My Reflections on Attending Synod 2026, Part II

Some Insights and Some Major Decisions from Synod 2026

• Full Alignment Between the Denomination and Educational Institutions: We confirmed that Calvin University and Calvin Seminary remain under the full control of the CRCNA. The Synod demanded "full confessional alignment" from all leadership, including the boards and faculties of the university and seminary, and agreed that things are moving faithfully in that very direction.
  • Dr. Christopher Fantuzzo, who was ratified at this Synod as the new Professor of Old Testament, was asked as his very first interview question, "What is the gospel?" His answer began beautifully with "The gospel is Jesus," followed by an eloquent explanation, leading to an overwhelming ratification vote. 
  • Rev. Lora Copley was also overwhelmingly ratified as the new Editor-in-Chief of The Banner.
• Restoration of Denominational Identity and Renewal: Following the recent internal conflicts surrounding human sexuality, which led some churches to leave the denomination, it felt as though the CRCNA has firmly refound its biblical roots. Many shared that this Synod felt like a true "renewal." 
• The Grandest Vision, the "Antioch Moment": The 10-year strategic roadmap presented by Resonate Global Mission brought tremendous excitement to the floor. Dubbed the "Antioch Moment," this vision prioritizes prayer and discipleship as its core components for global church planting. Crucially, we affirmed that the "ownership" of this vision must rise up organically from local churches to the classes, and finally to the Synod.
• Some Other Major Administrative Decisions: 
  • While council members (officebearers) must strictly uphold the Three Forms of Unity (Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession, and Canons of Dort), a more pastoral, educational approach will be taken to teach and nurture general church members in these confessions. 
  • While respecting the autonomy of local churches, the Synod clarified constitutional provisions allowing a classis to discipline local council members if a church fails to function properly. 
  • Regarding whether the Council of Delegates (COD) should consist strictly of current or former officebearers, the Synod decided to allow non-officebearers to participate to attract individuals with specialized professional skills. 
  • The Synod demanded clear transparency regarding the spending and distribution of Ministry Shares. 
  • The Synod decided against applying the term "church" to ministries that exist exclusively in a virtual or online space for the time being. 
  • A proposal to meet biennially (every two years) to save costs was rejected, as the spiritual benefits of gathering face-to-face annually were deemed far greater. 
  • The Synod set a future assignment to review and improve the system for Commissioned Pastors, who currently lead 17% of the congregations in our denomination. 
  • We celebrated the ratification of 36 new candidates for ministry. Watching them stand before us was an incredibly heartwarming and emotional experience. 
  • The Synod voted to mandate further studies on two issues: (1) The CRC's position on "Christian Nationalism," and (2) Reshuffling and restructuring classes to reduce costs and foster healthier regional bodies.

Looking Ahead

I always tell my children: "96% of life is showing up." While it is easy to dismiss attending the CRC Synod due to language barriers or a lack of time, based on my experience and my conversations with fellow Korean and Anglo delegates, this is an indispensable spiritual asset. Our denomination is striving with all its might to remain gospel-centered, to grow, and to evangelize. A world without the CRC is a world that would lose a massive, clear voice for the gospel, and God would certainly not be pleased with that.

There are currently 49 classes across the United States and Canada, two of which (Classis Hanmi and Classis Ko-Am) are Korean-speaking. Out of approximately 180 delegates at the Synod, only 11 were Korean. Given that Korean congregations make up roughly 10% of the CRC, I sincerely hope to see a matching 10% of Korean delegates step up and participate in future Synods.

We must actively support our denomination. We need to fulfill our obligations through Ministry Shares and offerings, and as rightful stakeholders within this body, our voices must be heard. Let us continually encourage one another within this beautiful faith community and pray earnestly to expand the Kingdom of God together.