems unattainable, 3% is suggested). Six of the churches in our classis have fewer than 100 active professing members over 18, and these six churches may find it necessary to reduce their classical ministry share contribution to 2% or even 1% of their local operating budget. Based on the response of our churches, we may need to adjust these percentages upward or downward in subsequent years depending on classical expense needs, student fund needs, and new church planting opportunities that may arise. This motion is ADOPTED.

2. Each church is encouraged to set a goal of 5 - 16% of their “Local Operating Budget” for denominational ministries. For example, a church that is struggling financially can start at 5% of their “Local Operating Budget”, and if that goal is achieved, they are encouraged to increase the amount during the following year to 6%. A church that is stronger and healthier can set their goal at 16% of their “Local Operating Budget”, and if that goal is achieved, they are encouraged to increase the amount the following year to 17%. The majority of our churches are encouraged to select a number somewhere between 5% and 16% that on the one hand is realistic and on the other hand requires them to stretch a little in their ministry share giving. (The six churches in our classis with fewer than 100 active professing members over 18 may find it necessary to contribute at a lower percentage level than that suggested above.) Each church is responsible for setting an appropriate goal for their church that will serve to motivate and not discourage their members with regard to the financial support of denominational ministries without jeopardizing local church ministry needs. This motion is ADOPTED. 5 Classis Illiana March 3, 2015 3. In order to prepare a 2016 budget that can be presented for approval at the September 2015 meeting of classis, each church will submit to the stated clerk by May 15, 2015 the amount of their “Local Operating Budget” for 2015, the percentage of their local operating budget they have chosen to make their goal for classical ministry shares, and the percentage of their local operating budget that they have chosen to make their goal for denominational ministry shares. This will enable us to prepare a realistic budget for classical ministry shares and report to the denomination what our classis is planning to contribute toward denominational ministry shares before synod meets in June 2015. This motion is ADOPTED.

4. Education about what ministry shares are and how they are used by our classis and denomination to do the work of the Lord in missions, education, social justice, and benevolence needs to be an ongoing priority. Bethel CRC in Lansing experienced a dramatic increase in ministry share giving this past year due to an intentional program in which the deacons regularly informed the congregation about the causes supported by ministry shares. We recommend that the delegates of Bethel CRC be given time at this classis meeting to talk about how they promoted ministry share giving during the past year, and how God blessed those efforts. This motion is ADOPTED.

Nick Van Beek from Bethel, Lansing attributes their increased ministry share giving to an emphasis on stewardship for local church and broader kingdom ministries. There was a sermon series on stewardship. Town hall meetings were held during which questions from the congregation were answered about local church finances and the various causes for which offerings were received. The more the congregation was informed about the good things that were being accomplished through their giving, the more excited they were to participate by way of their gifts and prayers for church and kingdom causes.

7. Reports of Classis Functionaries and Standing Committees

A. Stated Clerk – Laryn Zoerhof Since the last meeting of Classis Illiana, I have… 1. Prepared and sent minutes of the September 17, 2014 meeting of Classis Illiana to the churches and others on the mailing list. 2. Sent a notice to the churches announcing this meeting of classis and the deadline for agenda items to be submitted. 3. Provided information on Classis Illiana for the 2015 Yearbook. 4. Sent a letter from the Historical Committee and Archives of the CRC to the churches of Classis Illiana requesting anniversary booklets and overdue church records. 5. Prepared the agenda for this meeting of Classis Illiana. 6. Attended a meeting at Trinity Christian College with regard to changes in the Church Initiative program and the Tri-classis meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 16. 7. The CRCNA Prayer Summit is scheduled for April 13-15, 2015. All CRC and RCA churches are invited to come together to pray for our churches and their mission. Once again, All Nations Church, in the LA area, is hosting the summit. Prayer Summit and registration information and can be found at http://www.joinprayersummit.org/. 8. Handled correspondence on behalf of classis. A motion to approve the work of the stated clerk is ADOPTED. 6 Classis Illiana March 3, 2015 B. Classical Treasurer – Andrew Balkema Andy recently underwent surgery, and is now recovering at home. A one - page report on the giving of the churches of Classis Illiana was distributed to the delegates. When the full report is finished, the stated clerk will forward it to the churches of Classis Illiana.

C. Classical Interim Committee -- Laryn Zoerhof 1. Rev. Paul Ingeneri, a recently retired minister in the CRC, is now living in Nashville, TN. The Crossroads Community CRC of Mt. Olive, NJ has transferred the responsibility of his supervision as a retired minister to the Faith CRC of Nashville, TN. 2. Synod 2015 will meet on the campus of Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa June 11-18 Elders are encouraged to give serious consideration to placing their names in nomination as representatives of Classis Illiana. Please include your name, address, telephone, and email address on the back of the classical credential for our March 3 meeting. 3. The ministerial credentials of Joel Zuidema were received from Community CRC of Roselawn, approved, and forwarded to Pathway CRC where Joel is now serving as pastor. 4. The request of Community CRC to appoint Laryn Zoerhof as their counselor was approved. 5. The ministerial credentials of Kris Vos were received from Crossroads, Schererville, approved, and forwarded to the interim committee of Classis Southeast U.S. Kris has accepted a call from Sunlight Community to do a church restart in Lake Worth, Florida. 6. Herm Schutt, Ben Tol, and Don Dykstra represented Classis Illiana at a congregational meeting held at Cottage Grove to determine whether Cottage Grove would stay in the CRC or affiliate with the PCA. The council had determined that a vote of 66% in favor was needed to affiliate with the PCA. The vote was 59% in favor, short of the required number. 7. A service recognizing and giving thanks for the ministry of Pastor Arturo was held on January 18 at the Bethel CRC of DeMotte. Pastor Arturo is presently available for a call to a new ministry. 8. Church visitors are again requested to make their annual visit to the church that has been assigned to them. A motion to approve the work of the Classical Interim Committee is ADOPTED.

We break from the Reports from Functionaries and Standing Committees to hear from two guest speakers.

1. Glenn Spoelstra speaks to us about the ministry of Elim Christian Services. He shares various ways in which churches can help Elim by sending Hope Packs, Military Kits, the Spring 5K, worship services with Elim students participating, etc. Contact Glenn at 708-293-6510 for more information.

2. Mel Jonkman speaks on behalf of the Christian Christian Counseling Center. They continue to provide quality Christian counseling on a wide range of issues at various locations throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

D. Nominations Committee

a. Classical and Synodical positions Student Fund – Dan Roels 7 Classis Illiana March 3, 2015 b. Election of Classical Delegates to CRC Synod 2015 Synod 2015 will be held on the campus of Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa June 11-18. First Ministerial Delegate Joel Zuidema First Ministerial Alternate Randy Bergsma Second Ministerial Delegate Rick Vanderwal Second Ministerial Alternate Laryn Zoerhof First Elder Delegate Henry Goezel First Elder Alternate Tony Vyn Second Elder Delegate Donald Dykstra Second Elder Alternate Sam Van Til

E. Home Missions Report

Members--Jamie Bogaard, Peter Kelder, Joel Zuidema, Jeff Bulthuis, Marj Kooy, Gary De Vries, Kyle Sanford, and Harley Ver Beek

Since our report for the September Classis meeting, we have held two meetings. At the September meeting we welcomed two new members--Gary De Vries and Kyle Sanford, and said farewell to Kris Vos. We want to thank Kris for his years of dedicated work with this committee. At this meeting we also decided to suspense the work of Aqua Viva as December 1, 2014. On Sunday evening, January 18 at the Bethel CRC of DeMotte, a service of celebration, mediation, testimonies, Word from the Lord, and prayers for the future took place. We want to thank Pastor Vanderwal and his staff for organizing this service.

Pray for Arturo and his family as they seek the Lord's leading for their next ministry opportunity. In the next month or so, we plan to have a "debriefing" session to which some of the key leaders that were involved with Aqua Viva will be invited. Hopefully we will be able to share some of the outcomes of this meeting at classis.

Intervarsity--we continue to support the work of Colleen Degan. The vision team is excited about the new faces and relationships that have taken place as a result of some of their outreach efforts. They praise God for whom they have met and hope to see in the coming weeks. May God bless their efforts as they continue to reach the whole Purdue Calumet campus with the gospel.

At our January meeting we took note of the following: a. Review of plans for the January 18 service at Bethel CRC in DeMotte thanking Pastor Arturo b. Financial status--We want to thank all of the churches who responded to our request for funds for the work of Home Missions. As a result we were able to fulfill our commitment to Roseland Christian Ministries and also to Aqua Viva. c. Regarding the results of the monkey survey done many months ago, we decided that with the limited resources that we have , we will try to provide web sites that will provide information regarding-- relating to the community, making disciples and leadership development. d. Received an update regarding the work of Collen Degan with Intervarsity. e. The Illiana cluster continues to meet on a monthly basis and the focus of the group is to provide a place for prayer and support for those who attend.

Personal note--this will be the last report that I will submit on behalf of the Classis Illiana Home Missions Committee. I have served for more than twenty years in some capacity with the Home Missions committee, and it is time for me to step away from it. Thanks to all of you who have supported me in this work. Respectfully submitted, Harley Ver Beek, chairperson 8 Classis Illiana March 3, 2015 Harley Ver Beek speaks on behalf of the home missions committee. He challenges us to support the work of home missions through ministry share giving and emphasizes the importance of prayer in our churches and classis. Harley is thanked for his many years of faithful service on behalf of home missions

Rick Vanderwal speaks about future possibilities for continuing ministry among the Hispanic people. A DeMotte charismatic church (House of Refuge) is interesting in partnering with us us.

A motion to approve the work of the Classical Home Missions Committee is ADOPTED.

F. Home Missions Regional Leader – Peter Kelder

Peter Kelder addresses Classis about some of the activities of Crosspoint Strategic Network, and answers questions from the delegates.

In order to align itself with Home Mission’s priorities of starting and strengthening ministries , Crosspoint Strategic Network has divided into two sub-teams, each focused on one of the priorities. This report highlights some of the key initiatives as we move forward. We are open to any ideas, discussions, discernment, or requests for dialogue that would help the churches start new ministries or strengthen their missional work.

Starting New Ministries: To be honest, this area has been in the doldrums for far too long. It feels like a long time since we had any momentum in starting new ministries. CenterPointe in South Plainfield is doing well. Restore All Ministries in the city is an active new ministry. Campus ministries at Loyola and Northern Illinois University continue to flourish. New possibilities continue to emerge in campus ministry. Yet other ventures have closed, which is sobering and disappointing. Starting new ministries is still the best acknowledged strategy to transform lives and communities. We need to move out of the doldrums and take bold, creative steps in starting new work.

I am optimistic in this area when I think of new initiatives that have been implemented or are being formed. It starts with the goal of starting at least ten new ministries in the Chicagoland tri-classes region over the next ten years. Several collaborative efforts are already in place to help achieve this goal. Our partnership with Forge Chicago and Eric Lerew is about to help us start Missional Communities in Chicago neighborhoods. This reverses the trend of leaving the city and will create multiple organic groups of people committed to living their lives on mission together. In response to the learning that many church plants don’t survive as solo ventures, Clusters, or networks of churches, have formed throughout the region. The goal for these Clusters is to pool resources and to challenge one another to start new ministries, which in turn will strengthen existing ministries. The Kingdom Enterprise Zone (KEZ), a partnership with the Reformed Church in America, is proposing a couple of very important pieces that will move us toward starting new ministries. The first is a residency plan to recruit and equip leaders with a vision to start new ministries. The second initiative will start a business venture which eventually will raise capital to support a church planting movement as well as provide flexible employment for leaders who are bi-vocational. Business leaders with a Kingdom vision will be invited to participate in the forming and support of this plan. 9 Classis Illiana March 3, 2015 Strengthening the Church: Some of our churches are thriving, and for that we praise God! Others are holding their own, but need to be concerned that their future is one of growth and not stagnation or worse. There are a few churches that are declining rather quickly and might not be here in the next 10 years if present trends continue. For all these churches, connecting to their context is a continuing challenge. Discipleship as emerged as an important area to focus on. Diversity, gender, age and ethnic, cannot be ignored. If you or your church leaders would like to be a part of a Learning Community focused on one of these areas (or others that come to mind), let me know so that you will be included as they form. Jon Hoekema is the newly appointed Prayer Catalyst for the region and is finding ways to raise the value of prayer. THANKS! 2015 marks the tenth year of our partnership in the good news! I have valued our relationship and thank God for how He has blessed and challenged us over the years. Amid a myriad of changes, He has not changed! And I am grateful that each of our three Classes have supported and encouraged us as we continue to work together for His glory and His Kingdom. I look forward to what God has in store for us in 2015 and beyond! Serving with you, Peter Kelder, Home Missions Regional Leader [email protected] 815-690-2410

G. Student Fund Committee – Richard Zekveld No report

H. Church Visitors Laryn Zoerhof and John Sjaardema report on a visit to Community CRC, Roselawn

I. Regional Pastor – Herman Schutt Herm Schutt speaks briefly and offers a prayer for pastors and church leaders and their families.

J. Counselor Reports Laryn Zoerhof for Community CRC, Roselawn Tim Koster for Peace, South Holland

Jason De Vries closes the morning session with prayer. The delegates enjoy lunch and fellowship together.

Joel Sheeres opens the afternoon session with devotions from John 21 and leads us in prayer.

Don Jabaay is introduced to the delegates of classis. Don is available for pulpit supply.

Roseland Christian Ministries: Joe Huizenga brings greetings from Roseland CRC Jei Wilson, new director of ministries and development for Roseland Christian Ministries introduces himself to the delegates and shares his excitement about joining the staff at Roseland.

K. Article 41 Committee a. Beacon Light Community Church reports to classis that, on Sunday, March 1st, a ceremonial final service was held in the 66 year old white framed building on Burr Street. Within weeks the old building will be brought down, making way for a new, larger church building. 10 Classis Illiana March 3, 2015 In anticipation of the construction and completion of the new building, Beacon Light is requesting the presence of classis when the inaugural service is held. We covet the prayers of our 22 classis sister churches, asking the Lord for guidance, provisions and courage as we move forward with our ongoing ministry to the Black Oak neighborhood of Gary, Indiana. With you in Christ for God’s glory. Beacon Light Community Church Pastor John Hoffmaster b. Bethel, Lansing brings the following overture to Classis Illiana Background: Home Missions in cooperation with the Classical Home Missions Committee requested Bethel CRC to serve as the calling church for Rev. Edward Rockett to be the church planter for Fresh Word Ministries. Oversight of the ministry and all financial responsibilities remained with Home Missions and the CHMC. Bethel would hold Rev. Rockett’s ministerial credentials and was responsible for the oversight of Rev. Rockett’s doctrine and life. In answer to Church Order 17b, Home Mission and Classical Home Mission’s financial support was a grant which helped cover the cost of the ministry; the pastor’s support came from his job outside the church. Bethel has never participated in his financial support. Overture: Bethel CRC, in consultation with Rev. Edward Rockett, requests classis to declare Rev. Edward Rockett to be available for a call and recommend him to the churches. Grounds: 1. Fresh Word Ministries closed approximately a year and a half ago. 2. Bethel CRC heartily commends Rev. Edward Rockett to the churches for a call. 3. If Rev. Rockett does not receive a call in the next two years, Bethel CRC will request a Church Order acticle 7-a separation. Rev. Rockett is not of retirement age nor is he worthy of discipline; but rather he has served Fresh Word Ministries faithfully and in a manner consistent with his calling. This overture with its grounds is ADOPTED. c. Richard Zekveld and John Kamp share with the delegates the plan of the council of Cottage Grove to once again seek the approval of their congregation to leave the CRC for the PCA. A series of Round Table discussions and 2 congregational forums are planned for the March and April. The initial congregational vote is scheduled for Sunday, May 3. If the initial vote passes with a two-thirds majority, a confirmation vote is scheduled for Sunday, June 7. Many delegates ask questions and share some thoughts and observations for the representatives of Cottage Grove CRC to consider. Rick Vanderwal leads in a prayer for God’s guidance in the months ahead.

8. Related Agencies A. Christian Counseling Center – Mel Jonkman B. Roseland Christian Ministries – John Kostelyk C. Self Help Jobs Program – Laura Vande Werken D. New Leaf Resources – Gerrit Veenstra E. CRCNA Historical Committee – Jeff White F. Providence Life Services – Bill Buikema

9. Denominational Boards and Agencies A. Regional Boards 1) CRCNA Board of Trustees – Liz Rudenga 2) Calvin College – Pedro Aviles 3) Board of Home Missions - Bruce McMurry 4) Board of World Missions - Lois Ooms addresses classis on behalf of world missions. 11 Classis Illiana March 3, 2015 5) Calvin Theological Seminary – Bill Sytsma 6) Back to God Ministries International – Cal Aardsma B. World Renew -- Jim Groen addresses classis on behalf of World Renew.

10. Our next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16 at Trinity Christian College. The guest speaker for the tri-classis meeting will be Andy Crouch.

Topic: Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power Power corrupts – as we’ve seen time and time again. People too often abuse their power and play god in the lives of others. Shady politicians, corrupt executives, and ego-filled media stars have made us suspicious of those who wield influence and authority. They too often breed injustice by participating in what the Bible calls idolatry. Yet power is also the means by which we bring life, create possibilities, offer hope, and make human flourishing possible. This is “playing god” as it was meant to be. If we are to do God’s work – fight injustice, bring peace, create beauty and allow the image of God to thrive in those around us - how are we to do these things if not by power?

Andy Crouch Andy is the author of Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power, published in October, 2013. His book Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling won Christianity Today’s 2009 Book Award for Christianity and Culture and was named one of the best books of 2008 by Publishers Weekly, Relevant, Outreach and Leadership. In December 2012, he became the executive editor of Christianity Today. He was also executive producer of This Is Our City, a multi-year project featuring documentary video, reporting, and essays about Christians seeking the flourishing of their cities. Andy serves on the governing boards of Fuller Theological Seminary and Equitas Group, a philanthropic organization focused on ending child exploitation in Haiti and Southeast Asia. He is also a senior fellow of the International Justice Mission’s IMJ Institute. His writing has appeared in Time, The Wall Street Journal, and several editions of Best Christian Writing and Best Spiritual Writing. He lives with his family in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. From 1998 to 2003 Andy was the editor-in-chief of re: generation quarterly, a magazine for an emerging generation of culturally creative Christians. For ten years he was a campus minister with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Harvard University. He studied classics at Cornell University and received an M.Div summa cum laude from Boston University of theology. A classically trained musician who draws on pop, folk, rock, jazz, and gospel, he has led musical worship for congregations of 5 to 20,000.

Going forward for 2016 and beyond: Due to budget cuts, the Church Connection Initiative at Trinity has been discontinued. Trinity Christian College will offer free space so the classes can continue to meet in one location each September.  Options: 1. No speaker. Classes meet in separate locations from 8:30 – 9:50; Classes join TCC family for chapel 10:00 – 10:50; Classes go back to separate locations 11:00 – Noon; Classes join together in Grand Lobby for lunch 12:00 – 1:15; Classes go back to separate locations to finish their work . 2. If a speaker is desired, a representative from each classis work with Chaplain Bill Van Groningen to find a speaker using the schedule that we have used for the past 10 years: Speaker brings message at chapel, speaker gives address in theater from 11:00 – 11:50

11. A motion to adjourn is approved. Richard Zekveld makes appropriate acknowledgements and closes the meeting with prayer.