Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1961 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 135
John McMillan led us in considering the fact that He Prays for
an Understanding of His Community; and Waldo Mitchel took up
the thought that He Prays for an Understanding of the Word in the
World. We thank these men for their good work, and also we thank
Alvin W. Smith, Robert McCracken, M. W. Dougherty, Kenneth
McButney, and James Pennington who led us in fifteen minutes
of praise to start each day.
Truly the Lord helped us in the selection of leaders and we
praise Him for it. Any fears we might have had as to their ability
and consecration were soon allayed. Dr. Lloyd M. Perry of Gordon
Divinity School gave us a very profitable day of Homiletics. He
not only showed us how but gave us an incentive to do better in
preaching. Dr. Stuart Bergsma, M.D. of Pine Rest Chtistian
Hospital in Grank Rapids, Michigan, helped us in recognizing
symptoms of emotional disturbance and in knowing the proper
attitude toward the emotionally distutbed. The Reverend Robley
Johnston of Great Commission Publications dealt with Sabbath
School and Youth Work. Dr. G. M. Robb of our Kansas City Congregation
led us in very helpful discussions of the pastor's community
relations. First there was the study of how the pastor
may promote our principles. In this he was helped by a panel
consisting of Robert McMillan (by means of a tape recording),
Robert Fullerton, and Alvin W. Smith. The next session took up
the more general relationship of the pastor to his community and
the panel members were Paul Robb, John O. Edgar, and Paul
White. Dr. J. G. Vos of Geneva College gave us a good day in
the study of Dispensationalism, beginning with the Covenant
Theology first and working to the teachings of Dispensationalism
as they are in conflict with this Theology. Our Bible Study was
led by Dr. Fred C. Kuehner of the Reformed Episcopal Theological
Seminary in Philadelphia. Following the suggestion we had
given him he took up I Corinthians and slanted the application
toward the problems of the pastor. He was able to help us see
mote of the wonderful things in God's Word.
Forty-three of our ministers attended at least part of the time
and about 29 used the dormitory facilities of the Seminary. In
addition, the Reverends Robert Crawford and Ray Blair were
present for the full time, the latter staying in the dormitory by
special arrangement. Our local pastors also attended but did not
use the dormitory. This is below the number in attendance two
years ago. One of the suggestions handed in for another year s
program was that if pastors desire this program it should be given
a higher priority in theit planning.
Twenty-nine evaluation and suggestion sheets were turned
in the last day and are available for the next committee. We will
also leave a file showing expenses, details of planning, etc.
A financial statement-is appended to this report.