Report of Classis Hamilton meeting: October 20, 2009 

Classis had a great deal on its agenda and a rookie roster in first time Chairperson, Mark Knetch and Trevor Payton, Vice Chair. But the duo served us well. Thank you, gentlemen!

The first order of business was the examination of candidates Zachery Olson (called to Jarvis as pastor) and Andrew Zomerman (called to Brantford as Associate Pastor) for ordination. Both men were tested in three areas: in their ability to preach the gospel, in their ability to explain doctrine and think theologically, and in their understanding of giftedness and call to ministry. The oral exam convinced both delegates and deputies to vote unanimously in favour of admitting Olson and Zomerman into ordained ministry.

A second major part of classis’ work was interacting with the Synodical Study Committee tasked to revise the Form of Subscription (FOS). James Dekker from Covenant CRC in St. Catharines explained the background rationale for the revisions, represented them, and then gauged our response through a series of small group’s questions. They related to the commitment level within our churches to a Reformed confessional identity. The engagement was lively. The responses varied. The committee received our feedback for their on-going consideration.

A third highlight was the introduction of the new classical prayer coordinator, Wilma Wiersma. She took a few moments to share some significant moments in her spiritual journey, her preparation through the Eastern Canada Leadership Development Network (LCLDN), and her recent sense of calling to serve God by bolstering prayer in the classis. Wilma also shared about an advent initiative called “40 Days of Prayer” that will see prayer devotionals distributed to all the church households to encourage prayer for the coming of the Lord and his Kingdom. One of the finest moments of the day came as Wilma lead us in spontaneous praise through some simple songs sung a cappella. It was a glorious moment!

There are other items worthy of mention. Leo Gatotos of the Living Mosaic church plant in Burlington shared how God’s deep work in his life has renewed his passion for ministry and renewed focus in their community on the ministry of worship and small groups. Classis changed its Student Fund Committee to a Classical Candidacy Committee. This group is now tasked with a more comprehensive mandate of encouraging, equipping and endorsing candidates for ministry.

Finally, the Ministry Coordinator for classis, Ed Witvoet, shared about the steps being taken to build a new structure. The aim is to re-shape classis’ structures and agenda in such a way that classis becomes less of an administration body and more of a ministry equipping agent. The motivation for these on-going changes is the mission: “To be used of God to renew the greater Hamilton region with a gospel movement of healthy churches, members and ministries.”
May God mobilize every member, each ministry and all our churches to that end!

Respectfully reported by Andrew Zantingh