Michael Ten Haken, chair of the Christian Reformed Church’s Council of Delegates, and the Council’s vice-chair Greta Luimes addressed Synod 2025 with words of encouragement, and ministry updates. Synod is the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. It is meeting June 13-19 in Ancaster, Ont.
Ten Haken is about to begin his sixth and final year with the Council. “Leadership during these years has been challenging, but my behind-the-scenes seat has allowed me to see and be reminded that through it all, God is faithful and good. He provided. He protects. He upholds. And he endures. Therefore, his church will as well.”
Highlighting parts of the Council of Delegates’ report Ten Haken referenced the Bible Translations Committee’s work to evaluate the Easy to Read Version of the Bible. He said, “Their thorough and extensive report along with their findings is a testimony to the CRCNA’s commitment to the primacy of God’s special revelation as the only infallible rule for faith and life—especially as it relates to worship.”
Ten Haken also highlighted the report of the Dignity Team, whose work helps ensure “that the CRCNA promotes a culture of care and respect especially in areas and moments of conflict and disagreement.”
Not wanting to detract from the rest of the work of the Council, Ten Haken said, “I mention these in an effort to show you the depth, breadth, and diversity of the work that many in the denomination take up on behalf of and in service to your churches and classes.”
Luimes, completing her second of two three-year terms on the Council at the end of this month, shared a few additional highlights, noting that the Council will have a role in carrying forward the work of the Gather initiative. “Part of the role of the Council of Delegates is to now determine how the outcomes from the Gather events will motivate the goals of current CRC leaders, agencies, and ministries.”
She also gave an update on the Global Vision Team, which has formed to work toward deeper relationships and possibly a new ecclesiastical body for the CRCNA and its global denominational partners. In the early stages, the Global Vision Team will report on its work in 2027.
Luimes recognized Synod 2024’s call to “pay particular attention to the needs of disaffiliating churches and of classes who are supporting them to ensure that the proper support is available” (Acts of Synod 2024, p. 906) and mentioned the Next Steps discernment process as a resource for churches. “While our hearts are saddened by their leaving, we pray that God will continue to use them to further his kingdom in different ways.”
Luimes, who along with being vice-chair of the Council of Delegates is chair of the Canada Ministry Board, referenced the CRCNA’s binational identity and welcomed delegates warmly to Canada. “Although the cultures of Canada and the United States are very distinct, together we celebrate the spiritual, theological, and relational unity that God has nurtured over the years for his glory.”
Ten Haken encouraged the delegates of Synod 2025 to engage with the Council delegates from their classes (regional groups of churches) to build continuity with the ecclesiastical board. “Invite them to your classis meeting, give them an opportunity to address you and share with you what is happening, and ask and wonder together how you can support them and the denomination in the work we’ve covenanted to do together.”
Synod 2025, the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, is meeting June 13-19 on the campus of Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ont. Find daily coverage from The Banner at TheBanner.org/synod. Visit crcna.org/synod for the agenda, advisory reports, recordings of plenary sessions, and to subscribe to the daily Synod News email.
About the Author
Kristen Parker is a freelance writer. She has a passion for words and creativity. Kristen and her husband Chris, enjoy board games and thrift shopping. They attend Stratford CRC in Stratford, Ont.