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Times have changed in the Christian Reformed Church, and that was very much on display at Synod 2019, the annual leadership meeting of the CRC.

Synod 2019’s officers William Koopmans, Thea Leunk, José Rayas, and Melissa Van Dyk were happy with how this year’s synod went. 

Synod is the annual leadership meeting of the Christian Reformed Church.

John Koopmans, a genuine, grateful and generous man who ministered as a pastor and chaplain in many different settings, died May 11.

Vic VanderMolen, “Pastor Vic” to three different Ontario Christian Reformed congregations throughout his ministry, died May 23 at the age of 70.

A recent report released by the Center for Public Justice details how congregations can play a role in supporting the increasing number of members caring for elders.

A six-episode series satirizes the end times as an angel and demon team up to stop the apocalypse.

A rediscovery of ancient practices and prayers soothe anxious believers.

The Irish folk group teams up with singers such as Vince Gill to fete traditional Irish songs

Classis Grand Rapids East, a regional group of 16 congregations in western Michigan, hosted an evening of interaction with community groups to help Christian Reformed churches better engage with the neighborhoods they serve.

As we grab hold of old toys, games, and photos, we reminisce about stories that have shaped us over the past decade. We’ve found ourselves echoing Marie Kondo’s phrase about only keeping that which “sparks joy.”

Synod 2019 has not withdrawn observations from Synod 2012 related to climate change. It has asked for more clarity on future considerations of justice issues.

Synod 2019 (the general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church) declares Kinism a heresy.

Asked by East Hills, a congregation in Vernon, B.C., to deepen awareness in the denomination of the plight of the Palestinians and plead their cause to the governments of Canada and the U.S., 

The Clothing Closet, a ministry run by New Life Christian Reformed Church in Guelph, Ont., provides clothing free of charge so clients can save funds for other necessities.

Delegates accepted limiting speech length, but resisted any attempt to mandate who classes may send as delegates.

Synod 2019 took up much of what the Synod Review Task Force recommended, altered some of the recommendations, and rejected a few of them.

All officers elected to serve Synod 2019 took turns chairing during deliberations of the Christian Reformed Church’s general assembly. 

Synod 2019 is just the fourth annual general assembly of the CRC to include deacons as delegates. While not every classis sent a deacon delegate this year, deacons who came found the participation valuable and eye-opening.

Synod 2019 has moved ahead on stronger requirements to address abuse of power that happens all too often in the church.

Hearing and reading from a litany written by Sharon Fennema, delegates and gathered visitors lamented: “For the breaching of relationships and the abuse of sacred trust, we cry out.”

Sometimes it’s the slow train that eludes detection. 

Over the past 15 years, the office of commissioned pastor has burgeoned.