Classis met in the sanctuary of First CRC, Pastor Andrew Zantingh serving as Chair, Pastor Bart Velthuizen as Vice Chair, and Pastor Kranenburg as Clerk, filling in for Peter Zwart who is recovering from recent surgery.

Classis began with opening devotions led by host church First CRC, including hearing a report on the blessings and challenges of ministry there. Richard Hoiting, chair of Council, identified ministry highlights including a ‘revived’ ministry of serving the downtown core of Hamilton, a ‘new’ pastor in Tim Sheridan, and testimonies of God’s work in the lives of members. He also identified 5 challenges that First CRC works with, including space issues and a relatively young council.

The early part of the agenda of Classis addressed the request from Faith CRC, Burlington, to approve Leo Gatotos as a Ministry Associate at Faith, serving as church planter in Burlington. Classis was very gratified in hearing the reports about, and participating in the examination of Gatotos who was unanimously approved for this position. Classis celebrated both the process that has led to this point, and the anticipation of God’s blessing on the work ahead in this new church plant.

While full reports of the financial giving of the churches of Classis Hamilton are not yet in, Classis Hamilton treasurer, Ruth Eigenbrood, identified that to date the average amount given by churches to Classical Ministry Shares is 95%. While on the one hand thankful for the giving of the churches, Classis also noted that this does not meet the Classis’ covenant to pay full Classical Ministry Shares. The church visitors were therefore instructed by Classis to follow-up on this with the churches involved. Among other reports given, Classis also heard an extended presentation by representatives of various arms of the diaconal ministry including both local ministry (Immanuel, Hamilton) and international ministry (CRWRC). A special word of thanks was given for the $3 million recently raised for CRWRC by the Canadian Churches.

The January Classis meeting always includes the election of delegates to Synod. This year Classis elected Pastors Gord Pols and Kevin DeRaaf, and elders Cor Visser (York) and Homer Lensink (Faith Burlington) to attend Synod. Also elected were John DeVries (Immanuel, Hamilton) to the McMaster Chaplaincy Committee; Pastor Kranenburg as alternate Synodical Deputy; and Pastor Arie VanEek as alternate to the Classical Interim Committee.

Among actions taken by Classis are the following:

• financial support for New Life (Lao) has been temporarily suspended in light of changes in the needs of the congregation

• an overture from Ebenezer, Jarvis CRC asking for Ministry Share relief was defeated; Classis noted that all churches face similar challenges in terms of resources and each church needs to do its best to meet its full obligation

• an overture from Ancaster CRC recommending that Classis itself become incorporated and pursue charitable status in light of changes in tax laws was approved

• Classis spent an hour divided in 4 small groups to continue working out the Mission Statement for Classis

• Salim Arthur was released from his position as Evangelist with the Bethel, Waterdown CRC in light of the dissolution of HACC and his new ministry in Brampton

The day was a good day for Classis in both its deliberations and decisions, and the sense of unity experienced. We are thankful to God for the churches of Classis, the good work going on through the love and service of so many, and the positive results seen. We pray for God’s guidance in facing and meeting the challenges that are also there before us. Classis meets next on January 25, 2005 in Dundas to examine Candidate Paul Vandenbrink who has received a call there.

For Classis Hamilton,
H. Kranenburg, Reporter