All Articles For Gritters, Edwin

In our two previous articles we reviewed the history of the office of elder, as well as the necessary qualifications for those filling—or aspiring to fill—this very important office in the church of Christ. At this time I wish to take a very practical look at the work of the elder in the ruling and oversight of the church. I wish to state at the outset that when one attempts to be “practical,” his thoughts will of necessity reflect his own ideas and methodologies. Since every elder’s approach to his work will be somewhat different from that of other elders,...

Mr. Gritters is a member of Hope Protestant Reformed Church in Redlands, California. By the time this article appears in print, letters will have again been sent by our various consistories to certain confessing male members somewhat as follows: “The Consistory informs you that your name has been placed on nomination for the office of Elder. Please let us know if you have valid reasons why you would beunable to serve….” Unable to serve? Sometimes the nomination comes as a surprise, especially to those who receive it for the first time. But as you ponder your answer, you may already have...

Mr. Gritters is a member of the Protestant Reformed Church in Redlands, California. In our first article concerning the office of elder (Nov. 15, 1994), we briefly reviewed the biblical meaning of the office of elder (bishop), and also traced the history of the office from the times of the “elders of Israel” to the Reformed concept of the office as we know it today. Before entering upon a more practical, personal discussion of the office, we must look at the qualifications Christ has placed upon those whom He places in this office. Our discussion of these qualifications, however, need...

Mr. Gritters is a member of the Protestant Reformed Church in Redlands, California. He has six children and nineteen grandchildren, and has served often as elder in the church. Probably the greatest obligations in the lives of most Christian couples are making a livelihood, homemaking, and rearing children. Regrettably, we probably approach these tasks in just that priority, too! Regrettably, I say, because life’s busyness so easily warps our perspective when it comes to raising the covenant seed. How many of us have not said, in retrospect, our children having grown up and left the home, “Would to God that...

Our Christian school of Redlands was first organized in 1934. For seven years, the First Reformed Christian School, as it was then called, was housed in the basement of the original Protestant Reformed Church at the intersection of Lugonia Avenue and Clay Street in north Redlands. The late Rev. G. Vos was very instrumental in the formation of this first Christian grade school established by parents of Protestant Reformed persuasion. The first principal and teacher was Mr. P. R. Zuidema.