SYNOD REPORT – Thursday, MAY 10th 2012.
Opening: The chairman welcomed all present and invited Rev. Dr. Bill Berends to lead in opening devotions. Br Bill invited us to stand and sing BoW 27a. He then read from Matthew 9:35 -38, to the end and lead in prayer. Br Bill spoke on the theme of “ALL” from Matthew 28:18-20, with particular focus on Christ’s authority over “Teaching ALL things” because of His victory at Calvary. He then led Synod in prayer.
Report 3 – Leadership development.
Br Leo Douma presented the report to Synod and spoke briefly on the need for leadership training. Synod received the report and the Chairman thanked the Committee for its work.
Report 17 - SIC
Br Dave Groenenboom presented the SIC report and briefly spoke about the committees harmonious working relationship. All their meetings were done via ‘skype’ and that worked very well. The Synod received the report and the chairman thanked the Committee for its work.
A motion of thanks to the out-going SIC was extended to them.
Ministry remuneration.
The advisory Committee presented to Synod and up-dated suggestion for a way forward to Tasmania’s Overture calling for a review of ministry remuneration. This committee presented to Synod the guiding parameters of such a review. Synod adopted these new parameters.
Report 3 – Church Planting Taskforce.
Br Brian Vaatstra, on behalf of the CPT committee presented the report for Church Planting. Br Brian gave an encouraging review with four churches planted in the previous three years, and as many as 12 churches looking to plant a church within the next 5 years. Several questions were asked about the work and Brian answered them after the luncheon break.
Br John Kruize closed the morning session in prayer and thanked the Lord for the blessing of the work of the various committees and for a blessing on our lunch.
Br Reinier Noppers opened the meeting by reading Eph 3:14-21 and led in prayer. We then sang together “How deep the Father’s love for us”.
Report 3 – Church Planting Taskforce. (Continued)
Br Brian answered some of the general questions concerning the report and then went on to present the recommendations. Synod discussed the various recommendations and the financing of the proposals will visited at a later time.
Review Recommendations for denominational workers
NSW Delegates presented to Synod a process by which all denominational workers could be reviewed. After some discussion this procedure was adopted.
GRI – Yusuf Dharmawan
Br Yusuf Dharmawan was invited to pass on fraternal greetings to the CRCA. Br Yusaf shared with the CRCA their love for the gospel and their appreciation of the work being done in the CRCA for the Indonesian Church. He also complemented his presentation with a video of the out-reach work that is occurring in Indonesia, including the Christian School movement.
Br Henk de Waard responded on behalf of the CRCA extending our appreciation of their work and desire to be reformed. Br Henk also reflected on a time when he visited there and reported on their worship service practices, which included strong doctrinal preaching. Br Henk passed on our prayers and best wishes for the GRI, also as our relationship develops.
Leaving the WCRC
Classis Maroondah presented a motion to Synod to write a letter to former REC Churches that have now joined the WCRC of our decision to leave the WCRC and seek membership of the ICRC. Synod adopted that motion.
Overture 13 – Grace CRC
Br Clinton Berends, on behalf of the advisory committee presented the new motion on how to deal with Minsters in CEF churches who are being considered for call by CRCA and who have a different biblical view of CRCA clear position that no women are allowed in the office of minister and elder. After discussion, the Synod adopted the recommendations and Synod made a further decision to attach the grounds in the Acts for future reference.
Minutes:
After some correction, the minutes of the previous day’s decisions were officially accepted.
Pre advisory Committee - re: Campolo
Synod as agreed, gave time to delegates and others to speak about any lingering concerns that anyone may have. Several people spoke and Synod agreed as a whole to forgive each other and move on.
Report 11 Church Planting Taskforce (Cont)
Br Brian Vaatstra presented a revised recommendation for raising funds for the work of Church Planting within the CRCA. Synod adopted that recommendation.
Br Frank Popping closed the afternoon session in prayer.
Br Phil Larkin opened the evening by inviting us to stand and sing “Tell out my soul” and reading from Galatians 6:9-10; and Luke 6:32-36. He then led in prayer and we sang, “S