Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Oct 22/62

Contributor - Rev. Dr. Russell J. Redeker

Title - Upon The Threshold: Formation of Classis Onatrio

Topic - Reformed Church In Canada

This afternoon Classis Ontario was officially organized, and tonight this classis stands upon the threshold of its life and work. It is a threshold experience. It is the passing of one phase of the church's life and work into another. It is like passing from the old year into the new year with its unknown and it is exiting and awesome. The past dozen years or so we know very well, but the future is known only to God, and we continue on in faith. When the work began, the church that mothered this work looked upon it as a "Missionary" effort, not in the sense of sending the gospel message to a heathen people and a heathen land, but in the sense of taking that gospel in the mother tongue of the 'immigrant, and in the outward expression of loving concern as they sought to lift loneliness, suffering and hardship. Those who received the "Call" to go to serve in Canada looked upon themselves as "missionaries" peculiarly qualified and prepared "for such a time as this". Churches in the States rallied with support in this great mission, and something of a new spirit surged through the churches that became involved in this program. Then as time went on some of the immigrants began to speak out against the "missionary" aspect of the work, reminding us that they were not the objects of "missionary" work, and slowly the "missionary" concept began to fade away. But, tonight that phase comes to an end definitely and completely.

The Reformed Church welcomes into her ranks the 46th classis, full-grown, going forth to rule itself and its churches and assuming its accompanying responsibilities. Congratulations ! May God and His Kingdom be exalted in this act within His Church!

A moment of reflection and gratitude is in order.

In the providence of God it is my lot to be speaking for the Board of North American Missions because of my office and in view of all those who preceded me in this work in one way or another, it, is not strange that I should speak with mixed emotions.

The Board began this work, and well I can remember as a member of that Board the hours of discussion that took place before the Board entered the work in Canada. It was not a question of whether the Board wanted to help. It was a question of whether a church in the United States should enter a foreign land where the church of Jesus Christ was and is established with its consequent implications. All of that is now matter of record and file, and it 'II be interesting what church historians will some day decide about this venture as they study the files and history of this work.

Unofficially some Ref. Church members had already gone into Canada with help.

The pleas of people like Mr. Dunnink, the Rev. H. Zegerius and others could not be turned away. The stories and accounts of physical and spiritual need among the immigrants stirred the hearts of the people of the Reformed Church.

"These are our people, people of our flesh and blood, people of our own spiritual heritage," they said, and then clothes began to flow into Canada. True, some of the clothes were not the most up-to-date, and they furnished many a laugh on the part of some immigrants, but there was a deep appreciation just the same.

Men and women began to give hours and weeks of time, they began to give of themselves, and thousands of dollars began to find their way across the border into the lives of the immigrant. The Reformed Church wanted to be sure that there was someone at the boat to meet the immigrant in the name of Jesus Christ and the Reformed Church, and best of all, in the mother tongue.

There were scores of people who were active in this program, and I wish they were all here tonight so we could speak to them personally, but they are not here, and so, in behalf of the denomination and the Board of North American Missions, and I believe the immigrants, it behooves us to pause for just a moment to say, "thank you" to them! The Rev. Mr. Blaauw spoke appreciation to and for a number of people, and may I speak a word of appreciation to him and his faithful wife!

On this historic occasion we cannot pass on into this new phase without words of thanks to those who served and continue to serve as ministers of the immigrant churches, to the field men, and committee men, to the denominations' Church World Service Committee for its aid, to the Rev. J. R. Euwema as liaison officer, and to the immigrants themselves. I pause to express thanks to the Hervormde Kerk which later on began to cooperate so well with the R.C.A. in implementing the work to such a degree, and last but certainly not least, it behooves us to stand in awe and thanksgiving before the Lord of the Church Himself.

A serious look at the Classis so newly formed is in order.

WHY WAS THE CLASSIS FORMED ?

This question is asked very often and with good reason. There are still a good number of people who believe it to be a mistake. I happen to be one who sees the formation of this classis as a potential for some real problems, but who nevertheless feels that this is an exceedingly good step and a necessary one.

Let me say first of all that it was not suggested by the Board and this is good or otherwise there might have been a stronger feeling today that the Board suggested this in order that it might "wash its hands" of the Canadian work. Such is not the case. It was requested by ministerial leaders in Ontario. The reasons are quite plain. Every church in Ontario had been organized for some time and as such had a membership in some classis in the States. The churches were organized under the constitution of the R.C.A. but not organized to make a working program in Ontario possible. Secondly, the churches in Ontario had manifested a sense of maturity for some time, and as such should be given the opportunity for self- government as a group within the structure of one classis. While the Board supervised the work very closely for many years, the time had come when the Board should relinquish the supervision of these churches to that of one Classis. Thirdly, a classis gives the churches of Ontario the opportunity to work in concert in a program that is particularly geared to the Land-and area in which these churches are located, and increasingly the question of the future role of the R.C.A. in Canada was asking for attention, which attention it is difficult without the churches organized into one body such as a classis.

The continuing role of the Board.

I should like to underscore that the Board is in no way "washing its hands" of the Canadian work.

It is relinquishing only that which belongs under the authority of and in province of a classes under the constitution of the R.C.A., and not to the Board.

The various concerns in which the Board will be engaged in the Canadian program will quickly show that the Board is not withdrawing from the scene. Allow me to give you a little preview as to the continuing program of the Board in Canada.

The Board will continue to be responsible for and direct the affairs of the Hamilton Office. The Board will continue to carry on the program of immigration and will for the time being assume Re costs involved in the operation pf the Hamilton office and the immigration program, including personnel.

The publishing of the Pioneer will continue to be related to the Board. One of the most vital programs of the Board in Canada will be the "Missionary Outreach Program" which is designed to search out the unchurched and unevangelized Dutch immigrants in Canada.

The pre-ministerial students will remain the concern of the Board along with the Board of Education. The Board will continue to make available scholarships for students needing help in their preparation for the Christian ministry in Canada.

While a definite schedule of reduction has been adopted in the matter of helping with the expenses incurred in the moving of ministers, for some time the Board will carry a heavy load here. There are still congregations which do not have their own parsonages, or if they do, they need financial help to meet the payments. This the Board is continuing to aid, although this must come to an end soon. One must not overlook the continued salary supplement given to the churches in Canada in an amount of about $ 75.000 per year by the Board.

The Board is offering its help in working out the future role of the R.C.A. in Canada.

A word to the wise.

There is a saying we have : "A word to the wise is sufficient". Well, let no one assume that the formation of Classis Ontario will solve all the questions in connection with the work in Ontario and in Canada. It is not a "cure-all', and unless there is very careful and prayerful consideration given to the conduct of the classis, there could be some very negative results forthcoming. Allow me to lift a few concerns I have on that score ; because the formation of a classis is not the final solution to any of the problems inherent in our Canadian work. I look upon it as a framework in which these problems can be studied, considered and solutions born. There are perils and opportunities in the formation of this classis.

Peril no. 1. Unless the greatest care is given, and the greatest effort is put forth to forestall it, I fear that there will be a struggle for power that will make itself known very soon. I fear that there may develop a struggle for power between the ministers who are serving here from the States and those who are of the immigrant group. You may say, "Why suggest such a thing ?" I have seen it already and unless this terrible desire for power is set aside, unhappy experiences are ahead for this classis.

This same struggle may not occur only between the Stateside ministers and the Immigrant ministers, but it may occur among them as a group. I have never witnessed such a desire for authority as I have among the immigrant. Allow a church to be vacant for a few months and the power struggle is in full bloom.

Peril no. 2. I fear that there will emerge a struggle between two groups within the classis on the score of churchmanship.

I fear there will be some who will strive with might and zeal to stress denominationalism to the point that the R.C.A. in Canada would become nothing but an isolated island as over against an ecumenicity that is required by the Lord of the Church and required by the day and times in which we live.

If such a struggle is allowed to emerge, the Kingdom will not be advanced.

Peril no. 3. I fear that there may emerge an even narrower Canadian emphasis as over against the broader emphasis of the denomination of which this classis is a part which will result in making the work here in Canada truly an isolated island.

The particular Synod of Michigan, in giving permission to these churches to form a classis, tried to make program arrangements to insure against this kind of thing, but already I hear rumblings of discontent about this because they feel that this is taking away a measure of self-government and self-rule. Be the complaints what they may, I do fear that there will be an effort to duplicate the Hervormde Kerk, the Reformed Church in the Netherlands.

This would be the easiest thing in the world to have happen, because this is the church the immigrants know. This is the way they have always done it, and unless there is a real effort made to forestall this, there will be a tendency to make a Dutch classis and a Dutch church in Canada, rather than the R.C.A. in Canada.

In matters of doctrine members of the Reformed Church all over the world have their established standards. In matters of program and church policy there is room for a choice, and I strongly advise that for the Reformed Church in Canada the choice be the policy and program of the R.C.A.

A friend of mine and a friend of yours made this statement which I give you. "This classical organization may prove to be the making of an explosive bomb that may fragmentize and destroy all that has been accomplished in the last 15 years, or it may prove to be helpful framework in which will emerge by patient study, prayer and fellowship in Christ, solutions to long range policy and program. The new organization is a testing of our Canadian church life, and the perils are likewise opportunities to demonstrate that Christ is indeed Lord of His Church".

Now let me lift before you some of the opportunities as I see them in the formation of the Classis.

Opportunity No. 1. With the forming of a Classis it will be so much easier to implement a real program of Stewardship.

There is no place in the Christian Church where there is no room for improvement in, the area. of stewardship, and the Canadian churches are no exception. The churches here are to be commended for the wonderful record established in these few years. But, there is no one who can say honestly that the churches have reached the goal which is possible. I hope Classis will institute a real program of stewardship.

Opportunity No. 2. This is in the area of Evangelism. The Ref. Church has a program of evangelism which is the envy of many denominations. It is very effective and I urge that the churches of this classis become involved in this program immediately. Evangelism concerns for the Canadian R.C.A. churches lie in three areas for the present, and much work needs to be done in these areas.

These are : a burning concern for the Dutch immigrants who do not know the Lord Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and have no affiliation with any church. There is no one so well qualified to reach these people as the immigrant and the immigrant churches.

Secondly, there must be a large place in the program of the churches for the new immigrant, of whom there are not so many today, but who may be in greater numbers in the near future. God forbid that any church members should forget how they felt when they first came to these shores, and I say this for there are those who have said to me, "those new immigrants set us back ten years and we don't like to have them come in".

Opportunity No. 3. The formation of a Classis will make the assuming of responsibility much more real. Self-government must always bring with it the assuming of responsibility and the acceptance of obligations. There are churches that have received large grants of money from the Board, from individual churches, from individuals and loans from the Board, and in spite of this generosity on the part of others, they have scarcely taken note of their indebtedness, nor begun to pay their mortgages. This is not right, and I need not try to prove that.

Nor is it possible to plead poverty or financial inability in every case. because our church ranks in the summer look pretty bad because the members are pretty well absorbed in "Taking their holidays".

Everyone deserves some recreation, but duty and obligation have their place too, and I believe the forming of a Classis will be a material aid to the churches in the assuming of rightful responsibility.

A serious look at the road to be traveled is in order.

In this area one can only speak terms of principles and hope they will become guides for the days to come. There are many questions being asked these days about the future role of the R.C.A. churches in Canada and at the formation of a classis in Canada, the first of its kind, it is in order to give thought to the church in the days to come. I want to suggest in the first place that you:

Be the Church of Jesus Christ.

As such be a holy church. That does not refer primarily to a degree of goodness that ought to mark each individual congregation, but it refers to a keen consciousness of the fact that the Church of Jesus Christ is a holy church because it does not belong to you.

It is holy because it belongs to the Lord of the Church. This is a real good thing to remember because then it will cause you to think a little before you start making all kinds of decisions about the church.

Furthermore, the outstanding characteristic of the Holy Church is that it is marked by the spirit of Love. Now this is the area where the church universal has its big challenge and the Canadian churches are no exception in this score. There is great need for a lot of work in this area of love in our Churches. I dare not to think about how the Lord must feel about the divisions which have taken place in our Canadian churches in their short history.

If things do not exactly suit certain people, they just get up and walk out with a considerable degree of self-righteousness on top of it.

Constantly through these years I have encountered in church after church the fact that certain members in a consistory are always resigning. When I ask for the reason the answer given is, "They are not satisfied with what was decided, so they resigned." I have no idea what reasons are thought up to justify such action but it is going to be pretty hard to convince the Lord of the church that it is right, and it simply does not fit into the picture of a Holy Church, for the church to be holy must be characterized by love.

Not only must the church be a holy church, but it must be a Catholic Church, the church of Christ Universal. Now it is a lot easier to say this than to be it, but we have no choice in the Christian Church in this matter. We are not the Christian church if we do not believe that the church is for all people regardless of race or nationality, and that the gospel is for the purpose of saving all of a man, and all of society, not just a man's soul, so to speak. The Lord came to save every area of our life, and He means that His message of salvation is for all people. This is something our churches must consider because the churches were not established here to be "Dutch Religious Clubs." It is not hard to understand how in one early years of immigrant life there is need for a fellowship with kindred spirits and people, of kindred tongue, but this must persist for only a short time. Now you must be a Catholic Church and take the gospel to the people in your neighborhood who are your spiritual responsibility, or otherwise you will become nothing more than "Dutch Clubs" with a religious emphasis. Then the church must be an Apostolic Church, a missionary church, a sending church ' Again, the true church has no alternative on this score. To be a Christian is to be a sent person by the Lord to introduce others to the Lord. And, until the future role of the R.C.A. in Canada is hammered out on the anvils of prayer, study and decision, carry out the program of the church through the structure of the R.C.A., which decision may be that this is the way it ought to continue, or the decision may be that it ought to be in union with other Christians.

The question of Integration.

I should be remiss in my responsibility if I failed to speak of this question on this occasion. I. am not speaking for the Board since I do not have the authority to do so on this question, nor is the Board an ecclesiastical judicatory where this question can ever be lodged for final decision. The best the Board can do is to stand by and be of whatever assistance it can. I believe, however, that my feeling about this question would be shared with quite a number of the members of the Board. If you ask me point blank for my answer to this question at this junction, it is this. It may prove to be the will of God and to the advancement of the Kingdom some day to bring about an integration or a merger with a church here in Canada, but if it should be attempted in the next few years it is my firm conviction that it would be disastrous. I do not know what other position a person in the R.C.A. can take when the denomination is at this very moment in consultation with another denomination, but on the second point there may be a difference of opinion. As for me, I can see nothing but disaster to the Kingdom cause if integration or union were attempted in the near future. Now, this will be debated and it should be. I respect those who honestly hold the opposite position, and I hope they will respect my position. Now, in view of this, what shall be the procedure ?

First, the General Synod's executive committee will appoint a committee on Thursday, September 27, for the purpose of studying the Theological and Confessional bases for the role of the RCA. in Canada. Let us wait with anticipation this study as a guide to the study here in Canada.

Secondly, the decision as to the future of the R.C.A.'s role in Canada must be made primarily by the people here in Canada. This is the way it should be, however, let us hope and pray that the decision shall be made on the basis of study and prayer and not on the basis of emotion. The churches in the States will need to sympathize with the churches in Canada. as they seek to make this decision, and realize that this decision must be made here in Canada. The churches in the States would not appreciate having others make the decision for them, we are sure, when it comes to any union or merger in the States. In all of this, however, do not be surprised if there is a great deal of interest on the part of the churches in the States in this matter. After all, they have made a great investment here in terms of people, and money, and they would be less than human to forget all of this and act as though it never happened. I trust that there will be understanding on your part if at times the Board or the church in the States may seem to be too paternalistic, and even appear to be interfering.

Thirdly, I sincerely hope that there will be free and open discussion on this question. By all means, personalities and bitterness must be eliminated, and the question must be considered in terms of principle, the will of God and the good of the Kingdom. Let there be free discussion even though there be misunderstanding and misinterpretation. It would be good to remember the words of Paul in Eph. 4: 15 in this whole matter. "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly, makes bodily growth and up-builds itself in love."

Fourthly, I sincerely hope, that Classis of Ontario will carry on a very vigorous program of church co-operation, and in particular with the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Surely there are things we can do together to make the Kingdom more effective. We can work together in immigration. There are places where our Reformed Church does not have churches here in Canada, nevertheless, they are places to which Dutch immigrants of the Reformed Church go. Shall we not work with this sister church to make certain these friends are spiritually cared for ? We have churches in places where we can be helpful in the same way to the immigrants by having the Presbyterian church refer their names to our church. Let us work together as brothers and sisters in the Lord, and I believe that the Classis of Ontario should hasten to make contact with the National Council of Churches in Canada so there too we may join in witnessing for Christ in Canada.

Fifthly, I would urge those who keenly desire this proposed integration because they believe this to be the right way, to let time have a little chance to help decide this important question. This question of integration or union is fraught with such serious consequences that it could mean the disintegration of all the work with nothing left to bring to the union.

I would urge those who do not favor integration or union to let time have a chance. This position is fraught with all kinds of consequences too, and poses some very real questions. Let us then meet this question with the firm conviction that the Kingdom of God is greater than any denomination or denominations, and that church integration or denominational continuation are not the important question. What would the Lord want us to do, is the important question.

Conclusion.

The Board's relationship to the churches in Ontario as of today will be very different. There will be a different relationship between myself and the churches as of today. I am sure you can appreciate that this occasion leaves me with some mixed emotions. In a sense we stand on a great divide. Please accept my sincere appreciation for the gracious reception you have always given me. know that this will continue as we work together in the Name of the Lord. Congratulations to you on this very significant occasion, and may the Lord's richest blessing be with you all.

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