Dear Congregation,
Thursday morning Synod continued with Nate Langerak's oral exam. He was examined first in Church history for 45 minutes by Prof. Dykstra. Usually the exam focuses on some aspect or section of church history. When I was examined the focus was on the doctrine of the covenant as it developed throughout the history of the church. Today, the exam focused on the Swiss reformation. A lot of dates, names, and history, and then the doctrinal positions of the Swiss Reformers (Zwingli and Bullinger) and then also questions about Calvin and how he related to and compared to the Swiss reformers.
Next there was 45 mins of exam in Church polity by Prof. Gritters. This focused on why we have a reformed church polity, what some of the main principles are in reformed church government, and then it got a little more detailed, dealing with specific articles of the church order and procedures, relating this also to practical aspects of the ministry, the value of elders and deacons in the church to the pastor, how a pastor would respond to decisions with which he disagrees, and some other questions.
Next there were two sections on Biblical History, 45 mins on OT History and 45 mins on NT History. Prof Engelsma gave the exam on OT history, asking first some introductory questions about the nature of OT history, the development of the promise of Christ in the OT, preaching from the OT, the place and nature of the covenant in the OT, and then the focus was on the history of the book of Judges for a while and finally finished with asking Nathan to identify a host of places, people and events in the OT. The NT exam, by Prof. Cammenga, followed much the same format, with the focus being on Paul's missionary journeys.
This brought us to lunch time, and the end of the part of the exam for which Nate could actually study to prepare. After a delicious homecooked lunch of casseroles (Mmmm, it had to be the best so far -- and there was so much variety, that my plate was soon over full), we reconvened in the sanctuary for the last section of the oral exam. It was 20 minutes on the section entitled "practica" which means it focuse more on the practical aspects of the ministry and the student's personal life, confession, faith, convictions, strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes etc. Rev. Slopsema gave this section of the exam.
After the oral exam was complete, Synod went into closed session -- this means it is closed to all who are not current officebearers in the PRC. Here is a section from Rev. A Brummel's online report of what happened during and following the closed session.
"Synod approved the written O.T. and N.T. translation and exegesis of the student. Synod then unanimously approved the synodical examination of Mr. Nathan Langerak and declared him a candidate for the ministry of the Word and Sacraments in the PRCA. He will be eligible for call on or after July 14, 2007. Rev. Slopsema, the chair of synod addressed pertinent remarks of thanksgiving to God for the new student and for our seminary. Synod sang the doxology “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow....” Rev. C. Haak offered a prayer of thanksgiving to our God. Following prayer, the delegates of synod, the professors of the Seminary, family and friends were given the opportunity to congratulate the brothers and their wives."
Certainly, this was the highlight of the day, and something Nate and Carrie, family and many who witnessed it (including kitchen help standing in the back of church) will remember for a long time to come. It's at moments like these you realize the real blessings we have from God in our churches. Godly homes for sons to be raised who will become ministers, years of catechism and Christian education, an amazing seminary faculty of devoted hardworking professors, and through all these a faithfulness to God's Word in the ministry of our churches. Rev. Haak's prayer was beautiful, extolling God for all these things, and praying for God's blessing for Nathan in his ministry, and for Carrie as his wife and helper in the ministry. You can understand why we sing "Praise God ...." at times like this.
After this synod convened in the fellowship building, and turned to the work of Committee 2, dealing with Domestic Missions. The discussions were very interesting, both for the delegates and for those visiting. The Synod approved the work of the DMC in Northern Ireland and instructed the DMC to stay in contact with the Covenant PRC in NI to give them advice, and possibly help them with manpower in the future. The synod approved the Stewarts continuing to live in the house that the PRC owns in Norther Ireland.
Next the material of Eastern Home Missions was considered, the work of Rev. Bruinsma in Pittsburg and beyond, under SW church. Synod expressed appreciation to Rev Bruinsma and his family for the work they are doing there and took note of the many contacts in the East that Rev. Bruinsma has. In the last year the DMC authorized the purchase of a church building in Pittsburg, an action which synod will have to approve. There were many questions and discussions concerning the propriety and advisability of this on the floor of the synod today, whether the DMC had the authority to do this as a committee that did not first receive approval from synod for this action, also discussions came up about the change this makes to our method of doing missions. In the end the whole matter was recommitted to the committee of preadvice.
The next section was about the Spokane mission and Western Home missions. Synod passed a motion of appreciation to the Miersmas for their work in Spokane and approved the budget for the field.
It was almost the end of the day, but we did read all the material about starting a new field in Sioux Falls SD. Only one motion was treated today, to thank the Spronks for their work in Sioux Falls. Tommorrow we should come back to the motion to approve the establishing of a field in Sioux Falls right away in the morning.
Synod then adjourned at about 5:00 PM for the day.
This evening was the seminary graduation of Nate Langerak, the class of 2007 in our sanctuary. The Trinity Men-singers sang beautifully, and Prof. Dykstra gave a sterling speech on Meekness in the Ministry, from Numbers 12.
Afterwards, the ladies again gave us more food in the basement.
It is very unlikely that synod will finish tomorrow, so it might be Saturday, or more likly next week.
Greetings in the Lord to you all,
Rev. Kleyn
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