The Alumni Association board room, on the upper floor of Calvin University’s Commons building, typically hosts two things when the Christian Reformed Church’s synod meets at Calvin: early morning prayer and specialty dinners. Deacon delegates have one. Korean delegates, ecumenical guests and the committee who hosts them, and young adult representatives each have one too. And early at synod, usually on the night of the first plenaries, women delegates, advisers, and staff meet for a special dinner too.
Synod is the CRC’s annual general assembly, meeting June 12-18 at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Since 2017, when then-director of leadership development Denise Posie gathered about 35 women to meet, “discuss—and celebrate—their roles as female leaders in the Christian Reformed Church” (June 13, 2017), women leaders have set apart time to gather together during the annual synod.
Susan LaClear, director of Candidacy for the denomination, welcomed participants this year, with the help of Carol Bremer-Bennett, executive director of World Renew-U.S, who also led in the 2025 women’s dinner, and Lora Copley, interim editor of The Banner.
Although the group acknowledged a recent decrease in the number of women delegated to synod, they focused on serving in their respective roles with their unique characteristics.
“You’re not here because you asked for this or you went looking for it. You’re here because God called and you said yes,” encouraged Ben Van Arragon, consultant for pastors’ wellbeing with Thrive, whom LaClear invited to speak. Quoting from 1 John 4:18, she said, “There is no fear in love because perfect love casts out fear.” Van Arragon reminded, “His love for you and your love for him gives you everything you need,” in order to lead well at synod.
LaClear mentioned two characteristics she often sees in women that can be valuable in leadership: a servant heart and emotional courage.
Bremer-Bennett asked the women to share around their tables one other word expressing what they’re bringing with them to synod or something they expect to receive from their experience here. “Calling,” was one response. “Grace” and “a reliance on God’s strength” were two others.
Copley ended the session admitting that one thing she is bringing to synod is “a big ball of nerves,” but, noting that could be anyone’s experience, she suggested, quoting her dad, that you can either turn your imaginary magnifying glass on yourself and see your faults and limitations get bigger and bigger, or you can magnify Christ, and his love and strength, and in that emphasis your inadequacies will be overshadowed.
All that we need throughout the week and in our day-to-day lives is found in Jesus, Copley said.
Eighteen women are delegates to Synod 2026, just under 10% of the 183 total delegates. Women made up 9.6% of delegates in 2025; 13% in 2024; 17% in 2023 and 2022; 23% in 2019; and 27% in 2018.
Delegates to synod are selected by classes (regional assemblies) from among the pastors, elders, and deacons active in their congregations. Each classis may send four delegates.
While “all congregations in the Christian Reformed Church in North America may allow women to serve in the office of minister, elder, deacon, or commissioned pastor,” the denomination recognizes two different biblically founded convictions on the matter and attempts to honor both theological perspectives.
“Some object that there are women seated as delegates; others lament that there are not more women among us,” reads a statement from Synod 2023. “We choose to work together despite these differences.”
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.