News Report of Classis West of the PRCA

Meeting March 5, 2025

Classis West of the Protestant Reformed Churches met on March 5, 2025, in Calvary PRC (Hull, IA). The evening before Classis, God sent snow, ice, and powerful winds upon Northwest Iowa which impacted the travel of many delegates. In the end, representatives from twelve of the thirteen churches in the Classis were able to attend the meeting, while the delegates from one congregation could not make it and participated in the meeting virtually.

Classis began with opening devotions led by the chairman of the previous meeting, Rev. Richard Smit (pastor of Randolph PRC), who gave an encouraging meditation based on Psalm 125:1-2. After Classis was legally constituted, the meeting was capably chaired by Rev. Ryan Barnhill (pastor of Heritage PRC - in photo).

Two first-time delegates to Classis signed the Formula of Subscription, the minutes of the previous meeting of Classis were approved, and the four questions of Article 41 of the Church Order were asked and satisfactorily answered. Routine reports of the stated clerk, classical committee, and reading sermon committee were read and approved. The church visitors reported on their annual visits with the councils, visits which included discussions regarding reports the councils may have received from a third-party organization tasked with looking into cases of sexual abuse. The church visitors expressed that the visits were profitable, that councils are faithful in carrying out their work, and that unity, peace, and love prevail in the churches.

In closed session, a consistory asked for Classis to concur with its decision to proceed to the public announcement of the name of an individual under discipline. After hearing of the labors of the consistory and the impenitence of the member, Classis advised the consistory to proceed with this announcement.

After a break for the committees of pre-advice to prepare their advice, Classis received for information a letter from the consistory of Loveland PRC, informing Classis that it is in the beginning stages of transferring the membership and oversight of the Covenant of Grace Fellowship (Spokane, WA) to the consistory of Lynden PRC (Lynden, WA).

Classis received for information but took no action on two letters from Classis East, in which Classis West was informed of Classis East’s recent approval of two overtures (the first to appoint a special committee to provide accountability to consistories in responding to reports of sexual abuse from a third party organization, and the second a change to their rules of order).

Classis approved the subsidy requests for 2026 for four congregations and forwarded them on to Synod 2025 for its approval.

In the afternoon, Classis began treating in closed session the report of a special committee assigned by Classis to help a consistory regarding a case of sexual abuse.

Classis also spent the afternoon considering a protest of a decision of Classis West in September 2024 to maintain a mandate to its church visitors to request reports received from consistories from the third-party organization, discuss that correspondence with the consistories at their annual visit, and report their findings in summary form with names redacted to the Classis. Classis decided not to uphold the protest, on the grounds that: 1) the protestant did not demonstrate that Classis West violated the decision of Synod 2024 in mandating the church visitors to follow up with consistories on the reports that they received from Guidepost; and 2) the protestant did not prove that it is wrong for church visitors to follow up with the consistories regarding the Guidepost reports.

After a break for supper, Classis continued in closed session to discuss the work of the special committee. Classis approved the work of the special committee, mandated them to continue their work, and gave advice to the consistory involved.

Classis made a schedule of pulpit supply for the two vacant congregations in the Classis: Hope PRC (Redlands) and Lynden PRC.

Throughout the meeting, Classis also voted for various classical functionaries. Rev. A. Brummel was reappointed to a three-year term on the Classical Committee. Rev. J. Engelsma was reappointed to a three-year term as a primus synodical deputy, and Rev. S. Regnerus was reappointed to a three-year term as a secundus synodical deputy. Classis appointed Revs. A. Brummel, D. Kleyn, J. Marcus, and R. Smit as church visitors, with Revs. R. Barnhill and J. Engelsma as alternates.

Ministers delegated to Synod 2025 were Revs. R. Barnhill, J. Engelsma, D. Kleyn, J. Marcus, and R. Smit. Alternates are Revs. H. Bleyenberg, M. De Boer, A. Haveman, M. Koerner, and S. Regnerus. Elders delegated to Synod 2025 were Kevin Brummel (Crete), Stephan De Jong (Peace), Glenn Feenstra (Hope), Brian Kroese (Hull), and James Regnerus (Doon). Alternates are Travis Feenstra (Hope), Alvern Miersma (Hope), Dan Poppema (Hull), Keith Van Drunen (Crete), and Jan Zeldenrust (Hosanna).

The expenses of this meeting totaled $7,507.94.

Classis decided to hold its next meetings on September 24, 2025, at Crete PRC, and on March 4, 2026, at Heritage PRC.

Classis finished its work around 10:30 PM.

Rev. Joshua Engelsma

Stated Clerk, Classis West

On this ninth Lord's Day of 2025, we gather in the Lord's presence, by grace and through faith, for worship of and fellowship with our covenant God, our faithful Father and sovereign, saving Friend. As we do so, we are equipped and encouraged by His Word and Spirit for our life and callings in this world.

Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. ...Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. ~ Isaiah 8:13,14, 18-20

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for the week of March 2. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you; or you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Last Sunday Hudsonville PRC extended a call to Prof. B. Huizinga (PRC Seminary). He plans to answer by March 16.
  

• Grandville PRC will call tonight from her new trio of Revs. D. Holstege, J. Maatman, and J. Engelsma. *Rev. J. Engelsma has received this call.
  
  
• Byron Center PRC's Council (calling church for a minister on loan to the PRC-Philippines) has formed a trio from a list of eligible ministers to serve in the PRC-Philippines: Revs. D. Lee (Kalamazoo PRC), A. Brummel (Calvary PRC), and M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC). A congregational meeting is scheduled for March 12 after the Prayer Day service.
  
  
• On February 9 Lynden PRC called Rev. G. Eriks. He plans to answer by March 9.
  
  
• Rev. J. Maatman is considering calls from Southwest PRC (received Feb.9 - plans to answer by March 9) and Grace PRC (received Feb.16 - plans to answer by March 16).

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today (Feb.23) in the vacant PRCs: Rev. W. Langerak in Cornerstone PRC-Dyer, IN; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. J. Slopsema in Grace PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. D. Noorman in Grandville PRC; Rev. W. Bruinsma (1st of 3 weeks) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. A. Spriensma in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. M. DeBoer (2nd week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. D. Lee in Southwest PRC. It is a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who travel and supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to petition the Lord for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

Special congregational notices:

• First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI: "Community Bible Study will meet this Wednesday, March 5, at 7:00 PM [at the church]. We'll discuss The Faith of Moses' Parents, Hebrews 11:23 and Exodus 1:7-2:10."
• Byron Center PRC: "Our Community Bible Study is to meet this Thursday (3/6 at 6:30 PM) at the Byron Township Library. We plan to continue our study of Creation at Genesis 1:20. Please invite friends and neighbors and join us for a time of fellowship in God's Word!"

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

Calvary PRC in Hull, IA, host of this week's Classis West meeting.

• Classis West meets this Wednesday, March 5, in Calvary PRC in Hull, IA. May the Lord give the delegates safe travels and the wisdom of Christ through His Word to conduct the work of these churches in common.
  
  
• From the PRC Contact Committee: Rev. M. McGeown and Michael Bosveld (Hope PRC) are representing our churches as an official delegation to the Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines. They left the States on Feb.20 and anticipate returning on March 4. Their mandate includes doing church visitation in both the Berean and Provident churches, attending the PRCP Classis meeting, and promoting a good relationship with our sister in the Philippines in any way possible. Pray for safe travels and wisdom for our delegates, and for God’s blessing on our sister in the Philippines.
  
  
• PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration (June 2-6, 2025): Participate in this commemorative event by registering at prca100.org by March 21 (note the extension!). Those lodging at Calvin University will enjoy a convenient and economical stay and all meals and activities. Local attendees and those arranging their own off-campus lodging must register for activities and meals if desired. To attend visit https://prca100.org/register for registration instructions and the web link. For more 100-year PRC history, videos and photos, visit this Facebook page.

• Home mission news: Zion’s Council and the DMC have sent our domestic missionary, Rev. J. Laning, to the Dallas/ Fort Worth (DFW) area for six months, along with his wife, Margaret. They arrived there on October 19, 2024 and have settled into the labors there. For some time Rev. Laning has been conducting weekly Zoom Bible studies with people in Texas, and has made a number of trips there. The plan is to have Rev. Laning continue to labor among those whom they have already come to know, while also witnessing to others in that area. Seeing as the preaching of the gospel is the chief means the Spirit uses to gather His people, it will be good to spend some time there meeting for worship and having Bible studies, in order, Lord willing, to gather a group together. We thank the Lord for opening this door, and pray that He may guide us in this work to the glory of His name. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). If you happen to know of anyone in that area who may be interested, please contact our domestic missionary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  
  
• HAVEN of Mercy is grateful for your in-person and online attendance and support shown at HAVEN '25:  What's Next? The Way Forward After Disclosure.  The attendance is evidence of our community's desire to learn and grow in knowledge and understanding of abuse dynamics, protection of the flock, victim care, and perpetrator accountability.  The six speeches and the Q&A session from the conference have been recorded and are available at https://www.havenofmercypr.org/haven-2025-conference.  We have also recorded an additional, extended Q&A session with our speakers, Brad Hambrick and Darby Strickland, in which they answered many more questions that were submitted at the conference.  More information about this extended Q&A and a link to the new recording will be posted on our Facebook page and sent to our email subscribers.
  
  
• Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2025 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 16th. 

• Convention 2025 – Register & Chaperone Opportunities!

  Conventioneers, mark your calendars! Registration for the 2025 Young People’s Convention will be open March 1-31. If you plan to attend, don’t forget to sign up during this time! Hosted by Hudsonville PRC, this year’s convention will take place at SpringHill Camp (Evart, MI) from August 11-15. We’d love to see you there! If you have any questions, please email Heather Veldman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  We’re also looking for chaperones to help make this convention a week of spiritual growth and meaningful fellowship for our young people. If you’re interested in joining us, learn more and apply today at prcconvention.com/chaperones.

Sem. J. Ophoff leads the seminary and the students from Eastside Christian School in devotions on Thursday, Feb.27.

PR Theological Seminary News:

• The PR Theological Seminary will enter its seventh week of the 2nd semester this week. PRTS covets your prayers as they carry out their callings during this semester of instruction.
• Aaron Van Dyke will lead in devotions this week; Wednesday chapel will be led by Rev. D. Noorman (PRTS, 2017), pastor of Georgetown PRC.
• The first round of Practice Preaching was completed this past Monday. The students continue to make progress, for whcih we give God thanks.
• This past Thursday Thursday the upper grade students of Eastside CS (grades 5-8) visited the seminary for the first time. Prof. Gritters introduced them to the seminary, gave them a brief tour, and then they joined faculty and students for devotions and coffee break.
• Last Thursday the PRTS Student Club met at the home of Prof. Kuiper to discuss civiil disobedience (in the light of the recent pandemic).
• Sem. B. Feenstra will be doing his senior internship in Doon (IA) PRC under Rev. D. Kleyn and his Consistory. That will run from July 1 to Dec.31.
• Work has begun on the Spring 2025 issue of the PR Theological Journal, which will contain the expanded speeches the professors gave at their Fall 2024 conference on the common grace/particular grace controversy in 1924. In the meantime, the Fall 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is available. The digital edition (pdf) is available on the seminary's journal page linked here while the print copies are also available. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Bethany Engelsma, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), or stop by the seminary. 
• Sems. Aaron Van Dyke and Bruce Feenstra are licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches. All scheduling of these men must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or the rector, Prof. D. Kuiper (doug.kuiperThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
• If you missed the Fall PRTS Conference (Oct.31-Nov.2) at Grace PRC (“By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace), where the histroric (100 years!) stand of the PRC on sovereign, particular grace was defended and developed, you may watch or listen to the speeches that are all available both on Grace PRC's Sermonaudio channel as well as the seminary's YouTube channel.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget to check on the blog!
  
  

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Today both pastors led services. In this week's "pastoral voice" Pastor Wee writes about the blessedness of the sacraments in connection with the celebration of the Lord's Supper: "We thank God for His gracious gift of the sacraments, to strengthen and to confirm our faith in Jesus Christ. Each week, we have the gospel preached to us, the chief means of grace and the power of God unto salvation to those who believe. In addition, on account of the weakness of our faith, God stoops down to us and graciously gives to us the sacraments, which signify and seal that same gospel of grace to our hearts, as we see with our eyes, handle with our hands, and taste with our mouths the elements, and are assured that of our gracious salvation in Jesus Christ."
  • A last issue of Salt Shakers is available - August2024, #73, the third of 2024!  Once again you will find a variety of articles on timely subjects in this issue! Written especially for young people and young adults, SS is edifying for all adults!

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to serve this sister congregation faithfully, and through the CPRC and her website, to minister the gospel far and wide in other ways. 
    
  • The February 2025 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was published this past week. Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "Are the Ungodly Really in God's Image? (2)" and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about why David was not executed for his sins against God's law.
    
  • The CPRC YouTube channel with all its edifying content may be found here.

• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. M. McGeown led her worship services today. Special note from last week: "Rev. Martyn McGeown [and his wife Larissa], Elder Michael, and Mrs. Bosveld [Hope PRC, Walker MI.], arrived safely last Friday [Feb. 21] at around 7 AM in Manila. God be praised for providing safe travel! Rev. McGeown and Elder Bolsveld are here for an official visit/delegation of PRCA to our Classis meeting on Tuesday. The PRCP also asked them through the Contact Committee of the PRCA to conduct this year’s Church Visitation with Berean and Provident PRC congregations on February 22 [with Provident PRC] and March 1 [with Berean PRC]. Rev. McGeown is also scheduled to preach in each congregation in both worship services, on February 23 [for Provident PRC] and March 2 [for Berean PRC]. All, the Lord willing. We pray for God’s blessings upon all the labors of Rev. McGeown and Elder Bolsveld with and for us, and blessings upon the fellowship we may share in the bond of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. They will return to the U.S.A. on Tuesday [March 04], D.V." 
  • PRCP Mission News: This past Thursday and Friday Pastor Ibe and Deacon Lester Lee visited the pastors and saints in Bacolod and Sipalay City. Rev. Ibe taught the Church Order of Dort Articles 14 - 18 and Reformed Dogmatics (Soteriology) on regeneration. 
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Elder Mitch Suarez led her services today using PRC video sermons.

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

• This month - March 2025 - the RWH is broadcasting five gospel messages by Rev. C. Haak. Today's message is titled "Not Weary in Well-Doing" based on Galatians 6:9.
  
• The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet. These printed sermons are a great blessing to many and are distributed all over the world, including to many prisoners in the U.S. If you or your Evangelism Committee would like to receive these, let the RWHC know and they will add you to the mailing list (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Did you know that 2025 is another Year of Jubilee for the Roman Catholic Church? Want to learn more about the false gospel behind this declaration and why all true Protestants must find their salvation in Christ alone through faith alone, which is to say, by grace alone? Read this resource to learn more! (See the quote below for a preview of the proper perspective)

• The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is operating out of its new store in downtown Hudsonville (3472 Harvey St.). Visit the store and browse the variety of resources for your Reformed-Christian faith and walk, including many children's titles. They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1. 
  

• If you are in need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people, check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here. Call the PRC Seminary for assistance with any of these materials (616-531-1490).
  
  
• For sound, distinctively Reformed literature on a variety of subjects and for all ages - including church history and Bible study materials - visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association website or stop in at their Jenison (Michigan) location.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

 Biblical Critique of the Roman Jubilee

"Despite her denial of it, the Roman Catholic Church with all her doctrines and practices is subject to authoritative examination by the Word of God, Holy Scripture. Believers can, believers may, believers must judge all teachings by the standard of the apostolic gospel contained in the New Testament Scriptures, even though these teachings are brought by an apostle, whether Paul or Peter, or by an angel from heaven. "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed" (Gal. 1:8, 9).

"Holy Scripture, particularly the book of Galatians, exposes and condemns Rome's Jubilee by papal indulgence as the false doctrine of legalism. Legalism is the heresy that humans must save themselves, at least in part, by their own obedience to the law. The false gospel of legalism preaches righteousness by the sinner's own works. The papal bull proclaiming the Jubilee is that "other gospel" of Galatians 1, a gospel of righteousness by human works of merit.

"Exactly with reference to the sin of lifting some ceremony out of the Old Testament in order to make the observance of it binding upon the New Testament church, the apostle says in Galatians 4:10, "Ye observe days and months and times and years." According to verse 9, this is a fatal return to "the weak and beggarly elements" of the Old Testament ceremonial law. Such religious observance is "bondage," that is, spiritual slavery. For Jesus Christ has fulfilled those ceremonies, so that believers enjoy the truth and reality of them spiritually by faith. Those ceremonies, specifically now the Old Testament Jubilee, are abrogated and abolished. There is no longer any continuation of the Old Testament law of setting aside one year as a year of Jubilee. There may not be! To do so is to repudiate Jesus Christ and His work. After the coming of Christ, the Old Testament ceremonies are no longer valid."

Taken from the pamphlet "A.D. 2000: Year of Jubilee -- by Papal Indulgence of by Reformation Gospel?" by Prof. D. Engelsma