Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Posted for reader

"In a letter dated August 20, 2007 the CRC Burlington office issued a letter which included comments from Mr. David van der Woerd, the denomination's attorney which suggests that "someone who benefits financially from a charity (a staff member) may not be a Director or Trustee for the corporation, as there would be an inherent conflict of interest. This does not mean, however, that they cannot fulfill their mandate as outlined in the Church Order."

Your clerk or administrative assistant should have received a copy of this letter with a number of suggestions for the church to follow to maintain their tax exempt status. "



3 comments:

Anonymous said...

As a member of the CRC and a student in seminary I am disturbed at the content of this blog. The selection from the Onion is particularly offensive as it is the secular world's parody of what the office of pastor entails. I, and my fellow students, take preaching very seriously - it is our calling. Though it may aid the cause of your church to air your grievances in this manner does harm to the glory of God. Those who are not affiliated with the CRC nor this particular issue may use this to point out again how churches are a waste to time. Could you consider making this an insider's blog where the name of the church and its leaders are kept private?

Anonymous said...

I think the churches in general seem to think it is a good idea to make themselves look like there is never a problem. Come to this church because we all are smiling. Christians don't have problems, we are all happy. See for yourself. Things have to be good in a church like that.

F

jonathan said...

Anonymous seminary student,

Do you really think the Onion parody came from the mind of a secular comedian? The way I read it, the writer of that satire was pretty well-versed on what it can be like, from time to time, to sit through a particularly dreary sermon. Secular people don't do such things -- one of the perks of being secular! Many of the pointed barbs are clearly in-house jokes only other Christians, like yourself, could appreciate. I would be more inclined to believe it written by a Christian with a mischievous sense of humour, and a healthy sense of self-depreciation.

I don't think you should be too worried about it, though. I think it highly unlikely that we have the power to harm God's glory -- it really doesn't depend on us. I'm fairly sure even God can take a joke -- but you might know more about that.

Such jokes, on the other hand,could conceivably harm a pastor's glory -- and it sounds to me like that is where your offence stems.

I have a question for you, if you are willing: As someone who studies pastoral care, how would you approach this issue as it transpires at Exeter CRC? Do you have any advice, or wisdom to shed? How best can such grievances be aired -- to the community of Exeter CRC, and the rest of the CRC community? This surely must be a hot issue for fledgling pastors that go out into CRC communities where this issue boils...