“Watershed” has been defined as a “critical decisive point; a turning point.” If that definition is true, then we may have before us at the Christian Reformed Synod of 1981 a “watershed.” After eight years of tossing the ball called “Women in ecclesiastical office” into opposing courts, the CR denomination must at last settle the […]

At this time of the year we again review the newly published Agenda (“things to be done”) for the June Synod of the Christian Reformed churches. Such a survey may interest members of church consistories who get (but few of whom may read) the 472 page book, as well as other of our church members […]

The Christian Reformed Synod will be faced with a variety of views and opinions on the issue of women in ecclesiastical office in the Christian Reformed Church. One of these is an overture submitted by Classis Hackensack of the CRC. It asks the Synod to permit each congregation to decide this matter for itself. Those […]

“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us . . .” (Acts 15:28). With these words the apostles and elders who gathered at Jerusalem for the first general assembly or synod of the Christian church characterized the decisions they had reached. What the conferees at Jerusalem were saying was that the decisions they […]

In this third article Rev. Edward Heerema, retired Christian Reformed pastor living at 619 E. 32nd St., Cape Coral, Florida 33904, further explores what promises to be a major issue at the June Christian Reformed Church Synod, the opening of the office of deacon to women. Will Synod 1981 set the mind of the Christian […]

Edward Heerema, retired Christian Reformed pastor living at 619 S.E. 32nd St., Cape Coral, Florida 33904, gives us the second of four articles dealing with the subject which promises to be a major issue at the denomination’s June synod, whether special church offices are to be opened to women. Our church began its recent reflection […]

I don’t know Nick Overduin. I understand that he is a student of theology at Calvin Seminary. I understand also that he might not be “a regular student” (a Christian Reformed male member aspiring to serve in the ministry of the Christian Reformed Church). Whatever and whoever Mr. Overduin is, he does write editorials for […]

Edward Heerema, retired pastor living at Cape Coral, Florida begins a series of articles dealing with what promises to be a major issue at the next Christian Reformed synod—the issue of women in church office. An hour of decision for the Christian Reformed Church is due in June 1981. Then the synod is scheduled to […]

A few years ago, I was invited to conduct the worship services at a Christian Reformed church in western Michigan. Before the evening service, as I sat in the consistory room, one of the elders informed me that a vocal group from a local Baptist church would be presenting some “special music” before and during […]

Each year the OUTLOOK prints an overview of the materials which require the attention of the Christian Reformed Churches’ June synod. This year the printed Agenda is somewhat shorter than usual although it still includes 435 pages –more than most consistory members who obtain copies will ever read. A summary may be useful to them […]