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November 2015 PRC Seminary Journal Now Available!

PRTJ Nov 2015 coverThe faculty of the PRC Seminary have just published the next PRC Seminary Journal. The November 2015 issue (Vol.49, #1) contains an interesting variety of articles and book reviews, which make for profitable reading for pastors, officebearers, and Reformed believers (see the cover image here and the editor's notes below).

The following are Prof. R. Cammenga's "Editor's Notes" for this issue:

     Welcome to the pages of the frst issue of volume 49 of the Protestant Reformed Theological Journal.  The frst article in this issue is the transcript of the speech that Dr. John Bolt gave to the student body and faculty of the Protestant Reformed Seminary, as well as area ministers this past Spring.  Dr. Bolt is familiar to the constituency of the Protestant Reformed Churches as an outspoken critic of the treatment of Herman Hoeksema by the 1924 Synod of the Christian Reformed Church.  Besides critical of the treatment of Hoeksema, he also fnds fault with the doctrinal formulations of the 1924 Synod defining and defending common grace.  In his article, Dr. Bolt points out what he believes to be the inadequacies of the “Three Points” and offers alternative formulations.  Even though the very worthwhile question-and-answer session that followed Dr. Bolt’s speech cannot be reproduced here, we trust our readers will proft from the transcription of the speech.

     Our readers are once again favored with an article by a familiar contributor to PRTJ, Dr. Jürgen Burkhard Klautke, professor in the Academy for Reformed Theology in Marburg, Germany.  This article is the transcription of a speech by Dr. Klautke at a conference sponsored by the PRCA denominational Committee for Contact with Other [Foreign] Churches. The speech is a stirring defense of the truth of God’s covenant of grace, according to which elect believers are “in Christ,” as is the language of our Lord in His High Priestly prayer. Along the way, Dr. Klautke engages in necessary polemic against those who have perverted the truth of God’s Word that believers are “in Christ.

     This issue contains the frst three parts of an eighteen part “John Calvin Research Bibliography” by the undersigned.  This bibliography was constructed over the course of a number of years and copies of it were distributed to students who took a newly developed interim course on “The Theology of John Calvin.”  It was thought that publishing this bibliography would make available a valuable resource for any who are interested in doing research on the great Reformer John Calvin.  Each section of the bibliography corresponds to a class session devoted to that main topic, with the related sub-topics that were covered in the class listed beneath each main topic. 

     Prof. David Engelsma, emeritus Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament in the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary, contributes a review article of Reformed Thought on Freedom: The Concept of Free Choice in Early Modern Reformed Thought, edited by Willem J. van Asselt, J. Martin Bac, and Roelf T. te Velde.  The book examines the teaching of leading Reformed theologians of the sixteenth through the early eighteenth centuries on the freedom of the will.  It demonstrates that the Reformed tradition has consistently rejected the
error of “free will,” while at the same time upholding genuine human freedom.  Be sure to read this very worthwhile extended review—and then perhaps get the book and read it for yourself.

      As always, this issue of PRTJ contains a number of excellent book reviews.  This is a much appreciated feature of any theological journal, and that certainly is the case with our journal.  We take this opportunity to express our thanks to the men who regularly contribute book reviews.  Hopefully they know how much our readers anticipate their regular contributions in each new issue and beneft from them.

      We remind our readers that our journal is made available free of charge.  The cost of its production and mailing are covered by the seminary.  Your gifts, therefore, are appreciated.  And many of you do send gifts periodically.  We are grateful for your support.

      Now read and enjoy. Soli Deo Gloria!

You may find this issue in digital form at the Seminary's Journal page (pdf for now - also attached here; Mobi and ePub coming soon). If you would like to subscribe to this Journal, kindly call or write the Seminary at the information provided on its website homepage.

Classis West Meeting, Edgerton, MN, Sept.30, 2015 - Official Report Now Published

EdgerPRC2012Classis West met this week in Edgerton, MN PRC.

Update from Wednesday afternoon, Sept.30: Pastor-elect Ryan Barnhill successfully sustained his classical exam and Classis West unanimously approved him to serve as a minister of the Word and sacraments in the PRC.

Peace PRC was also instructed to proceed with his ordination and installation, which is scheduled for Friday evening, Oct.9 in Peace PRC (Lansing, IL), with Prof.B. Gritters leading the service.

We rejoice in God's gracious provision of another servant to herald the gospel of sovereign grace. May He continue to prepare this brother for his work in the church of Jesus Christ in our Peace congregation.

RBarnhill CW Sept 2015
Chairman for this meeting of Classis West, Rev.B.Huizinga, informs Pastor-elect Barnhill and his wife Miranda of its decision.

The Stated Clerk of Classis West provides this official public report of this meeting:

On September 30, 2015, Classis West held its fall meeting in Edgerton, MN.

The meeting was preceded by an officebearers’ conference the previous day on the topic “The Local Church and Missions.” In his keynote speech, Rev. Slopsema emphasized first that every local church has the calling before God to do mission work. The church should not think this is optional for her; she also should view it as a privilege, not a burden. The second part of his speech explained that some of the work of missions becomes the work of the denomination, and laid out guidelines for how and when a congregation would turn to the denomination for help. The fourth presentation of the day supplemented this instruction; members of the Domestic Mission Committee spoke on “Promoting Mission Outreach by the Local Congregation.” The other two presentations were by members of Hope PRC and Georgetown PRC, giving overviews of Hope’s work with Rev. Titus in Myanmar, and Georgetown’s work with the Protestant Reformed Church of Vellore, India.
The presentations were informative, and I personally found them encouraging. A hearty thanks to Revs. Griess and Kleyn for organizing the conference, and to those who came from Michigan to take part in it.
After Rev. R. Hanko opened the meeting with an edifying devotional on Zechariah 1:8, Rev. B. Huizinga capably chaired this meeting for the first time in his ministry. .
The highlight of the meeting of Classis was the examination of Mr. Ryan Barnhill, who has accepted the call to serve as pastor of Peace PRC in Lansing, IL. The evening prior to Classis, the delegates of Classis and synodical deputies from Classis East gathered in the sanctuary of Edgerton PRC for an official worship service, at which Mr. Barnhill preached his specimen sermon on Psalm 25:14. Both in his preaching as well as in the rest of the exam, Mr. Barnhill gave good account of his natural and spiritual gifts for the ministry of the Word. With joy, Classis approved his exam and advised Peace PRC to proceed with his ordination. With this decision, the synodical deputies concurred.
Also on the agenda was an appeal of a brother from Peace PRC against a decision of his consistory. Peace PRC was unable to find pulpit supply for its worship services on December 31, 2014 and January 1, 2015. The consistory decided, with the approval of Crete PRC’s consistory, to hold a combined worship service with Crete, under the supervision of both consistories. The brother presented his consistory with several reasons why he considered this decision to be an error and, not satisfied with his consistory’s response, appealed the matter to Classis. Classis decided not to sustain the brother’s appeal for five reasons. Of those five, the first two regard significant principles of the Church Order, and the last three regard matters that were specific to the appellant’s wording in stating his case. I’ll summarize the first two. First, Classis pointed out that at this combined service, the elders of Peace PRC did not relinquish their responsibilities toward their congregation, but rather called the congregation to worship, and were able to oversee both the attendance of the members of Peace PRC as well as the preaching that the members received. In this way they fulfilled the mandate of Scripture in 1 Peter 5:2-3. Second, Classis declared that in so doing both consistories adhered to Article 67 of our Church Order; that Peace PRC did not relinquish their autonomy; and that Crete PRC did not lord it over Peace PRC (something which Article 84 of our Church Order specifies may not happen).
The consistory of Covenant of Grace PRC requested an additional subsidy of $4000 for 2015 and $12,000 for 2016. The reason for this request is that Rev. and Mrs. Kleyn decided to enroll their children in a different school than they had been using since moving to Spokane, which school had significantly higher tuition. Classis granted these requests and forwarded them to the synodical finance committee.
The expenses of this meeting totaled $9362.36. Classis is scheduled to meet next in Crete PRC on March 2, 2016.
The fellowship was again enjoyable. God is to be thanked for giving us the freedom to hold such assemblies claiming the protection of the authorities, and for giving the delegates to this particular meeting safety in travel and freedom to speak the convictions of their heart in love for the churches.
Rev. Douglas Kuiper, Stated Clerk

2015 Seminary Convocation and Open House - Updated!

The Seminary enjoyed a wonderful night on Wednesday, Sept.16 at her annual Convocation. We had a good crowd of people in attendance and a good turnout for the Open House at the Semimary afterward. Below are a few pictures taken of the night.

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Prof.R. Cammenga delivering the Convocation address.

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Introduction of the 3rd-year Seminary students by Prof.R. Dykstra (rector).

2015 09 16 08.57.24

Introduction of the 1st-year students by Prof.R. Dykstra.

 2015 09 16 09.18.21
Vistors at the Seminary open house.

2015 09 16 09.39.46

2015 09 16 09.45.40

Note: Below is the original announcement of the event.

Sem front May2014 1

Wednesday, September 16 is the evening for the PR Seminary Convocation at 7:30 PM in Southwest PRC (Wyoming, MI).

Prof. R. Cammenga will be speaking on: “The Calling of the Protestant Reformed Seminary: The Training of Shepherds.” The "Voices of Victory" (male quartet) will provide special music. And Prof.R. Dykstra (rector) will introduce the twelve students.

Also, be sure to join faculty, students, and staff at the Seminary afterwards (just up the hill from SWPRC!), as there will be an Open House at the building (enter the new driveway off Ivanrest and Scenic River, just south of the old driveway). Come and tour the facilities, talk with the professors and students, and take in special displays of items from the PRC archives, including Seminary.

All are invited to attend. Your presence and support are a great encouragement to the Seminary. We hope to see you there!

SemFaculty students Fall 2015

Report on Meeting of Classis East, Sept.9, 2015

byroncentrePRCReport of Classis East

September 9, 2015

Byron Center Protestant Reformed Church

Classis East met in regular session on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at Byron Center PRC. Each church was represented by two delegates. Rev. A. denHartog was the chairman for this session.

Most of the business was routine. The exception was a request from a consistory to increase censure to the second step for one of its members. Classis advised this consistory to proceed with this action.

Expenses for this classis amounted to $55.72.

Classis will meet next on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at the Trinity PRC.

Respectfully submitted,

Jon J. Huisken, Stated Clerk

Introducing the 2015-16 PRC Seminary Faculty and Student Body

In deep thanksgiving to God, this past Monday, August 31, the PRC Seminary opened its doors for its ninety-first year of preparing men for the gospel ministry, with a special chapel and orientation. On Tuesday, Sept.1, regular classes began in earnest for the nine junior and three freshman seminarians.

We can now introduce the entire faculty and student body by means of a photo taken today, Sept.2 (see below).

Once again, the faculty, students, and staff covet your prayers, that God would equip us to carry out our callings in conscious dependence on Him, and use our efforts to prepare His servants for His work in the churches.

Also, do not forget the annual Seminary Convocation set for Wednesday night, September 16, 2015. Here's the notice as it was sent to the churches:

September 16 is the evening for the PR Seminary Convocation at 7:30 in Southwest PRC. Prof. Cammenga will be speaking on: “The Calling of the Protestant Reformed Seminary: The Training of Shepherds.” The Voices of Victory (male quartet) will provide special music. There will be an Open House afterwards at the seminary. All are invited to attend.

SemFaculty students Fall 2015

Key to picture:

Front row (l-r): Profs.R.Cammenga, B.Gritters, R.Dykstra

Second row (l-r): Sems. Brian Feenstra (Hope PRC, Grand Rapids), Nathan Price (SW PRC), Aaron Lim (Covenant ERC, Singapore)

Third row: (l-r) Sems. Matt Kortus (Faith PRC), Joe Holstege (SE PRC), Jacob Maatman (SW PRC), Jon Langerak (SW PRC), David Noorman (Faith PRC)

Back row: (l-r) Sems. Matt DeBoer (Hudsonville PRC), Darren Vink (First PRC, Grand Rapids, MI), Stephan Regnerus (Doon IA PRC/Grace PRC), Justin Smidstra (Hudsonville PRC)

For more information on the PRC Seminary, visit the Seminary's homepage.

July 2015 "Standard Bearer" - Annual PRC Synod Issue

The July 2015 issue of The Standard Bearer is the annual special PRC Synod issue, with special pictures and an editorial summarizing the work and decisions of the Synod (done by Prof.R. Dykstra this year).

Since that issue has now been published, we may post here the cover and one page of pictures. If you wish to receive this issue or to subscribe to the "SB", contact the RFPA at the link above.

SB July 2015 Synod Issue

For more information on this year's PRC Synod, visit this page.

SB July 2015 Synod Issue 2

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