Church Order and Its Supplements 2025

The updated Church Order and Its Supplements 2025, reflecting the decisions of Synod 2025, which met in June, is now available in digital format for immediate access and download at crcna.org/SynodResources. To encourage the use of the PDF and to reduce printing and postage costs, we are reducing the number of individuals who will receive a physical copy. If you would like a printed version, you may print a copy for your personal use or order one from Faith Alive once they are ready in a few weeks.

The most significant changes to the Church Order this year are to Articles 12-17 in regards to the calling and supervision of pastors in noncongregational positions, and to the process of release for pastors from either a particular call or from CRC ministry in general. Synod also adopted some modifications to the gravamen process (Supplement, Article 5) and to requirements for commissioned pastors in solo or lead positions in organized congregations (Supplement, Articles 23-24).  Finally, a new Article 24-e, addressing the readmission of released commissioned pastors, has been proposed for adoption at a future synod.

Churches may respond to the proposed changes, or propose further changes to the current Church Order, by way of overture or communication to Synod 2026 (see the process for submitting an overture or communication here).

Thank you for making the 2025 Church Order available for the work of your council. We hope you find this resource helpful in your ministry. If we can be of assistance with any polity matters as you go about your work, please do not hesitate to call or write.