And now the practical issue which will soon face the second synod of the United Reformed Churches. Of what size ought a classis to be, in order that its assigned responsibility may be discharged effi­ciently and fruitfully for the welfare of one and all? No Reformed church, to the best of my knowledge, has ever decided on this. Always it was left to a classis to determine if, when and how it should be "divided" into two or more such assemblies, with synodical approval ordinarily given. After all, area congregations know their own needs best.

After years in the CR ministry I now plead urgently (yes, I use the term advisedly) for relatively small classes. For some decades in that federation one classis numbered no more than four, while three others totaled some 30 congregations each. For two years Classis Grand Rapids East numbered over 50. And how some delegates "loved" such big gatherings, to the dismay of others who saw far too much time consumed by endless reportings and too little for the pressing needs of some local congregations. More specifically, I deem the most fruitful size of a classis to be one consisting of between 8 to 12 or 13 churches. Less than 5 might well be too small; more than 18 is soon too overburdened to conduct its business as fraternally and fruitfully as possible.

The "practical" benefits of a classis of moderate size seem almost too obvious to be mentioned. (1) The delegates can know and fellowship with each other more easily. (2) They soon begin to know the needs of their sister congregations better. (3) The agenda ordinarily will be much shorter, allowing its business to be done more thoroughly and without the pressures of time. (4) Expenses for travel, etc. can more easily be kept at a minimum. And don't sneer at this even in our days of economic prosperity. (5) Special sessions, when needed, can easily be called and convened. (6) With all classes of comparatively the same size, a more balanced representation of each on the level of regional and general syn­ods is possible. This list can easily be amplified.

But I would now add what I regard as the principial issue. In smaller classes and these with regional synods meeting once each year and general synods only every three years - the dangers of an ever-proliferating bureaucracy with its ambitions can be far more easily resisted by all.

How well our forefathers saw and even experienced personally what had developed over centuries in the Roman church with its hierarchy and totalitarian control to the point of tyranny over local churches. All looked so attractive and impressive. But it contributed to spiritual indifference among the higher clergy and gross injustice toward the lower with their flocks. And don't say, "It can't happen to us." Look at the history of Reformed and Presbyterian churches during the past century or two, if you dare not look any closer. Despite every warning the drive towards centralization of ecclesiastical authority and power seems endemic. Always the trend begins with "committees" to take work out of the hands of the local elders convenient and pleasant for them so it would seem. But then arise classical committees for domestic missions and denominational committees for colleges, seminar­ies, foreign missions, and publications. Soon these grown into Boards whose published reports (also on finances and problems with personnel) leave much to be desired. Simply trust us, their members urge, while you pay your fair share. All so nice and neat? NO! Here begins that creeping paralysis which, sooner or later, leaves ecclesiastical affairs in control of an "elite" group chosen because of supposedly unique insights and competence. And ecclesiastical "power-brokers" appear behind the scenes to create power blocs to swing the votes of delegates even on the most fundamental and crucial issues facing a church federation. All, this I write, not with envy or bitterness but great sorrow, because I saw the CRC choose step-by-step this slippery path, despite every warning sounded. It all began so simply, seemingly innocently and with undoubtedly many an honest intention. It is ending with a bureaucracy which multiplies as it feeds upon itself.

Occasionally some ask, ‘’But don't you trust the brothers in charge, even when they perhaps go a little beyond the prescribed limits?" And I answer, "No, I trust no one left to work without strict and ongoing consistorial supervision, also because I do not trust myself." Power in the churches,¹  as well as in families, associations and governments has a very nasty way of proliferating like poisonous weeds in a well-watered field. But not only tahe power-hungry (often not aware of their own appetites) but fully as much the indolent, the indifferent, the compromisers and the peace-at-any-price ministers and elders have allowed this to happen.

Knowing human nature even when endowed with God's grace as we do, is not such a development inevitable? No, and even ten times no. But I would have to take far more space than Christian Renewal would allow to argue the point effectively. Perhaps I have taken too much already. If local consistories are to do their work properly and local congregations are to rejoice in those liberties which are rightfully theirs, then "eternal vigilance" with personal soul-searching and prayer is needed. A small classis, actually, needs only a synodical deputy for certain situations and two competent Church Visitors who stay within their bounds. It doesn't even need a Stated Clerk! I know this is "heresy". But why not each consistory serving in this capacity for one or two years by turns? Most enjoy a competent scribe who can type; also a computer with printer which can provide copies of what needs to be forwarded to sister consistories and churches. And so I could go on.

Bear with me a few moments longer.

I plead first with my brothers in congregations akin to those in the URC, "Don't stay aloof too long for fear that soon your hard-won freedoms will be snatched from you." Independentism, I know from close personal acquaintance, has far greater and graver dangers than you may realize. And remember, as every Christian believer is commanded to use the gifts and graces bestowed on him/her by the Savior-King, so too must every like-minded consistory and congregation. Not to do so may well be a serious "sin."

And a final word to all URC consistories and congregations and classes reinstate as soon as at all possible, preferably within a year or two, regional synods to meet annually. These when their degree of ecclesiastical responsibility and authority is properly set forth will also help to keep general synods (always seeming to be prone to create bureaucracies) within their limits. If you refuse to do this, you may soon find yourselves strapped by annual synods and begin a vicious cycle all over again. Let us, bound to the Word which abides forever and has much to say about ecclesiastical life, not fail to learn the lessons which also our Reformed past teach so clearly.