Die klassis en kerkvisitasie in drie kerkordes

Abstract

The classis and the visitation of congregations in three church orders. It is said by reformed church politicians that the classis as a major assembly in reformed church polity is the cornerstone of the church as a denomination. In the tradition in which the church order of the wellknown Synod of Dordrecht of 1618–1619 plays an important role, the classis is used as an assembly of local congregations caring for one another and helping to become better churches. This means that the visit of a commission of the classis to a congregation to care for it should be of a pastoral nature. The pastoral caring and advice of the classis should enable a congregation to become a better church. The members of this commission are, however, not rated as superior or more important ministers. The acceptance of their competent advice by equals helps the latter only to fulfil their ecclesiastical calling.