Classis Michigan met at Bethany United Reformed Church in Wyoming, Michigan on June 19, 2007. The officers of the day were Rev. C. Freswick, Chairman; Elder Dale Oosterbaan, Vice-Chairman; and Rev. W. Oord, Clerk. The main item on the agenda for this meeting was the examination of two men for candidacy: Mr. Bill Boekestein, a graduate of Puritan Reformed Seminary, and Mr. Shane Lems who graduated from Westminster Seminary in California.

Prior to the examination, reports were offered by the Clerk, Treasurer, Church Visitors, and Missions Committee chairman. A handout was distributed by the Missions Committee that gave an analysis of the various ministries supported by the churches within Classis Michigan. It was noted that in the year 2006, churches within the classis gave over a quarter million dollars to URC mission causes and URC related missions. An additional $188,863.30 was collected for ministries not affiliated with the United Reformed Church.

Finding all matters in good order, the delegates were called upon to examine the prospective candidates in the areas of practica, Bible Knowledge, Biblical Exegesis, confessional knowledge, Reformed doctrine, church history, and ethics. Both Mr. Boekestein and Mr. Lems impressed the delegates enough to bring a unanimous vote in support of having their respective consistories declare them eligible for call in the URCNA. May God use them mightily within His church!

Following the joy of two excellent examinations by men eager to serve the Lord, the delegates were reminded that they were still part of the Church Militant as several churches sought advice in discipline cases. Such matters are always difficult, and yet a very vital part of maintaining the purity of the church.

The next meeting of Classis Michigan is scheduled to meet at Grace United Reformed Church in Alto, Michigan on October 9, 2007.

Respectfully submitted, Rev. W. H. Oord, Clerk of Classis