A Confessional Ministry: Seminary Graduation 2013 (1)
This is a seminary graduation address by Barry Gritters from 2013, delivered to a newly ordained minister of the Protestant Reformed Churches, emphasizing the centrality of confessional (creedal) ministry in the PRC tradition. Gritters argues that being a confessional minister—one who knows, loves, and is governed by the historic Reformed creeds—is the truest way of being a biblical minister, reflecting the denomination's commitment to walk in the reformed paths. The address serves both to charge the new minister and to articulate the foundational principles that govern ministerial training and identity in the PRC.
This is the graduation speech -- slightly modified for publication -- given on Thursday evening, June 13, 2013, at Hudsonville PRC, in the presence of Synod, the church, and the family and friends of Mr. Erik Guichelaar. Mr. Guichelaar, on this momentous evening for you we call you to be a confessional minister. A "confessional" or "creedal" minister is a minister who knows, loves, and uses the creeds, whose ministry is governed by the creeds. The churches call you to be a creedal minister....
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org