Classis West did not officially convene until Wednesday, September 27, two noteworthy events took place the day before.

First, an officebearers’ conference was held in Hull PRC. In connection with the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, the conference was entitled “The Five Solas and How They Matter for the Ministry.” Rev. C. Griess spoke on “Scripture Alone,” Rev. A. Brummel on “Faith Alone,” Rev. E. Guichelaar on “Grace Alone,” Rev. R. Barnhill on “Christ Alone,” and Rev. B. Huizinga on “God’s Glory Alone.” The speeches were a great encouragement to all assembled. If you were not able to attend the conference but would like to hear the speeches, go to Covenant of Grace PRC’s page on Sermonaudio.com.

Second, on Tuesday night the delegates of Classis assembled with the congregation of Hull PRC to hear the specimen sermon of Pastor-elect Matthew DeBoer, who had accepted the call to serve as pastor of Edgerton PRC. Mr. DeBoer preached on Psalm 91:1-2 and gave evidence of his abilities to feed God’s sheep.

The following morning Classis convened to hear the oral examination of Mr. DeBoer. He was examined in the six sections of Reformed doctrine, knowledge of Scripture, knowledge of the confessions, controversy, and practica. Classis West, with the concurrence of the synodical deputies from Classis East, unanimously approved his examination and advised Edgerton PRC to ordain him to the ministry. Edgerton did this at a special worship service on September 29.

Classis also approved the request of Lynden PRC for the emeritation of her pastor, Rev. Ronald Hanko. His emeritation will be effective on October 15, and he and his wife plan to move to Spokane, WA to be closer to their son, Neal. Classis expressed its deep appreciation to Rev. Hanko for his 38 years of faithful service in our churches and on the mission field.

In other matters, Classis advised a consistory to increase the censure on an impenitent member. Increased subsidy for one of our churches was approved. The following schedule of classical appointments for Immanuel (Lacombe) PRC was approved: November 5 and 12—Rev. Brummel; November 19 and 26—Rev. DeBoer; December 3 and 10—Rev. Griess; December 31, January 1, and January 7—Rev. Engelsma; January 21 and 28—Rev. Langerak; February 11 and 18—Rev. Key; March 4 and 11—Rev. Huizinga; March 18 and 25—Rev. Guichelaar.

With his accepting of the call to serve as professor in our seminary, Rev. Doug Kuiper tendered his resignation as Stated Clerk of Classis West, a service he has performed for almost 10 years. Rev. Joshua Engelsma was appointed to replace him.

The expenses of Classis totaled $8,433.31. The next regular meeting of Classis is scheduled for March 7, 2018 in Loveland PRC.

Rev. Joshua Engelsma, Stated Clerk, Classis West