Synod 2026 noted that the expectation of commitment to our Reformed creeds and confessions (doctrinal standards) is higher for officebearers than for members, and consistories have the privilege and responsibility of discipling members “faithfully towards a deeper understanding of the gospel as arti
ynod 2026 voted to approve Christopher Fantuzzo, Ph.D., to a position as professor of Old Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary. Among other positions, Fantuzzo previously served as a lecturer in Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and as a visiting professor of Old
Host Lora Copley, The Banner’s interim editor-in-chief, discusses synod’s second day of deliberations with Susan LaClear, the CRC’s director of Candidacy, and Jason Ruis, associate pastor of Bethel CRC (Waupun, Wisc.) and stated clerk of Classis Wisconsin.
Synod 2026 reminded the Christian Reformed Church of the resources of Thrive, the denomination’s congregational support ministry, and encouraged church leaders to reach out to Thrive for support. Synod also invited churches to make use of the ministry’s church renewal plan and made note of the staff
On Tuesday morning, Synod 2026 hosted a presentation ceremony for 36 new candidates for ministry in the Christian Reformed Church. Fourteen of those candidates were present in person for the liturgy and celebration; others joined by livestream.Synod is the annual general assembly of the Christian Re
Korean delegates and staff to Synod 2026 opened worship Tuesday afternoon with a choir led by Catheryn Jo, communications specialist and Korean connector with Thrive.Jo played guitar and led in the singing of “Blessed Assurance” in Korean and English. Yoojin Song played piano, Chris Kim played bass;
Just before adjourning the Monday evening session, Synod 2026 worked through recommendations from the denomination’s Candidacy Committee, adopting changes for commissioned pastors, declaring 36 new candidates for the position of Minister of the Word, and extending the candidacy eligibility for seven
Host Lora Copley, The Banner’s interim editor-in-chief, reviews synod’s first day of full deliberations with Jason Ruis, Associate Pastor of Bethel CRC (Waupun, Wisc.) and stated clerk of Classis Wisconsin.
In keeping with the tone set Saturday evening with Resonate Global Mission’s presentation on church planting and Zach King’s “Antioch Moment” address, Synod 2026 enthusiastically approved the 10-year strategic plan for church planting Monday evening, with a standing applause after a unanimous vote.S
Synod 2026 welcomed three ecumenical guests from India, the Dominican Republic, and the United States to bring greetings and receive prayer at Synod 2026. The presentation was led by Shirley Roels, chair of the Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee.Synod is the annual general assembly of the
This story was updated May 16 after additional reports were processed by synod Monday night. The version below reflects all of Synod 2026’s actions regarding affiliated schools.In Monday morning and evening sessions, synod delegates spoke about the various Christian colleges and universities associa
Synod 2026 declined to appoint a committee to articulate the CRC’s Reformed beliefs about what the church is.Classis Wisconsin, a regional group of churches, wrote that the CRC has lost sight of the fact that the church’s work always presupposes a theological vision of its faithful being. So it want
Continuing a relationship that extends back decades, Synod 2026 voted to “extend and affirm a relationship with the Nederlandse Gereformeerde Kerken as a church in cooperation.” The Nederlandse Gereformeerde Kerken (NGK) formed in 2023, resulting from a merger between two once-separated Reformed den
Lee Carter, new director of Thrive, told Synod 2026 delegates that in his short time at the congregational support ministry, he has discovered that the staff understand that they serve, not steer congregations, acting not ‘for’ but walking ‘with’ churches. Thrive supports Christian Reformed congrega
Rev. Darrell Delaney, the new director of ReFrame, asked Synod 2026 delegates the Romans 10 questions: How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?His answer in part is ReFrame, the media ministry of the Christian Reformed Chur
For more than 40 years the Christian Reformed Church Loan Fund has provided low-interest loans to Christian Reformed congregations to build new buildings or expand their facilities with minimal losses.The fund’s founding documents limited lending to CRC congregations, but now Synod 2026 has ratified
In 2025, the board of directors for the Alliance of Reformed Churches voted to recognize the church in communion status with the Christian Reformed Church of North America, an invitation that had been extended by the CRCNA in 2024. Synod 2026 offered a prayer of thanksgiving for this affirmed relati
In a close vote, Synod 2026 approved the creation of a study committee to define Christian nationalism that will present a report to Synod 2028. The final tally of votes was 93 in favor, 84 against, with one abstention.Synod is the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church in North Am
Synod 2026 agreed to have certain parts of the supplement removed from Church Order Articles 4 and 7, pertaining to Classis Red Mesa’s calling of officebearers (deacons and elders) and a previously used category of service that now is covered by the Church Order article for commissioned pastors.Syno
Synod 2026 delegates voted down a proposal to change synod’s meeting schedule. The Council of Delegates had proposed that synods convene on a Saturday, meeting until the following Saturday. Synods currently meet from Friday to the following Thursday.Lucas tenBrink, Classis Holland, favored the chang