Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - March 16/62

Contributor - Rev. Corstian Klein

Title - Communicant Class

Topic - Confession Of Faith

One of the first things I discovered in my ministry here in Canada was a difference of opinion as to when a person may appear before the consistory to make confession of his faith. It is customary in many Reformed churches, and also Christian Reformed churches, to place an announcement in the bulletin telling of the elders meeting, and inviting all who are prepared to confess faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour from sin and Lord of life to with them.

I do not know whether this is ever practiced in any of the Reformed churches in the Netherlands or not. But I soon discovered that the 'Dominee' was expected to have a class of instruction for all who wish to become members in full communion of our church. Now I do not wish to create the impression that the idea of a Confession Class is completely foreign to the Reformed Church in America. Anyone who reads the Church Herald can remember seeing pictures of Classes of new communicants who have been received into the I Church after a period of instruction.

The idea of special classes is also becoming more popular in our churches across the border. Especially is this true in our Church Extension fields in cities like Chicago, Detroit, and others. These classes are offered for people who have grown up outside of the Church, or who have a weak Church background. It is important that these people know what the Reformed Church is, what it stands for, what it expects of its members, etc. There have also been cases in which the new members have been asked to follow a course of instruction from the pastor after they have made their confession of faith. This all tends to show that the Reformed Church does feel that some special instruction is needed for those who become members of a local congregation.

But the question remains, is a 'belijdenis Catechisatie' necessary, and if so, what is its purpose. Let me say at the very outset, that there are certain dangers in having a special class for Church Membership. If such a class leaves the impression that one becomes a member of the Church by following a course of instruction, or by his ability to answer certain questions about the Bible, we could better not have them. I think of a case in which a person was refused membership because she could not answer certain questions of the Heidelberg Catechism. She told the members of the consistory that she could not memorize things very easily, but that she loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all her heart and was fully convinced that He died for her. One does not become a member of the Church because of his knowledge however desirable a broad knowledge of the Bible may be. One becomes a member of the Church through a relationship with a Person, not through attending a class, or through a knowledge of certain doctrines that we may find important.

Especially in cases where a certain class of the Sunday School becomes the 'Pastor's Class' ani is expected to make confession oi faith at the end of the course do we run the risk of making Church Membership more of a form or a custom than the vital relationship with Christ that He intended it to be.

And yet, the Communicants' Class has its place in our churches. It is especially useful in instructing the prospective members in the responsibilities of Church Membership and making clear to them the kind of response that Christ expects them to make to Him. It gives the new members the opportunity to talk about this significant step in an informal way with their pastor, and to ask many questions regarding the teaching of the Church with regard to Sacraments, Christian living, etc.

And in some cases this class is absolutely necessary. Especially is this true of young people who have had little or no contact with the Church, or who due to immigration or distance from the Church have been unable to follow the regular catechism courses offered by the Church.

Since we have now seen that the 'belijdenis catechisatie' has its place, and is even a necessity, we are prepared to ask the following question, namely, what is the purpose of this course of instruction.

The main purpose of this Class, it seems to me, is to impress upon the members of the Class what the responsibilities of Church membership are. I believe that it is wise at the very outset of these classes to tell the students that such a course need not necessarily lead to Church membership, that this is a time of consideration. The instructor should make as clear as possible what the claims of Christ are, and the member of the class should feel that he is free not to go through with it if he does not feel ready for such a step.

In this way we would avoid getting people into the Church who do not realize the significance of such a membership. They should be made to understand that the Church expects something from them by way of Church loyalty, support of the Church through time, means, and Talents, and a God-honouring life. We should not be afraid to ask for such a commitment. Did Christ not demand this of us when we became members ? He asks the total commitment of the total man, and the prospective Church member should be made to feel this.

This is the purpose of the special class. If these things are understood without a special class, then the person who comes could be accepted without a special class, if not, it is a necessity.

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