I've essentially lost the argument in Zeeland Classis, I think. By the end of the year, if not the end of June, it is possible that Zeeland Classis will have taken upon itself the privilege of ordaining Elders for the position of Commissioned Pastor. My concern, as I've already noted quite publicly, is that it sidesteps our whole polity - Congregations elect (call) and ordain elders through a specific process, not Classes.
Having said that, if the RCA is going to ignore the means by which we traditionally have called, prepared and supervised people for the office of Elder, why not Deacon, Minister and Professor of theology?
How about we create Deacons for our Small groups or our Classes? The office of Deacon is a good office, why should only congregations get to elect (call) and ordain them?
Can we create a regional minister office? In other words, set up a program (outside of the normal ordination track) by which the Regional Synod ordains people the office of Minister of Word and Sacrament? Or maybe we could go the CRC route and make ministers denominationally? This way the Regional Synod or Denomination could "step in" where local Classes might have not be willing to ordain someone and make sure they nonetheless get ordained.... After all, if they seem fit why not? Quite frankly, there are some Classes I don't agree with, why should the people who live there "bounds" be punished by their local standards and the experiences of those who know them best?
Perhaps it could go the other way too... Classes could make people Professors of Theology... or Regional Synods maybe? I realize this is a little more awkward, but if a Classis made a Professor of Theology, that person wouldn't have to be accountable to the Synod. S/he could simply choose a Classis they agree with and not worry about the larger church...
Ok, perhaps all of that is a bit "tongue in cheek" (or maybe even a smidge sarcastic), but seriously... I believe there is a certain wisdom in the traditional separation of powers and that side-stepping them is problematic (although certainly convenient in some situations). In the end, though I don't ever buy "the ends justify the means" argument.
How about you?
Grace and Peace,
`tim