We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we’re having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like.
Intro Music by Matt Krotzer
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I had a great conversation with Pastor Bentley during a lunch break at the Abide conference. He gave me great advice and I have a new and improved attitude towards a situation in my classis.
What exactly does it mean to be a "Confessional" Church? That we confess Jesus Christ is Lord?
God does not call us to a "reformation" - rather to a transformation. For the unregenerate, this is impossible. For the regenerate, it calls for repentance.
Thanks for the shout out!
Thanks for all of your work!
Wow, our former and current pastors both get their name dropped in one podcast.
Hurt was not Caused by these decisions of Synod. Self-inflicted hurt is more appropriate
Yeah, that's a better way to put it. The point was to remind people that there is still hurt, even if self-inflicted.
Another great episode. I do worry somewhat about the media coverage that has been popping up the last few days. Especially those who lift up those churches/councils/delegates as martyrs. However, I hope that the next couple years prove that we have chosen a path and that it is the correct path to walk down. This was a landmark synod, especially for me. Only 1 year a deacon and yet I've gone to both Classis and Synod. As I told another delegate, God pushed me into office. I didn't desire. I expected to not get voted in and yet here I am. Again at Classis, I never expected to become a delegate to Synod. There were so many much more qualified men in the room but again I was selected. It was not my will to become a Deacon and then go all the way to Synod. If I had my will I would have been in my air conditioned basement playing video games with friends instead of slogging across Calvin in 80% humidity. This was a landmark synod for me because my eyes have been opened to the church around me. I am no longer blind to what happens outside the 4 walls of my small church. I have come into Synod with fresh eyes and what I saw caused me both pain and hope. The pain came from a few different places. First, from our brothers and sisters who have decided to stray from the path. Those who have gone the way of the world and have no desire to change. I always think of a comic I ran across of Charlie Brown talking with Snoopy while he's typing "a theology book" saying he hopes he has a good title for his book to which snoopy says it's "Has It Ever Occurred to You That You Might Be Wrong?" This has always been my approach to education and theology. I never assume that I know everything and am always open to instruction and debate. I had always thought that it was a very common practice but I guess I was mistaken. The second place of pain came from the state of our church leaders. Those who are called to teach and lead the church. Pastors, Elders, and Deacons. Although there are many well versed in scripture and the confessions I fear they are few compared to those who are rather lacking. Multiple times throughout the week I was mistaken as being a minister. Understandably, I probably do look older than my age but I was baffled as to why they would think that. A few said it was because how well I spoke and the knowledge I possessed. I personally was disheartened that they thought me to be of the same caliber as a minister who has had at least twice as much schooling (actually focused on theology instead of history), possible years of experience, and actively perused that path. I feel that this pointed out one of the biggest failings we have had as a denomination. The failure to teach what it is that we actually believe and why we believe it. The HC was meant to instruct children and new believers. Why is it that we struggle so hard to even comprehend it now? My first inclination is that we have failed to bring our children up in the way that they shall go. So many from my generation and the one before have left the church. I think this is one of the reasons why. On the opposite side, I was given hope for the future at this Synod. Shocking to me, I wasn't the youngest delegate there! There was a 26 yo and a 24 yo below me! I was able to talk with the youngest and he gave me hope for the future. If he is representative of what my generation has to offer the church then I don't fear for tomorrow. The church is strong. We saw that just in the few quick presentations from our brothers in Africa. It is truly amazing what the Lord has done for His church in Nigeria and Liberia. To be honest, I didn't even know there was a Korean speaking part of the CRC until coming to Synod. I had the honor of serving with 2 delegates on my committee who, even though English wasn't their mother tongue, brought a lot of wisdom. It is beautiful to see what God is doing in the church across the world. I hope to see that work continue. Like our Canadian sister "from the future" warned us, there are clouds gathering on the horizon and the storm will be fierce. The church must hold fast to its one foundation and I believe we have been placed more squarely upon it.
It's really encouraging to see the way that the global church is excited about what the CRC is doing and the trajectory we're heading AND the way this reformation is being led by the younger generation. We really believe God is on the move here.
The sheep are going to be devoured. What does the bible say we should do with false teachers. Jude warns us to contend ernstly for the faith because ungodly men have crept in unnoticed. All the denominations are being taken down by liberals. The liberals don't acknowledge the damage they are doing because it's their intent.
Are the dutch Christian Reformed Churches in Australia the same
Longings to simply return to solid preaching,men only as leaders. Joyful singing and reaching out to others.
The CRC is going down a slipper slope like the United Methodist
I'm so glad that you feel that you need to help God be His gatekeeper I'm weeping! where is Gods love! Church order is most important What scripture do you cite for that Sorry to be so negative!
I think people need to appeal to scripture not emotion.
That surprises me that the perception of the CRC is that it is more liberal.
I think there will be a break off. Without naming any names if my church decides to go with them I'm going to find another church to stay in the CRC.
Gods will will prevail.
I am encouraged by Pastor Buikema's emphasis on expository preaching. After John Calvin was kicked out of Geneva, he went to Strasbourg for 3 years. He was then persuaded by the Genevans to return to them. His first sermon began at the verse following the last verse prior to his expulsion. I also like Buikema's article on listening to your elders. It is a powerful reminder.
Really enjoyed this episode. I am looking forward to working with Gavin on my committee. I do question the "young adult advisor" title since from the sound of it he is the same age or senior of at least 1 delegate. 😂
Awesome! Glad you'll serving alongside Gavin on a pretty significant committee. Also, I agree that "Young Adult" is used pretty loosely these days...lol.
Definitely some very good tips.
Thanks! We're glad it was helpful.
Can I watch Synod when it happens?
Yep. They livestream the entire thing via their KZread channel (www.youtube.com/@crcna). The opening session will be May 29th at 6pm.
This was much needed. I now have a better understanding.
Glad we were able to help out!
Clearly spoken.Thank you
Thanks! We appreciate the encouragement.
I just discovered your video series. It's nice to see the agenda of your Abide Project so clearly. You use the term "messy" a great deal, - over and over again. It brings to mind a cartoon of a large, burly man staring out at the reader. He has a big smile on his face. He wears an apron and carries a big knife. There is a great deal of blood on the knife, his apron, his shirt, even spatters on his face, which indicates he is a butcher in an abattoir. Like you, he says, "Yup, sure is a messy job, a real messy, messy job". Of course, none of the blood is his, is it?
First off, I think your illustration does a great job of communicating the point you're making. It's very clear and compelling. However, it's not fair to assume that "none of the blood is mine." It's always easy to speak/act as if you are the one being wounded and haven't done any of the wounding. What if both sides have been wounded in the midst of this? Isn't that a safer assumption? I fully realize that some of the decisions made by Synod over the past few years have caused difficulty, hardship, and "wounded" some people on the progressive side of the denomination. However, I often wonder if any is willing to acknowledge that those on the conservative side of the denomination have also been constantly "wounded" by decisions made by Synod over the years or by the feeling that the agencies of the denomination are working against them? This has been one of the most significant problems in the CRCNA over the past number of years. Most of the conservatives I speak with know that these decisions are going to make things very difficult and cause some level of hardship. They are not excited about it. They find no joy in it. However, they feel compelled to make these decisions for two basic reasons: 1) The honor and glory of God and 2) Love for the people who need to hear some hard things. The problem has been that the progressives don't seem to recognize the pain and wounds they are causing by their actions and decisions. They keep saying things like, "We're not hurting anyone." It's a very dangerous position for someone to refuse to acknowledge the pain they are causing on someone else.
That scene in The Hobbit is a cool movie scene, but it is NOT in the book. In the book, Gandalf is launching his pinecone fire bombs, but it's not working. Then he (Gandalf) gets ready (not Thorin) to leap down on the dancing goblins. But just then the lord of the eagles swoops down and siezes Gandalf, and the dwarves, plus one hobbit, fly away. Excellent speech/video/podcast, though! And your point about the contagious nature of courageous leadership is spot on. I've seen it happen in my classis as you have said. Thank you for your service!
Probably the most controversial thing I've ever said on the podcast is accidentally conflating the book and the movie of The Hobbit :-)
Stay strong you are so correct.
Someone should do a survey and comparison of CRCNA churches with pastors from Calvin and then with pastors from other seminaries. My guess is that some of the healthiest CRCNA churches dont have Calvin Sem pastors
That would be an interesting survey
Praying for renewal 🙏
Thank you. We need all the prayer we can get.
Hi Jason ( if you see this )
I see it ;-) Hey Toby!! Thanks for listening.
@@jrruis7272 I was able to find the sermons
Very useful conversation. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
These pastors and this podcast gives me hope for the CRCNA 🙏
Glad to hear it! Thanks for listening
Thank you for your love of the Gospel through the eyes of the Reformed teachings
Thank you for all you are doing 😊
Thanks! We really enjoy doing it :-)
You should interview rosaria Butterfield
PRC and urc I believe have the same problem with retiring ministers. Troubles in the Churches seams to be detrimental to encouraging young men to get into the ministry?
🙈 'promosm'
You can only have unity in truth. The question is what is truth ? Can a practicing ,or teaching of affirmation, embracing homosexuality practice enter into Heaven? .
Thank you for conveying how the actions and words of those who left in protest made you feel. I'd like to apologize on behalf of those who did these things and did not think of how you may take it. I wasn't one of them of course, but nevertheless, I feel compelled to apologize for them, as I have a feeling they did these things [at least partially] with people like me in mind (FYI: I will not elaborate what I mean by that here, as I'm not sure if it is safe for me to do so. I hope you understand). Additionally, if I may be so bold, I would also like to clear up some misunderstandings that may lead to unfounded suspicion to fester within you regarding those who left in protest. Now, what I'm about to say by no means is to be taken as an invalidation of your feelings about how those who left in protest made you feel. I understand where you are coming from - I understand why you felt the way you did about them leaving and about what they said as they left. I really do. I see them as completely valid. I would just hate to see an increased sense of distrust and bitterness keep building up between church leaders in the CRCNA. And due to misunderstandings that can be cleared up of all things! So... regarding the people who walked out: I am fairly confident it wasn't plotted in advance. Due to my line of work and education, I have become rather perceptive of even the slightest changes in people's demeanors/nonverbal body language, and I while watching Synod from the audience, I could see as it came closer to the end of Synod, that delegates on all "sides" were presenting more and more signs of restlessness and emotional strain. Also, I have heard/read the post-synod reflections of some of those who walked out, and have since come to understand that at that point in time, they were feeling quite overwhelmed with feelings of hurt, fear, frustration and/or despair. Furthermore, some indicated that they surprised themselves by walking out in protest. Thus, its seems more likely when they walked out in protest - they were acting out of fear, hurt, or frustration, as when people are hurt or are afraid, or feel upset or discouraged, they sometimes don't react in the most constructive manner. In any case, may the LORD be with you.
Gravamen … in my limited knowledge, the solution appears to be: Synod approves the USE and TIMELINE
Thank you John for your positivity! Refreshing
If you love me, feed my sheep.
Heretical and schismatic "churches" will always splinter in to smaller and smaller factions. Christ founded one universal (Catholic) Church.
Regarding the 68-72 percent vote. This cannot be considered on an island, but it must also be considered in light of who has left the CRC. Those statistics are troublesome… and they are deeply hidden. The CRC is a remnant of what is it should be. In all of this, Discipleship has not been the mandate. This church has been preaching to the choir for a long time, and the choir is all that is left. Love God. Love your neighbor. Go and disciple. The CRC’s ability to do this has been damaged. The choir has become majority, but that is only because the audience has left.
Great to hear Rev. Terpstra's perspective on worship again.
Glad you enjoyed it
Excellent that you are taking your preparation so seriously. I know in Classis Red Mesa, previous delegates often provide training for new delegates. I would encourage you to also speak with people who don't think the same way as you on various issues. It will make for richer deliberations.