On Wednesday, September 24, 2014, Pastor-elect Joshua Engelsma was examined by the delegates of Classis West meeting in Peace PRC, Lansing, IL. Part of the exam included preaching a specimen sermon before the delegates of Classis and the congregation of Peace PRC at a special worship service the evening before, held in Crete PRC.
Following a thorough examination in all areas of theology and practical theology (pastoral care), pastor-elect J.Engelsma was unanimously approved for ordination as a minister of the Word and sacraments in the PRCA. Doon PRC's Council, from whom Josh had received his call into the ministry, was instructed to proceed with his ordination and installation into the ministry.
This is planned for Friday evening, Oct.3, at 7:00 p.m. in the Doon PRC with Prof. David Engelsma conducting the service. Pastor-elect Engelsma's inaugural sermon will take place on Sunday, Oct.5, during the evening service (6:00 p.m.).
The picture below is of Pastor-elect J.Engelsma and his wife Courtney, as he receives his Classical diploma from the president of Classis, Rev.Erik Guichelaar (compliments of Rev.R.Van Overloop, one of the delegates ad examina representing Classis East).
We give thanks to Jesus Christ, the King of the church, for giving pastor-elect J.Engelsma the grace to sustain his exam before Classis, and for providing us as churches with another herald of the gospel. May He now give him additional grace to enter into the ministry and to fulfill its glorious labors in faithfulness to the charge given him. Let us pray for this brother as he prepares to take up his labors.
*Note: For a full report of the meeting of Classis West and the Officebearers' Conference, see the pdf attached to this post.
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With humble thanks to God, early this afternoon the 2014 PRC Synod unanimously approved the examination of Joshua D. Engelsma and declared him a candidate for the ministry of the Word and Sacraments in the PRCA, eligible for call on or after July 12, 2014. 
