At a recent conference some pastor friends and I were discussing the state of the church over lunch. One of them remarked: “We have a serious problem of ignorance in the CRC. Our rank and file membership doesn’t know what’s really going on in various areas and institutions of the church.” We all agreed. But another pastor added this comment: “The real problem is that people don’t want to know what is going on regarding certain issues, policies, and practices in the Christian Reformed Church. Because if they did , they would either feel conscience-bound to do something about it, or they would feel guilty about doing nothing . So, if they don’t know, they won’t have to do anything either.”

Such thinking is contrary to Scripture. In his letters to the churches Paul often declares “I would not have you ignorant, brethren . . .” Paul felt part of his responsibility as a pastor-servant of Christ was to keep God’s people informed. I thought, that’s my responsibility as a CRC pastor too. In fact, it is the responsibility of every office-bearer and leader in the church to be truthfully informed, and to also inform their fellow Christians on matters of faith and practice at issue in the CRC. Deliberate ignorance in these matters can make for superficial happiness and peace among brethren, but it is not Biblically responsible. TO BE REFORMED IS TO BE INFORMED.

Jacob Uitvlugt, Holland, Michigan