Shepherds Flock Together

OFFICIAL REPORT ON THE MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE OF THE REFORMED CHURCHES OF AUSTRALIA, HELD AT DANDENONG, VICTORIA, SEPTEMBER 2nd, 3rd AND 4th, 1958

Arent de Graaf, Trowel & Sword, October 1958

Preamble: Have you ever wondered what ministers do and talk about at ministers’ conferences. Wonder no more. Aren’t de Graaf give a very comprehensive account of the ministers’ conference held at Dandenong in 1958. Yes it’s long. Yes it is sometimes difficult to follow his Dutch influenced English. But the overall picture is of a group of men (and their wives) deeply concerned to Serve the Lord as best they can in the setting of their time and circumstances. Issues they wrestled with then are often the issues we still wrestle with today. Opinions are often divided, but always they seek to shepherd their flocks according to God’s will and in accordance with scripture. We urge you to take the time to read through the report, thereby giving you a greater appreciation for the men who dedicate their lives to serve as ministers of the Word in the Christian Reformed Churches (and all other churches whose sole purpose is to serve the Lord).

Shepherds Flock Together

Thanks to the Lord, the generosity of our Churches and the initiative of some of the ministers of our Churches, we were privileged to have a splendid ministers’ Conference in Dandenong.

To say that a minister in his Congregation is just a “lone wolf” would be doing injustice to our Churches and the Christian love which the minister and his wife may experience there.

And it is not because these “lone wolves” felt so “lonely”, that they came together so happily there in Victoria’s hospitable fold.

But a shepherd, who always has to lead the flock of Jesus Christ in obedience to the Chief Shepherd, feels sometimes the need of being led himself, of flocking together with the sheep, without being looked at as “the dominee”. A preacher who always has to bring the Word, can yearn for an occasion to quietly sit down and listen to someone of his brethren teaching him. For him who has to give always, it is a mighty experience, now to receive.

And then: the work of a minister is a special one. In that respect he indeed is a sort of “lone wolf”, that he has to be careful in having special friends in his congregation whom he has contact with as with equals; because the whole congregation my claim him as her minister, he has to give his love to all, if possible alike. Now that last thing is nearly impossible, and it is a reason for much fight and self-restraint of the minister. He is “the dominee” to all, and he should be, too. This special position of the minister, too, makes it necessary, that he from time to time meets his colleagues in this work, for there he can drop that restraint for a moment, and so get new strength for the work among the brothers and sisters who wait for his love and attention.

Then there is the aspect of study: a thing which we as migrant ministers do far and far too little, Those articles of professor Runia in “Trowel and Sword” mentioning books which MUST be read, create a feeling of frustrated guilt in many a manse, where the minister now and then gets some rest between long times in the car and among his people. It is good, to be refreshed in the study of theology which we once started but have so much trouble with to keep up, and this, too, was one of the great blessings of our Conference.

At last: there are the many problems of our congregational and ecclesiastical life, the problems of our own churches, like catechism, preaching, things as union membership and evangelism calling. There also were the issues facing us all as churches together: our College, the Billy Graham Campaign, the issue of literature about what we mean and teach, and our paper: “Trowel and Sword”.  We felt that we could help the Churches, by discussing these things, listening to what others experienced and thought about them, and, so enriched, to come back to our own Churches. From beginning to end we held sharply in view, that we were not together as some sort of synod, making DECISIONS on behalf of the Churches. If there were decisions made, it only was about things we as MINISTERS, PRIVATELY were to do, and for the rest we listened and discussed, and so equipped ourselves the better to help our own Churches.

And I do trust indeed, that the Churches will not regret, that they together gave so generous help to make this Conference possible. It was a great thing for our brothers who never meet colleagues, like our Perth pastor, Peter VanderSchaaf, our Brisbane shepherd Jur Westera and our South Australian bishop: John VanWageningen. As it was for our Tasmanian brothers to smell the clear crisp Mainland air again!

Those present:  Apart from the fifteen ministers of our Churches, there were the three professors, professor Barkley as a minister of a sister Church in full Communion being granted full rights and say in our midst. It was indeed a great privilege and help, to have this wise Principal of our College with us. Then also we had as a guest: the Rev Wilkinson, minister of a Presbyterian Church somewhere in Victoria, who was not just a guest, but became a friend to us all. And then there was the bright company of many a minister’s wife. If I counted well, there were eleven minister’s wives and three professor’s wives at the conference! These helpmeets needed also to be strengthened, and I am sure they were. 

Special mention I may make of Mrs.VanderScheef, who with her husband travelled the Great Australian desert in a utility truck of one of their parishioners(!). Anyone who would see Mrs. VanderSchaaf would not believe that she is such a tough one! Good on you! And then there was mother VanWageningen also, who had been able to break away for a moment from her big family, just to find herself in a bigger one yet! For that was the feeling we had! A family, where not the brothers always had the same opinion. (Such a family must yet be found on earth, and – honestly – wouldn’t it be a terrible bore? ) – but where there was love, “the tie that binds”.

A New Union:  After the opening by our hard-working ( and -running!) host, Rev . DenBrave, the first item on our agenda was a typical Aussie one: We established a Union. A ministers’ association, not in the first place meant to fight for higher wages or less working hours, but to regularise and organise our contact, so that in the future things like this conference would be in the hands of a set organisation. This Association also shall have to endeavour some regular contact among the ministers, as Rev. VanBrussel in his quarterly pamphlet already started doing. Rev .VanderBom became president of this Association, the Rev. VanGroningen ( just here, you know! Veni, vidi, vici!) became secretary, and already at the Conference he proved a marvellous (and funny!) organiser. The Rev. VanWageningen became the man for the “dough”.

The Discussions: When I then now come to a report on the discussions held, I will stick to the order in which they were scheduled on the programme.  Actually during the Conference the subjects sometimes changed places with one another, due to time and other circumstances, but to report it in this way might be not so clear to read. The programme, as all our consistories have seen, was a very loaded one and we did not get all subjects done. Though I must say that only a few were left over: it might be a marvel for many that ministers can be short and business-like in their discussions. I myself did not believe that before this conference! (Nor was he at the conference, Editor!).

Pastoral Problems. a) The Preaching: Many of you, of course, have read that letter sent by “an elder” to the organisers of this Conference, complaining that there is so little vision, so little clear message in the preaching in our Churches, as it appears in “The Word of Salvation” our sermon series. Though there was another letter also, where another elder protested against that first one contending that there was blessing for him in listening and reading to our ministers’ sermons, we still felt that not only the “scripturalness”, but also the vision in proclaiming the full, many coloured wisdom and full counsel of God’s vision in our preaching must be a matter of earnest prayer and deep concern to us. We felt how necessary it is for us to have many hours for silent study, and… how difficult it is in our migrant Churches to get them. There are big areas to be covered, and a minister’s help often is required for things which in other circumstances a minister would not have to touch. Here our Churches can help, to allow their pastors more time for study: a real thing for the Consistories to watch! Besides it was rightly remarked that WRITTEN sermons are not so pointed as the ones really held for a congregation, where is preached according to the needs of a particular congregation. That is the inevitable drawback of written sermons, how good a service “The Word of Salvation” nevertheless may do to our Churches. 

Pastoral Problems. b). Elder Training: A fine paper was read to us about training of elders. How necessary is it, that those who supervise the flock thoroughly know the Truth themselves! It was stressed that every elder (like his minister!) should have his daily devotions, reading the Bible, and praying, never neglected! Furthermore it was stressed that the elders READ much, also about their own work.

Rev. VanBrussel gave some titles of fine Dutch books which every elder should read. (HOW ABOUT NEXT SANTA CLAUS, brothers?) (sic). Here they are:

G. Brillenburg Wurth: “Christelijke zielszorg in het licht van de moderne psychologie”

Dr. K. Sietsma: “De Ambtsgedachte”; 

Dr. K. Dijk: Handboek voor de Ouderling”; 

Dr. P. Prins; “Ouderling en dominee”,

W.A. Wiersinge: “Weid mijn schapen” and “Waakt over Mijn huis!”

Then it is very much worth reading what Calvin wrote on eldership in his Institutes, book 111, chapters 3 and 12. Which of our Australian or American friends is willing to put a list of ENGLISH books for elders about their work in this paper?

Very interestedly we listened to Prof. Barkley when he told that in his (Reformed Presbyterian) Church, where elders are chosen for a lifetime and not just for three or four years, these brethren before deciding on the call receive instruction, and also after accepting it, all this instruction amounting to some six months before their ordination! The N.S.W. Classis started conferences for deacons and for elders, and this, too is a very sound and necessary thing, just as is time taken for study of Scripture principles during Consistory meetings. They must NOT just be “business meetings”!

Pastoral Problems. c). Two Services A Sunday? Now you, reader, might be puzzled by that question mark behind this point: Is not two services a Sunday a MUST for good church life? Aren’t we worried too much about the “oncers”, the folks who just find the minimum of one time per Sunday enough, and who let their Saviour call for that second time and stay home, or… enjoy just a ride to the beach? Do not be worried too much: these things were not disputed, not among the ministers, anyway. That the Lord’ s Day be HALLOWED unto God more than just by one service, where possible, was seen as a matter of course.

But there are the congregations spread over such distances, that again and again the second service is tried but proves impossible. Like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth. What can be done there to substitute the desired second service for some thing as good as that, and… possible?

There was the suggestion of elders conducting Bible Study groups! A good suggestion, too, since these elders then indeed also can give leadership in the study of God’s Word, and… since then also the members of the Church, otherwise always silent and seemingly passive, can stand up and say something themselves. It was felt that this was a positive step into the direction of New Testament Worship, commendable even for those churches where now the second service is custom.

However, there were also the objections seen: Is there on such a study group the official proclamation of the Word of God in His Name to His Church? Is there not the great possibility of everyone voicing his particular (sometimes perhaps heretic) ideas without immediate check? And, how valuable this work together may be (the Bible clubs are doing a splendid job in the Churches) may it come in the place of the public worship, where the Church – actively because applying it to their souls and lives…! – listens to the Word preached by the appointed and ordained preacher? (sic).

Pastoral Problems. d) Catechism Literature. How to conduct our Catechism Classes, is always to ministers, consistories and parents, a sticky problem! It is education, a school, it has to have a line in it, it ought to be scriptural, with the Bible as its main basis and contents, it ought to prepare the child of the Covenant for acceptance of the promises of God and a life of salvation and service, but we start off usually already with the young ones not liking it at all and an urgent need for good material is one of the elements contributing to some confusion in this field.

There is LACK of good material for the youngest group (6-11) and the oldest (teenage) section, while for the ones between 12 and 16 there are stacks of good literature, Rev. VanGroningen in his lecture mentioned some names and showed some good stuff, and I may mention here:

For ages 6-11: Van Der Veer: Bible Lessons for Juniors” ( 4 volumes, edited by Baker, Grand Rapids); 

D.H. Walters: Our Junior Bible Course”, 2 vols. with work sheets to be torn out and handed in to teacher;

 Bible History. Edited by Zondervan, Grand Rapids.

For ages 12-16: Walters: Compendium of Christian Doctrine, same work book system as the Junior Bible course, a very good course, also edited by Zondervan.

For the older ones there is the good booklet of Prof.Schep: “Catechisatie boek for the Reformed Churches of Australia”, of which it was stressed strongly at the Conference that a good and simple-worded English translation be made as soon as possible.

We are struggling with the teenagers especially with a language problem, whereas they live on the “border-line” that much, as not to understand “big” words in Dutch, nor in English. There is for them, or for after-Confession classes, a very good series of work books on the WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM, by Dorothy Packington, to be ordered with the ‘Orthodox Presbyterian Committee on Christian Education, c/- Mr. Robley J. Johnston, 728 Sohaff Building, 1505 Race St., Philadelphia 2., Pa., U.S.A.

For use with Dutch speaking people who just come from “outside”, it was suggested to obtain “Het Wondere Twalftal”, issued by the BijbelKioskVereniging” on the Apostles’ Creed. Still Landwehr’s booklets on the Compendium were serving well, a lot depending for all this material on the teacher.

This subject was the last one of Pastoral Problems discussed, regretfully I may say that the subject Sunday Labour was not touched because of lack of time.

On Tuesday Afternoon we discussed our Evangelistic Task in Australia and our impact on the English speaking world.

Our task in Australia. a. Co-operation with other Churches. In this subject, like also in the following about Billy Graham, the opinions differed strongly. There were among us, (those) who felt that we had to join all those functions with other Churches, as ministers’ fraternals (sic), work in the schools, evangelistic campaigns etc., as could be done without losing our identity. They saw in these things a possibility of showing who we are, and also meeting the brothers who also loved the Lord Jesus.

Others however were strongly convinced, that just that very identity of our Churches was greatly endangered where we mixed with others. They felt that this would give to many, inside our Churches and out, the idea of indifferentism and relativism: “It’s all the some, if only Jesus is preached….”

At last we left this discussion after the words of one very wise among us: who said that the crucial question to be put always is: “What think ye of Christ?”  Co-operation will PROVE to be impossible where the Christ of the Scriptures is denied!

Just there, however, our testimony is so badly wanted! Very great caution is needed in this whole field of ministers’ fraternals, councils of Churches etc., that the Name of our Lord and Saviour is not dishonoured.

Our task in Australia. b. Billy Graham Campaign. On entering this subject, we embarked on one of the most passionate and moved discussions of the whole conference. The same difference of opinion, though brought forward in the bond of love really, was shown here as regarding the above item. Only: when the question: “What think ye of Christ” was to be applied to Billy Graham, who is to come to Australia next year, it is difficult to find a negative answer with him: He preaches “Christ and Him crucified!”

Rev. VanGroningen, presenting his paper on the subject, gave the arguments pro and contra co-operation of our Churches in the Crusade. 

Pro were, a.o.: so many non-christians come back to Jesus, we can USE the work Dr Graham is doing, and as Churches also get part of the harvest; Dr Graham teaches the orthodox, historic faith, he works with modernists, but does not compromise with them; there we can identify ourselves with that faith; he makes the churches evangelistic-minded, and we need that! He makes us ecumenically-minded: that we work with others for salvation of souls: there at last is an evangelistic campaign which also reaches the hardened and indifferent ones we so difficultly can get in touch with; these helping in the campaign as choir members, ushers, counsellors etc. get so blessed!

Against were, a.o.: It is superficial: there is a moment’s stir, but after a year nothing proves to have stood, It incites church members to start unholy criticism on their own churches’ life; the “Graham Group” is much more loving, much more Christian, much more “to taste”… Therefore good servants of the Church, and the good doctrinal standards of the Church and the Church worship are criticised: “more hip hip hurray hymns” are wanted (quote!). The Doctrine of the VISIBLE and ORGANISED CHURCH as agent for evangelism (to lead converts not half-way but right through to full communion under the Divine Offices), is jeopardised, It is an extra-ecclesiastical movement, of which we already had too many up here. God’s truth suffered, there is a one-sided, man-centred, arminianistic presentation of the Gospel: “If a man will not, he shall not be saved…’

As you can understand, readers, we touched here on the difficult relationship between the doctrine of Election and Divine Sovereignty as “over against” human responsibility. For of course that responsibility is there; and not every one teaching: “Accept what God offers, Accept Jesus now still it is time!” is of necessity an arminian. 0 how we felt the grief of the broken Church! Are we not fighting against God, are we not denying the work of the Spirit, if standing aloof now in such a massive way the Crucified Christ is presented to a sinful world? That’s what was asked on one side.

Whereupon the counter-Question arose: May we in any case give the opinion that we are on the same level with so many other bodies co-operating with Dr Graham, which deny the faith once delivered to the Saints and – as for instance Dr Graham himself does as a Baptist so much differ on the point of the Covenant of Grace and the Sacramnts? There were the ones saying: “if there is doubt: abstain! as runs the old Roman saying. Others however answered: “the spiritual laziness stays home wherever there are dangers and lions on the road” as said Solomon. 

And it was after all again a very wise man, who said: “Whatever we do, there are only two possibilities:

IN CASE WE DO NOT CO-OPERATE IN THE CAMPAIGN: we shall have to clearly EXPLAIN TO OUR OWN MEMBERS WHY, and we shall have to do this to the CRUSADE people as well.

IN CASE WE CO-OPERATE: there also will be this double necessity: tell our own people WHERE THE DANGERS ARE, and tell the Crusade people what our reserves must be.

At that point, we had to leave it…. for the time being.

Our task in Australia. c. The Back To God Hour. Gone was now the clash of opinions, gone the tension of “What to do?” and a tone of deep gratitude came to prevail. Rev. Bouma reported how the “Back to God Hour” got started in Australia, via personal gifts from America, via assistance of the (Christian Reformed) Back to God Hour Association in America to such an Association now working here. At the moment this weekly half-hour programme of really REFORMED Evangelism is on 2 BS in N.S.W., 3 CV in Victoria and on two stations in Perth.

Rev. VanderSchaaf could no more speak English when trying to express his feelings when the Reformed Faith thus came on the air in W.A., where that Reformed Church lives so much isolated! He would have liked most to voice his thankful feelings in Frisian, his mother tongue! We all were glad and agreed, when he said, that this programme gives the ideal combination of “preserving” and “increasing” the Church: for the Church members in Western Australia this programme is now a fixed item on their own Sunday, since they have no second service it is double good for them! And it also brings out to those around us what we teach, what GOD says! Congregation members asked after hearing it to support this work with £l gave it readily, right away, and the Harvey Methodist minister, after having heard it once, started announcing the “Back to God Hour” from his own pulpit!

Very greatly our evangelistic task would be enhanced by getting this programme on many, many broadcast stations and setting up a good follow up work for those who via this programme came into contact with us wanting to know more. For all congregations here there are from Rev. Bouma the “Back to God Hour” Television Films available, if they want to show them to their own folk or others. They are on The Ten Commandments” and on “The Lord’s Prayer”.

Our task in Australia: Our ministers teaching on public schools. Some of our ministers teach in Australian schools, not only to their own children, but also to others. Now the possibilities to do this scripturally, and thus indeed to evangelise in the State Schools, differ from state to state. There are states like Victoria, binding the minister to a setup syllabus against which, because of the compromising spirit in which it may be set up, there are objections. In states like N.S.W. the minister is left free, and there a good chance of evangelism pops up. However: a great deal of the precious time of the minister is eaten away, and for our own children there is but one satisfactory solution: the CHRISTIAN SCHOOL. With great interest we learned about Geelong’s plans for a SATURDAY MORNING school, to begin with, so that in the long period of waiting for a possible Christian School at least some thing be done.

Our task in Australia: Trade Union Problems. The stand taken by those brothers of the Free Reformed Churches in Western Australia refusing to join the union even to the extent of sacrificing their job proved to be a challenge to us all: WHAT DOES THE LORD WANT US TO DO? Our last Synod still left open membership: we do not live in Holland: what there may be called “Doorbraak” (the Disruption) is not just that over here, since there, some christians wilfully BROKE THROUGH the existing Christian parties and organisations to join neutral ones. But here there were no christian political and labour organisations at all: may we now stay away losing the possibility of testifying?

Rightly however the Free Reformed Churches may blame us, if we just do or say NOTHING, It is easy to say: those, going out get into the ark, leaving the rest for the flood”, but do our members WITHIN THE UNIONS testify ? If they do not do so, pending further study and advice from Synod, if they do not GO to those MEETINGS and get to their feet to SAY what the Lord wants, then we have no right to say anything but are guilty ourselves. Sunday after Sunday our people shall have to be brought to the realisation that being within a body like a Union they HAVE TO testify of the claims of King Jesus. And go out if that is not possible.

Our Task in Australia: Political responsibility. Many of our members now are about to naturalise as Australian Citizens. However: the Question arises: what then? There are two utterly materialistic parties, and to vote one of them to many is impossible, while to vote blank means because of the electoral system applied here: to help the bigger one. Asked his opinion about this matter, our brother Rev. Barkley, grown up in this world himself, told that in his Church there was, in Britain as well as over here, the use of the right of DISSENT, by which people having conscientious objections against voting an anti-Christian system could be EXEMPTED from voting altogether, so then not even a blank vote is used. While the Christian Political Party is not yet there, and while the electoral system still is as it is now, this might be the best way. Accepting the citizenship itself, however, was recommended, because that gives the migrant more right to voice his opinion, and makes him officially eligible to be heard, too.

Evangelism methods.  On Tuesday evening we then saw film strips produced on Evangelism work with a lecture on Evangelism by Rev. John Heenan, first graduate from our College and now minister of Evangelism in Blacktown, N.S.W. Strong emphasis was laid on the VISIBLE, LOCAL Church as the best agency for evangelism, and we were shown how with “Guest services” “Counsellors”, Nursery Bible Classes” for the newly converted, “Training Courses” and “Commission as evangelistic workers” there is a line drawn from convert to worker in God’s Vineyard oneself. And indeed, how shall we get our CHURCHES active?

We thought of our YOUNG PEOPLE making profession of faith, and it was felt as a deficit, that after that big step.., nothing was happening! It was thought a good suggestion, made by one of’ us, that to every young person making profession a list was to be presented of “jobs” to be done in his local Church, to SHOW the changed life now in actions, to get cracking! Evangelism was not to be at the bottom of such a list! If we shall become an Evangelistic Church, we better start at the beginning: with those persons, who willingly and consciously profess the Lord Jesus themselves!

It is fine that in New South Wales now a training class for Evangelism has started! White (sic) are the fields, harvesters are so needed! We heard from our American friends about the blessed work of the Reformed Bible Institute, sending lay workers out, well equipped for this work by a good doctrinal AND practical course! We might as well think and pray about getting such a thing here as well!

Back to school again:  On Wednesday we travelled to Geelong in the morning, yea even on Tuesday some of us already had moved to this “Centre of Reformed Theology”.  And there saw that Wednesday the ministry of our Churches back again into the lecture room.

We had been gazing wonderingly at that neat house with its sign: “Association for Higher Education on Calvinistic Basis…- Reformed Theological College”, and on entering we had marvelled at the finely furnished house and the full racks of books in the growing Library. The Official board of notices reminding of “ad valvas” in the Free University buildings, and many a minister’s memory flashed back to that time that he himself was preparing for the Ministry as a student.

After that fine opening devotion by Prof. Schep on “I am the good Shepherd” we received a lecture by Prof. Runia on “Contemporary Theology in the English Speaking World” in the morning and by Prof. Barkley on “Old Testament Study Developments of the Later Years” in the afternoon. Both Professors promised to make these lectures available in print or stencil to the ministers, for they are worth while having and worth while referring to, especially because they give a lot of literature worth to be read. There again was that frustrated feeling a bit with many of us: where to get the time from, to get “up to date” again in theology, which is called the Queen of Studies, and rightly so?

Prof Runia’s Lecture:  Professor Runia in his lecture pointed out that there is some sort of a gulf between theology over here in the English speaking world and that on the Continent. Not only is the English mind not so prone to systematic theology as for instance the theory-loving Germans are, so that exegesis and biblical theology are more developed here but also the English mind is traditional, and not changing its positions that quick, and more over it is always trying to be comprehensive and trying to reconcile the opposite ideas rather than to take a clear-cut position. Therefore modernism has not shown itself here as radical as in Germany, but at the same time this was the reason, that this more moderate modernism still was fully alive in the beginning of our century, and still it is in many circles to-day. Modernism has been greatly popularised in the English speaking world, and every Tom, Dick and Harry has been made used to its language, as the evolution theory also has shown.

The influence of theologians like Karl Barth, who slew his ten thousands in Europe, is trickling into the English speaking world more and more now, however, his works are being translated and in men like Reinhold Niebuhr the “dialectic Theology” is having its own, more or less independent representatives in that sphere. The world wars also have done their share in piercing holes into the self-contained and self-confident deistic world view of anglo-saxon modernism. Also in the English speaking world the dialectic Theology has created renewed interest in Systematic Theology, though emphasis on the Church-historical side still is a typical feature. New interest in the Reformers is rising.

In view of all these developments it is to be regarded as a great pity, that the evangelical Reformed theology yields so little high-standard fruits. Main reason for this is, that most colleges are in modernistic or “dialectic” hands. Further in those colleges left to us many of the staff lack originality, while the stress by evangelicals in their work is laid not on theological study, but on evangelism and youth work. Calvinism surely is not dead (did not in 1929 the magazine “Evangelical Quarterly” come to life and was not the InterVarsity Fellowship brought into being which issues so many good books?). Still most literature published from our side is more popular than scientific, and the future prospects, in view of so many a splendid mind at work in the other camp, look rather dim. Here also it may be said, yea prayed: “Lord of harvest, send out reapers!”

Referring for some moments to America, Dr Runia mentioned as one of the greatest points of interest to us of the latest time, that in American theology so great a place is given to sin as a reality. This made the years between the wars very constructive, and the old Modernism suffered really under those blows. Realism supplanted liberalism in many spheres, though also it must be said, that this is not at all yet Biblical theology in its fulness.

The work done by Princeton (B.B.Warfield, Gresham Machen), Philadelphia (Westminster Theological Seminary), and Calvin College and Seminary still, though inspiring to thankfulness, is not having the influence it should have nor the originality needed to get the required impact.

Prof. Barkley’s Lecture:  Professor Barkley in his lecture on Old Testament Studies gave us an account of gladdening developments. The old modernistic building of criticism, which saw the Old Testament just as a bundle of sagas and myths coming from different sources and compiled together by various redactors” is now cracking under the crushing weight of the yields of archaeology which more and more finds proofs for historical facts of the Bible, as well as under the criticism by modern scholars who though by far not Reformed, established for instance the integrity of such things as the Masoretic Text, which was attacked for decades in the past! Over the full width the modernists now show the picture of the “house divided against itself”. Old and cherished theories fall, and, though supplanted by new theories which are often not Reformed let alone Calvinistic, still show how weak any building is, which has not as its foundation the only right attitude to Scripture: “Casting down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”.

After having heard our President-Director Mr.M.Stigter, speak on the College, urging all Churches to co-operate in getting many supporting members for this fine work, we made the trip back to Dandenong, where in the evening we were continuing discussions.

General Spiritual Condition: a. Student Vicariate. Though the list of subjects for this evening: Vicariate of Students, College Propaganda, Quota-contributions, American Ministers, Christian Sohools, did not show immediate relation to the general heading: SPIRITUAL CONDITION of our Churches, yet the discussions of this night proved to be the finest of the whole conference. It is difficult to write this down here, since here pastors spoke about their flocks, with love, sometimes with anxiety or fear, with confidene in the Lord, with humility about themselves.

It all started with Rev.VanderBom’s lecture on Student’s vicariates, which is as you know the Synod of Dandenong’ s decision, that our students as a rule, after getting ready from Geelong, shall serve under a very wise older minister as vicar ( hulpprediker) for at least half a year, before being eligible for call and ordination. In that paper and the ensuing discussion a good selection of TRAINING MINISTERS was stressed as well as a strong personal tie between him and the younger helper. Rev .VanderBom testified to the fine leadership he received from men like Harrenstein, whose aid in the time he was a vicar himself had educated and guided him as a young servant of God in a way which cannot easily be overestimated.

However, this discussion landed us into the problem of the American ministers and supply from our own college.

b. American ministers and supply from our own college. Sometimes – Rev .VanGroningen said in a very enlightening remark – we are looking upon the American ministers sent to us from the Christian Reformed Church as “cheap”. But unlike the ministers from Holland these brothers for their trip etc. do not receive one penny from a Government: all their expenses are paid by the Christian Reformed sister Church, which has 135 vacancies itself right now, which cries out for workers on their own mission fields right now, which is consisting not of the “very wise and very noble” of the land, but just of factory workers, small shopkeepers and “kleine luyden” for its foremost majority, who, however, in general pay their tithes or more to keep a tremendous programme for the Lord going. But when we see what the work in Australia costs our brethren there, we should: a). stop calling these ministers “cheap” and “easy-to-get”, and b). as soon as possible adjust ourselves to getting our own trained men from our College, since Holland more and more becomes unsuitable to supply ministers if the process of growth to be English-speaking churches goes on like now.

Again: spiritual condition of our churches and ourselves. Can we do this? Can we face the task ahead of us? Financially? Spiritually? Are we indeed good stewards?? Oh, here we not just talked about what churoh members should pay and do. Too well we felt: “so shepherd, so flock”, and the burden of being lighting examples among our struggling people weighed heavily on us as we discussed these things. We shall have to know what sacrifice is, and not just to go on relying on the sacrifices of others. What luxuries and innecessities (sic) are we still spending so much money on while so much Kingdom work is waiting? What standard are we setting ourselves?

This challenge faced us all, when we at the end of this busy but fine day listened to Rev VanBrussel’s closing devotion on Ezekiel 3: “Behold, I have set thee as watchman over My house”. 

The last day.  Too quickly three days go by, when well spent in fellowship and work. The bright new hall of the splendid Dandenong Church saw the “select” company within its walls for the last day again. And after morning devotions we embarked on the discussions about propaganda. 

Propaganda: a). News bulletin for Holland. It is a pity that we had to conclude, that the action of writing letters to Holland (“Klim nu in de pen”) and formation of a “home front” for various reasons appeared to be a flop. So after some discussion we went back to a plan conceived before, to try to get regular “bulletins” published in the Christian Press in Holland, that the people there and future migrants in particular know about our Churches. It appears that especially from the Presbyterian Church and some circles of the Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk incorrect information about our Churches is given or… no information at all, when the people are advised to join the Presbyterian Church and – if not satisfied there – any other church except the Reformed Churches. The Revs. Pellicaan and VanGroningen are to act as a committee to set up this information agency going (sic).

Furthermore it will be good, if our people write correct information to relatives in Holland and to their ministers there in particular. Members of our Churches coming from the Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk especially are urged to write to their former ministers if they feel happy in our Churches, and why; since we are convinced that the information given by the Nederlandse Hervormde Synod is one -sided. It is the best thing we can do to better relations on our part. Not in a negative way of slandering other bodies, but positively to WRITE if we receive blessings.

b. Pamphlets on the Reformed, Presbyterian faith. Plans were furthermore discussed and drafted, to get the Synod decision carried out of publishing a booklet on “What Our Churches Teach” in a very simple, clear and suggestive way, to be carried by all our members that we could give that to anyone wanting information about us. We should not make our name and aims a secret but boldly contend for it, since we may be convinced that it is “the Lord’s business” we are in. It even was suggested and adopted, that this booklet be the first one in a SERIES, and with great gladness we received the offer of ONE HUNDRED POUNDS from two brothers to get the first cost of such printing paid. With that we can get going and… keep going we hope, if all our members BUY these booklets and pass them on to others. A printer in Sydney will be contacted about printing this material for us, and the Churches will be notified in due time, when the first issue comes off. This will be a fine instrument, along with our College and the ” Back to God Hour”, to get the work and message of our Churches, the Reformed faith, heard in the world wherein we may live,

It was particularly moving, to hear brothers who were not members of our Churches themselves, urge us to come out in the open, and to carry the name and aim of our churches OUT. So many people here do not know what we are for, and they should know. We must avoid with all means to be a cosy closed “Dutch” community. We have a Treasure, a Word for the world.

Wie do hope indeed, that once these pamphlets come off the press, our Church members will be active in spreading them around.

Propaganda, “Trowel and Sword” and Church Letters. Our growing Church Magazine, “Trowel and Sword” then came into discussion. Again it was urged, that we should use our Church letters mainly for the “local stuff” and save up our forces as to general articles and copy of interest for ALL for “Trowel and Sword”.

Still, the language problem is one burdening “T&S” greatly. Before, when “Trowel and Sword” just got started, its mainly English contents were a reason that most of our people did not subscribe: they could not, or not easily, read it. But now it tends to swing a bit too much the other way, and it proves to be very hard to “sell” this our paper to English friends outside, or even inside, our Churches. At last, after much suggesting and idea-shooting, we came to the solution of “a Dutch heart and an English flap” i.e. that Dutch articles be printed on the inside group of pages, which simply could be left out of the copies sent to our English speaking friends. For even if there is much English in our paper, the mere presence of “unreadable” Dutch articles in it happens to present some sort of embarrassment. Moreover, the thus remaining entirely English “Trowel and Sword” could be presented for sale in Christian bookshops and news stands etc., and prove another suitable voice of our Churches. Negotiations with the publisher etc. will be held to find out if this plan is to be realised.

Christian Schools.  A subject left over from the day before, “Christian Schools” is then put on the table and discussed. We all agreed: there was no need to argue the principles: everyone was convinced that such schools had to come, where our Children not just during some religion hours per week, but in the course of ALL subjects, also science, biology, history end social studies, could be impressed with the Kingship of Christ and the Sovereignty of God in all spheres of life, this God being our Children’s Covenant God!

Our colleague from Kingston, where the School Association is well under way with their plans and specifications told that they calculated that a school with three rooms and the required sanitary etc. equipment would cost £12,000 building cost. Furthermore to keep that school going, with one headmaster and one teacher, would require £4,000 a year approximately. A heavy burden! A great commission, too!

Questions came up about what to choose: a school started or a second minister called for the so quickly growing Church work! After all the same congregations, burdened so much, have to bear that double burden, though indeed in many places great willingness and sense of sacrifice is shown. Where lies now the priority?

Again our attention was drawn to the idea of the SATURDAY MORNING SCHOOL to begin with, since many children do not know what to do on Saturday mornings. Then the supplementary Christian teaching could start. Still: it is only supplementary, and something better should be kept in view!

It was remarked that building a school first and then to USE it as a Church building could also mean a fair cutting of costs. To do it the other way was more difficult because of strict government rules as to building of schools. Moreover: any moneys used for school building are tax free, and so this also would affect moneys used for any school, to be used as Church at the same time. One thing stood out: Christian education all day long, is one of the most important pillars of the Christian Church!

A congregation of approximately 500 members can carry both burdens. If having less members than that, it will be difficult to get church AND school going in a satisfactory way. And that is, where our sponsoring work comes in, of course, and. . . the propaganda with friends and brothers in the Netherlands. To let alone: the friends over here! Much to be done yet!

It was impressive to all of us, to hear a man like Rev. Barkley pleading for Christian education; he was impressed, he said, very much about things going on in a place like Kingston. The Australian people, he said, gets fed up with this materialism and evolutionism dished out to them, and something else, especially in the sphere of education, is not only badly reeded, but as soon as they come to know it, will highly be appreciated by many of them as well! It might be an idea, to call a second minister to act as teacher at the same time in some places!

Close of Conference. And so the conference drew to its close. Rev.VanderBom, our Association Chairman, gave final words of thanks to many who helped it to become such a fine function and a help to us all for the King’s work. Especially he addressed words of great thanks to the Churches, who gladly paid their money to make this possible for the ministers, some of’ these donating Churches being without ministers themselves!

A MOTION OF THANKS TO THE CHURCHES WAS CONSEQUENTLY MADE AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Thanks also were addressed to the Dandenong Consistory and people , for the fine hospitality we enjoyed there. Dandenong looks like to become some sort of a centre of our Australian Churches’ life lately! We had the fine hall in use without any charge made!

Our second last discussion was on the possibility to set up a “Bulletin for Elders”. The consistories will be written about it, and we as ministers pledged ourselves to help such a thing as much as we could, and as was required by the brethren themselves,

Then at last we discussed the desirability of having at least one New Zealand brother at our next Conference which most probably will be held before next Synod. This can be well combined since already our last synod expressed desirability of having a delegate from New Zealand at that Synod.

And so with thanks to the Lord this ministers’ Conference was closed.

Public meeting in Dandenong,

The only thing left to be mentioned is then the public gathering of the ministers with the congregation of Dandenong and many members of other Congregations in the Church building at Dandenong.  Addresses were delivered by Rev VanderBom, Rev. VanderSchaaf, Rev. Westera, Rev Barkley, Rev. Heenan, Rev. Wilkinson and Rev .VanGroningen.

Gratefulness was beaming from the words of Rev. Barkley, principal of our College, that the Lord in His grace, already is showing fruits on the efforts of’ our young College, as Rev. Heenan, our first minister for Evangelism, is an alumnus of this College, and more and more people around us in academic sphere, are getting interested in the witness given.

Rev. VanderSchaaf, who had the gift of speaking funny and at the same time in the deepest earnest, gave us the vision of the prophet Isaiah: the desert shall rejoice, and the plains shall flourish like a rose!

Yes, to witness a thing like this conference and this meeting makes one greatly wonder, how many things the Lord has done among us in so short a time, and despite so many quarrels, troubles, sins and shortcomings.

Shall we, also in the future, prove worthy of these manifold blessings?

Shall we of such abundant grace prove to be faithful and prayerful stewards?

ARENT I. DE GRAAF, V.D.M.