Deputies of representation sent a letter to church councils to explain the task and commitment of this deputation.
You recently received word from yours truly about the new composition of the deputation representing our churches. To give you an impression of what you can expect from us, we bring the following to your attention.
Starting point
The Deputation for Representation of Churches functions pursuant to Article 50 of the Church Order, according to the arrangement in Annex I.33. Deputates of Representation seek to be of service to all 181 Christian Reformed churches, assuming that the connection between these churches still exists and comes together in the presbyterial-synodal organisational structure that has been in place so far. Deputies wish to serve and preside over the churches unabated in obedience to Scripture and the Reformed confession, according to the Church Order, holding Synod resolutions passed for firm and binding unless under revision.
Task
In itself, the task of the deputation is limited: ‘The members of the moderation shall, after the conclusion of the synod, as its deputies represent or cause to be represented the church in cases that do not belong to the competence of other deputations’ (Article 50 Church Order, sub 10). In our opinion, the special situation in the church context calls for a further definition, elaboration and focus on the task of the deputation, within the framework of Church Order. Below are some special areas of attention:
- Supporting the Calling Church Hoogeveen in preparing for the Hoogeveen General Synod.
- Advising (on request) local churches, church assemblies and deputations with a view to the current situation in the church context (in cooperation with deputies on church order and church law).
- Fraternal conversation with the Rijnsburg church council, or committee, which - starting from the (follow-up) convention held on 3 October and to be held on 29 November - conducts talks on behalf of the churches meeting there.
- Informative and exploratory discussion with the moderamina of other churches, for example PKN, GB, HHK, NGK (in cooperation with deputaten eenheid).
- Identify the financial consequences of the situation in the church body already (in cooperation with deputies for financial affairs).
- Thinking through oft-stated scenarios for the future of the church estate.
DEPUTATION REPRESENTATION OF CHURCHES
Future
The future of the denomination is in God's hands. As far as our responsibility goes, this can be discussed church-wide at a general synod. The situation in the denomination demands that the next synod do the same. For this reason, in order to serve the churches and in the light of what Scripture and confession teach about the church, we will think through scenarios such as continued existence, separation (A and B model), dissolution of the church and others (?). For each scenario, the possibility of the work and material goods shared so far should be examined. The consequences for local churches of an orderly withdrawal from the alliance in one direction or another should also be considered for each scenario. Of course, the churches themselves may have thoughts on ‘how to proceed’. We hope for that. Those thoughts are best raised through instructions, but deputies of representation are also happy to receive them.
We realise that there is reluctance among some pastors and church councils with regard to the upcoming General Synod of Hoogeveen. Deputies are convinced that this synod will be legitimately convened deo volente, but they do not close their eyes to the reality that in a part of the churches there is the question whether participation still makes sense, whether decisions are still credible or even legitimate, and whether the existing structures are still the right means to come to obedience to Christ and to stay there. Nevertheless, we believe that, especially now, presence and input from the breadth of the CGK is of great importance. That is why we want to call upon the churches, even in the face of concern and disappointment, not to let go of their responsibility, but to speak and continue to act via the ecclesiastical route, as pointed out by the deputies for church order and church law in their memorandum ‘Church law lines around the church body’. Only then can it become clear which route the churches can still take together, and which can no longer be taken. This is not about trust in structures, but about faithfulness to the calling we have received as ministers in Christ's church: to serve His church in reverence, love and justice.
Support
The deputation reserves the right (otherwise granted by the last synod) to be supported in turn by external experts in administrative organisation, ecclesiastical and civil law and finance.
In conclusion
We have accepted our task as a calling from the Lord, albeit with heavy hearts. Could it be otherwise in the present circumstances of tornness and brokenness? We feel ashamed, first of all before the Lord, but also before outsiders, and embarrassed in the midst of the churches. Nevertheless, our eye is on Him, who Himself promised that His church will be there until the end of the world, and that those will be blessed who will seek good for His church and kingdom. We want to ask you to pray for that with us, with an eye to our, as well as your own, commitment. So that by His grace it will still be possible to even serve the Lord with joy.
With brotherly greetings,
On behalf of the deputation representing churches,
Rev. J. Oosterbroek
