Episode 216: Rediscovering the Power of the Catechism — Andrew Zomerman (Part 1)
“The Catechism is so well-structured that it…naturally brings up questions [and answers them]…I think we’ve underestimated the beauty and the power of the Confessions, and how hungry people are to actually hear these things…to know why we believe what we believe…Here, there’s some pretty sharp people who’ve done some really good thinking in a number of areas.” —Jason Ruis
Summary of this Episode
Welcome back to the Messy Reformation podcast where Jason is joined this week by Rev. Andrew Zomerman, pastor of Dresden CRC in Dresden, ON where he has been called for the last six years. This is Andrew’s second call, having previously pastored at Hope CRC in Brantford, ON for about ten years. Similar to Jason, his call to congregational ministry began in youth ministry. He went to Calvin Seminary for a class to grow in some areas for ministry, and really fell in love with working in ministry and the seminary experience. One of the highlights of his ministry experience has been continuing to be active in both congregational and youth ministry.
Andrew and Jason spend some time talking about the support systems that one can find through attending seminary. Both of them experienced great professors who used their gifts and talents to not just teach but open the minds and hearts of their students. They also share how seminary can provide a great opportunity for friendships, particularly friends who are also pastors. Jason shared his experience, also at Calvin Seminary, has given him different relationships with people throughout the U.S. and Canada to regularly connect with. Pastor friends “...know exactly [or] close to exactly what you’re going through. They’ve been there before.” He shares how in Classis Wisconsin, they are working intentionally to develop regional pastor groups that can help support and encourage each other. Andrew notes the benefit of being able to tap into Sustaining Pastoral Excellence funds.
The conversation turns to what it was like to transition from youth to congregational ministry, but Andrw highlights the difference in experience between the two congregations he served. The first was a large, multi-staff church, and now, a smaller, solo pastorate (both of which he’s enjoyed). He had a strong partnership in his previous call, which allowed for sharing the responsibilities of ministry, while he takes on more of in his present call.
A major portion of the episode focuses on his positive experience around leading and preaching evening services. In Dresden, a morning service brings in 60-70 people, and the evening around 40, but they’re not all Dresden CRC folks. There’s a wider community aspect, drawing from other churches, people are interested in really learning about what we believe. He and Jason both note how preaching and teaching through the Catechism often produces questions for people, and Andrew notes oftentimes the answer is on the next page of the Catechism so they should come back next week! Jason shares, “The Catechism is so well-structured that it…naturally brings up questions [and answers them]…I think we’ve underestimated the beauty and the power of the Confessions, and how hungry people are to actually hear these things…to know why we believe what we believe…Here, there’s some pretty sharp people who’ve done some really good thinking in a number of areas.” Andrew expands on how it isn’t just stating our beliefs, but pointing out extremes and heresies to avoid.
Come back next week, as Andrew provides insight about the state of the Christian Reformed Church in Canada.