wfn.org | CRC Delegates Urge Synod to Study Spiritual Issues

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Grand Rapids, Mich., June 15, 2004 - After a lengthy discussion, delegates to
Synod 2004 of the Christian Reformed Church decided not to close the door to
an overture asking that synod appoint a study committee to examine "Third
Wave" Pentecostalism - a religious movement characterized by spiritual
warfare
and encounters with the Holy Spirit.

The overture came from Plymouth Heights CRC in Grand Rapids.  An advisory
committee recommended that synod not accede to the request. It argued that
there is already a 1973 study on this topic, that there is insufficient
evidence to suggest that this is a denomination-wide concern, and that a
study
committee might not be the best way to inform the church about the issue.

"We questioned whether the establishment of a study committee is the wisest
way to educate our denomination of the blessings and dangers of Third Wave
Pentecostalism," said Calvin Compagner, the reporter for the committee.  "I'm
not sure how much our denomination reads study committee reports."

But, Dr. John Bolt, a member of Plymouth Heights and a professor at Calvin
Seminary, urged delegates not to refuse the overture. "If I'm to serve the
church as a theologian, I need the church's help. We need to hear the
stories,
reflect on them, and help those of us who teach at the seminary to equip
pastors who will teach in the church."

Many other delegates spoke in favor of the overture, explaining that issues
related to the Holy Spirit are becoming more prevalent in Christian Reformed
churches.

Delegates also approved a recommendation that creating and sustaining healthy
local congregations be the church's priority for the next five to 10 years.
In
addition, synod emphasized the denomination's commitment to race relations by
suggesting that the Director of Race Relations ought to be a voting member of
the Ministry Council, a committee made up of the Executive Director of
Ministries and the executive directors of the denominational agencies.

-30-