It is my distinct honor to once again provide my evaluation of the work and state of the Western Classis. I do so with a profound sense of insufficiency to the task, but I suppose this is true for everyone who has come before me. This sense of insufficiency has prompted me to reflect upon the nature of the gospel ministry. That nature has been demonstrated in real time and in real life in the congregations of the classis. As we all well know, the congregations we serve have irenic seasons where our little boats sail under blue skies and favorable winds; and there are also seasons of storm where we, as the disciples, may be tempted to cry out, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:38) It is my considered judgment that after a short season of storm, as a classis, we sail on a relatively calm sea, even if we may perceive a few concerning clouds on the horizon. This report will reflect these two common realities of the church. As in my report from last year, I will not recite the more minute details from the parochial reports. Rather, I will strive to present an overall view of trends, both positive and negative, and also to encourage us to not abandon ship, but to manfully persevere in calm or stormy seas. First, those areas which are, in my opinion, positives.
As I read the parochial reports, I became more and more aware that the core function of the church is maintained in our congregations. The regular, authoritative, and ordinary preaching continues to be a primary emphasis. I have every confidence that this comes as no surprise, but is merely a welcome confirmation of what we all expect. But, before moving to the next subject, I want to encourage you all by my purposeful use of the word “ordinary.” In the current cultural trends in both the world and in the church, it is easy to discount this means of grace, and I do not think we have succumbed to that temptation. Nevertheless, discouragement is a constant companion in the pastoral ministry, and this is especially so when we inwardly acknowledge our own weaknesses while we are at the same time bombarded with the celebrity-preacher culture, even in solid Reformed and Presbyterian communions. Let us continue to highly value the ordinary preaching occurring in our congregations.
Another encouraging trend is the widening vision many of our pastors have put into action. Many of the pastors in the classis are deeply involved in local ministries and, therefore, have a greater impact in a word and deed ministry. Others are actively teaching in seminaries and training those who will take up the work after us. For those of you who have been around for a while, you know that this has not been normal for us. The willingness to broaden our ministry is a very good sign, and I anticipate this will continue to happen. The Savior’s teaching regarding salt and light is an indicative, not a subjunctive (Matthew 5:13-16, et al.). It is very encouraging that we are showing this more and more.
When I was ordained as an elder in the early 90’s, a much more experienced elder told me that the wheels turn very slowly in the RCUS. I think he understated the case. But he also said that this ought to be a comfort because we are not inclined to follow theological fads, nor fall prey to the latest unbiblical innovation. So even as I noted the changes which are occurring in our ministries, there is a remarkable stability in the classis. Regular catechesis is assumed. The discipleship of those who are ignorant is practiced as a matter of course. Church membership and discipline are taken seriously. As the pastor of a church filled with ecclesiastical refugees, I am constantly reminded that what is true for us is extremely rare in the evangelical world. It has also been my experience that those who come from elsewhere are extremely grateful for this part of our congregational life, and we should never allow it to fade away.
Truly, the marks of the true church are manifested among us. Our numbers are small compared to our Reformed and Presbyterian brethren, but we are faithful, and this is a precious truth, and one we should pray continues and strive toward maintaining. I would now draw your attention to a few of the clouds I see on the horizon.
Perhaps the most concerning trend I see is the pulpits either now vacant or soon to be vacant. While I disagree with the proposition of the French philosopher Auguste Comte that “demography is destiny,” I do think demography matters in very real ways. This is a reality with which we must contend both internally and externally. It is no secret that it can be very difficult for a congregation with a vacant pulpit to find a candidate willing to entertain a call in the Western Classis unless they have a previous personal link to California. I would not presume to provide a solution to this situation, but I do think we should at least consider two things: 1) Let us commit to regularly and publicly praying for those churches which are seeking pastors, and 2) Let us speak very plainly about what ministry in the classis means. That is, we live and serve in a field of missions little different from those places we normally consider mission fields. I know that where my congregation meets for worship is surrounded by a mission field. We need, and will continue to need, missionary-minded men who have a zeal for reaching those who grope in the darkness a few steps away from our homes and churches. And we will need to adequately support such missionary-minded pastors. This may require creativity on the part of both the classis and the congregations.
In my previous report, I noted what I considered to be a serious need among our pastors. I still think that the mutual encouragement of one another, as well as regular and purposeful times to come together in a low-stress gathering, would be very beneficial. I am not aware of this occurring last year, and I truly hope that it will occur this year. A sense of isolation among those called to the gospel ministry is a very real issue, and addressing this can accomplish a good which far outweighs the efforts to arrange for it to happen.
Finally, I am concerned about the uneven enthusiasm and participation in the Heidelberg West Youth Camp (HWYC). I would encourage all pastors and elders to take advantage of this ministry to the youth of not only your congregation, but the entirety of the classis. Our youth can likewise have a sense of isolation, and the opportunity to develop friendships with other youth can pay enormous dividends in the years to come.
Esteemed fathers and brothers, it has been my joy to report to you that in the Western Classis there is, overwhelmingly, peace and faithfulness. Our little boat is currently sailing on calm waters. The storm clouds on the horizon do not appear dangerous. We do not know what the Lord wills, but we do know that when the storm threatened the disciples’ boat, they panicked and doubted the Savior’s power and purposes. “Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?’” (Mark 4:39-40, NKJV). Undoubtedly, storms often follow calm. But we have no reason to fear, for the Savior is lord not only over the wind and waves, but will even turn such things to our good. For we know “The almighty, everywhere-present power of God, whereby, as it were by His hand, He still upholds heaven and earth with all creatures, and so governs them that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed, all things come not by chance, but by His fatherly hand” (Heidelberg Catechism, A. 27).
Respectfully Submitted,
Rev. Douglas Schlegel
Providence Reformed
Lodi, CA