Antics In The Pulpit

I was most enlightened and edified last week at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary as I took a course on the Dutch Second Reformation (Nader Reformatie) and the Secession of 1834. The lecturer, Rev. C. Pronk did a masterful job of outlining their histories, and bringing them forward in a modern context. By God's grace we have a rare teacher among us. One with brevity and sincerity, as well as intellect and godliness. May the Lord grant Rev. Pronk many more years of teaching in his retirement.

Even though we were given an overload of information in the class by way of lectures, the second to last session will forever be etched in my mind, and the minds of every student in the room I'm sure.

While lecturing from behind a large podium on a rather tall adjustable chair, Rev. Pronk was explaining to the students the fantastical style of Lambertus G C Ledeboer (1808), who would attract great numbers by his antics in preaching. No sooner had he warned us against such antics, that his chair, for no certain reason, lost its hydraulic pressure! With surprise, and then a smile, Rev. Pronk laggardly disappeared (upright) behind the pulpit. Needless to say both the class and instructor erupted in spontaneous laughter. Having previously crossed his legs below the seat while speaking, the descending chair finally rested with our venerable professor wedged in the lotus position well below our line of sight. After a brief moment Rev. Pronk said with a grin, and in fine Ledeboerian fashion, “Help me, I cannot move”. Two of us responded by lifting the chair upwards so our professor could escape.

Thank you Pastor Pronk for reminding us all of antics in the pulpit, and for being such a good sport in an awkward position.