Classis East will next meet on Wednesday, Jan.10, 2024 at Hope PRC in Walker, MI.
The agenda prepared by Rev. C. Spronk (sttated clerk) is available to registered users on the bulletin page under Classis East.
To create an account, click on the "My Account" button (left column) and fill out the form.
The Ad Hoc Committee of Synod 2023 reports that it is deactivating the Guidepost hotline (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) effective April 5, 2024. The reasoning is that after this date Guidepost will be unable to investigate and report on information collected through the hotline in time to meet the deadline for the synodical report. Instead of using funds for the hotline, the committee has directed Guidepost to focus on compiling and distributing reports to consistories. The hotline may be reactivated in the future depending on the decisions of Synod 2024.
Guidepost Solutions has reported to the Ad Hoc Committee that there was an excellent response rate to the survey and hotline. There were almost 1,300 survey participants, of which 26% have agreed to follow-up interviews. Through the hotline, Guidepost has received reports from 29 individuals, of which 72% have agreed to follow-up interviews. Anyone who still desires to report on sexual abuse may use the hotline (mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). This will be open throughout the duration of the investigation. Guidepost is presently busy with the interviewing process and prioritization of the cases.
The Ad Hoc Committee (PRC Synod 2023) reports that Guidepost is presently evaluating the survey results and estimates that it will take two weeks to compile data and report to the committee. The committee’s mandate is to discuss with Guidepost the priority of investigations going forward. The committee expresses its sincere gratitude for all who have submitted surveys and responded via the hotline. Although the survey has ended, the hotline (mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) will be open throughout the duration of the investigation.
As we have previously communicated on October 8, 2023, the synodical Ad Hoc Committee has engaged Guidepost Solutions (“Guidepost”), a global leader in organizational compliance and monitoring to work with us to receive and investigate reports of all sexual abuse committed by current or former members (including officebearers) of the PRCA, uncover patterns of sexual abuse in our churches that can be identified to help PRCA consistories better understand the nature of sexual abuse, and uncover general patterns of how consistories have responded to reports of sexual abuse to assess and better understand how we identify and handle allegations of sexual misconduct including sexual abuse. Guidepost has several skilled and trauma-informed practitioners who work specifically with faith-based organizations to help in investigating sexual abuse, assessing systems and developing healthy faith communities regarding issues around sexual abuse.
For the first phase of the engagement (the second being an investigation phase), Guidepost will make available an anonymous reporting mechanism via email where allegations and reports of sexual misconduct relative to the PRCA can be made. These reports are not limited to those associated with PRCA churches. This reporting email may also be used to report allegations of sexual misconduct related to PRCA affiliated schools, events, young people’s conventions, young adult retreats and other organizations of the PRCA such as the Protestant Reformed Theological School. Any concerns or allegations of current or previous abuse relative to the PRCA can be reported to Guidepost at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Reporters who provide information to this hotline will not be identified to the PRCA without their specific permission. If a reporter chooses confidentiality by not disclosing their identity in this hotline, there may be limitations on any effective investigation by Guidepost. This hotline will be available throughout the duration of the investigation.
In addition to the above-mentioned email address, Guidepost will also be gathering feedback from both current and past congregants through an anonymous survey. This survey will ask questions relative to the existence and reporting of any abuse allegations. While the survey will be anonymous, there will be a section available where survey takers can identify themselves and request further contact with Guidepost. Any follow up discussions with Guidepost will be confidential. The survey will be open from Monday, November 13 through Friday, December 1. The link to the survey is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PRCA_Survey and is also available on the PRCA website. As with the survey and the hotline reports, interviews conducted as part of any investigation or logical follow-up will be done by Guidepost, and the identities of those interviewed will be confidential.
As Guidepost does its work, it will communicate general comments, questions, concerns, or requests back to the Ad Hoc Committee. The committee will provide you further updates as the efforts get underway and look forward to your participation and cooperation.
Some may be wondering: who may or should fill out the survey? Generally, any current or former member of the PRCA can and is encouraged to fill out the survey. Part of the work of Guidepost is to provide an assessment of the PRCA’s understanding and handling of sexual abuse, which is informed in part by the response of a sampling of members associated with the PRCA. Certain questions in the survey are geared generally toward understanding the culture of the PRCA concerning sexual abuse.
Specifically and especially, the survey and hotline are for anyone to report sexual abuse or the mishandling of allegations of sexual abuse. In the past several years, the Lord has brought to light the sin and evil of sexual abuse in the PRCA. This third-party investigation is to help the PRCA truly reckon with its past by providing a safe way for anyone to report sexual abuse that has taken place in the PRCAthroughout her history. Not only is this for current members of the PRCA, but we desire also to reach those who may no longer be members. Some have left the PRCA on account of being sexually abused by those whom they trusted or because of an improper response by the church to their abuse. We desire to show the compassion of Christ to you in your suffering and to address the sins perpetrated against you in a just manner. And so we strongly desire you to use this survey and Guidepost to accomplish those ends. Therefore, we urge current members of the PRCA to share this survey link with any family, friends, or acquaintances who were in the PRCA at one time. We pray that God will use this as a means to help purify and fight against this evil in our denomination.
The Ad Hoc Committee, Synod 2023
Classis West held its regular meeting Wednesday, September 27, 2023 in Crete PRC (Illinois).
The main item on the agenda is the examination of Pastor-elect Matthew Koerner (2023 PRC Seminary graduate), who has accepted the call to Hosanna PRC in Edmonton, AB, Canada. Last evening he gave his specimen sermon before the delegates of Classis West and Crete PRC in a worship service. This morning Classis approved that sermon and proceeded to his examination in theology, Bible knowledge, confessions, and practica.
Rev. J. Marcus, chair of Classis, asking for any further questions from the delegates
Rev. M. Kortus questioning Matt K in the doctrine of the church
Classis West has approved Pastor-elect Matt Koerner's examination and advised Hosanna PRC to proceed with his ordination. We rejoice with the brother and his wife in God's goodness and grace in this successful examination. May He continue to bless them as they anticipate his ordination and installation in Hosanna PRC.
Rev. J. Marcus informing Pastor-elect M. Koerner and his wife Sharon of Classis' approval of his examination.
Matt and Sharon Koerner with his classical diploma
Yesterday (Tuesday, Sept.26) Classis West held an officebearers' conference on "Abuse in Our Churches and the Proper Response." A good number of officebearers and members attended, including the faculty and students from the PRC Seminary.
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News Report of Classis West of the PRCA
Meeting September 27, 2023
Classis West of the Protestant Reformed Churches met on September 27, 2023, in Crete (IL) PRC. The Crete congregation did a fine job of hosting the delegates.
The day before the meeting, an officebearers’ conference was held on the timely subject of “Sexual Abuse in our Churches and the Proper Response.” Prof. Cory Griess spoke first on “The Consistory’s Response to Sexual Abuse,” and Prof. Russell Dykstra spoke next on “Repentance and Reconciliation of the Abuser.” The conference concluded with a roundtable discussion among pastors, elders, and professors in which they talked about various questions and challenges they face in working through cases of sexual abuse.
Delegated to Classis were 25 men (8 ministers and 17 elders), and they were joined by three synodical deputies from Classis East. A number of visitors were also present, including junior high and high school students from the area Protestant Reformed school. By alphabetical rotation, Rev. J. Marcus chaired the meeting.
Two elders signed the Formula of Subscription as first time delegates to Classis, the minutes of the previous meeting of Classis were approved, and the questions of Article 41 of the Church Order were asked and satisfactorily answered by the consistories.
The highlight of the meeting was the examination of Pastor-elect Matthew Koerner, who had accepted the call to serve as pastor of Hosanna PRC (Edmonton). The night before Classis convened, the delegates gathered with the Crete congregation to worship God and to hear the specimen sermon of Mr. Koerner. He preached on Psalm 34:1-3 and displayed clearly the gifts that God has entrusted to him for the proclamation of the gospel. The majority of the morning of Classis was taken up with the joyful work of examining Mr. Koerner in theology, knowledge of Scripture and the Reformed confessions, controversy, and practica. Throughout the exam the brother gave a good account of the intellectual and spiritual gifts necessary for the ministry. Classis unanimously approved his examination, and the synodical deputies from Classis East heartily concurred. The brother plans to be ordained and installed into the ministry in the next few months. We give thanks to the Lord of the harvest for supplying our churches with another faithful laborer!
After the conclusion of the exam, Classis heard regular reports from the stated clerk, classical committee, and reading sermon library committee and approved their work.
The church visitors of Classis reported on their work with the saints of Covenant of Grace PRC (Spokane, WA) after the resignation of office and departure from the denomination of their pastor and two of their three other officebearers. Classis approved the work of the church visitors regarding this case and thanked them for their timely response to the situation. Classis also asked the consistory of Loveland PRC, which has taken oversight of the saints in Spokane, to bring a recommendation to the next meeting of Classis regarding the viability of a congregation in Spokane and the path forward for the saints there. Finally, Classis communicated to the saints in Spokane its continued love, care, and support for them.
In closed session, Classis treated the report of a special committee assigned by Classis in March to help a consistory regarding a case of sexual abuse. Classis approved the work of the special committee up to this point, and gave further mandates to the special committee as to their work with the consistory going forward.
Classis made a schedule of pulpit supply through March of 2024 for the vacant congregations of Loveland (CO) PRC, Lynden (WA) PRC, and Randolph (WI) PRC.
The expenses of this meeting totaled $11,174.59.
Classis finished its work by about 5:00 PM.
Classis West will meet next in Randolph (WI) PRC on March 6, 2024, the Lord willing.
Rev. Joshua Engelsma
Stated Clerk, Classis West
Classis East of the Protestant Reformed Churches Update
Classis East convened Wednesday morning, September 13, 2023 at Trinity Protestant Reformed Church. Rev. M. McGeown opened with prayer and read the names of the thirty-eight delegates from the nineteen member churches. After the roll call, Rev. David Noorman assumed the position as chairman of the meeting (photo below).
Rev. Wilbur Bruinsma (photos below with his wife Mary) submitted a request to classis for emeritation (retirement) to be effective January 1, 2024. Classis approved his request and by motion expressed its heartfelt thanks to Rev. Bruinsma (and his wife Mary) for making faithful use of his God-given talents for almost 45 years as pastor and missionary. Classis sang the doxology and offered up a prayer of thanksgiving for the work of Rev. Bruinsma led by Rev. Eriks. We pray that God will bless Rev. and Mary Bruinsma in their remaining months in the active ministry and that He will continue to use them for service in the church in new ways in the years to come.
Classis adopted a pulpit supply schedule for three vacant congregations: Georgetown, Hudsonville, and Zion PRCs.
Classis treated an appeal Mr. Pete VanderSchaaf and declared it legal. Therefore this appeal is now available for non-officebearers to read. For more information login to prca.org and navigate to the bulletin page where you will find a folder for Classis East. When you open the Classis East folder you should be able to open the appeal under the name “Appeal of Pete VDS Sept 2023.” Due to the complexity of this case, Classis East decided to give the committee of pre-advice a month to prepare its advice. Classis will reconvene October 25 to consider the appeal. We pray for God’s blessing on the committee in their work.
Some of the work of classis was treated in closed session.
At around 5:00pm classis approved a motion to “recess until October 25.” Rev. Noorman read Hebrews 13:20-21 and closed the session with prayer.
In Christ’s service,
Rev. C. Spronk, Stated Clerk
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (Hebrews 13:20-21)
Report of the continued session of October 25, 2023
Classis East reconvened on Wednesday, October 25, with the 38 delegates meeting at Trinity PRC in Hudsonville, MI. Rev. Noorman continued to lead the meeting as chairman.
Classis East heard reports from two committees (a special committee to help a consistory with an abuse case, and the Classical Committee). The main work of the classis was to treat an appeal that contended that a consistory erred in judgments made about the writings of one of our ministers. One of the decisions of classis requires that the consistory involved give information to its congregation. To give the consistory some time to receive and respond to the decisions of Classis East, the Stated Clerk of Classis East plans to wait awhile before publishing the information publicly. When it is time to make the information available, it will be published at prca.org.
The expenses of the meeting totaled $4,891.36.
Classis East plans to meet again on January 10, 2024 at Hope PRC in Walker, MI.
At around 2:00pm classis adjourned and Rev. Noorman closed the meeting with prayer.
For the public minutes, click on this link.
Professors in back (l-r): R. Cammenga, B. Huizinga, D. Kuiper, C. Griess, B. Gritters
Students in front (l-r): Isaac Van Baren, Bruce Feenstra, Aaron Van Dyke, Joe Ophoff (missing - Arend Haveman, on internship in Pittsburgh)
The annual Convocation of the PRTS will be hosted by Hope PRC (Walker, MI) on Wednesday, September 6, at 7 p.m. - TONIGHT!
We hope to see you there!
But if you are unable to attend, the event will be livestreamed through Hope PRC's website.
UPDATE: The video of the convocation program is now available on the PRTS' YouTube channel.
UPDATE: (a few pictures from the wonderful evening - a full sanctuary at Hope PRC!)
Rev. G. Eriks, pastor of Unity PRC and President of the Theological School Committee, with welcome and devotions
The Protestant Reformed Student Orchestra led by Eric Phelps played two numbers
Prof. Brian Huizinga gave a stirring message on "The Protestant Reformed Minister Today"
Prof. R. Cammenga, the seminary's rector, introduced the students - here, Bruce Feenstra from Hope PRC-Redlands, CA
The PRC Synod of 2023 met at Southwest PRC (Wyoming, MI) for a fifth day this Monday, June 19.
Below is the report of the second clerk of synod, and attached is the specific decision of synod with regard to a third-party investigation (in your browser click on the title to this news post and it will take you to the attachment download at the bottom of that specific page).
The first matter synod treated today was a recommendation to express sorrow to females abused by a former pastor in the denomination. A letter was adopted to be distributed through each consistory of the PRCA to the congregations. The letter expresses sorrow that the former pastor, representing the church in his work, used his position to abuse sheep and cause them great anguish. It also acknowledges and apologizes for the neglect of the broader assemblies of the PRCA in not expressing this sorrow sooner. The letter closes stating: We are broken for you, sisters. We, as well as our churches, pray for you and for your healing. Know that the Good Shepherd loves and cares for you, His wounded and hurting sheep. Be assured that the all-sufficient Savior, who died for you, rose again, and ascended into heaven, will provide for all your needs. “The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee” (Psalm 9:9-10).
The rest of the morning session and a good part of the afternoon was spent deliberating on a recommendation to approve “the substance of an overture from Providence PRC to hire a third-party organization to investigate sexual abuse in the PRCA.” The recommendation carefully outlined the scope, the implementation, the reporting, the mutual accountability, the hiring, and the financing of the work of the investigation. Synod adopted the recommendation on the basis of three grounds:
An ad-hoc committee was appointed to hire and liaise with a third-party organization for the investigation into sexual abuse in the PRCA.
Synod treated a recommendation to approve the overture of Zion PRC “to appoint a study committee to develop the proper biblical, confessional, and theological groundwork that could be used in the local congregations to guide them in understanding and addressing the evil of abuse.” Synod appointed six men to this committee.
At the end of the day Synod adopted several motions presented by Committee 5. The highlights include:
Synod adjourned around 6:50pm. Rev. Eriks closed with prayer.
May the decisions of synod be to the honor of our God and welfare of our churches.
On behalf of Synod,
Rev. C. Spronk, 2nd Clerk
Classis East
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Classis West
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