Synod 2014 Elects Binational Executive

Synod 2014 elected an executive that represents the binationality of the Christian Reformed Church: half Americans; half Canadians.

Synod president is Rev. R. Scott Greenway, a delegate from Classis Thornapple Valley where he serves as pastor of the Caledonia (Mich.) CRC. This is his fifth synod, but his first time serving on the executive. He is also the vice chair of the denomination’s Board of Trustees.

“You’re here as servants of Jesus Christ, his bride,” Greenway told delegates. “Let that thought carry you through the week. He loves his church. Now serve his bride well.”

Synod’s vice president is Rev. Jake Kuipers, pastor of Ebenezer CRC in Trenton, Ontario, and a delegate from Classis Quinte. This is his 10th synod, and he served on the executive once previously.

The clerks are Rev. John Tenyenhuis and Rev. Jerome Burton.

Tenyenhuis, pastor of Rehoboth Fellowship CRC in Toronto, Ontario, is a delegate from Classis Toronto and this is his seventh synod. Burton represents Classis Grand Rapids North where he is pastor of Coit Community CRC. This is his second synod.

Greenway said he expects a smooth synod. “How we respond to overtures about the Banner will receive energy,” he said. For the rest, he does not see a lot of potential for conflict.

He said he is enjoying spending time with the delegates to the Reformed Church in America’s general synod. “It in some ways feels like a family reunion.”

Delegates are spending the afternoon in advisory committee meetings. Tonight they are invited to watch a film on immigration.

On Saturday morning, they will again gather for opening worship with RCA general synod delegates, followed by a brief plenary session and more advisory committee meetings. On Saturday evening, the CRC and RCA synods will hold a joint session, followed by an ice cream social.

For continuous coverage of Synod 2014 including the live webcast, news, video recordings, photos, liveblog, social media links, and more visit www.crcna.org/synod.