STRUCTURE OF THE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA

1. The Episcopal system- a form of government in which bishops rule.  Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, and Methodist churches adhere to this form of government.
2. The Congregational system- the local congregation has sole authority.  This system is found in Baptist, Congregational, and most independent churches.
3. The Presbyterian system- a form of representative government.  A church with the word "Reformed" or "Presbyterian" in its name is typically governed by this system.

The Boards

The church council is a meeting of the elders, deacons, and minister(s) of a local congregation whose responsibilities are detailed in the Church Order.  In summary, the council undertakes those duties that belong to the common administration of the church.

Elders

The Elders receive individuals into the membership of a church, plan and participate in the observance of the Sacraments, accept the responsibility for the spiritual life of a congregation.

Deacons

The Deacons give particular attention and care to the whole benevolence program of a church.  Their role is one of servanthood and service after the example of Christ.

The Assemblies

Beyond the local congregation two assemblies function in the CRC.

Classis

The Classis (fleet of ships) which is a group of churches within a geographical area, has the authority to deal with matters that concern its churches in common and its decisions are binding on the churches in its region.  A minister and an elder from each church are delegated to attend each classis meeting.  There are 47 classes in the CRC, 12 in Canada and 35 in the United States.  Trinity Christian Reformed Church is a member of the Iakota Classis.

A Classis supervises the churches and ministers within its region.  It exercises judicial power over the decisions of individual Consistories; receives new churches into the denomination; ordains, installs, and dismisses ministers; and oversees students of theology.

General Synod

The synod of the CRC represents the churches of all the classes and meets annually in June with 188 delegates: two ministers and two elders from each classis.  The tasks of synod include adopting creeds, the Church Order, liturgical forms, hymnals, principles of worship, and moral/ethical positions.

Founded in 1876, Calvin Theological Seminary is our oldest denominational ministry.  It was founded to supply trained ministers for Christian Reformed churches, which remains its central purpose.  Today, however, it also trains people as evangelists, church planters, ministers of education, youth pastors, and other specialized ministries not requiring ordination.

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One of North America's largest Christian colleges, Calvin's comprehensive Christian liberal arts approach to education starts with the premise that all things are worth considering and we are called to do all things better.

The college brings together 4,300 students from around the world as well as nationally recognized professors who choose Calvin because they want to use their scholarly and creative gifts in an institution that values both intellect and faith.