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Subsidy Request Form (fillable)

SUBSIDY REQUEST FORM
PROTESTANT REFORMED CHURCHES

1. This request must be at the Classical meeting preceding Synod. In Classis East all matters for Synod must be
brought to the January meeting of the Classis.

2. Submit two copies to Classis—one for Classis and one for Synod.
The Council of the ___________________________ Protestant Reformed Church requests for the year 20____ subsidy in
the amount of $___________________,3 based on the following anticipated expenses:

Pastor’s Salary (including SS/IRA, allowances for car, books, tuition, etc.) .............................................. $____________

Church Building Expenses ................................ Rent .................................. ____________

Mortgage payment ............ ____________

Maintenance ..................... ____________ ...................... _____________

Parsonage Expenses ....................................... Rent .................................. ____________

Mortgage payment ............ ____________

Maintenance ..................... ____________ ...................... _____________

Utilities (Gas, Water, Phone, Electric) ........................................................................................................ _____________

Janitor (Salary, Workers Comp.) ................................................................................................................. _____________

Insurance (Property, Health, etc.) ................................................................................................................ _____________

Synodical Assessments ................................................................................................................................ _____________

Miscellaneous Expenses (all expenses not listed above) ............................................................................. _____________

Total anticipated expenses ........................................................................................................................... _____________

3. Year-end balance of the General Fund of last fiscal year .............................................................. ___________
(Include a financial report of the General Fund of the last fiscal year)

4. ______________ Number of families (See Article 37, point 4, of the Church Order).

5. ______________ Amount actually brought up per family during the past fiscal year for the General Fund.
______________ Amount actually brought up per family per week during the past fiscal year for the General Fund.

6. ______________ Amount to be brought up per family during the fiscal year for which subsidy is requested.
______________ Weekly budget per family during the fiscal year for which subsidy is requested.

7. ______________ Amount brought up by the congregation for other causes in the past fiscal year.

_____________(done in Council) The Council of the ____________________ Protestant Reformed Church

_______________________________, President

_______________________________, Clerk

NOTE:
1. If the balance in the general fund at the end of the last fiscal year is greater than 25% of the anticipated budget (i.e., for the year for
which subsidy is being requested), an explanation must be provided (cf. Acts of Synod 2017, Art. 59).

2. Synod 2011 (Art. 72, B, 3) adopted the following clarification of the 2010 instruction to the classes “to encourage the churches
requesting subsidy to make efforts to reduce their subsidy annually”:
a. A written report should accompany the subsidy request form, explaining the efforts the church has made to reduce subsidy.
b. This report needs to come to classis and be forwarded to synod.
c. This needs to be done annually.

3. Canadian churches should report all amounts in Canadian dollars.
For synod’s benefit, provide the current exchange rate here: ___________.

Remarks:

*Attached find the same Subsidy Request Form in fillable format (pdf)

Constitution of the Theological School of the PRC

Special note: This constitution relates to the purpose and function of the PRC Seminary itself, and is to be distinguished from the Constitution of the Theological School Committee which oversees the operation of the Seminary.

Constitution of the Theological School of the Protestant Reformed Churches

  1.      The Theological School of the Protestant Reformed Churches has for its purpose the training of future ministers of the Word for the aforesaid churches. The Theological School will also train others for the ministry who intend to serve in other churches. These latter shall, however, meet the academic requirements of Article 10. Special or unclassified (non-diploma) students intending to enter the ministry in other churches may be admitted by the Theological School Committee with the approval of synod.
  2.      The supervision and administration of the institution belongs to synod itself. However, synod shall appoint a committee consisting of no fewer than ten members to do the work of synod in the interim between synodical meetings.
  3.      At this institution, the following branches of study shall be taught: the basic scriptural languages, Hebrew and Greek, and such other languages as synod may decide upon; Hermeneutics, Exegesis, Isagogics, Sacred History, Typology, Church History, Church Polity, History of Dogma, Dogmatics, Concepts, Homiletics, Catechetics, Poimenics, and other subjects which may be agreed upon by faculty and synod.
  4.      The professors are appointed on salaries determined by the synod and for definite departments. The rule shall be to appoint only such men who have especially prepared themselves for the particular branch or branches they are to teach. With a view to orderly transition in the seminary, a new professor shall be appointed when any of the active professors reaches the age of 65.
  5.      Whenever a professor is to be appointed, the Theological School Committee shall propose names at the meeting of the synod. The aggregate shall be discussed at this meeting, and in this discussion the advice of the theological faculty shall be sought. After this discussion and consultation, the synod shall proceed to make a nomination from the aggregate. From this nomination synod elects a professor. In electing professors, synod shall give preference to one already a minister of the gospel.
  6.      The installation of professors of theology shall take place according to the form, after they shall have signed the Formula of Subscription in the presence of the Theological School Committee.
  7.      A professor shall serve four years, and after that three years if reappointed. If after this he be reappointed, such appointment shall be permanent. Thereafter his services at school can be terminated only through the synod formally retiring, expelling, or deposing him and for reason urgent, cogent, and legitimate. When a professor reaches the age of 65, and on a yearly basis thereafter, the professor shall be consulted by the Theological School Committee about his capability to continue teaching or possible emeritation. Whether a professor shall continue to teach all or some of his subjects after the age of 65 shall be decided by the synod on a yearly basis, upon the recommendation of the Theological School Committee. A professor shall retire when he reaches 70 years of age and shall be declared emeritus.
    1.      The following criteria shall be used to judge the competence and development of a professor when he is up for reappointment:
      1.      He shall demonstrate in all his work a continuing commitment to the truth of Scripture, as summarized in the Reformed creeds and as taught in our churches.
      2.      He shall give evidence of the ability to teach, being fresh and lively.
      3.      He shall show the ability to do theological research and scholarly study in his department.
      4.      He shall be a godly example to the students and denomination.
      5.      He shall exhibit a willingness to contribute to the well-being of the denomination in the areas of preaching, writing, lecturing, serving on standing or special committees of synod.
      6.      He shall, before his first reappoinment, have completed and received approval of his Master’s Thesis.
    2.      The process: The TSC shall present to synod a recommendation concerning reappointment.
      1.      The TSC must exercise careful oversight of the professor’s instruction and of his work in light of the criteria given above.
      2.      The judgment of the faculty concerning the man’s work shall be given to the TSC and become a part of their recommendation.
  8.      Professors emeriti who are honorably retired and who had received an appointment are qualified to receive support from the churches, since they, just as the ministers, devoted all their gifts and talents entirely and exclusively to the service of the churches.

Arrangements for retirement shall be in charge of the Theological School Committee, subject to final determination by synod. All support of emeriti professors shall be directly from the Emeritus Fund.

If retirement proves necessary by reason of sickness or other disability during the school year, the Theological School Committee shall temporarily determine the amount of support to be given and shall notify the Emeritus Committee. The latter shall then authorize payment of the support determined upon from the Emeritus Fund.

  1.      The instruction shall be given by the professors and, if need be, by assistants appointed by the faculty in conjunction with the Theological School Committee with the approval of synod. In case of emergency the approval of synod shall be sought at its next meeting.
  2. Permission to pursue the theological course in the seminary shall be granted by the synod, upon recommendation of the Theological School Committee, to such an aspirant only who comes supplied with a letter of recommendation from his consistory explaining that he is a member in full communion, sound in faith, upright in walk, and exhibits the qualities and personality necessary for a gospel minister. Such recommendation ought to contain the consistory’s evaluation of the applicant’s spiritual and intellectual gifts, as well as any areas of concern. The applicant shall also provide a certificate from a reputable physician showing him to be in good health.

A complete high school education and a bachelor level degree (B.A. or B.S.) from an acredited college or university are required for entrance into the seminary. Moreover, each entrant must produce evidence that he has credit for the following college courses:

  •     Latin — 4 semesters, intermediate-level proficiency
  •     Greek — 4 semesters, intermediate-level proficiency
  •     English Composition — 2 semesters, one of which must be beyond the freshman composition level
  •     Philosophy — the history of philosophy: must include ancient, medieval, and modern
  •     History — a minimum of 2 semesters of history of western civilization
  •     Psychology — 1 semester: Introductory Psychology
  •     Speech — 1 semester: public speaking
  •     Logic — 1 semester

A B- cumulative average shall be required for entrance into the seminary department. If such average is not maintained, a student may be received on probation by consent of the Theological School Committee in conjunction with the faculty.

The student shall furnish the faculty with a transcript of credits earned at other colleges, and these shall be included in the academic record of the student and in the annual report of the grades to synod.

                        Promotion to a higher grade shall take place after the student has successfully passed his courses.

Moreover, it is required of every seminary student that he maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative average in each of the four major divisions, viz., Biblical-Exegetical Studies, Dogmatical Studies, Church-Historical Studies, and Practical-Theological Studies. In addition, a minimum GPA of 2.0 for the two and a half years of Practice Preaching (ten sermons) and a minimum of 2.5 for the last year and a half of Practice Preaching (six sermons) are required. The diploma pre-licentiate student will not be allowed to enter the internship program unless he has a minimum GPA of 2.5 in Practice Preaching for the year previous to the internship (four sermons, ordinarily during the third year). A student shall be forbidden to take a final examination before synod having less than a 2.5 cumulative average. The final examination before synod of the student having a failing grade in any branch shall be forbidden. Arrangements, however, may be made for a reexamination of any student having a failing grade in any branch; but in case a student should fail in such reexamination, he shall be forbidden to proceed to the next subject until he shall take the course anew in which he has failed and shall show a passing grade therein.

                        The examinations at the end of each semester shall be written. The final examinations of those students graduating in theology and intending to enter the ministry in the churches shall be oral. The only exception shall be a written examination in translation and exegesis on passages from the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament assigned by the Theological School Committee, said examinations to be submitted to synod for approval. There shall be oral examinations in: Dogmatics, Old Testament History, New Testament History, Church History, Church Polity, and Practica. In addition, each student shall preach a sermon before the synod on an assigned text.

Written examinations for those students intending to enter the ministry in other churches shall be administered by the faculty and must be successfully passed before a diploma is granted.

                        The faculty shall license a student to speak a word of edification in the meetings for public worship when it deems him ready.

                        The school year shall be divided into two semesters, with the months of June, July, and August set apart for summer vacation. There shall be a two-week Christmas vacation and a one-week spring vacation.

                        The student shall conduct himself in and out of school as a Christian. Failing in this, he shall be admonished by the faculty in conjunction with the Theological School Committee. If after these repeated admonitions the student remains obstinate, he shall be expelled from school. In case a gross sin has been committed, he shall, with the approval of the Theological School Committee, be expelled immediately.

                        The student shall pursue the course of study at the school with diligence. He shall regularly attend the classes and conduct himself in accordance with the rules of this institution.

                        The constitution, drafted upon the instruction of the Classis of the Protestant Reformed Churches, accepted by that of June 1 and 2, 1938, and amended by the Synod of 1941 and the Synod of 1973, remains in force until another Synod shall have amended it.

(Cf. Acts of Synod, 1941, Art. 68, Suppl. XXVIII; Acts of Synod, 1949, Arts. 31, 38; Acts of Synod, 1957, Arts. 93-94; Acts of Synod, 1960, Art. 78, Suppl. XXI; Acts of Synod, 1973, Arts. 68-87, Suppl. VIII; Acts of Synod, 1983, Art. 41; Acts of Synod, 1985, Art. 40, Suppl. XI; Acts of Synod, 1989, Art. 26, Suppl. XIII; Acts of Synod, 1991, Art. 38; Acts of Synod, 1999, Art.72; Acts of Synod, 2003, Art. 50; Acts of Synod, 2005, Art. 48; Acts of Synod, 2009, Art. 53.)

Certificate of Dismissal L.S.

This is to certify that ________________________ and _________________________________ has (have) been (a) member(s) of the _________________ Protestant Reformed Church ____________________________ until the date specified below.

Upon ______________ request this certificate was given him (them).

Done in consistory __________________________

___________________, President

_______________________, Clerk

(Cf. Acts of Synod, 1945, Arts. 40, 51; Acts of Synod, 1946, Arts. 17, 19.)

Transfer of Confessing Members L.S.

The Consistory of the __________________ Protestant Reformed Church of __________________ hereby certifies that ______________ are/is a member(s) of the above congregation and, as far as known to us, are/is sound in faith and upright in walk.

At _____________ request, we hereby transfer our brother/(and) sister to the __________________ Protestant Reformed Church of _______________, commending them/ him/her to your Christian fellowship and requesting the consistory to take them/him/her under their supervision and in all cases to serve them/him/her with Christian counsel.

Last Name: _______________ Phone No.: __________

Address: _______________________________________

 Given NameDate of
Birth
Date of
Baptism
Date of
Profession
Single ___________________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________
Husband ___________________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________
Wife ___________________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________
Children ___________________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________
  ___________________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________
  ___________________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________
  ___________________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________
  ___________________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________
  ___________________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________

Done in consistory __________

_________________, President

_____________________, Clerk

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Membership Receipt

please return as soon as possible

The certificate of ___________________ from the _________________ Protestant Reformed Church has been duly received and accepted.

______________________, President

__________________________, Clerk

Dated ___________ Church: ______________________

Notice: The above-mentioned shall be considered still member(s) of the ____________ Protestant Reformed Church until this receipt is returned properly signed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

The certificate of _______________________________ was sent to the ________________________ Protestant Reformed Church.

Date sent _______________________

Receipt returned _________________

(Cf. Acts of Synod, 1945, Arts. 40, 51; Acts of Synod, 1946, Arts. 17, 19; Acts of Synod, 2002, Art. 51.)

Transfer of Baptized Members L.S.

The Consistory of the ____________ Protestant Reformed Church hereby certifies that _____________________ and __________________ are (is a) baptized member(s) of the above congregation, and therefore are (is) subject to the instruction and discipline of that church.

At ___________________ request we hereby transfer our brother (sister) to the Protestant Reformed Church of _____________________, commending him (her) (them) to your Christian fellowship and requesting the consistory to take him (her) (them) under their supervision and in all cases to serve him (her) (them) with Christian counsel.

Date of birth: ____________________________.

Date of baptism: ___________________________.

Done in consistory ________________________,

___________________, President

_______________________, Clerk

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To be returned at the earliest possible moment:

The certificate of _________________________ from the ______________ Protestant Reformed Church has been duly received and accepted.

Dated _______________________

___________________, President

_______________________, Clerk

Notice: The above-mentioned shall be considered still a member of the ___________ Protestant Reformed Church until this receipt is returned properly signed.

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The certificate of ___________________________

Sent to ____________________________

Date sent ___________________________

Receipt returned _____________________

(Cf. Acts of Synod, 1945, Arts. 40, 51; Acts of Synod, 1946, Arts. 17, 19.)

Synodical Credentials L.S.

To the Synod of the Protestant Reformed Churches, to convene __________________, 20______, at ___________________________________

Classis ______________ of the Protestant Reformed Churches has appointed the brethren:

MINISTERSELDERS
PrimiSecundiPrimiSecundi
______________ ______________ ______________ ______________
______________ ______________ ______________ ______________
______________ ______________ ______________ ______________
______________ ______________ ______________ ______________
______________ ______________ ______________ ______________

as delegates to represent said classis at the meeting of synod above referred to.

We hereby instruct and authorize them to take part in all the deliberations and transactions of synod regarding all matters legally coming before the meeting and transacted in agreement with the Word of God according to the conception of it embodied in the doctrinal standards of the Protestant Reformed Churches, as well as in harmony with our Church Order.

By order of the classis,

________________, President

_______________, Clerk

(Cf. Acts of Synod, 1941, Art. 81; Acts of Synod, 1942, Arts. 26, 34, Suppl. I, p. XI.)

Classical Credentials L.S.

*Note: Attached you will also find a the same form in fillable format.

To the Classis ______________________ of the Protestant Reformed Churches, to convene ________________, 20____, at _________________________________________

The Consistory of the ___________ Protestant Reformed Church has appointed the brethren _______________ and elder ____________________ as delegates to represent said church at the meeting of classis above referred to. The alternate delegates are: elder ____________________ and elder _________________.

We hereby instruct and authorize them to take part in all the deliberations and transactions of classis regarding all matters legally coming before the meeting and transacted in agreement with the Word of God according to the conception of it embodied in the doctrinal standards of the Protestant Reformed Churches, as well as in harmony with our Church Order.

Instructions:

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

By order of the consistory,

___________________________, President

_______________________________, Clerk

Done in consistory _____________, 20_______

(Cf. Minutes of Classis, June 6, 7, 1934; Acts of Synod, 1944, Arts. 66, 67; Acts of Synod, 1945, Arts. 40, 51; Acts of Synod, 1946, Arts. 17, 19.)

Ministerial Certificate of Dismissal and Testimony

The Consistory of the Protestant Reformed Church of ___________________ declares by these presents that the Rev. _________________________, in this church from _______________ 20 _____ to ______________ 20_______, has ministered in the office of minister of the Divine Word faithfully and diligently, adhering in doctrine and life to the Word of God, as interpreted by our Forms of Unity and the Church Order.

And considering that sufficient reasons have been adduced for the consistory to acquiesce in his acceptance of the call of the church of ___________________________, we unhesitatingly recommend him to the Classis ________ and to the church of ___________________, with the prayer that the great King of the church, who says to this one of His servants “go” and he goeth, and to that one “come” and he cometh, may make him there also a rich blessing.

Resolved to give him this testimonial of dismission at our meeting of ___________________, 20_____.

The consistory of the above-named church,

________________________, President

____________________________, Clerk

Classis _______________, in which the congregation of _______________________ belongs, approves the above credential and transfers our beloved brother in the ministry to the Classis ________________, in whose midst our brother expects to serve the church of ____________________ as pastor and minister.

On behalf of said classis,

________________________

________________________

Done this ___________ day of _______________, 20____.


The classical committee of Classis ____________, having examined the above credentials, approves them and herewith authorizes the counselor of the church of __________________________ to proceed to the installation.

The above-named classical committee,

_____________________________

_____________________________

(Cf. Acts of Synod, 1945, Arts. 40, 51; Acts of Synod, 1946, Arts. 17, 19.)

Form for Call-Letter

The Rev. ____________________________
  ____________________________
  ____________________________
Grace, Mercy, and Peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord!

Dear and Esteemed Brother:

The Consistory of the Protestant Reformed Church at ___________________________ herewith has the honor and the pleasure to inform you that, from a previously made nomination of _____________________________, you, Rev. _______________________________, have been chosen by __________________ vote at a legal congregational meeting, held on the day of _______________, 20____, to be their minister of the Word and of the sacraments.

On behalf of said congregation we therefore extend to you the call and come to you with the urgent request: “Come over and help us.”

The labors that we expect of you — should it please God to send you to us — are: preaching twice on the Lord’s Day, attending to catechetical instruction, to family visiting and calling on the sick, and furthermore to all things that pertain to the work of a faithful and diligent servant of the Lord — all these agreeably to the Word of God, as interpreted by our Forms of Unity and the Church Order of Dordrecht as amended by the rules of our churches.

Convinced that the laborer is worthy of his hire, to encourage you in the discharge of your duties, and to free you from all worldly cares and avocations while you are dispensing spiritual blessings to us, we, the elders and deacons of the ____________________ Protestant Reformed Church, do promise and oblige ourselves to pay you the sum of ________________ dollars, in __________________ payments, yearly, and every year as long as you continue the minister of this church, together with free use of parsonage, free use of a telephone, and: __________________________.

Moreover, we promise free transportation of yourself, your family, and your belongings (under provisions as stipulated in Articles 5, 10, and 11 of our Church Order).

Now, dear Reverend Brother, may the King of His church so impress this call upon your heart and give you light, that you may arrive at a decision that is pleasing to Him, and, if possible, for us mutually gratifying.

Done in consistory, this ____________________ day of ___________, 20____, and subscribed with our names.

The Consistory of the Protestant Reformed Church of __________________________________,

DeaconsElders
_____________________ __________________
_____________________ __________________
_____________________ __________________
_____________________ __________________
_____________________ __________________
_____________________ __________________

____________________________, Counselor

(Cf. Acts of Synod, 1945, Arts. 40, 51; Acts of Synod, 1946, Arts. 17, 19.)

Public Declaration of Agreement

Of all the marks by which the true church distinguishes itself from all human societies, the confession of the truth must be mentioned in the first place. The Savior therefore said, John 8:31: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” And again: “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 10:32). In obedience to the Lord and for the instruction of all, the assembly of elders, delegated by the congregations of the Protestant Reformed Churches, deem it proper that they publicly declare what the confession is of the churches here mentioned and of every one of these churches.

All the congregations of these churches believe all the books of the Old and of the New Testaments to be the Word of God and confess as the true expression of their faith the Thirty-seven Articles of the Confession of the Reformed Churches of the Netherlands, formulated by the Synod of 1618-’19, together with the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of the Dordrecht Synod against the Remonstrants (Arminians).

In conformity with the belief of all these congregations, we, as members of their synod, declare that from the heart we feel and believe that all articles and expressions of doctrine contained in the three above-named confessions, jointly called the Three Forms of Unity, in all respects agree with the Word of God, whence we reject all doctrines repugnant thereto; that we desire to conform all our actions to them, agreeably to the accepted Church Order of Dordrecht, 1618-’19, and desire to receive into our church communion everyone that agrees to our confession.

May the King of the church work this faith in the hearts of many and increase it, and those that have received a like-precious faith with us show the grace shown them in fellowship to the glory of Him who prayed that all His own shall be one in Him.

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