Meeting on March 3rd at Providence Reformed Church in Lodi, California, the Western Classis enjoyed excellent hospitality and good fellowship. Rev. David Voytek was elected as President, and Rev. Ruben Zartman was elected as the Stated Clerk. These men, along with Elder Eric Merz, comprise the Executive Committee for 2026. Elder Nathan Schlegel will continue to serve as the Classis treasurer.
The brethren of Classis said farewell to Rev. Douglas Schlegel who served the WC in various capacities (deacon, elder, and pastor) since 1993. At the meeting, Doug gave two reports: his final parochial report and the President’s Report. Concerning the latter, Rev. Schlegel observed that the true marks of the church were truly manifested in each of the churches. He highlighted four challenges that Classis faces: i) the challenges of technology; ii) the struggle to fill vacant pulpits; iii) coming alongside new elders and pastors to help them learn the specific forms of ministry of the RCUS; and iv) encouraging young men to pursue pastoral ministry. On this last point he writes, “Pastors and elders, look at the young men in your churches. Are there any who show the aptitude to serve as ministers of the gospel? Are there any who have a young zeal for the truths of the Bible? Have you encouraged them to seek to serve as a pastor? Do you present to them a good example of the life of a joyful servant of the Lord, or something else? Humanly speaking, the future pastors are in your Sunday School and Catechism classes right now. They attend the Heidelberg West Youth Camp. How many of you remember being encouraged to pursue the ministry and that made all the difference? Brothers, do not neglect your duty here.” The brethren extended their heartfelt appreciation of Rev. Schlegel and commended him to his new field of service.
Other Classis matters of note include:
Elder Nathan Schlegel was approved as a student under care. Nathan is currently taking classes through City Seminary of Sacramento.
Classis approved of continuing support for its two mission works, Valle De Gracia (Shafter) and the RCLA Wilmington (Los Angeles).
Classis extended formal corresponding relations with two independent churches, Outsiders’ Bible Fellowship in Oxnard and Unplugged Believers’ Assembly in Inglewood. These congregations hold to Reformed convictions and are interested in uniting with a denomination.
A Corresponding Relations Committee comprised of five members was established. This committee is distinct from the Interchurch Relations Committee and will be responsible for interacting with churches in formal corresponding relationships and seeking to initiate new relationships as they arise.
Currently two churches do not have a pastor and are being shepherded by the elders.
The Heidelberg West Youth Camp held in June of 2025 was well attended, appreciated, and successful by all accounts.
The ministers of Classis will have its second Annual Pastors’ Fellowship at youth camp in 2026. The first meeting took place during last year’s camp. It was well attended and was encouraging to the pastors.
Clear throughout the meeting was a strong commitment to shepherd the church according to the faith that has once for all been delivered unto the saints. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory (1 Timothy 3:16).
Rev. Tracy Gruggett
Reformed Herald Reporter