July 2016

Cooperatively and responsively, leaders have been resetting the direction of the Christian Reformed Church. That was the report to Synod 2016 from Kathy Vandergrift, president of the Board of Trustees.

Synod 2016 approved 47 candidates for Ministry of the Word in the Christian Reformed Church. They are now eligible to be called as pastors by congregations.

Rev. Caleb Ahima brought greetings to the Christian Reformed Church in North America from the Christian Reformed Church in Nigeria.

Long before Synod 2016, first-time delegates began their journey.

The Christian Reformed Synod, the general assembly of the denomination, paused in its work to share greetings electronically with the synod of the Reformed Church in America.

Synod 2016 designated the Presbyterian Church in Ethiopia as a “church in dialogue,” a relationship that allows the CRC to explore ways to be of service to other churches.

Pastoral care is not about solving problems but rather listening, according to Dr. Danjuma Gibson.

While listening at synod, delegate Autumn Yazzie-Newell drew pictures in her notebook and even decorated the signs at her table.

Rev. Pedro Aviles warned that there are storms headed toward the Christian Reformed Church. Dr. Anthony Carter said that God walks on storms. Rev. Charles Kim said that in the new heaven and earth there will be no more storms, no more seas.

The ethnic advisors to Synod 2016 are Darleen Litson, John Lendein, and Sheila Johnson.

Rev. Rafat Fathy thanked Synod 2016 for inviting him to share the story about the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Egypt, Synod of the Nile.

Synod 2016 approved a far-reaching new initiative for continuing education for pastors.

Rev. Peter Azuana, General Secretary of the Universal Reformed Christian Church in Nigeria, brought greetings to the Christian Reformed Church at Synod 2016.

“I wish to extend our warm Christian greetings to all officials and distinguished delegates to 2016 Synod,” said Rev. IraRimam Mathias of the Reformed Church of Christ for Nations (RCCN) in Nigeria.

Synod 2016 advised Christian Reformed churches and classes (regional groups of churches) to invite, as much as possible, the presence and involvement of same-sex attracted members when dealing with matters that affect the lives and discipleship of same-sex attracted members within the church.

At age 78, William “Bud” Ipema is the oldest delegate at synod this year, and Miles Kuperus III, age 24, is the youngest. Perhaps the youngest delegate ever, Kuperus became a deacon fresh out of college.

At its morning worship on Monday, June 13, Synod 2016 (the general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church) stopped to mourn the shooting of more than a hundred people in Orlando, Fla. Steve Timmermans, executive director of the CRC, connected the Orlando shooting with last year’s murder of the members of a Bible study in Charleston, S.C.

“With thanksgiving, we acknowledge our bonds,” Rev. Douglas Rollwage, moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Canada (PCC), told Synod 2016. “[Our denominations] both have a strong commitment to mission in Canada and around the world. We look forward to developing together new horizons of ministry.”

Recognizing the need and importance of properly trained ministers, the Christian Reformed Church requires that each classis “maintain a student fund” in order to financially assist those preparing for ministry.

Synod 2016, the general assembly of the CRC, decided not to add to its list of recommended causes Harvest USA, a Pennsylvania-based ministry focused on people with same-sex attraction.

When Shiao Chong was interviewed by Synod 2016 to become the new editor of The Banner, he was quick to exhibit his penchant for precise wording—and his sense of humor. The Banner is the official publication of the Christian Reformed Church.

The day after declaring that officebearers in the Christian Reformed Church may not participate in same-sex weddings, Synod 2016 appointed a study committee to study human sexuality.

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.

The officers elected for Synod 2016 (the Christian Reformed Church’s general assembly) have many years of synod experience between them.

Synod 2016 instructed the denominational staff of the Christian Reformed Church to look into the feasibility of developing new curriculum for churches to use.

Synod 2016 rejected the Doctrine of Discovery as heresy in response to a study report on the topic.

Synod 2016 added specific information to the Church Order Supplement regarding officebearers who confess to or are determined to be guilty of sexual misconduct.

At the 2016 Synodical Service of Prayer and Praise, Rev. John Rottman preached on Ephesians 4, focusing on Paul’s admonition to “make every effort to keep the unity in the bond of peace” in the face of cultural pressures regarding sexuality.

After a long and sometimes electric debate, Synod 2016, the general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church, proposed that the Belhar Confession be categorized as a contemporary testimony.

Synod 2016 rejected the 2 percent increase in ministry shares funds proposed by the Christian Reformed Church’s Board of Trustees, instead holding the line at the current amount of $339.48 per active adult member. Ministry shares are the monies collected to support the denomination’s shared ministries.

With very little discussion, Synod 2016, the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church, agreed that the CRC needs to do more about religious persecution and liberty.

Reggie and Sharon Smith were jubilant that Sharon was one of the 47 ministerial candidates presented to Synod 2016.

Seven women advisors were invited to Synod 2016: Linda Ryks, Melissa Van Dyk, Karen Knip, Emily Ulmer, Jenny Douma, Elaine VanLaare, and Sarah van Breda.