In what is always a celebratory moment in the life of synod, the latest crop of candidates for ministry were introduced Tuesday morning as Synod 2022 meets on campus of Calvin University. Susan LaClear, director of the Christian Reformed Church’s Candidacy Committee, said that this year’s group of candidates was “a bit leaner” than in other years—11 candidates were present at synod, and there are 23 in total. LaClear noted that some candidates, discouraged by online learning and other consequences of the pandemic, put their candidacy on hold. But those who persisted, LaClear said, “have learned to lean on God, and God has shaped them through refining fires.”
In his address to the candidates, Calvin Theological Seminary president Jul Medenblik focused on the way the candidates embody Christ, citing the words of Jesus in John 20:21: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Medenblik said the task set before the candidates is “to encourage lives that respond to the Lord.” This, he added, “is a hope that outlasts any pandemic.”
Synod along with friends and family in attendance gathered around the candidates while Jose Rayas, president of synod, led the body in prayer.
Synod 2022 is meeting at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich., from June 10-16. Find daily coverage from The Banner news team at thebanner.org/synod, download the Banner app on your mobile device, or follow The Banner Magazine on Facebook. On Twitter follow #crcsynod or twitter.com/crcna. Synod is the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church (it did not gather in 2020 or 2021). Connect to the meeting’s livestream, read advisory committee reports, and find other resources at crcna.org/synod.
About the Author
Clayton Libolt was the long time pastor of River Terrace Church in East Lansing, Mich. Since his retirement, he has served in a variety of interim positions. He is presently serving as the interim senior pastor of Sonlight Community CRC in Lynden, Wash.
