Episode 112: Conversation with Curtis Meliefste (Part 2)

https://youtu.be/gRO1da1HuQ8

"Love isn't just affirmation for what they're doing now. Love is telling people the truth and doing it in a way that's calling them to repentance, calling them to a life in Christ that is actually going to answer their fundamental problems. That's what the gospel really does." -Curtis Meliefste

Summary of This Episode

Curtis reflects on how the Canadian Christian Reformed Church is different from the American Christian Reformed Church, particularly in regard to social justice. He explains that people in their congregation were often wary of questioning certain aspects of their work, because they felt like it was questioning the entire system. He further reflects on Jesus' ministry and healing people, noting that Jesus always pointed those he healed towards a spiritual need in addition to a physical one.

We discuss their work with the Abide Project and being able to network with pastors and learn more about the differences between the two churches.

Curtis argues that creating confusion with regards to theological issues serves no one, and that it is the responsibility of educators to make the implicit explicit in order to foster a sense of belonging. He uses the example of a council visit to explain that it is impossible for two elders to say that a person's actions are both sinful and okay. Clarity is needed in order for people to feel like they truly belong.

We discuss the importance of providing clarity in different contexts, such as youth ministry and pastoral care. We make the argument that lack of clarity is non-pastoral and leaves people in a state of confusion while providing clarity gives an opportunity for healing. The tension between the institutional and the relational was also discussed, with it being suggested that institutions should provide clarity so that pastors can figure out how to achieve it.

We discuss the potential consequences of the Christian Reformed Church not having a clear direction on human sexuality, such as an exodus of both progressives and conservatives and the division it could create within churches. It is suggested that organizations that refuse to take a stand on things will become irrelevant and that any initiatives or ministries created would be affected by this issue.

We discuss the tensions that have been present in the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) due to differing views on sexuality, which has led to a feeling of stagnation. We predict that should the CRC not continue to enforce discipline on Neeland Ave or Grand Rapids East, there will be a significant loss of churches and memberships. Conservatives recognize the cost of this situation but feel that it would be worse to not take a stand against their beliefs.

We discuss the cost of love in the context of a Christian Reformed Church conflict. Loving someone means wanting to spend eternity with them, which may require sacrificing relationships in this life. The heart behind the conservative movement is not vindictive, but instead recognizes the cost of standing firm on salvific matters.

Curtis suggests that the CRC needs to publish books and curricula to better serve their ministries and that pastors should preach the gospel and remind people of their need for a savior. He emphasizes that knowing Christ has done the work of salvation should bring comfort to those who are struggling with their sin.