Synod 2016 adopted 13 new liturgical forms for use in the churches but first held an extensive discussion that delved into the Christian Reformed Church’s theology regarding baptism and communion.
Delegates approved several edits to the forms, which were written by professors of Calvin Theological Seminary, staff of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and the CRC’s Worship Ministries, and others.
As delegate Joe Vanden Akker, Classis Minnkota said, “Words are important and especially as we use them in worship.” The extended discussion on wording had some delegates delighted that deep theological discussion was taking place on the floor of synod. Several other delegates reminded synod that not everyone reads these forms with theological insight and precision. “We’re construction workers.”
The new forms for communion, baptism, profession of faith, welcome of new members, ordination of commissioned pastors and chaplains, and ordination of elders and deacons will be translated into Korean and Spanish and will be made available online in a user-friendly format.
Synod 2016 is meeting at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., from June 10-17. For continuous Banner coverage, please follow The Banner Magazine on Facebook or @crcbanner on Twitter. You can find more tweeting by following hashtag #crcsynod. News stories will be posted at thebanner.org several times daily. For CRC Communications releases, webcast, and live blogging, please visit crcna.org/synod. Unless noted otherwise, all photographs are by Karen Huttenga.
About the Author
George Vink is retired after 50 years as a Christian Reformed pastor. One of his sons is an accident investigator for the Calgary (Alta.) Police Service, and his two brothers are retired from that position. He and his wife, Shirley, are members of Covenant CRC in Cutlerville, Mich.
