GS 2025 art 154 – Office Bearers

GS 2025 Article 154 – CRTS (Board of Governors)

1. Material

1.1 CRTS Board of Governors’ Report to GS 2025 (8.2.6.1).
1.2 CRTS Supplemental Report to GS 2025 (8.2.6.2).
1.3 Letter from Toronto (Bethel) CanRC re CRTS sixth professor (8.3.6.1).

2. Admissibility

2.1 The report from the CRTS Board of Governors was declared admissible.
- Ground: This report was mandated by the previous synod and arrived on time
2.2 The letter from Toronto CanRC was declared admissible.
- Ground: It interacts with a report to GS 2025 and arrived on time.

3. Observations

3.1 The report of the Board of Governors (hereafter “the Board”) provides an overview of its effort to ensure the continued operation of the Theological College in Hamilton (CRTS). With the faithful support of the churches, the work, training, and instruction at CRTS has continued without interruption since GS 2022. The Board appreciates the contribution of non-teaching staff to the smooth running of CRTS. Since GS 2022, 19 students have graduated with an MDiv degree.
3.2 From the CRTS Report, the following:
- 3.2.1 GS 2022 appointed to the Board of Governors brs. A. Bartels and H. Post, and Revs. J. Temple and J. VanSpronsen with their terms to continue to 2031.
- 3.2.2 The following brothers have completed their terms as governors: Revs. John Louwerse, Joe Poppe, and James Slaa; brs. Peter Vandersluis and Kasper VanVeen.
- 3.2.3 Our Lord took to himself Dr. N.H. Gootjes on August 20, 2023.
- 3.2.4 Dr. R. Bredenhof began his work at the seminary in January 2023. He began his teaching responsibilities as Professor of Ministry and Mission in the fall of 2023 and took on the role of Pastoral Training Program Director in June 2024.
- 3.2.5 The Board decided to make the position of teaching assistant permanent starting in the 2022-2023 academic year, helping the faculty up to 20 hours per week. Currently the position is held by CRTS graduate Raoul Kingma.
- 3.2.6 The matter of faculty succession has had the attention of the Board and Senate in recent years. The Board notes that five professors will (DV) retire within a few years of each other (around the year 2035).
- 3.2.7 As decided by Synod 2022, Dr. J. VanVliet was appointed as Principal of the seminary for a three-year term from 2022 to 2025. The Board recommends to GS 2025 to give leave to the Board to re-appoint Dr. VanVliet as Principal of the seminary for another three-year term, for the academic years 2025 to 2028.
- 3.2.8 At its meeting on January 12, 2023, the Board approved the Mature Student Policy to be used on a trial-basis for two years. This policy allows mature students over the age of 30 to enroll in the MDiv program at CRTS without a bachelor’s degree, while still maintaining the academic integrity of the program.
- 3.2.9 The 2022, 2023 and 2024 Annual Reports of the Finance and Property Committee along with audited Annual Financial Reports for the fiscal years ending December 31 for 2021, 2022, and 2023 are included in the report.
- 3.2.10 Regarding support from the Free Reformed Churches of Australia (FRCA), the Board requests GS 2025 to take note of the following:
  - 3.2.10.1 The FRCA continues to express deep appreciation for CRTS and the training their students receive. Their exploration of a domestic seminary (Australian Reformed Theological Seminary – ARTS) does not stem from dissatisfaction with CRTS but from a desire to fulfill CO-FRCA art. 19 in a more direct, geographically appropriate way, including providing accredited theological education within Australia.
  - 3.2.10.2 Four options for a seminary were outlined by Synod-FRCA 2024: (1) Become an affiliate of CRTS; (2) Accredited via Australian College of Theology; (3) Independently accredited ARTS; (4) A phased approach starting with 1). While options 2 and 3 present significant challenges, Option 1 is more attainable and allows for ongoing collaboration between CRTS and the FRCA, without creating unhealthy competition for faculty or students.
  - 3.2.10.3 Given the focus on Option 1, governance became a central issue. Both the CRTS Act and ATS standards require a single governing board over any affiliate campus. Two governance models were discussed:
    - Model 1: Appointing FRCA members to the CRTS Board, which would require amending the Act via the Ontario legislature. The CRTS Board has ruled this out, due to the risks of reopening the Act, which has served the seminary well since 1981.
    - Model 2: A standing advisory committee of FRCA members that provides input on affiliate-related matters. The CRTS Board supports further discussion of this model, and the FRCA Synod 2024 has confirmed that they would accept this advisory model if offered.
  - 3.2.10.4 Synod-FRCA 2024 emphasized the need to consider faculty and student numbers, finances, and the potential impact on local churches before launching a seminary. They referenced CRTS’s suggestion that a new seminary should only proceed when CRTS approaches 50 students and at least eight suitable professors are available across the CanRC and FRCA.
  - 3.2.10.5 Looking ahead, the FRCA will consult further on the four models and explore support from Asia-Pacific churches. Deputies have been mandated to develop a long-term, specific, and affordable plan toward an ARTS by 2040, including:
    - consultations with Asia-Pacific churches;
    - steps and timelines for each seminary model;
    - cost estimates (establishment and operation for 12 students and 4 professors);
    - church support levels; and
    - monitoring key challenges.
    - The CRTS Board remains committed to working closely with the FRCA deputies, seeking the Lord’s wisdom as we continue serving his church together.
- 3.2.11 The Board of Governors is proposing significant changes to the bylaws of the seminary.
- In summary, the changes to the bylaws fall within one of four categories:
  - 1. Change required to be in compliance with ONCA (Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act);
  - 2. Change required to reflect actual practice;
  - 3. Removal of bylaws which are no longer necessary to keep in the bylaws since we have clear Board-approved policies in place on those topics;
  - 4. Clean up language.
- There are two additions and one change to the Bylaw that the Board would like to draw to the attention of Synod:
  - 1. In article 3.02 Qualifications (of Governors), the following was added for clarity: “No person shall be a Governor unless he is eligible to serve as an officer bearer in his local Church.” While the Board has always assumed all governors must be male (given their supervisory role over Ministers of the Word), this was not explicitly stated. The Academic Committee is already restricted to ministers (and thus male), but this had not been clarified for the Finance and Property Committee.
  - In light of discussions on the ATS Diversity Report, the Board reaffirmed its position that all governors, including on the Finance and Property Committee, must be male. To reflect this while minimizing legal risk, the Board adopted wording proposed by lawyer Karl Veldkamp.
  - 2. A new membership section was added to meet ONCA requirements. While the churches could be defined as members, this would require annual meetings and direct appointment of governors. Since synods already appoint governors and oversee CRTS, the Bylaw now defines the governors themselves as members. This preserves current practice while satisfying legal obligations.
  - 3. The Bylaw now clarifies substitute appointments. Previously, it required six substitutes for ministerial governors and said nothing about non-ministerial ones, leading to inconsistent synod decisions. The revised Bylaw reduces ministerial substitutes to one per regional synod and adds two substitutes for non-ministerial governors, making the process clearer and more manageable.
3.3 The Board of Governors recommends:
- 3.3.1 To receive this report and all its appendices;
- 3.3.2 To acknowledge the expiration of the terms of office of Revs. J. Louwerse, J. Poppe and J. Slaa as well as brothers P. Vandersluis and K. VanVeen and to express gratitude for their contributions to the work of the Board;
- 3.3.3 Pursuant to Section 5(2) of the Act and Section 3.04 of Bylaw 13 to appoint, elect, or re-appoint six active ministers to hold office until the next general synod and to appoint at least two substitutes, one from each regional synod area, keeping in mind that the Bylaws prohibit anyone from serving more than three consecutive terms and keeping in mind that:
  - a. The following brother was appointed by Synod 2019 and is eligible for reappointment for one more term: from Regional Synod East, Rev. C. VanderVelde;
  - b. The following brothers were appointed by Synod 2022 and are eligible for reappointment for two more terms: from Regional Synod East, Rev. J. Temple and from Regional Synod West, Rev. J. VanSpronsen;
  - c. Along with the reappointments, Synod needs to appoint two active ministers from Regional Synod West and one active minister from Regional Synod East to hold the office of governor, along with one substitute from each regional synod area.
- 3.3.4 Pursuant to Section 5(2) of the Act and Section 3.04 of Bylaw 13, to appoint, elect, or re-appoint five non-ministerial governors and to appoint at least two substitutes, keeping in mind that the Bylaws prohibit anyone from serving more than three consecutive terms and keeping in mind that:
  - a. The following brother was appointed by Synod 2019 and is eligible for reappointment for one more term: br. A. Datema;
  - b. The following brothers were appointed by Synod 2022 and are eligible for reappointment for two more terms: brs. A. Bartels and H. Post;
  - c. Along with the reappointments, Synod needs to appoint two non-ministerial governors. The Board’s recommendation for these appointments will be found in a separate letter which will also contain curricula vitae. In addition, GS 2025 should appoint two substitutes for the non-ministerial governors.
- 3.3.5 To request the churches to continue to remember in their prayers the needs of Mrs. G. Deddens, Mrs. M. DeJong, Mrs. D. Gootjes, Dr. and Mrs. Van Dam, Dr. and Mrs. Visscher, and Dr. and Mrs. De Visser;
- 3.3.6 To give leave to the Board to appoint Dr. J. Van Vliet as Principal for the academic years 2025- 2028;
- 3.3.7 To approve the changes to the Bylaws described in this report;
- 3.3.8 To approve all other decisions and actions of the Board and of its committees for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 until the date of this report;
- 3.3.9 To mandate the Board to express gratitude for the support from the Free Reformed Churches in Australia;
- 3.3.10 To consider the audited financial statements and the report of the Auditor for the previous fiscal periods; to relieve the Treasurer of the Board of all responsibilities for these fiscal periods; to support and recommend the reappointment of DBK Accounting as Auditor until the next general synod, subject to the discretion and direction of the Board;
- 3.3.11 To acknowledge with gratitude the financial contributions of the Women’s Savings Action to the well-being of the seminary.
3.4 From the CRTS Supplemental Report, the following:
- 3.4.1 In the 2024 Report of the Finance and Property Committee the 2025 assessment was set at $100 per communicant member. Since that time the Board decided to increase the assessment by $1 for 2025 to cover some additional expenses.
- 3.4.2 The Board of Governors request that GS 2025 approve two additional bylaw changes below:
  - 1. Bylaw 13 section 1.01 defines an Adjunct Professor as “someone who holds a doctorate degree, is a professor at another institution of learning, and who instructs a course or courses.” The Board proposes to change this definition of an Adjunct Professor to “someone who holds a doctorate degree or an appropriate master’s degree, is a professor at another institution of learning, and who instructs a course or courses.” This brings the minimum qualification of an adjunct professor in line with that of a full-time professor.
  - 2. Bylaw 13 section 14.06c currently states: “Credits obtained in any course leading to a diploma or a degree should only remain valid for a period of five (5) years unless the diploma or degree is obtained, or an extension has been granted by the Senate.” Upon further review, the Board proposes to change this to: “The maximum time limit to complete a diploma or degree is seven years (including any leave of absence or withdrawal period) unless an extension has been granted by Senate.” This new formulation is in line with commonly accepted academic standards.
- 3.4.3 The BoG considered the matter of a bursary fund for those who pursue advanced studies beyond the MDiv degree. Generally speaking, those who pursue advanced studies fall into one of two categories:
  - 1. Students who pursue advanced studies immediately after the completion of their studies at CRTS and before becoming eligible for call.
  - 2. Ministers who pursue advanced studies after some time in the ministry while continuing to hold their office as Minister of the Word.
  - The BoG would like to propose a bursary fund for those students who fall into the first category, namely those who have not been declared eligible for call but rather pursue advanced studies first.
  - 3.4.3.1 Bursary Proposal for Graduating Students Pursuing Advanced Studies
- Graduating CRTS students with strong academic potential and faculty prospects may be eligible for a $15,000 bursary to support further theological studies. Eligibility is determined by the Academic Committee (AC), with Senate input and an interview with the applicant. The bursary, called the Advanced Theological Studies Assistance (ATSA) Bursary, can be renewed annually based on continued study and reassessment. It is intended as partial support, not full coverage of living expenses, and differs from current CRTS student funding.
- Funds would be distributed through the existing Needy Students Fund (NSF), avoiding the need for a new fund or structure. The NSF may slightly increase assessments to accommodate this bursary and has confirmed it has no objection. Synod should update the mandate for the NSF [sic – should be of the CNST] if the proposal is adopted. An application form will be created using the NSF’s current format, gathering details on study plans and financial need. Reapplicants must resubmit each year, with progress and financial updates. Support may extend up to two years for MTh and five years for PhD studies.
  - 3.4.3.2 Precise wording of criteria would be established by the Senate and the Academic Committee and would include matters such as:
    - 1) exceptionally strong academic performance;
    - 2) strong work ethic and time management, particularly demonstrating the ability to stay focussed on large projects;
    - 3) evident spiritual maturity and a disposition to work well with others;
    - 4) financial need of the applicant;
    - 5) the long-term needs of the seminary, looking toward potential future professors for each department.
    - 3.4.3.3 Summary Steps of ATSA Bursary Process.
  - The applicant submits an application to the AC and copies the Senate. The AC, using established criteria and Senate input, determines eligibility and issues a written recommendation. If approved, the student forwards the form and recommendation to the NSF, which issues the bursary as a lump sum. Repeat applicants must begin the process anew each year.
  - For ministers already serving, who are not eligible for this bursary, support for advanced studies should come from their local church, potentially assisted by classis. This support should include financial assistance and possibly reduced pastoral workload to enable study without undue strain on the minister and his family.
3.5 Toronto (Bethel) recommends that GS 2025 instruct the CRTS Board of Governors to consider adding a sixth professor, dividing the current portfolio of the Professor of Ministry into two portfolios: Professor of Mission and Professor of Ministry. It states the following considerations:
- 3.5.1 The workload of the current professor as the student body continues to grow.
- 3.5.2 The increasing amount of Foreign Mission and Home Mission activity in the Canadian Reformed churches.
- 3.5.3 As the mission field comes to our local churches, there are many cultural practices that pastors and elders are dealing with. Training in this would be beneficial.
- 3.5.4 Missionaries for both foreign and domestic mission projects will be better prepared for these specialized ministries.
- 3.5.5 Two portfolios would create opportunities for more focus on each discipline.

4. Considerations

4.1 Synod notes with thankfulness that the work of the Theological College in Hamilton (CRTS) could continue without interruption between GS 2022 and GS 2025.
4.2 Synod notes with mixed feelings of sadness and gladness the passing away of Dr. N.H. Gootjes into glory after a lengthy period of illness.
4.3 Synod is grateful to the Free Reformed Churches of Australia (FRCA) for their continued involvement in CRTS, as well as their prayerful and significant financial support.
4.4 Synod notes with gratitude that the Pastoral Training Program continues to be beneficial for the students and the churches.
4.5 The Board’s request to approve all other decisions and actions of the Board and its committees is a legal requirement in accordance with the College Act.
4.6 It is wise that the Board has the foresight to make provision to support the training of potential future professors of theology. With respect to the development of criteria for the proposed Graduating Students Pursuing Advanced Studies Bursary, it is important to include a clear commitment to the Reformed confessions.
4.7 While the recommendation of Toronto (Bethel) may have merit, it is not mentioned or alluded to in the Board of Governors’ Report and has not been considered or discussed by the churches at the minor assemblies.

5. Recommendations

That Synod decide:

5.1 To receive this report and all its appendices;
5.2 To acknowledge the expiration of the terms of office of Revs. J. Louwerse, J. Poppe and J. Slaa as well as brothers P. Vandersluis and K. VanVeen and to express gratitude for their contributions to the work of the Board;
5.3 Pursuant to Section 5(2) of the Act and Section 3.04 of Bylaw 13 to appoint, elect, or re-appoint six active ministers to hold office until the next general synod and to appoint at least two substitutes, one from each regional synod area, keeping in mind that the Bylaws prohibit anyone from serving more than three consecutive terms;
5.4 To appoint two active ministers from Regional Synod West and one active minister from Regional Synod East to hold the office of governor, along with one substitute from each regional synod area;
5.5 Pursuant to Section 5(2) of the Act and Section 3.04 of Bylaw 13, to appoint, elect, or re-appoint five non-ministerial governors and to appoint at least two substitutes, keeping in mind that the Bylaws prohibit anyone from serving more than three consecutive terms;
5.6 To request the churches to continue to remember in their prayers the needs of Mrs. G. Deddens, Mrs. M. DeJong, Mrs. D. Gootjes, Dr. and Mrs. Van Dam, Dr. and Mrs. Visscher, and Dr. and Mrs. De Visser;
5.7 To give leave to the Board to appoint Dr. J. Van Vliet as Principal for the academic years 2025- 2028;
5.8 To approve the changes to the Bylaws described in this report;
5.9 To approve all other decisions and actions of the Board and of its committees for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 until the date of this report;
5.10 To mandate the Board to express gratitude for the support from the Free Reformed Churches in Australia (FRCA);
5.11 To consider the audited financial statements and the report of the Auditor for the previous fiscal periods; to relieve the Treasurer of the Board of all responsibilities for these fiscal periods; to support and recommend the reappointment of DBK Accounting as Auditor until the next general synod, subject to the discretion and direction of the Board;
5.12 To acknowledge with gratitude, the financial contributions of the Women’s Savings Action to the well-being of the seminary;
5.13 To accept the Bursary Proposal for Graduating Students Pursuing Advanced Studies as found in Observation 3.4.3.1;
5.14 To instruct the Committee for Needy Students of Theology (CNST) to collect and distribute the funds for the Bursary Proposal and to adjust Synod’s mandate to the CNST accordingly (cf. GS 2025 art. 167 rec. 5.4.2);
5.15 To not adopt the recommendation of the Toronto (Bethel) CanRC at this time.
5.16 To mandate the Board of Governors to submit its report on its activities to the churches no later than six (6) months prior to the convening of the next general synod.

ADOPTED

Revs. J. Louwerse and J. Poppe abstained as members of the Board of Governors.