Will Brouwers, a delegate to Synod 2026 from Classis Rocky Mountain, says he’s nostalgic for synod, despite this being his first time as a delegate. His first experiences of the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church were as a son tagging along with his pastor dad, Gary Brouwers, more than 20 years ago. Now Will is “continuing the circle,” hoping to encourage a love for the church in his own young children.
“2004 was my first synod as a delegate,” said Gary, delegated this year by Classis Central Plains. “He (Will) was 4 and Laura (Will’s sister) was 6 months.” Dawn Brouwers, Gary’s wife, said “We had friends and family here (Grand Rapids, Mich.) from seminary, so it was fun to come back and see them. We were living in Minnesota at the time.”
“Bringing me to synod instilled good times and a sense of nostalgia,” Will Brouwers said, making him feel excited to return as a delegate and bring his wife, Kat, and their children, Alice, 3, and Rhett, almost 2. “Aunt Laura,” who lives in Grand Rapids and works in a nursing home while working on a master of social work degree, is also spending time on campus with the extended family this week.
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.