Faith Formation Committee
A committee appointed by the CRC Synod 2007
February 12, 2008
Dear pastors, elders and council members,
We invite you to partner with us as we seek to energize the faith formation processes in the CRC. We recognize that many congregations are experiencing challenges in ministering to their children and youth. There are many factors contributing to this challenge and we seek to collaborate with you as we shepherd the denomination through the next five years.
We are the Faith Formation Committee established by Synod 2007, to “deepen the integration of biblical teaching; confessional norms; church polity; and liturgical, educational, and pastoral practices in the CRC with respect to 1) participation in the Lord’s Supper, 2) public profession of faith,” and 3) infant dedication.
We acknowledge that there has been some confusion in regards to Synodical decisions on children and youth at the Lord’s Table. Synod 2006 points to welcoming all baptized children; however, since Synod 2007 did not adopt the proposed changes to the church order, this decision is not in effect. The official position of the CRC is that of Synod 1995 which requires a profession of faith before coming to the Lord’s Supper, but encourages that children are free to make their profession of faith at an earlier age. In many congregations, profession of faith is made by high school students. In other congregations, the process whereby younger children are admitted to the table is being worked out.
Because we know that you care deeply about vibrant faith formation, we encourage you to set aside time on the agenda of your next council and/or elders meeting to reflect pastorally on this question.
- What needs and opportunities do you discern in your congregation with respect to the faith formation of children and young people, especially related to profession of faith and participation in the Lord’s Supper?
- What are the specific practices that lead your congregation into joyful obedience of the commands in I Corinthians 11 to “examine yourselves” and “discern the body”? How might your congregation more intentionally deepen those practices in spiritually life-giving ways?
Your reflections will help set the stage for the discussion at Synod 2008. We welcome your insights and wisdom. You may correspond with us at faithformation@crcna.org.
Serving HIM with you,
The Faith Formation Committee
Dr. John D. Witvliet, Chairperson
Dr. Howard Vanderwell, Secretary
Ms. Irene Bakker
Rev. Andrew Chun
Ms. Jill Friend
Dr. Syd Hielema
Ms. Pat Nederveld
Dr. H. David Schuringa
Rev. Jerry Dykstra, ex officio
