Rules and Mandates

A. Mission Statement: The Mission of Classis Toronto is to be, by the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, a growing community of churches called to witness to Jesus Christ and advance God's reign in the whole region in which we live by continuing to be reformational, by being accountable to each other while valuing the diversity of our expression, and by fostering ministry in and among the local congregations.

B. Vision Goals:

Maintain ties to the denomination in procedure and ministry programs.
Preserve the functions of our church that work well
Become resource oriented so that individuals, local ministries and churches can contribute to each other
Develop appropriate ministries in various geographical areas
Develop accountability to implement decisions that have been made
Offer education training for all members
Parallel the ministry direction of the local congregations
Affirm and support the need to maintain and expand ministry to the communities within which we live
Initiate meetings with a time of worship/prayer, sharing and reflection among the people at Classis such as the elders and possibly deacons

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II. THE CONVENING OF CLASSIS

A. Classis Toronto shall convene in regular sessions three times annually. Ordinarily these meetings shall occur on the third Thursday in January, May and September.

Special sessions of Classis may be held upon the decision of the preceding regular session of Classis, or upon the call of the *Classis Ministry Committee (CMC)*, ~~(Classical Interim Committee)~~ or when at least five councils request a special session.

B. Classis shall be constituted and function according to the Church Order of the Christian Reformed Church.

C. Further specifics for the regular sessions of Classis shall be decided upon at the session of Classis preceding the one for which these specifics shall be relevant.

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III. MEETINGS OF CLASSIS

A. At each meeting there will be a Ministry Equipping Session organized by the Ministry Coordinator.

B. The chairperson may declare Classis constituted when delegates from two-thirds of the churches are present with proper credentials.

C. All the sessions of Classis shall be open to the public, unless Classis decides to meet in executive session. Executive sessions shall include only office bearers, the stated clerk, the alternate stated clerk, members of the *Classis Ministry Committee* ~~Classical Interim Committee~~, and others given special permission. The minutes of such sessions shall be kept in a separate book and not made public.

D. When requested, expenses incurred in connection with the sessions of Classis shall be paid by the classical treasurer according to the rules in section VI.

E. The host church shall provide lodging when requested.

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IV. OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES:

A. Chairperson:

1. The chairperson shall serve for all the meetings of Classis that take place within one year. Ordinarily the position changes to the vice-chairperson on May 31, therefore ordinarily the September meeting of Classis is the first Classis meeting of this year.

2. The chairperson shall be the person who served as vice-chairperson at the meetings of classis in the previous year. Should this person be unable to serve someone else shall be elected by ballot. No one shall *ordinarily* serve as chairperson of the meetings of Classis for two consecutive years.

3. The chairperson shall call the meeting to order at the appointed time, and shall see to it that each session is properly opened and closed.

4. After opening prayer the chairperson shall call for the credentials, read the roll, and declare Classis constituted if delegates from two thirds of the churches are present.

5. The chairperson shall preside over meetings of Classis according to the rules of order.

6. After declaring Classis constituted the chairperson shall briefly explain the significance of the form of subscription and see that it is *verbally affirmed by all delegates present.* ~~signed by the first time delegates.~~

7. The chairperson shall see to it that guests of Classis are welcomed.

8. In case the chairperson feels compelled to speak on a pending question, he/she shall relinquish the chair to the vice-chair while so doing.

9. The chair shall have the prerogative of declaring a motion or person out of order. In case this ruling is disputed, Classis, under the guidance of the vice chair, shall sustain or reject the ruling by majority vote.

10. In case Classis decides that it would be well served by appointing a committee of advice that would report back the same day, and in case the motion to have such a committee did not stipulate who would be the members of that committee, the chairperson shall appoint its members with the advice of the vice-chair and the clerk.

11. When a vote is a tie the chairperson may cast the deciding vote if he/she has not already voted.

12. The chair shall rule on points of order. This ruling may be reversed by a majority of Classis if any member is dissatisfied with the ruling of the chair and appeals to the floor.

13. In the case of his/her inability or incapacity to act, the vice-chairman shall assume all duties and privileges of the chair. If the chairperson is not able to serve for the rest of the day classis may appoint a new vice-chair.

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B. Vice-Chairperson:

1. The vice-chairperson shall serve for all the meetings of Classis that take place within one year. Ordinarily this year will begin with the September meeting of Classis.

2. The vice-chairperson shall be elected by ballot at the May meeting prior to the year in which he/she serves. Anyone serving as chairperson of the meetings for one year is ineligible to serve as vice-chairperson the following year.

3. If the vice-chairperson is unable to attend, Classis may elect a new vice-chair for the current session.

4. In the absence of the chairperson the vice-chair shall assume all the duties and privileges of the chair.

5. The vice-chair shall render all possible assistance to the chair as circumstances may require.

C. Past-Chair:

1. The past-chair shall serve on the *Classis Ministry Committee and its Executive* ~~CIC~~ for one year after their term as Chairperson is over.

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D. Stated Clerk:

1. The stated clerk shall be chosen for a term of three years at a January session of Classis.

2. The stated clerk shall

a. record the proceedings of Classis and distribute the transcribed minutes to all councils.

(1) These minutes shall contain:

(a) The names of the congregations and their delegates.

(b) All main motions whether carried or lost; all secondary motions which carry, all appeals whether sustained or lost.

(c) Any document or part of a debate or address which Classis may order inserted.

(2) They shall not contain:

(a) Any rejected motion unless it is a main motion.

(b) Any motion that is withdrawn.

b. conduct all correspondence for Classis between its sessions.

c. keep the files and be the custodian of the official seal.

d. draw up the agenda for the session of Classis in consultation with the *Classis Ministry Committee* ~~Classical Interim Committee~~. He/she shall distribute it (together with copies of reports, overtures and appeals) to the councils at least four weeks before the session of Classis.

e. see to it that synodical deputies from neighbouring Classis are invited to meetings at which their presence is required.

f. serve as an ex-officio member of the *Classis Ministry Committee and its Executive* ~~Classical Interim Committee~~.

g. be available to serve the churches and the committees of classis with information about the functions of Classis and its committees.

3. The stated clerk shall receive suitable remuneration as Classis shall annually decide, and be paid for all expenses.

4. The alternate stated clerk shall serve in the absence of the Stated Clerk and shall also receive the minutes of the *Classis Ministry Committee* ~~CIC~~ and have permission to attend *Classis Ministry Committee* ~~CIC~~ meetings in an ex-officio capacity.

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E. Alternate Stated Clerk

1. The Alternate Stated Clerk shall be chosen for a term of three years at a January session of Classis.

2. The Alternate Stated Clerk will serve as a voting member of the *Classis Ministry Committee* ~~CIC~~ for no longer than six years (two terms).

3. The Alternate Stated Clerk shall serve in the absence of the Stated Clerk.

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F. The Treasurer:

1. The treasurer and his/her alternate shall be appointed for terms of three years. This appointment shall be held at a September session with the term of office beginning on January 1 of the following year or as applicable.

2. The treasurer shall:

a. safeguard the funds of Classis by depositing them regularly in a Bank approved by Classis.

b. keep an accurate record and issue receipts for all moneys received.

c. disburse funds to the causes for which they were received at least once every three months.

d. pay expenses incurred by the committees, officers or delegates of Classis upon approval by the committees or *Classis Ministry Committee* ~~CIC~~ and according to the guidelines outlined in section VI.

e. present a statement of receipts and disbursements at every meeting of Classis and and a printed annual report at the January meeting distributed in sufficient number for all council members.

f. provide an adequate surety bond if requested by Classis. Such provision, when made, shall be recorded in the minutes and paid for by Classis.

g. be ready to give an account of the finances of Classis at any time the *Classis Ministry Committee* ~~Classical Interim Committee~~ may request it.

h. the treasurer is responsible to collect funds from delinquent loans from the Student Fund with advice from the Student Fund Committee.

3. The treasurer shall have the privilege of the floor in all matters pertaining to the finances of Classis.

4. He/she shall receive suitable remuneration for his/her work, as Classis shall annually decide, and be paid for all expenses.

5. Cheques from churches to Classis shall be made payable to "Classis Toronto of the Christian Reformed Church".

6. In the case of the treasure's inability to function, the alternate treasurer shall assume the duties of the treasurer, but only after the financial records have been audited.

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V. CLASSIS STAFF

A. Ministry Coordinator

1. Purpose Statement: To meet the needs of the congregations of Classis Toronto for resources and coordination of the activities in their local and classical ministries. To facilitate the sharing of resources and ideas in order to better equip and disciple the members of these congregations for the various areas of ministry.

*2. Job Description

a. Identify ministry resource needs among the churches of classis and link resources to them.

(1) The Ministry Coordinator works intentionally with the local churches in Classis Toronto

(2) The Ministry Coordinator engages congregations in conversation about what their ministry needs and resources are

(3) The Ministry Coordinator organizes regional training sessions on key areas that would be of benefit to the congregations

(4) The Ministry Coordinator works intentionally with the Committees of Classis to identify needs among the churches and link resources to them.

(5) The Ministry Coordinator serves as a broker in order to work together in a collaborative way with denominational, classical and local resources to provide services to the congregations

(6) The Ministry Coordinator serves as the Prayer Coordinator for Classis Toronto.

(7) The Ministry Coordinator plans and facilitates the equipping for ministry sessions at Classis meetings

b. Work as staff person to the CMC to empower it for its ministry with classis and the churches

(1) Participate in visioning, goal-setting and long-range planning with the Standing Committees of Classis.

(2) Organize and convene annual planning day for the CMC

(3) Coordinate with committees to complete their tasks and keep committees accountable for continued implementation of their goals.

(4) Help coordinate and streamline ministries to encourage the most effective use of time and volunteers and to prevent over-programming.

(5) Ensure communication of the committees with the churches of Classis Toronto (via the website and Newsletter).

(6) Organize various ministry events with leadership.

(7) Organize resources available to congregations (via the website)

(8) The Ministry Coordinator has mutual communication with the Stated Clerk and the Chair of Classis for the purpose of the coordination of classis meetings and other events.

(9) With the help of CMC executive, develops and distributes CMC agendas and minutes.*

2. Job Description

~~a. Duties:~~

~~(1) The Ministry Coordinator works intentionally with the local churches in Classis Toronto~~

~~(2) The Ministry Coordinator engages congregations in conversation about what their ministry needs and resources are~~

~~(3) The Ministry Coordinator identifies needs and links available resources to them~~

(4) The Ministry Coordinator serves as a broker in order to work together in a collaborative way with denominational, classical and local resources to provide services to the congregations

~~(5) The Ministry Coordinator organizes regional training sessions on key areas that would be of benefit to the congregations~~

(6) The Ministry Coordinator helps create and maintain a website and other channels that would connect congregations to each other and other agencies/ministries, list available resources, contact links and information

~~(7) The Ministry Coordinator provides services and links among standing committees of classis for the purpose of coordination of ministries~~

~~(8) The Ministry Coordinator plans and facilitates the equipping for ministry sessions at Classis meetings~~

~~(9) The Ministry Coordinator has mutual communication with the Stated Clerk for the purpose of the coordination of classis meetings~~

3. Qualifications:

a. The Ministry Coordinator is someone who has passion for empowering the church

b. The Ministry Coordinator is someone who is a self starter and able to work within a flexible schedule

c. The Ministry Coordinator is someone who has organizational skills for setting up workshops

d. The Ministry Coordinator is someone who has networking skills for resource coordination

e. The Ministry Coordinator is someone who has the ability to communicate effectively with congregations, Classis and other ministry partners

f. The Ministry Coordinator is someone who has computer skills in web site management as well as word processing and desk top publishing

g. The Ministry Coordinator is someone who is a member of the CRC

*4. Accountability: This position is accountable to the Classis Ministry Committee Executive through attendance at all the meetings and meeting every month with a member of the executive. The Ministry Coordinator reports to each meeting of Classis Toronto with a written report and oral clarification on the floor of classis. Evaluation happens annually in the spring by the Classis Ministry Committee Executive.*

c. Accountability: This position is accountable to Classis Interim Committee through attendance at all the meetings. The Ministry Coordinator reports to each meeting of Classis Toronto with a written report and oral clarification on the floor of classis. Evaluation happens annually in the spring by the CIC.

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~~B. Chaplain for the Toronto Hospital Ministry~~

1. The chaplain's responsible for ministering, in Christ's name, to those patients who reside outside the Greater Toronto Area but are hospitalized in the city hospitals. Often the patient's family members will be included in the ministry.

~~2. The mandate of the chaplain is:~~

a. To minister to patients with membership in the CRC who reside outside of the GTA; to minister to patients with membership in the CRC who reside inside the GTA but whose church is without a pastor, and to patients with membership in the CRC whose pastors are unable to make as many visits as the situation warrants.

~~b. To minister to any patient (including non CRC members) who indicate a desire for a visit.~~

c. To be available, as frequently as time permits, to lead worship services in those hospitals and nursing homes that hold Sunday services.

d. To personally, or by referral to relevant pastors, follow up those patients who after discharge require ongoing pastoral care.

~~e. To invite Toronto CRC's to provide additional ministry to patients whenever needed.~~

3. The Willowdale CRC will supervise the personal life and conduct of the chaplain according to procedures outlined by the Denominational Chaplaincy Committee.

~~4. The chaplain will attend a consistory meeting at Willowdale CRC annually to report on his/her work.~~

~~5. The chaplain will normally visit each meeting of Classis and report at the January Classis.~~

~~6. The chaplain will be required to attend quarterly with the THMC for support, supervision, reflection and response.~~

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C. University of Toronto Campus Chaplains

1. Position Description for Christian Reformed Campus Ministry in Toronto

The aim of the Campus Ministry is to educate and witness to the reign of Jesus Christ. The campus is an aggressively secular and academic population. Campus Ministry is to build a strong Christian community. The Minister serves as a resource person to foster the development of this community. The Campus Minister is to exemplify a life of faith and obedience to Christ and ministers in various organized group settings as well as to individuals. The primary focus of the work is to actively seek out and minister to students, grads and undergrads, with a special focus on those who are Christian Reformed. The Chaplain and volunteers are called to fulfill these aims by doing at least the following:

a. Request from the Christian Reformed Churches, a list of students and seek to contact and minister to all those whose names are submitted.

b. The Campus Minister will relate with the churches of Classis Toronto by means of preaching, speaking of the ministry, and by attending all meetings of classis.

c. Educate students and develop their faith through organized group Bible study and discussion of Christian worldview. To help develop the claims of Christ by applying them directly to their field of study or related issues.

d. Be available to students who wish to talk with a chaplain about personal stressors and/or their Christian faith by maintaining a visible profile, an accessible office, and ample office hours so students may readily have access to the chaplain. (The Campus committee has developed guidelines for Pastoral Care in Campus Ministry.)

e. Relate with faculty and university staff members, including those in university power structures. Serve on strategic campus committees as appropriate.

f. Assist with setting up conferences, workshops, lectures, and with the on-going ministries of Christian groups (i.e. Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship) by being an active participant and/or resource person.

g. Be available for teaching from a Christian perspective, through lectures and articles in the campus media.

h. Encourage and assist students to participate in their churches, and where feasible, assist in providing worship opportunities for students.

i. Develop communication with other chaplains on the campus, and with Christian Reformed chaplains on other campuses. Attend meetings of the ecumenical campus ministry chaplains on campus.

j. Provide resources (i.e. written and audio-visual) and encourage students to use them to further educate and stimulate intellectual growth to help build their growing knowledge and faith.

k. Assess and evaluate existing ministries as well as plan new opportunities for ministering. Be alert and flexible to changes on the campus and in the attitudes of the students.

l. Seek out and train volunteers for the Campus ministry. (Refer to specific objectives on how this may be undertaken.)

m. Report in writing and in person with the Campus Ministry Committee on all existing programs/interactions and provide information on new ideas or situations that occur on campus.

n. Report to Home Missions according to their schedule and report format.

2. Common Tasks for the Chaplains of the University of Toronto

a. Both Campus Ministers will be involved in pastoral care, educational tasks, leading bible studies and Christian worldview courses.

b. Both will relate to the churches of Classis Toronto

c. Both will be available to speak on campus and in churches.

d. Both will relate to Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship and participate in joint projects, conferences and the like. Both will be on the VCF staff team at U of T.

e. Both will relate to other chaplains, taking leadership in liasing with the U of T Campus Ministry Association.

f. Both will provide resources to students, especially in the area of the integrality of faith and learning.

g. Together with the CMC, they will assess and evaluate existing ministries and plan for future ministries.

3. Tasks Particular to the Half Time Chaplain:

a. General coordination of Graduate Christian Fellowship.

b. Set up and administer a web site for CRC campus ministries in Canada.

c. Take prime responsibility for communications.

d. Seek out and train volunteers.

4. Tasks Particular to the Full Time Chaplain

a. Faculty ministry.

b. Teaching ministry - courses, lectures, etc.

c. Publications ministry, including media contacts.

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D. York Ministry Chaplain Job Description

1. Preamble

The aim of the Campus Ministry is to educate and witness to the reign of Jesus Christ. In an aggressively secular and academic context, Campus Ministry seeks to build a strong Christian community of people who seek to serve Jesus in all of their lives. The campus minister serves as a resource person, pastor and teacher for the fostering of such community. Exemplifying a life of faith and obedience to Christ, the campus minister will seek out and minister to members of the York University community (undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff), including members of the Christian Reformed Church. The campus minister and volunteers are called to fulfill this aim by the following objectives:

2. Objectives

a. Seek out, through various means, students, faculty and staff who are members of the Christian Reformed Church.

b. Relate to the churches of Classis Toronto by means of preaching and speaking of the ministry.

c. Educate students and develop their faith through organized group bible study and discussion of the content and contemporary implications of a Christian worldview. This education is directed to whole-life discipleship but takes seriously the academic context of the ministry. Helping students to relate their faith creatively to their studies is central to this ministry.

d. Be available to students who wish to talk with a campus minister about personal stressors and/or their Christian faith by maintaining a visible profile on campus and easy access to the campus minister. If possible, the campus minister should have an office on campus.

e. Relate with faculty and university staff members, including those in the university power structure, and serve on strategic campus committees where appropriate.

f. Assist with setting up of conferences, workshops, lectures with the on-going Christian groups (especially, but not exclusively, Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship) by being an active participant and/or resource person.

g. Be available for teaching from a Christian perspective. This could include credit courses at the university, non-credit courses, guest lectures and articles in the campus press.

h. Encourage and assist students to participate in their churches and, where feasible, assist in providing worship opportunities for students.

i. Maintain good relations with other chaplains on campus and be a member of the Christian Reformed Campus Ministry Association.

j. Provide resources (written, audio-visual, digital) that stimulate a growing knowledge and faith.

k. Periodically assess and evaluate existing ministries as well as plan for new opportunities for ministry. Campus ministry must always remain alert and flexible to changes on campus in the attitudes of students and faculty.

l. To seek out and train volunteers for campus ministry.

m. Meet regularly with the York Campus Ministry Committee to report on all existing programs/interactions and provide information on new ideas or situations that occur on campus. The campus minister engages in this ministry in partnership with and subject to the supervision of the York Campus Ministry Committee.

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VI. RULES FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES INCURRED ON BEHALF OF CLASSIS

A. Rules for traveling expenses

1. Delegates to Classis and others acting officially on behalf of Classis who use public transportation may be paid the full amount of the fare.

2. Those using private transportation may be reimbursed for mileage at a rate to be determined annually by Classis.

3. those traveling over 400 kilometers one way may claim one meal per day.

4. People are expected to ride together whenever possible.

B. Rules for Meals: Those who provide meals for the delegates at meetings of Classis shall be given the full cost of the meals and extra remuneration for service rendered, at rates which Classis shall annually decide.

C. The janitor of the church hosting the general meeting of Classis may be given remuneration for his/her services at a rate which Classis shall annually decide.

D. Rules for Committees - Further expenses incurred by Classical Committees shall be remunerated according to the guidelines. ~~given in the mandate for that committee.~~

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VII. MATTERS LEGALLY BEFORE CLASSIS:

A. Classis shall transact only such matters, and in such manner, as is prescribed by the relevant articles of the Church Order

B. Definitions

1. Appeal: An appeal is a procedure by which a decision or action of an assembly, board, agency, or committee is brought to the appropriate assembly for review in the light of existing policies and standards of the church.

2. Communication: A communication is a document presenting information, ideas, thoughts opinions complaints or objections for consideration of the assemblies. A communication is distinguished from an overture in that an overture proposes a specific action, and a communication does not. One type of communication is a protest, which expresses a complaint or objection to a decision or course of action followed by an assembly. An assembly is not required to take any action with respect to a communication.

3. Overture: An overture is a formal written proposal sent to an assembly requesting adoption or amendment of a policy or other legislative action by the assembly.

4. Report: A report is a document from an individual appointed to a position by Classis; or from a board, committee, or agency of Classis indicating work performed in response to the mandates of Classis and presenting recommendations for Classis. A report may also be from a denominational agency informing Classis of some of its activities and concerns.

C. Following is a list of matters legally before Classis if they are submitted to the stated clerk *six* ~~five~~ weeks before the date set for the sessions of Classis. These items shall be distributed with the agenda for consideration by councils before the meeting of Classis.

1. Overtures and communications properly presented by councils within Classis.

2. Overtures and communications from members of congregations within Classis which were properly submitted to their council but not adopted by that council.

3. All gravamina submitted according to the procedures and guidelines of Synod 1976 (Acts of Synod 1976, pp. 68-70).

4. Reports from committees, church visitors and delegates to denominational and other boards appointed by Classis. The *Classis Ministry Committee* ~~Classical Interim Committee~~ may schedule such reports so that classical committees, ministries, and agencies would report only once per year. *The Classis Ministry Committee* ~~CIC~~ may also request that all reports be given in writing for distribution with the agenda for classis so that time on the floor of Classis can be devoted to specific proposals.

5. All other items which according to the Church Order are properly the business of Classis.

6. Reports from individuals engaged in specialized ministries within Classis from whom Classis requests reports.

D. The following is a list of other matters legally before Classis:

1. The printed agenda of Classis.

2. Progress reports of committees appointed by Classis and church visitor reports shall be acceptable to Classis.

3. Protests and Appeals pertaining to councils or committees of Classis, shall be acceptable, provided the council(s) or committee(s) concerned has (or have) received a complete copy of such a protest(s) or appeal(s) in sufficient time before the meeting of Classis to allow for a reply.

a. Protests and appeals shall also be submitted to the Stated Clerk *six* ~~five~~ weeks before Classis but in each case the *Classis Ministry Committee* ~~CIC~~ shall decide whether the related materials shall be distributed to the Churches.

b. The Classis shall decide on the legality of all protests and appeals before considering them.

c. If invoked the Judicial Code shall apply to the processing of appeals and written charges.

4. All matters which Classis decides by two-third majority vote shall be declared acceptable for consideration.

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VIII. SPECIAL FUNCTIONARIES OF CLASSIS:

A. Church Visitors:

1. Church visitor committees will consist of experienced office bearers, usually a minister and an elder from the same church.

2. The minister and an elder from each church are assigned to visit one congregation.

3. Churches are divided into three districts, more or less geographically.

4. Church visits are to be conducted annually.

5. Assignments are to be rotated every three years.

6. Church Visitors shall do their work in accordance with the Church Order.

7. Church Visitors shall send a copy of their report to the relevant council prior to the meeting of Classis at which the report will be presented.

8. A copy of the church visitor's report shall be filed with the stated clerk.

9. At the meeting of Classis the reporting visitor need not read the whole report but may choose to focus on the unique strengths and weaknesses present at that church.

10. If a visiting minister is serving in his/her first congregation an experienced minister must be asked to join this team on their visit. When the pastor has had three years of experience, this will no longer be required.

11. Churches asking for a special visit to deal with problems or to seek advice are to be visited by the minister and end elder of the church assigned to visit them. However the visiting team is required to recruit an additional minister from their district.

12. Where objectivity is a concern

a. Upon request of the church being visited the church visitor committee will recruit an additional minister from their district.

b. The church visitor committee may in certain situations, if they deem it necessary recruit an additional minister from their district.

13. When a congregation is vacant for more than a year the *Classis Ministry Committee* ~~CIC~~ will appoint a committee to visit the church assigned to the vacant church.

14. The *Classis Ministry Committee* ~~CIC~~ will appoint visitors to Cochrane CRC.

B. Delegates to Synod:

At its January session each year Classis shall appoint delegates to Synod in accordance with the Church Order. Alternates for each minister and elder shall be appointed at the same session. Ordinarily ordained ministers shall not serve as elder delegates to Synod.

C. Advisory Committees of Classis:

1. Committees appointed to render advice, whether for the present session of Classis, or for future sessions, shall adhere to the mandate which Classis must provide.

2. Appointments to committees which render advice to the present session of Classis shall ordinarily be made by the chairperson of Classis. Appointments to committees which serve a future session of Classis shall ordinarily be made by the *Classis Ministry Committee* ~~Classical Interim Committee.~~ Committees which are appointed by the *Classis Ministry Committee* ~~Interim Committee~~ shall be announced via the agenda so that members of classis may have opportunity to communicate with them before Classis meets.

3. When committees are appointed, one of the appointees shall be designated as convenor.

4. When committees meet for the first time they may appoint their own chairperson and reporter.

5. Professing members of the churches of Classis may appear before any committee to speak about matters referred to the committee by Classis.

6. Committee reports shall be signed by the chairperson and the reporter. In the event of a majority and a minority report, each report shall be signed by the members favouring it.

7. Recommendations by committees shall be considered as main motions and all the rules applicable to main motions shall apply to these recommendations.

8. Recommendations may be recommitted to committees whenever the work of Classis can thus be expedited.

9. The reporter and the chairperson of the committee shall have precedence over other speakers in defending their report.

10. A minority report may differ in every detail from the majority report or vary only in parts. The report of the majority shall be considered the report of the committee. After the committee's report has been presented, after its recommendations have been moved and seconded, the minority report shall be presented and received for information (see Acts of Synod 1955, Art.95).

11. In the case of committees appointed to give advice concerning an overture the recommendations of an overture shall have precedence if the recommendations of the advisory committee are radically different.

D. Exhorting Licentiates

1. Men or women who have made public profession of their faith, who are gifted, well informed, consecrated, and able to edify the churches may request Classis to grant them a license to exhort within the bounds of Classis. Such a request must have the endorsement of the council of the church where this person is a member.

2. At the time Classis considers such a request it shall also decide by motion whether or not there exists an urgent need for such services.

3. Before such license my be granted the candidate shall be examined by Classis in the following manner.

a. The candidate shall exhort at Classis for at least ten minutes from a passage chosen by the *Executive* ~~CIC~~. At least two weeks prior to Classis this sermon, along with two other sermons, one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament, shall be submitted to two sermon critics appointed by the *Executive* ~~CIC~~ who shall report at the examination.

b. After the exhortation and report of the critics has been heard at the meeting of Classis an examiner appointed by *Executive* ~~CIC~~ shall interview the candidate in matters faith, knowledge of scripture and reformed teaching, godly living, preparation of exhortations and worship.

c. After such an interview questions from the floor may be asked.

4. A license granted by Classis shall be valid for one year. A request for renewal must be submitted by the licentiate to the January meeting of Classis. Such a request must be accompanied by an endorsement from council and may be answered by Classis without further examination. Classis may also request reexamination.

5. Those granted a license shall be required to sign the form of subscription, unless they have signed it as a delegate to Classis at a previous meeting. (see minutes of Classis May 27, 1993)

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IX. STANDING COMMITTEES OF CLASSIS

*General Rules for Standing Committees unless otherwise stated.

1. Terms of Service

a. All Committee members are appointed and begin their term in January, after their election or appointment at the January meeting of Classis, except for the Classis Ministry Committee’s executive (whom are selected in the May meeting and begin their term in June) and the Finance Committee (whom are selected in the September meeting and begin their term in January).

b. All Committee members are appointed by Classis for three year terms. Members will serve no more than two consecutive terms.

c. Committees may make recommendations for new members to the Classis Nominating Committee by October 1 of each year so such that the Nominating Committee can prepare their list of nominees in time for publication in the agenda for the January Classis Meeting, with the new terms effective in February. For the Finance Committee, whose members begin their terms in September, names must be to the nominating committee by August 1 of each year.

d. Committees shall choose their own officers each year for one year terms.

2. Reporting

a. All committees must keep minutes of their meetings.

b. Each committee will report once per year except the Classis Ministry Committee which reports at every Classis Meeting

(1) University of Toronto, York University and Nominating Committees in January

(2) Home Missions, Youth, Diaconal and Race Relations Committees in May

(3) Historical, Candidacy, Safe Church Team and Finance Committee in September

c. If a Committee would like to report at an additional meeting, they should have their request and a written report to the CMC six weeks before the Classis Meeting.

d. Guidelines for Committee Reports at Classis Meetings:

(1) Written Reports:

(a) Written reports should be submitted to the Classis Ministry Committee six weeks before the Classis is scheduled to meet for inclusion in the agenda.

(b) Written reports should be no more than 250 words

i. What activities/programs/interests has your ministry or chaplain been involved in the last year?

ii. How have these items built on previous activities/programs/interests?

iii. How do these activities/programs/interests reflect your committee’s mandate and ministry foci?

iv. What other committees/churches/ outside groups have you been collaborating with over the last year? On which of the above mentioned activities/programs/interests?

v. Where are you planning on taking the ministry in the next year?

vi. What has worked well in your ministry in the last year? What needs improvement?