During the week of synod, news coverage will be provided by CRC Communications in partnership with The Banner. Subscribe to get a daily summary by email.
Seminary Thanked for Training Pastors, Asked for More Info on Instructional Personnel
Synod 2025 recognized several positive milestones for Calvin Theological Seminary and requested a report to Synod 2026 of confessional adherence for all instructional personnel.
How Binding are Synodical Decisions?
New categories for decisions by synods of the Christian Reformed Church provide a hierarchy of their status.
CRC Pursues Closer Relationship with Alliance of Reformed Churches
Some Christian Reformed pastors already serve in congregations that are part of the network of former Reformed Church in America congregations.
ERV Bible Translation Not Recommended for Public Worship
The Easy to Read Version was commended with reservations for new believers and children’s worship.
Synod 2025 Reaffirms Local Consistory’s Role in Baptism
Classis Grand Rapids South found a statement from Synod 2024 to be confusing; Synod 2025 agreed to reaffirm.
Calvin Reaffirms Partnership and Celebrates Faithful Progress at Synod
Synod expressed gratitude for Calvin University, recognized its efforts to maintain confessional alignment with the CRCNA and sought to understand differences between the university and the church.
Rubrics for How Denominational Boards Select Members to Be Public
Synod wants to know more about board member nominees that it has to vote on. It asked the CRC’s general secretary to obtain and publish the boards’ criteria.
Education Must Accompany Solo Pastoring
Christian Reformed Church commissioned pastors becoming solo pastors must work toward ordination as a minister of the Word, including the required education.
Synod’s Intercessors: An Inclination to the Spirit
Members of the intercessory team at Synod 2025 have hearts for discernment and openness to the Holy Spirit.
CRCNA to Stay United as a Binational Denomination
Synod 2025 voted to not accede to a request from an Ontario church council that wanted to “Envision Two Distinct Christian Reformed Churches.”
Officebearers Must Still Affirm the Confessions ‘Fully Agree’ with the Bible
The Covenant for Officebearers in the Christian Reformed Church will still affirm that the church’s historic confessions “fully agree” with the Word of God.
Synod 2025 Clarifies What ‘Without Reservation’ Means in the Gravamina Process
Synod 2025 discussed request for a ‘Formal Act of Confessional Submission’ for officebearers. Saying no to that, synod did define the parameters of confessing “without reservation.”
Covenant Must Be Affirmed At Every Classis Meeting
The form of affirming the Covenant for Officebearers might be varied, but delegates to classis are instructed to affirm it every classis meeting.
Canadian Justice: ‘Happy to Talk More’
A short exchange at Synod 2025 acknowledging the work of Canadian Justice Ministries had Al Postma, executive director-Canada, say ‘reach out’ with any questions.
Jessica Joustra Appointed to Calvin Theological Seminary in Systematic Theology
Newly appointed professor of systematic theology Jessica Joustra isn’t afraid of theological wrestling “because I have confidence in what we teach.”
Synod 2025 Welcomes 19 Candidates for Minister of the Word
Synod 2025 received the presentation of 19 candidates for ministry with a joyful service.
Jared Michelson Appointed to Teach at Calvin Theological Seminary
Jared Michelson, newly appointed professor of systematic theology, says all pastors are public theologians.
Synod 2025 ‘Deplores’ Assisted Suicide, Affirms God’s Gift of Life
Synod 2025 unanimously voted to approve the recommendations of the Assisted Suicide Task Force, mandated by Synod 2023, and commend their report.
Governance Costs Review Task Force Asked to Consult With Classes
Synod 2025 instructed the Office of General Secretary, with the Council of Delegates task force, to review governance costs and to engage with the needs of classes affected by disaffiliations.
Global Christian Forum Thanks CRC for Support
No agenda, no rule book, just building Christian relations is the aim of Global Christian Forum.
Request Denied to Add Belhar to Covenant for Officebearers
The CRC has recognized the Belhar Confession as a contemporary testimony since 2017, but it hasn’t been in the Covenant for Officebearers, and that won’t change.
Calvin University Called to Clarify their Confessional Exceptions
Synod 2025, in receiving a report from Calvin University on changes to the school’s approach to confessional subscription for its faculty and trustees, asks for clarification on one point.
Pastoral Spouses to Receive Support
Synod 2025 agreed with a request to instruct churches and classes to provide financially for the spiritual care of pastors’ spouses.
Christian Reformed Church of Sierra Leone Growing, Needs Support
Moses Jawara, president of the Christian Reformed Church of Sierra Leone, thanked the CRC for its support, especially through Resonate Global Ministry.
Reformed Church in The Netherlands Celebrates Merger
Peter Sinia told Synod 2025 that the Reformed Church in The Netherlands bridged differences and did the tough work of reconciliation.
Evangelical Fellowship Of Canada Grateful for CRC Contribution
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada is at work on many legal issues, including human trafficking and medical assistance in dying—an issue also on the Synod 2025 agenda.
Reformed Church in America: A Time of Change and Restructure
Eddy Alemán told delegates the RCA is committed to living together in disagreement, in the messy middle.
Synod 2025 Celebrates Anniversaries
Synod 2025 recognized the 150th anniversary of Kelloggsville CRC and encouraged commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea.
The Right to Bear Arms, Even at Church?
Synod 2025 chose not to speak on prohibiting concealed handguns at ecclesiastical assemblies, regardless of local laws.
Reformed Church in South Africa Facing Challenges
Rev. Gerben Meijer brought greetings from the Reformed Church in South Africa.
Classis Toronto: The Dance Between Discipline and Trust
Synod 2025 told Classis Toronto it was wrong to seat delegates from churches under limited suspension but declined suggested remedies.
Council of Delegates Allowed to Decide on Loan Fund Changes, Other Decisions of Synod 2025
Without discussion, Synod 2025 accepted several recommendations related to matters of the Council of Delegates, the ecclesiastical board of the Christian Reformed Church.
Worship at Synod 2025 Honors 100 Years of First CRC Chatham
Gathered in the auditorium of Redeemer University, Synod 2025 shared communion and was led in worship by First Christian Reformed Church in Chatham, Ont.
The Real World is More Complicated than ‘Happily Ever After’
In a wide-ranging address noting various parts of the Christian Reformed Church, general secretary Zachary King looked at themes of rebuilding and renewal.
The Council of Delegates Chair and Vice-Chair Address Synod 2025
Synod hears each year from the chair of the Council of Delegates. Vice-chair Greta Luimes, who is also chair of the Canada Ministry Board, shared this year as well.
'You’re Part of a Global Sisterhood of Faithful Women'
World Renew director Carol Bremer-Bennet encouraged the 18 women delegates to the Christian Reformed Church synod: “you are not alone.”
Synod 2025 Hears Report of First of Renewal Efforts: ‘Gather’
Elaine May, project manager for Gather, shared with Synod 2025 some of what the church learned and experienced through the 10 events and looked at principles for next steps.
What’s a Synodical Parliamentarian?
Michael Winnowski, a retired pastor, former synodical deputy, campus chaplain, specialized transitional minister, and newly trained spiritual director is serving as Synod 2025’s parliamentary adviser.
Synod 2025 Opens With Worship, Reminders to ‘Behave Like Christ’
A team of students from Chatham (Ont.) Christian High School accompanied Pastor Nate Van Denend of First CRC in Chatham to lead worship as Synod 2025 commenced.
Supplement to Synod 2025: One Appeal, Comments on Overtures, More
The supplement to the Agenda for Synod 2025 includes a Gather Initiative report, a new overture, updates from the Council of Delegates, and several comments on material already on the agenda.
Mix of Experienced, New Officers for Synod 2025
The delegates to Synod 2025 of the Christian Reformed Church in North America elected four pastors as officers to this year’s meeting: two who served Synod 2024 and two first-time officers.
Journey With Jesus to Synod
“Journey with Jesus” is a theme that will frame this year’s synod, and was central in the May 28 online convening session.