As this synod makes decisions of generational impact, there are at least four groupings of two-generational families represented at Synod 2026.
Synod is the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. It is meeting June 12-18 in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Will Brouwers, Classis Rocky Mountain, and his dad Gary Brouwers, Classis Central Plains, are both delegates.
Matthew Haan, representing Classis Iakota, is at synod with his son, Benjamin Haan, a young adult representative.
Jon Hoekema, prayer shepherd of the CRCNA, is also at synod with his son Kyle Hoekema, also a young adult representative. “I think there’s an aspect of discipleship, in mentoring that helps teach the bigger picture of the church, or what the church is and can be,” Jon said.
“I love seeing (Kyle) engaged in the life of the church. … It makes me a proud dad to see him engaged in a thoughtful and spiritual way.”
Synod 2026’s youngest delegate, 22-year-old Michael Cassis, was delegated by Classis Southeast U.S., as was his dad, Chris Cassis. Viviana Cassis, Michael’s mother, is operations manager of Resonate Global Mission.
Michael said, “I’m truly seeing the multiplication process and the discipleship process in the works. … Me being here at my age is the fruit of that.” He said he has felt welcomed, invited, and heard within his advisory committee and within discussions.
Michael works in technical production at The Source Church in Florida and has worked toward a license to exhort within his classis.
Synod 2026, the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, is meeting June 12-18 on the campus of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich. Go to crcna.org/synod for the livestream, photos, reports, and a live blog of synod proceedings and decisions. Find daily news and our video Synod Recap at thebanner.org/synod.