It has been a long time since attention was given to the responsibilities of the counsellor of a congregation. I thought it to be time to answer some of the questions concerning the place of the counsellor.

Ecclesiastical task⤒🔗

In the present text of Article 45 of the Canadian Reformed Church Order we read: “Each vacant church shall request classis to appoint as counsellor the minister it desires as such, to the end that he may assist the consistory in maintaining good order and especially may lend his aid in the matter of the calling of a minster; he shall also sign the letter of call.” For his work, he is accountable to classis.

In principle every congregation receives a counsellor allotted to them. In the past a counsellor was only arranged for a vacant congregation. But in practice it showed that the classical meeting kept the once-allotted counsellor connected to that congregation, even after the vacancy had been filled. Experience also showed that classis was sometimes chasing the facts. Imagine the following: after the Spring meeting of classis the minister of congregation X received a call, he accepted that call, and at the end of June he had moved (in connection with his children attending school). Then congregation X had to wait till the Fall meeting of classis for the allotment of a counsellor. That would be very inconvenient! Therefore, you will see that with essentially every congregation (vacant or not), the name of the “neighbouring” minister is listed as counsellor. But let us say loud and clear, that counsellor function only becomes active when the congregation indeed becomes vacant.

Scope of the Activities←⤒🔗

What can be expected from this counsellor? The text of the church order is clear: everything the consistory asks of him, in the realm of “maintaining good order.” The initiative therefore is with the consistory. The consistory determines in its own wisdom, what they can handle themselves when they deal with matters that otherwise are taken care of by the minister, while employing the talents the Holy Spirit has given to certain brothers and sisters within the congregation. For other matters they will request the assistance of the counsellor. It is for instance not self-evident that a counsellor is asked for helping with the catechism classes; some consistories involve other brothers, who have gifts of teaching. Other ones look for someone from the circle of theological students (who then at the same time gain practical experience). When the counsellor does receive the request to take care of the catechism class(es), (usually the confession class), he will kindly consider that; it is after all not the request of any arbitrary consistory, but the request of the consistory to which classis has connected him in this respect. That means that such a request has priority, be it that there may always be reasons to ask them to look for a different person. One should be courteous to inform the counsellor of that; it is a small effort, and it promotes the good relationship.

The same with the pastoral work. The consistory does a lot themselves. For certain complicated pastoral matters (for instance, death counselling) the counsellor will be asked, and — if it ever gets to this point — also for conducting a funeral service. Another task: the consistory will refer couples desiring to marry to the counsellor for their marriage ceremony.

But it must be clear: the counsellor does not automatically have the right for the exercise of all these tasks. In fact, there is only one matter, mentioned specifically, where the consistory cannot avoid him:

Assistance With the Calling←⤒🔗

That one matter is lending aid in the matter of the calling, focussed on the co-signing of the letter of call. In this article, I would advise the consistories emphatically to make use of the rule to consult the counsellor when coming to the filling of the vacancy. I sometimes hear from colleagues who may only co-sign the letter of call (more on that later). Granted, there are consistories that have proper insight themselves in these church matters and who, based on that proper knowledge, handle the calling activity in a clear, spiritual manner. Respect due! But sometimes we also read about a call of which we think: did the brothers consult the counsellor? Simply, because as colleagues we know there are matters that can make a calling very difficult at that moment. Consistories can have the confidence that their counsellor will deal very carefully with their questions. They will not have such a big intent to impose their opinion about a possible call on the consistory. But they sometimes have more insight or information. Please make use of that! The counsellor also alerts them to the parameters of the calling activities, for instance, when a congregation is smaller than 250 members and needs the support from deputies, mutual support, and advice. He ascertains that first those deputies are consulted before the calling activity is started. That prevents big problems!

Next, let us consider the letter of call. This is presented to the counsellor with the request to sign it. That does not happen without reason. Before he signs it, the counsellor should read the formulation carefully. Is it in accordance with our ecclesiastical regulations and the room therein? And the parameters in them? Is the minster not asked too much concerning the task he soon have to take up?

An important point in this matter is the following: the counsellor should, when reading the letter of call, also be alert about the “numbers.” With this I am referring to the financial aspects and other work conditions, at least according to the directives of the deputies for financial matters. I recently told a colleague that I always pay attention to that; he told me that he had never done so — not out of sloppiness — but simply because he had never thought of that. I do sometimes see a letter of call that makes me think: that colleague of mine is not the only one who has never thought about this. Certain matters are missing, and that makes me think: the counsellor co-signed this too quickly. It is not a matter of an unhealthy curiosity, but a matter of the ecclesiastical task of classis (and here the counsellor represents classis!). At the annual church visitation, on behalf of classis, it is asked whether the consistory, in the financial support of its minister (and usually his family), abides by the minimal stipends with emoluments, as are published annually by the deputies for financial matters. It is not for nothing that the classical meetings get a copy of that. It is usually accepted “duly noted,” but it has this purpose.

Concretely: on behalf of classis, the counsellor pays attention as to whether the stipend is in line with the seniority of the minister to be called; it is then not forbidden to also pay attention to the composition of the family, the stage in life, etcetera, which sometimes makes life extra costly. The counsellor pays attention to the fact that the numbers that are mentioned for contribution of healthcare, vacation pay, remuneration for representation, telephone, etcetera agree with the minimum norms. The free Sundays, study allowance, moving costs — in short, all those matters you find in the annual letters of the deputies. This will prevent that a somewhat shy minister (or candidate) will have to ask for that himself in the phase of the call. You will agree with me, that is embarrassing.

In Times of Emergency←⤒🔗

I finally want to spend a few words about the action of a counsellor in a congregation that has its own a minister. From the formulation of Article 45 it is clear that the Church Order does not address that. Nevertheless, it can happen sometimes. For instance, during a holiday period, in which something happens that necessitates pastoral support; or a period of sickness, when certain pastoral work should continue. It might also happen that the minister is sick on the very day of a funeral; it speaks for itself that the counsellor will help out upon request, if possible.

Sometimes his assistance is requested when big problems arise in connection with the functioning of their own minister. When the relationship between consistory and counsellor and between counsellor and the congregational minister are good, it can be an advantage. There is still a danger in that: for such matters the church visitation is the designated instrument. And if the counsellor will be called, he has to keep an eye out for the parameters of his authority, and in any case, he will pay attention to the last lines of the text in the Church Order: “He is accountable for his work to classis.” That serves for his own protection! It may be clear from the text of the Church Order that he has no right to interfere. The consistory can also ask for a special church visitation; that is, church orderly, even better!