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Considering the system by which the Christian Reformed Church in North America collects pooled money to fund shared ministry, Synod 2023 asked for some changes and continued review.

Synod 2023 heard calls for a clear statement against “assisted suicide” and is calling a task force to prepare a comprehensive report.

Seven young adult representatives at Synod 2023 are speaking and networking with people in the denomination and growing in their faith.

Synod 2023 declined to say that a church “which by design ‘meets’ only online” is not a “church,” but called for a report to consider the theological implications.

Thirty candidates for ministry in the CRC—14 in person and 16 virtually—were welcomed by Synod 2023.

Darlene Silversmith and Hyung-jun Kim come to Synod 2023 as previous advisers; William Krahnke as a previous young adult representative; and Catherine Chan as a first-time attendee.

The synodical deputies, those ministers appointed by synod to ensure proper administration of Church Order, reported long lists of actions taken by classes to Synod 2023. Delegates prayed for the people affected.

Urging that, to him, addressing declining membership was the most important issue at Synod 2023, delegate Scott Vander Ploeg pushed synod to commit to developing a strategy to reverse it.

In an impromptu request, Jamie McIntosh, co-director (Canada) for World Renew, sought a commissioning prayer from Synod 2023. He’s been at the work since February.

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Synod 2023 is proposing changes to Church Order to catch up with how pastors are funding ministry—often with more than one job.

Present to “witness to what synod is doing and to let them know we are here and watching,” members of Grand Rapids, Mich.-based All One Body advocacy group sang with signs June 12.

Guided by a report looking at marriage “in the eyes of the church but not in the eyes of the state,” Synod 2023 recommends Christian Reformed pastors avoid solemnizing such marriages.

With three delegates and two other members serving in other positions, Calvary CRC is contributing above and beyond at Synod 2023.

Kevin DeRaaf, acting Canada director of Resonate Global Mission, who was nominated as mission agency’s director in February, was appointed to that position by Synod 2023.

Synod 2023 heard the importance of practicing corporate lament in worship. It encourages it, but is not changing Church Order to require it.

Zachary King, the Christian Reformed Church’s general secretary, reviewed challenges and opportunities facing the CRC.

“Some object that there are women seated as delegates; others lament that there are not more women among us. We choose to work together despite these differences,” Synod 2023 says.

Andy de Ruyter, chair of the Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates, leaned into his role as an “adviser” to synod as he addressed the general assembly Monday, June 12.

Synod 2023 participants attended workshops with denominational ministry leaders on topics important to furthering the church’s mission.

Participants of Synod 2023 rested on the Lord’s Day and gathered for worship at the host Church of the Servant in Grand Rapids, Mich.

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