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“Well, That’s a Thought”
Posted on June 11, 2013, 9:40 am | 4 comments

What is an “Ecumenical Faith Declaration”? What does it mean that we have accepted the Belhar Confession in this category?  Did we just leave Synod 2012 sorely confused, not sure what just happened but guessing that it probably wasn’t good?  Read more »
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Also See

CRCNA Synod website
Why Hold Synod?
Synodical Resources
2012 Church Order
Stated Clerks and Synodical Deputies

Latest
What Is Required of You, O Minister?
Posted on June 11, 2013, 6:49 am
The prophet Micah says, “To love mercy, to do justice and to walk humbly with our God.” The CRCNA says... Read more »
Defining the Main Thing
Posted on June 10, 2013, 11:01 am | 4 comments
It is all well and good to say that we want to keep the main thing the main thing.  Problem is, we can’t decide on the main thing. Read more »
Not Your Father’s Pension System
Posted on June 6, 2013, 9:04 am | 8 comments
Two overtures are coming to Synod next week regarding the current pension system of the denomination. Read more »
Why I'm Excited for Synod
Posted on June 6, 2013, 9:04 am | 3 comments
I have this sense that among young leaders there is a growing attitude rejecting traditional forms of church governance. A lot of us have a hard time with the idea that the decisions made by this binational gathering will have any helpful impact on the day to day work of the Kingdom of God. At the same time, some of these young leaders have started a hashtag #crcgroundswell looking for stories of God’s Holy Spirit at work in our churches... Read more »
Are We Formed Yet?
Posted on June 4, 2013, 8:15 am
The Faith Formation Study Committee has been working steadily for the past four years. What could have been a contentious issue (adapting the practice of profession of faith and allowing “age and ability appropriate faith in Jesus Christ” to be the marker of admittance to The Lord’s Supper) has been utilized as an opportunity for church congregations, ministry leaders and councils to reflect again on the gracious nature of faith. Read more »
BOT Highlights - May 2013
Posted on June 3, 2013, 8:20 am
Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Board of Trustees of the Christian Reformed Church in North  America met on May 2 and 3, 2013 at the denominational offices in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During this meeting the Board... Read more »
Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
Posted on May 28, 2013, 11:42 am | 9 comments
Overture 15 from Classis Northern Illinois asks that we “Mandate Denominational Agencies and the Board of Trustees to Develop Concrete Strategies to Carry Out the Great Commission.” This is supported with four grounds (reasons): Read more »
Are We Fully Equipped?
Posted on May 23, 2013, 11:23 am | 26 comments
This year at Synod, Classis Zeeland wants us to “Appoint a study committee to expand on the 1973 report and conclusions on homosexuality.”  And Classis Pacific Northwest wants us to “provide pastoral advice on the issue of gay marriage.” Now, people of God... Read more »
Bi-National or Overreaching?
Posted on May 23, 2013, 11:02 am | 4 comments
A key topic of discussion at Synod 2013 will, undoubtedly, be the bi-national character of our denomination.  Also undoubtedly, it is brought forward to us in Overture 5 from Classis Toronto and in Overture 6 from Classis Niagara. Read more »
Deck Chairs?
Posted on May 21, 2013, 1:34 pm | 4 comments
A key theme throughout the Agenda for Synod 2013 is the necessity to restructure the denomination. I’ll admit I feel anxious putting this out there but only because I’m going to be blamed for saying in public what any number of people have wondered about it private... Read more »
Wag the Dog
Posted on May 21, 2013, 12:40 pm | 3 comments
Although I read through the Structure and Culture Report (page 348), although I looked at the budget numbers, I remain unconvinced that the tail isn’t trying to wag the dog. Read more »
Diakonia Remix
Posted on May 13, 2013, 10:30 am | 3 comments
By far, the issue with greatest coverage in the Agenda is that of a Study Report out of the Office of Deacon Task Force.  I really recommend reading it for yourselves as I believe the report is a model of how these things ought to be laid out.  It is confessional, conversant in the relevant threads of church polity and winsome to boot.  Read more »
Overtures 3 & 4: Laying Out the Debate
Posted on May 7, 2013, 12:41 pm | 60 comments
I confess to having run stuck on Overtures 3 & 4. Perhaps you have too? No matter your opinion, most of us aren’t diffident in holding them or taciturn in voicing them.  Let’s own that at the outset.  These overtures seem likely to create a 2013 synod sensation.  Read more »
Advice for First-Time Delegates
Posted on April 24, 2013, 6:57 pm | 3 comments
I mentioned in my last blog post that I have never been a delegate to Synod. Judging from that post, I’ll bet you can see why. But I do have an inkling of admiration for the Sheila Holmes and George Vander Weits and Thea Leunks of our denomination. God bless them, every one! Read more »
The Why in Synod
Posted on April 23, 2013, 9:09 am | 5 comments
The Church Order can teach us a few things about Synod and all of these things outlined are laudable goals and important issues for the life of the denomination: ecumenical relationships, orthodoxy in belief and worship.  But I still don’t see the why in Synod. Is it possible the day might come when we recognize a thriftier and swifty-er way of doing the work commissioned to us?  Read more »