Decently and in Order: A Practical Commentary on the Church Order

Release Date: October 15, 2025

The Rev. Bradd Nymeyer is widely recognized in the URCNA as a leading expert on our Church Order. Drawing on his extensive experience in church assemblies as well as careful study, he has written a commentary on the Church Order that is pastoral and lucid, succinct and thorough. It will be of great help to the churches and office-bearers.

Dr. W. Robert Godfrey, President Emeritus, Westminster Seminary California

Every Reformed and Presbyterian Church Order arguably warrants someone who appreciates its genius and is well-qualified to write a commentary on it as a service to the church. Rev. Bradd Nymeyer is eminently qualified to do so for the URCNA Church Order. He believes in that church order as a matter of conviction, not simply convenience, and he has labored therein for decades with an eye to its particulars, not as an armchair observer, but often as a chairman of its governing bodies, serving five times as synodical chairman. I know no one more interested in or conversant with this church order and thus I highly commend to all users of it the commentary of my friend Rev. Nymeyer.

Dr. Alan D. Strange, Interim President, Mid-America Reformed Seminary

Bradd Nymeyer’s commentary on the Church Order of the United Reformed Churches in North America will prove to be a helpful tool for office-bearers in these churches. It will also serve readers as a useful introduction to those features of the Church Order that reflect the distinctive ethos of the URCNA and include some differences from other Reformed church orders. Although the URCNA’s Church Order clearly follows the general form of church government codified in the Church Order of Dort, it emphasizes the original and direct authority of the local church’s consistory in distinction from the delegated authority of broader assemblies (classes and synods). Nymeyer’s commentary reflects the wisdom and knowledge that comes from many years of able service in the URCNA, including several appointments to serve as clerk of classis and chairman of synod.

Dr. Cornelis P. Venema, President Emeritus, Mid-America Reformed Seminary

Some men regard the Church Order as a hindrance to the work of the ministry. Others see it as a mystery, too complex for common men to grasp. Rev. Bradd Nymeyer disagrees. He cherishes the Church Order as a tool, forged with wisdom by our spiritual forefathers, which guides God’s people to faithfully and wisely govern the church. Brother Nymeyer’s insight into the history and use of the Church Order is balanced by a warm love for the church, making this commentary an invaluable guide. If you long to see the church governed according to Biblical principles – and especially if you are called to lead within the church – you need this book.

Rev. Doug Barnes, Pastor, Grace United Reformed Church of Alto, Michigan

Biblical churchmen are an endangered species upon the landscape of today’s church. Thankfully, there remain men who have a thorough understanding of and deep appreciation for church polity. The author of this volume, Rev. Bradd Nymeyer, is such a man.

Through his study of church polity and experience in ecclesiastical assemblies, Rev. Nymeyer has attained a remarkable knowledge of parliamentary procedure and the principles and practices of the Dortian tradition of the Church Order. With consistent humility, he has displayed his wisdom in these areas especially in his leadership of ecclesiastical assemblies.

Upon reviewing this book, I have no doubt that the busy minister as well as the faithful elder will be helped immensely in reading and referencing the URCNA Church Order Commentary, as will all church members. The work’s concise chapters and accessible language lends to its usefulness.

I am grateful to the author for putting his knowledge and wisdom to print. It is my hope that the publication of this work would honor the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ, by encouraging biblical church polity so that, borrowing a reference often made by the author, when it comes to churchmen, “may their tribe increase.”

Rev. Greg Lubbers, Pastor, Covenant URC of Pella, Iowa

When a question arises concerning a matter of polity during a meeting, there needs to be a quick and simple resource that can allow the men around the table to get an answer and move on. This commentary will serve such a needed function for our churches as it has been born out of many years of praying over, thinking about, and answering questions concerning the meaning and application of our Church Order. It is simple enough to be immensely practical, and yet there is wisdom on every page. I highly recommend and encourage much use.

Rev. Mark H. Vander Pol, Pastor of Congregational Life, Lynden URC, Lynden, WA, Editor of Church Order of the URCNA with Historical Apparatus

In his commentary on Church Order Article 66, Rev. Nymeyer writes: “The Church Order is not a document that should sit on the shelf apart from the life of the office-bearers and assemblies. It should be well-known and carefully followed.” Amen! A working knowledge of the Church Order should not be reserved for a few gifted or interested men, but should be required of every churchman.

As a longtime elder who desires to see more church leaders take an interest in church polity, Rev. Bradd Nymeyer’s URCNA Church Order Commentary is a readable, clear, and welcome addition to every office-bearers’ library. Tolle Lege!

Mark Van Der Molen, Elder, Immanuel URC of DeMotte, Indiana