In the latest issue of *De Wekker*, we read that codes of conduct may be even more necessary in our culture than they were in Paul’s day. The virtues he extols are still relevant today.
A subsequent article sets this out in concrete terms: our society is in urgent need of Christian virtue, and the government is calling on the churches for help.
Jelle (27) explains that he came home to the church as a seeker. He would like the church to focus a little more on people outside the church. “We are called to share the good news. The lost sheep must be brought back to the flock.”
On the other hand, one grandmother involved admits that she finds it difficult to talk to her grandchildren about faith.
Classis reports
The Apeldoorn Classis granted Hans Bronsveld the right to preach in accordance with Article 3.2 of the KO, at the request of the church council of ICF Apeldoorn. Discussions will be held with ministers who have held authorisation under Article 3.1 or 3.2 of the KO for more than three years regarding the continuation of their authorisation. The Classis understands Rev. Roosendaal’s limited availability for work within the Classis. As it was not possible to deal with the entire agenda, a follow-up meeting will be convened in a few months’ time.
In the Dordrecht Classis, fraternal and enlightening discussions have taken place with the church councils of Sliedrecht Bethel and Werkendam regarding their involvement in the Rijnsburg initiative. Discussions will also take place with the church councils of Poederoijen and Sliedrecht Eben-Haëzer. As national issues cannot be resolved at classis level, various instructions from the classis have been forwarded to the General Synod. The meeting will resume in January.
The Amsterdam Classis granted a certificate to Rev. Mans Raveling in connection with his move to the church in Winschoten. In the reports under Article 41 and those from the visitations, the positive experiences with the deployment of task groups stood out: not everything needs to be done by the church council any longer. Many churches organise Alpha courses and find them a blessing. The tension within the church community is a cause for concern, but it can be discussed amongst one another.
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