Highlights of Synod 2009

NOTE: For all synod news releases, video recordings, and more visit the Synod 2009 page.

June 24, 2009 -- Synod 2009 wrapped up last Thursday night after a week of prayer, praise and careful deliberation, including several decisions that could have an important impact on the Christian Reformed Church in North America.

As they wrestled with issues, delegates also battled a “flu bug” that sickened up to 100 people, including about 60 delegates. But Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Ill., where Synod was meeting, responded quickly and appropriately, local health officials said. As a result the outbreak, identified later as a norovirus, was relatively short-lived and was on the wane in the final days of Synod.

Here are some of Synod 2009’s decisions:

• Synod approved a proposal asking Synod 2012 to approve the Belhar Confession as a fourth confession of the Christian Reformed Church. Elevating the Belhar to confessional status would place it on a par with the the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dort. The Belhar Confession, which emphasizes
  Video: Rev. Jerry Dykstra addresses Synod 2009 on the 'State of the CRC'.
  social justice and racial reconciliation, will be the subject of discussion and debate over the next three years in churches and other settings across the denomination.
• Synod also approved a proposal to have the Interchurch Relations Committee spend the next year developing a mandate on how the CRC will enter into interfaith dialogue. Until now, official discussions have taken place between the CRC and other Christian groups. This would open up that process and allow the church to have dialogue with non-Christian faith groups.
• Synod heard about the development of a new denominational entity called “The Network: Connecting Churches for Ministry,” that will work to develop deeper relationships with local congregations. A focus will be on learning about the best practices in local churches and finding ways to build on them. The new ministry is still in formation, but “The Network” will work closely with churches to help them better realize the wide range of resources available to them through the denomination.
• Synod heard a report about the continuing work of the Form of Subscription Committee.  A member of the committee gave a brief history of the issue, mentioning problems some ministers and other church educators and leaders have had in signing the document that spells out the beliefs to which CRC officebearers must subscribe. The committee is looking to propose a new Form of Subscription for approval by Synod once it has discussed the issue with a wide range of church members and others.
• Synod instructed the Board of Trustees to have the executive director of the CRC convene an ethnically-inclusive group to develop a statement of vision and strategy for increasing multiethnic representation within the leadership of the denomination and report to Synod 2010.
• Synod affirmed the ministry-share system as an effective means of carrying out ministry together as members of the CRC. Synod also instructed church officials to encourage and educate congregations about participation in the ministry-share system and the resulting ministry. Up to one percent of ministry-share receipts will be set aside to do this.
• Synod heard from the Faith Formation Committee on the progress it is making in coming up with materials that address the milestones in one’s faith journey. Such milestones include baptism, profession of faith, and admission to the Lord’s Table. The committee has released its first preliminary report, “Affirming Baptism and Forming Faith.” The committee will continue to seek input from people across the denomination as it forms its recommendations.
• Synod passed a long-awaited report on Third Wave Pentecostalism, acknowledging “the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and affirm(ing) that all of the Spirit’s work is for God’s glory and purpose.” Synod also passed a series of recommendations that advise members of CRC congregations to view this movement and its claims, especially in regard to prophesy and healing, with caution and discernment.
• Synod made history by electing Rev. Sheila Holmes, pastor of Northside Community CRC in Paterson, N.J., as the first African-American woman to serve as vice president. Rev. William T. Koopmans, pastor of Grace CRC in Chatham, Ontario, became the first Canadian-born CRC pastor to serve as president of Synod. Other Synod presidents have had ties to Canada over the years.
• In other matters, Synod approved expansion of Back to God Ministry International’s outreach into the Hindi language in India. It also changed the name of the Interchurch Relations Committee to the Ecumenical Relations Committee, and changed the name of the Office of Abuse Prevention to the Safe Church Ministry.

—Chris Meehan, CRC Communications