October 24, 2013
41
0
0 comments
Advisers to Synod 2014
The Office of Synodical Services is in the process of soliciting nominees for service as ethnic and deacon advisers, as well as young adult representatives to synod.
Results 176-200 of 305
Sort by
October 15, 2013
271
0
0
BOT Highlights - September 2013
The Board of Trustees meets three times per year to implement matters assigned by synod and carry out interim functions on behalf of synod. "BOT Highlights" are published following each meeting and distributed to churches by way of the stated clerk of classis. Here's the latest issue.
October 2, 2013
151
0
0
(shep)Herding?
There is much I like about the shepherding model. I especially like the emphasis on listening. I just think that the listening should take place sooner.
September 30, 2013
236
0
0
The Ugly, the Bad, and the Good about Synod
When I think about the things that make me impatient with synod, I confess to the sin of cynicism. (Is cynicism de facto a sin? I’ve come to think so. Christians just don’t get to do gratuitous negativity.) On the other hand, when I’m feeling good about a particular synod, and someone snidely says to me, “Yeah, but what did they actually ACCOMPLISH?” I feel deflated...
September 8, 2013
1153
0
27
Synod World Missions: Missionaries to Raise 90% of Their Salaries
I am a bit behind on this topic. However to pressure on folks who already work in mostly difficult circumstances this is a difficult position to support.
August 17, 2013
450
0
4
Bible Translations — NIV2011?
Can anyone tell me whether the CRCNA has completed a review or study of the NIV2011?
July 31, 2013
358
0
9
A Better Way to Select the Officers of Synod?
I would like, as one of the final acts of synod, that next year's officers are selected from among this year's delegates.
July 30, 2013
367
0
0
Summary and Acts of Synod 2013
To be of assistance to you, our office has gathered the decisions of Synod 2013 that are of special importance for the churches in the attached summary document. Please take time to review these highlights in your upcoming council meeting.
July 9, 2013
676
0
0
Synod 2013 has Made a Believer Out of Me
Synod 2013 has made a believer out of me. There I said it.In my first post as Synod Blogger, I confessed to y’all that, with the exception of a few critical issues, I have never followed Synod all that closely. Delegates to the Spring gathering of Classis Hackensack will recall I deferred being a delegate with this martyr’s concession: “I’ll fall on my sword next year.”
July 1, 2013
253
0
0
Synod Encourages Churches to Appoint Disability Advocate, Adopt Disability Policy
This summer, synod encouraged all Christian Reformed churches to adopt a church policy on disability and to appoint at least one person in the congregation to serve as a church disability advocate. Has your church taken both of these steps?
June 25, 2013
279
0
1
Describe Synod 2013 in Six Words
For those who followed Synod 2013 (a lot or a little, delegate or observer); how would you describe Synod 2013 in six words or phrases? You can just give your six or feel free to unpack why you picked that word or phrase. I'll start; Synod 2013 was... A Slow Start - It seemed it took the delegates a while to get going in the discussions Respectful - Points made on the floor were very respectful. Sincere - And also very sincere about their perspective. Intergenerational - I felt the Young Adult representatives contributed a lot to the discussion this year. Informative - Every year I learn more...
June 25, 2013
357
0
2
I Wish You Could . . .
We are also concerned about the churches to which we belong and which we miss dearly. We have been worshiping with that church in mind. We have prayed for her, for you. We have debated and decided on her behalf. We have prayed and worked for her welfare.
June 24, 2013
161
0
0
“Happy Birthday, dear Heidelberg. Happy Birthday to Yooooouuuuuu.”
The 450th Anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism is this year. What does one get for a Catechism?
June 18, 2013
406
0
18
Climate Change - Wither Now?
Does the Creation Stewardship Task Force need to submit a new report abandoning CO2 reduction and instead advocating building higher dykes in Holland, Bangladesh and New Orleans that we can vote on next year?
June 16, 2013
55
0
1
Diakonia Remixed Report - The Synod Decision
At Synod last week the Diakonia Remixed Report was discussed. Ultimately what was discussed on the Synod floor was different than what had been submitted by the task force. Here's what happened...
June 11, 2013
429
0
4
“Well, That’s a Thought”
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?
June 11, 2013
309
0
0
What Is Required of You, O Minister?
The prophet Micah says, “To love mercy, to do justice and to walk humbly with our God.” The CRCNA says...
June 10, 2013
326
0
8
Diakonia — We've Passed This Way Before
The schedule for Synod 2013 tells us that the Diakonia Remixed report will be discussed on Wednesday evening. Synod will be discussing, among other things, the role of deacons in the broader assemblies of the church.
June 10, 2013
357
0
4
Defining the Main Thing
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.
June 6, 2013
435
0
3
Why I'm Excited for Synod
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...
June 4, 2013
333
0
0
Are We Formed Yet?
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.
June 3, 2013
400
0
0
BOT Highlights - May 2013
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...
May 28, 2013
651
0
9
Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
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):
May 23, 2013
1180
0
27
Are We Fully Equipped?
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...
May 23, 2013
564
0
4
Bi-National or Overreaching?
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.