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Article 44 Classis

Commentary

• TVR
  • "The Churches shall come together" -> These assemblies are not an existing body, group that is always there. It is a meeting of the Churches.
  • "ask...whether the decisions of the major assemblies are being honoured, and whether there is any matter [that need] judgment..." -> not hierarchy, if they refuse they are not being deposed, but their delegates may not be allowed to be seated for classis.
    • Mutual accountability of the Churches - 1. C.O 26; 2.C.O 31; 3.C.O 32; 4.C.O 44 (a delegate challenged the faithfulness of another church's elder since he taught theistic evolution),
  • "The last classis before regional synod shall choose the delegates..."
    • Advisory capacity - give advise (sometimes only when asked), seek to persuade others that have the final vote.

Notes

• Due to the large geographical area and the inconvenience of meeting together,
• the province was divided into five classes according to geographic proximity.
• All ministers of the churches in a classis, together with one deacon or elder, were to meet every three months.
  • Classis, Regional synod, General Synod = Churches meeting together.
  • Terminology:
    • Classis = Singular
    • Classēs = Plural
• No system of 'ratification' because the credentials proclaim that they will abide by the Church order.
• Delegation - the minister or elders are delegates of that local church, they are not simply 'brother X'
• Serving in rotation was already done in France in 1560s

Structure of Classis

1. Delegation (CF. Delegation C.O 47, C.O 49)

• Each church sends delegates with proper credentials, typically:
• A minister and an elder, or If a church has no minister, two elders.
  • If multiple ministers serve a church, those not delegated may attend in an advisory capacity.
• Proper Classis Credentials Include:
  • To the convening Church from the local consistory. Location of that Church.
  • Whom the consistory has appointed.

1. Presidency and Leadership
   • Ministers preside in rotation or one is elected to preside.
   • The same minister cannot be chosen twice in succession.
   • The president's responsibilities include:
     • Ensuring office-bearers continue their ministry.
     • Confirming that major assembly decisions are honoured.
     • Addressing any matters requiring judgment or assistance.
2. Meeting Frequency
   • At least every three months, unless there are no pressing matters.
   • Cancellation is not permitted twice in succession.
3. Decision-Making and Accountability

• Classis decisions are binding unless overturned by a broader assembly.
• Matters unresolved at classis may be escalated to regional synod.
• Churches remain accountable to one another through this structure.
• Classis does not ultimately depose, dish out the dicsions, that comes down to the local churches
• Questions from the churches were addressed, and whatever the classis could not resolve was sent to the provincial synod.
• This system contrasts with Congregational Polity and some Pastor-Driven Polities, emphasizing mutual accountability among churches rather than autonomy.
  • General assembly (Presby) Every Church is present.

References

• Canrc Church Polity 1& 2