The South Central Classis met for its Annual Spring meeting at Trinity RCUS, Sioux Falls, SD, on Monday through Wednesday, March 24-26, 2025. Officers elected are: Matthew Powell, President; Randall Klynsma, V. President; Chris Bradley, Clerk; and Fred Hoffmann, Treasurer.
The Classis met with the congregation of Trinity on Monday evening with student Dave Johnson exhorting. Rev. Andy Underhyle led devotions on Tuesday, and Rev. Klynsma led on Wednesday. Local elder Scott Velgersdyk gave the closing devotion.
The work of Classis includes hearing the work of pastors and the condition of congregations. To accomplish this, the Classis heard a parochial report from each pastor, and the elders were asked to answer a set of questions (constitution Art. 81) regarding the ministry of each congregation. The final roll showed 16 ministers and 12 elders present.
Dr. Patrick Morgan addressed the body as a fraternal delegate of the Presbytery of the Dakotas, Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
The president welcomed one new church, Emmanuel Reformed of Westminster, CO, and two new pastors, Rev. Orrie Oosthuizen of Covenant Reformed, Manhattan, MT, and Rev. Todd Seay of Sovereign Grace, Morrill, NE.
A good bit of the work of Classis involved giving exams. Student under care, Dave Johnson, was given a licensure exam. Licentiate Jesse Smith was given an ordination exam. These first two exams were not sustained, with the opportunity to retake them. Rev. Andy Underhyle, pastor of Friedens Reformed Church of Tripp, SD, was examined as an ordained minister. After his exam was sustained, Rev. Underhyle was enrolled as a minister of Classis, and the right hand of fellowship was extended. He was given permission to labor outside the bounds of Classis.
The Missions Committee reported on two mission works, Omaha Reformed in Omaha, NE, and Covenant Reformed in Manhattan, MT. Both mission works are being blessed with the efforts to plant churches. The work in Omaha is on its final level of support from Classis and will no longer be a synodical work. The work in Manhattan is supported by both Classis and Synod and is very thankful to have Rev. Oosthuizen who took up the work of pastor this past year.
The Classis dealt with requests for Benevolent, Ministerial, and Student Aid. These were granted or sent on to Synod where appropriate. The Finance Committee gave a positive report on the finances of the Classis.
We are thankful to God for a good meeting of the Classis. The delegates were well-received and provided for by the host church. The Lord is building His Church and we praise Him for that.
Rev. Maynard Koerner
Sioux Falls, SD