CLASSIS ILLIANA of the CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH
142th Session
Schedule:
Officers:
Convening at Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 8:30 am
Morning – 8:30am – 9:50 am ; Afternoon -- 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm
President: Jeff Bulthuis; Vice-President: David Feddes
Stated Clerk: Laryn Zoerhof; Alternate Stated Clerk: Heino Blaauw
Since Synod 2012 adopted a new covenant for office-bearers, it will be printed in the agenda and
read at the beginning of the next meeting of Classis Illiana before first time delegates are asked to
sign their agreement.
1. The President of the day, Jeff Bulthuis, welcomes the delegates to Classis. He reads from Psalm
133 and leads us in our opening prayer.
2. The credentials are presented and the roll call of the churches indicates that the following have
been delegated to attend this session of classis by their respective councils.
CHURCH
Cedar Lake, IN Pathway
Crown Point, IN - First
DeMotte, In - Bethel
DeMotte, IN - First
Gary, IN - Beacon Light
Hammond, IN
Highland, IN - First
Highland, IN – New Life
MINISTERS
Rob Knol
Joel Sheeres
Rick Vanderwal
Laryn Zoerhof
Peter Oh
John Kostelyk
Randy Bergsma
Indianapolis, Hope Community
Lafayette, IN
Tom Krygsheld
Ken Tazelaar
Roger Boer
Jim Groen
Jerry McClury
Henry Balkema
Jerry Kuiper
Sam Kooistra
absent with notice
Lafayette, IN - Sunrise
Lansing, IL - Bethel
Lansing, IL - New Hope
Monee, IL - Family of Faith
Munster, IN - First
Nashville, TN - Faith
Peoria, IL - Family of Faith
Roselawn, IN - Community
Sauk Village, IL - Emmanuel
Schererville, IN - Crossroads Com.
South Holland, IL - Cottage Grove
South Holland, IL - First
South Holland, IL - Peace
ELDERS
Calvin Aardsma
Ildefonso Torres
David Feddes
Jeff Bulthuis
Jerry Hoek
Joel Zuidema
Tim Koster
absent with notice
Richard Zekveld
Ben Tol
Heino Blaauw
Bernard Smit
William Hoekema
Bernard Dunnewald Jr.
Larry Stoner
John Hoogewerf
Ronald Tuinstra
Max Mejan
George Garden
Bob Swanson
Andy Balkema
Herb Potts
Ken Ooms
Rick Stallinga
CLASSIS ILLIANA - September 19, 2012
3. The new covenant for office-bearers approved by Synod 2012 is read by President Jeff Bulthuis,
and first time delegates come forward to sign this covenant.
4. The President declares classis constituted, and welcomes first-time delegates and visitors to classis.
Synodical Deputies join us for several items of business during the afternoon session. They are
Gerry Erffmeyer from Classis Chicago South, John Huizenga from Classis Northern Illinois, and
Michael Winnowski from Classis Wisconsin.
5. Appointments by President
A. Devotions: Opening of Afternoon Session – Rick Vanderwal
B. Credentials – Article 41 Committee – Delegates from Faith, Nashville
C. Balloting Committee – Delegates from Faith, Nashville
6. Ildefonso Torres, President of the March 6 meeting, reports that the transcribed minutes of the
March 6, 2012 meeting of Classis Illiana are accurate. A motion to approve the transcribed minutes
is ADOPTED.
7. Nomination Committee Report and Elections
a. There is an opening for another member to serve on the Roseland Christian Ministries Board.
b. Don Dykstra and Laryn Zoerhof were approved for another term on the Classical Interim
Committee.
c. Jeff Bulthuis, Joel Zuidema, Jamie Bogaard, and Harley Ver Beek were approved for 3 year
terms as new members on the Classical Home Missions Committee.
8. Laryn Zoerhof reports on his work on behalf of classis as stated clerk. A motion to approve the
work of the stated clerk is ADOPTED.
9. Cal Aardsma reports for the classical home missions committee.
CHMC: Kris Vos, Cal Aardsma, Barbara Leep, Jamie Bogaard, Peter Kelder and Marj Kooy
We said farewell to Henry Reyenga as he is making a move to Michigan.
Church Plants:
Fresh Word Ministries – Ed Rockett
Hispanic Ministry – Arturo Olguin
Pathway – Rob Knol
Beacon Light: Rev. Peter Oh came to the CHMC with a proposal for a “Fresh Start” at Beacon Light, which the elders
had agreed upon. Part of it included a request for funds from Home Missions. CHMC organized a meeting with Rev.
Peter Oh, Elder Jim Groen and Elder John Hoffmaster. CHMC also invited Rich Schuler from the RCA’s Fresh Start
program to attend and give advice.
There was lively discussion around the best course of action to bring renewal to Beacon Light and the Black Oak
Community. Rich brought helpful resources and experience. The leadership team of Beacon Light needs our prayers as
they continue to face the unique challenges of ministry among the urban poor.
Regional Ministry - Crosspoint Strategic Network: The team is grateful for the Kelders and their team as they give us
leadership and direction for the region! A few things to highlight:
 Regional Clusters: Rev. Allen Likkel led the Illiana Cluster through a day of strategic planning on June
26. Rev. Fred DeJong from Plainfield sat in to learn from the process as he prays and plans for a cluster
in his region. Tim Hoekstra and Bethany Dudley continue training leaders for ministry in the diverse
urban areas of Chicago.


CLASSIS ILLIANA - September 19, 2012
Deeper Journey: Deeper Journey retreats call you to break out of the never-ending-to-do-lists and
pressures of ministry and enter into spiritual rhythms by which you will experience the presence of God
more frequently and the voice of God more directly. The Deeper Journey Leadership Team is hoping
you will make Deeper Journey a part of your ministry plans for the next two years. Contact
rkelder@crcna.org for more info!
Movement Day: Representatives from Classis and our region will be attending this conference on
Urban Church Planting hosted by Rev. Tim Keller and others on September 27.
Denominational Home Missions: A recent financial gift has opened doors and lifted spirits for Home Missions. The
partnership with the RCA in church planter training and assessment continues to go well. The RCA partnership in the
KEZs (Kingdom Enterprise Zones) is also enhancing our church planting efforts. Go to www.cmi21.com
for more info on this.
Intervarsity: Christy Klippel led a trip to Guatemala this summer with Inter Varsity students from Purdue Cal and other
colleges. She hopes to have impact with Inter Varsity’s sister organization there in Guatemala but also have greater
impact in reaching Latino students locally upon her return.
Prayer Ministry: Our prayer coordinator Marj Kooy (along with Peter Kelder, Harley VerBeek and others from our
Classis) attended the Prayer Summit of the CRC in California. The CHMC requests that we give time to those who
attended the summit to report on their experience.
Budget: We have made significant cuts again this year in the budget. We are facing the reality that strong support from
our churches continues to decline. We ask that each church council prayerfully consider the work of Home Missions
locally. We are a team that is excited about the work of church planting, renewal, and campus ministry in our region.
There are more church plants, more renewal and more campus ministry opportunities on the horizon! The Illiana Cluster
is also making plans to raise funds for church plants.
Recommendations:
Approval of Budget for 2013
Privilege of the floor for our church planters.
Privilege of the floor for our Prayer Summit attendees.
2013 CHMC Proposed Budget
2012
CHMC Expense Fund
Racial Reconciliation
Prayer
Misc.
Intervarsity
Luke Dalach
Christy Klippel
2013
0 + one church1
0 + one church1
200
100
100
200
0 + one church1
0 + one/two churches1
1,000
Field Development
Pathway
Fresh Word
Agua Viva
Church Plants
3,000 + goal of $2,0001
5,000 + goal of $2,0001
10,000
9,000
Leadership Development
Roseland CMC
Site Purchase
Regional Team
0
4,000 + goal of $4,0001
15,000
30,000
0
4,000
0
30,000
76,200
59,400
Total
0
5,000
10,000
9,000
CLASSIS ILLIANA - September 19, 2012
a. The 2013 CHMC proposed budget for 2013 is ADOPTED.
b. The following church planters address classis.
1. Arturo Olguin sends a written report for Agua Viva.
2. Ed Rockett speaks for Fresh Word Ministries.
3. David Feddes speaks for Family of Faith, Marquette Heights, IL. He also reports that
Henry Reyenga is now working fulltime for Christian Leadership Institute.
4. Rob Knol speaks for Pathway Ministries. They have purchased 10 acres for future
development. They are currently meeting at Crown Point Christian School.
c. Jeff Bulthuis speaks about his positive experience at the prayer summit in California.
A motion to approve the work of the classical home missions committee is ADOPTED.
10. Richard Zekveld reports for the student fund committee.

Classis Student Fund Committee recommends to classis that we forgive the loan made to Michael
Jarrett due to serious health concerns. Richard offers a prayer for Michael.

Classis Student Fund Committee continues to follow up with previous recipients of Classis Illiana
student funds who are now required to repay those loans per contract.

Classis Student Fund Committee recommends that Classis Illiana continue to support seminarians Dan
DeGraff (Western Theological Seminary) and Brandon Haan (Calvin Theological Seminary) for the
2012-2013 school year. We recommend $5000 in support for Dan DeGraff and $6000 in support for
Brandon Haan. Both students continue to do well on their road to ministry and satisfy the terms of
their student fund contract.

Classis Student Fund Committee calculates that, in order to sustain our current level of giving to
students into the future, we will need $5.00 per professing member each year.
A motion to approve the above recommendations is ADOPTED.
11. Andrew Balkema presents his report as classical treasurer. The 2013 ministry shares for
denominational ministries are reviewed.
Denominational Shares
Back to God Hour
Home Missions
Faith Alive Christian Resources
World Missions
Calvin College
Calvin Theological Seminary
Sustaining Congreg. Excellence
Special Assistance Fund **
Specilized Ministries
Denominational Services
Classis Illiana
Ministry Share Summary
2012
Per
Professing
Member
$43.97
$46.88
$12.49
$60.56
$37.40
$35.91
$13.94
$0.36
$32.86
$38.19
2013
Per
Professing
Member
$43.97
$46.88
$21.99
$60.56
$31.60
$35.91
$10.13
$0.36
$40.02
$34.84
Per
Member
Change
$0.00
$0.00
$9.50
$0.00
-$5.80
$0.00
-$3.81
$0.00
$7.16
-$3.35
% Chg
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
-15.51%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
21.79%
-8.77%
CLASSIS ILLIANA - September 19, 2012
Network for Congregations
Ministers' Pension Funds *
$0.00
$0.00
---------------
$0.00
$0.00
---------------
-Denominational Totals:
$322.56
$326.26
* Ministers Pensions are paid separately.
** Abuse Prevention, Chaplaincy, Disability, Race Relations, Pastor-Church Relations
$0.00
0.00%
$0.00
0.00%
--------------- ----------$3.70
1.15%
The classical ministry shares for 2013 are presented, and a motion to approve them is ADOPTED.
2012
2013
Per
Per
Per
Professing
Professing
Member
Classical Shares
Member
Member
Change
Classical Expense Fund
$4.00
$6.00
$2.00
50.00%
Student Fund
$1.00
$5.00
$4.00
0.00%
Classical Contingency Fund
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
0.00%
Classis Illiana Home Mission Total
$19.00
$31.00
$12.00
0.00%
Trinity College
$27.90
$32.71
$4.81
0.00%
-----------------------------------------CLASSICAL TOTALS:
$51.90
$74.71
$22.81
A motion to approve the work of the classical treasurer is ADOPTED.
12. The report of the classical interim committee is presented by Laryn Zoerhof.
1. We approved the name of Ralph Veldboom as a second alternate elder delegate to Synod
.
2012.
2. Church Visiting assignments were made and sent to the churches:
Cottage Grove, South Holland -- Ildefonso Torres and elder
First South Holland – Richard Zekveld and elder
Peace, South Holland – Tim Koster and elder
Emmanuel, Saul Village – Peter Oh and elder
Crossroads, Schererville – David Feddes and elder
Hammond – Heino Blaauw and elder
New Hope, Lansing – John Kostelyk and elder
Beacon Light, Gary – Rob Knol and elder
Family of Faith, Monee – Ben Tol and elder
Pathway, St. John – Kris Vos and elder
Faith, Nashville – Mike Vanden Berg and elder
Hope Community, Indy .—Jerry Hoek and elder
Churches in the pilot plan continue with their previously assigned visitors.
Please try to arrange for these visits sometime between September and
December 2012. Visitors are encouraged to keep their reports brief and
constructive, and to focus their report on the following topic: Name one or two
ministry ideas that have proved to be a rich blessing in your church and that you
think other churches in our classis might be interested in pursuing. These ministry
ideas will be printed in the March 2013 agenda of classis so that our churches
will have 20+ ministry ideas to consider.
CLASSIS ILLIANA - September 19, 2012
3
The Center Grove Presbyterian Church south of Indianapolis is seeking to enter the CRC
by way of Classis Chicago South since Classis Illiana does not seat women delegates.
4 Karl Westerhof has inquired about a meeting with representatives of Classis
Illiana, Classis Chicago South, and Classis Northern Illinois to talk about classis
renewal issues.
5 Arrangements were made for the examination of Kyle Sanford as a Commissioned Pastor
(formerly Ministry Associate) at First DeMotte
Examination: Ben Tol
Sermon Text: Psalm 91
Sermon Critics: Pastor Joel Zuidema and an Elder from Roselawn CRC
Kyle is working toward ordination in the CRC with the EMPC program. He is serving
First CRC in DeMotte as Pastor of Worship and Discipleship.
6 Church Visiting: Since both Sunrise and First Lafayette are without regular pastors at this
time, the following committee will send two people to visit the Lafayette churches
sometime this fall. (Heino Blaauw, Don Dykstra, Laryn Zoerhof, and Alternate Herm
Schutt)
7 Since Synod 2012 adopted a new covenant for office-bearers, it was decided to read this
covenant at the beginning of the next meeting of Classis Illiana before first time delegates
are asked to sign their agreement.
8 The ministerial credentials of Nick Van Beek were received from Classis Central
California, approved, and forwarded to Bethel CRC of Lansing.
9. The ministerial credentials of Lawrence Howerzyl were received from Classis Southeast
US, approved, and forwarded to New Hope Church in Lansing where Larry and Anna
Howerzyl are now members.
10. We encourage the churches of classis to make good use of the DVD video promoting
ministry shares (You Add: God Multiplies) recently sent out by our denomination.
11. Herm Schutt and Cal Aardsma made a pastoral visit to Bob and Sue Lyzenga in
Lafayette. Bob was suspended from the ministry by the consistory of Sunrise Lafayette
with the concurrence of First Lafayette, and subsequently resigned from the ministry in
the CRC. Upon her request, the CIC approved the use of $1,200 from the classical
contingency fund so that Sue Lyzenga could attend a conference put on by Faithful and
True in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Bob has also benefited from counseling received through
this organization.
12. The following recommendations from the CIC will be taken up when the synodical
deputies are present at our afternoon session.
a. Synod 1978 instructed all our churches and classes that in all cases of resignation a
proper resolution of dismissal must be adopted with the concurring advice of
synodical deputies. The CIC recommends that classis approve the resignation of Bob
Lyzenga from the ministry of the Christian Reformed Church, effective May 26, 2012,
and that classis declare his status to be that of one deposed from the ministry of the
Christian Reformed Church. It is our prayer that through heartfelt repentance, personal
counseling, and spiritual discernment, Bob may eventually be restored to some form
of kingdom service in a different location.
Ground: This action is taken due to serious deviation from godly conduct.
(Church Order Article 83)
At our September 19 classis meeting, Herm Schutt will lead us in a prayer for God’s
blessing on Bob and Sue Lyzenga and the Sunrise CRC.
CLASSIS ILLIANA - September 19, 2012
b. We recommend that classis approve the request of Jesse Powell for a one year
extension of his eligibility for a call. Jesse is currently leading worship and
communion once each month at the Family of Faith Church in Monee where his
ministerial credentials are held. He has also been able to assist the chaplain in his work
with the employees at Good Samaritan International where Jesse is now employed,
and he is hopeful that this may develop into a pastoral opportunity for him in the
future.
c. The CIC recommends to classis that the Commissioned Pastor position established at
First DeMotte CRC meets the guidelines adopted by Synod 2001 for the office of
Commissioned Pastor. (See Church Order Supplement – - Article 23a).
The three items in 12 above will be reported on later in these minutes. A motion to
approve the work of the classical interim committee is ADOPTED.
13. Heino Blaauw reports for the race relations committee. He distributes material about Micah
Groups. Micah Groups are typically composed of 12 preachers and 2 facilitating leaders; men
and women from varied denominational, racial, educational, and cultural backgrounds. Micah
Groups support preacher development by providing an on-going opportunity to learn, grow, and
reflect through engagement with rich and diverse curriculum in a collegial environment. Bill
Sytsma has received leadership training and is interested in forming a group in our region.
14. Church Visitor Reports -- None
15. Herm Schutt reports as regional pastor.
16. Heino Blaauw presents a brief report on Synod 2012.
17. Our guest speaker for this Tri-Classis Meeting is Dr. M. Robert Mulholland, professor emeritus of
New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is presently the
pastor of a small rural church in Shirley Mills, Maine. The theme of his address is “Spiritual
Formation – the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.” A
question and answer session is held with Dr. Mulholland after our noon lunch.
18. Peter Kelder, Home Missions Regional Leader, presents a report to delegates from all three
classes at 1:15 pm. He encourages pastors to seriously consider and pray about participation in A
Deeper Journey, a two year program with a focus on spiritual formation.
19. Rick Vanderwal opens the afternoon session with prayer.
20. Dr. David Schuringa reports on the work of Crossroads Bible Institute and the work of the Faith
Formation Study Committee.
21. Thriesa Hubers and Rev. Steve Van Zanen speak on behalf of World Missions. Steve introduces
Salaam Project, a conference on Islam, which is scheduled for Saturday, November 10, 2012 at
Trinity Christian College. Thriesa encourages the churches to use her services as world missions
coordinator in our area.
CLASSIS ILLIANA - September 19, 2012
22. Chuck Powell reports on the work of Timothy Leadership Training Institute. TLT had its
beginnings in world missions and is now a separate organization. Last year TLT helped to train
10,000 church leaders in 50 different countries around the world. Since they receive no ministry
shares, they are dependent on offerings from our churches. They also welcome volunteers and
request our prayers.
23. The synodical deputies arrive and we return to the report of the classical interim committee. (12a,b,c)
The President declares that we enter into executive session. (visitors are asked to leave; only office bearers
are allowed to stay for the discussion)
(12a) Synod 1978 instructed all our churches and classes that in all cases of resignation a proper
resolution of dismissal must be adopted with the concurring advice of synodical deputies. The
CIC recommends that classis acquiesce in the resignation of Bob Lyzenga from the ministry of
the Christian Reformed Church, effective May 26, 2012, and that classis declare his status to be
that of one deposed from the ministry of the Christian Reformed Church. It is our prayer that
through heartfelt repentance, personal counseling, and spiritual discernment, Bob may eventually
be restored to some form of kingdom service in a different location.
Ground: This action is taken due to serious deviation from godly conduct.
(Church Order Article 83)
A motion to approve this recommendation is ADOPTED.
The synodical deputies concur with this decision.
At the conclusion of our discussion, Herm Schutt leads us in a prayer for God’s blessing on Bob
and Sue Lyzenga and the Sunrise CRC.
24. (12b) of the CIC report – Recommendation: That we approve the request of Jesse Powell for a one
year extension of his eligibility for a call. Jesse is currently leading worship and communion once
each month at the Family of Faith Church in Monee where his ministerial credentials are held. He
has also been able to assist the chaplain in his work with the employees at Good Samaritan
International where Jesse is now employed, and he is hopeful that this may develop into a pastoral
opportunity for him in the future.
A motion to approve this request is ADOPTED. The synodical deputies concur with this decision.
25. (12c) of the CIC report – Recommendation: That the job description for the Commissioned Pastor
position established at First DeMotte CRC meets the guidelines adopted by Synod 2001 for the
office of Commissioned Pastor. (See Church Order Supplement – - Article 23a). A motion to
approve this recommendation is ADOPTED. The synodical deputies concur with this decision.
The President thanks the synodical deputies for assisting us in the work of classis today.
26. Examination of Kyle Sanford as Commissioned Pastor in the First CRC of DeMotte, IN.
a. Laryn Zoerhof introduces Kyle Sanford to classis.
b. Joel Zuidema and elder Don Ryken report on their visit to First DeMotte to hear Kyle preach his
assigned sermon on Psalm 91 and lead in worship. A motion to proceed to the oral examination
is ADOPTED.
c. Ben Tol conducts the oral examination in the following areas: knowledge of Scripture,
knowledge of Reformed doctrine, knowledge of the standards of the church and the church
order, and practical matters regarding Christian testimony, walk of life, relationships with
others, love for the church, approach to ministry, and promotion of Christ’s kingdom.
Opportunity is given for the delegates to ask additional questions.
d. Prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit is offered by Jeff Bulthuis.
e. Classis enters into executive session.
CLASSIS ILLIANA - September 19, 2012
f. Classis votes by ballot, and Kyle is unanimously approved.
g. President Jeff Bulthuis congratulates Kyle Sanford and presents him with a classical diploma.
h. Laryn Zoerhof offers a prayer of thanksgiving.
i. The delegates are given an opportunity to extend their personal congratulations to Kyle and Kat
Sanford. Kyle will be ordained as “Commissioned Pastor” on October 7, 2012 at the First CRC
of DeMotte, IN.
27. Financial Request Screening Committee
a. We recommend retaining Roseland Christian Ministries on the list of recommended offerings
for the 2012-2013 period.
b. We recommend continued support for Trinity College in the amount of $32.71 per professing
member. Synod recommends that geographic regions paying a reduced quota for Calvin
College use this reduction in the support of local colleges.
c. We recommend Freedom Bound Jail Ministry be added to the list of recommended offerings
for the 2012-2013 period.
A motion to approve the above recommendations is ADOPTED.
28. Reports from Related Agencies
a. Christian Counseling Center – Mel Jonkman
b. Roseland Christian Ministries – John Kostelyk
c. Self Help Jobs Program – Laura Vande Werken
d. New Leaf Resources – Terry Top
e. CRCNA Historical Committee – Jeff White
f. Providence Life Services – Bill Buikema
29. Denominational Boards and Agencies
A. Regional Boards
1) CRCNA Board of Trustees – Dr. Steve Timmermans
2) Calvin College – Dr. Richard Vanden Berg
3) Board of Home Missions - Bruce Frens and Dr. Harley Ver Beek
4) Board of World Missions - Thriesa Hubers and Rev. Steve Van Zanen
5) Calvin Theological Seminary – Bill Sytsma
6) Back to God Ministries International – Cal Aardsma speaks briefly.
B. World Renew (formerly CRWRC) -- James Groen
1. World Renew
a. Packets regarding the name change are distributed.
b. A banquet celebrating the 50 year birthday of World Renew(CRWRC) is scheduled for
October 27 at Illiana Christian High School.
c. World Renew would like a champion in each church to promote this ministry.
2. Disaster Response Services (DRS)
We have reinstituted “Pastors Week” – pastors can enjoy a one week vacation with a
spouse at one of 5 DRS work sites. Check out the web site at www.worldrenew.net and
go to “greenshirts”.
CLASSIS ILLIANA - September 19, 2012
30. Article 41 Committee
a. New Hope Lansing requests that classis renew (extend) the license to exhort of John
Klompmaker. A motion to approved this request is ADOPTED.
b. Lafayette requests that pulpit supply be provided monthly until a pastor is found. A motion to
approve this request is ADOPTED. Note the following schedule:
October 21
Rob Knol
November 18
Joel Sheeres/Jamie Bogaard
December 16
Rick Vanderwal
January 20
Laryn Zoerhof/Kyle Sanford
February 17
Peter Oh
March 17
John Kostelyk
April 21
Randy Bergsma
May 19
Bill Sytsma
June 16
Mike Vanden Berg
31. Our next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at the New Hope CRC of
Lansing, IL.
32. A motion to adjourn is ADOPTED. David Feddes makes appropriate acknowledgements and
closes the meeting with prayer.
Laryn Zoerhof, Stated Clerk