May 30, 2007, Grand Rapids, Mich. - As Christian Reformed Church synod agendas go, the 2007 version is a hefty one. At nearly 500 pages, it ranks as one of the lengthier agendas in this decade.
There are some tough issues, issues that could generate heated discussion. But when 188 delegates, together with ethnic advisers, female advisers and seminary faculty advisers, convene on June 9 in Grand Rapids, Mich., there will also be a theme of celebration, since this year marks the 150th anniversary of the Christian Reformed Church (CRC).
Women at Synod
Synod 2007 will have to deal with the aftermath of a decision made by Synod 2006. Last year synod voted to remove the word "male" from the Church Order, thus allowing women to serve in all the leadership positions in the church.
However, it also set guidelines that prevented women from being appointed as delegates to synod, and urged a seven year moratorium on debating the matter further. Judging from the number of overtures (requests) asking Synod 2007 to allow women to be delegates to synod, however, there won't be a ban on discussion this year.
Synod 2007 will have to decide whether or not to approve the proposed change to the Church Order and also whether or not to accept the guidelines from Synod 2006. (One synod may propose a change to the Church Order, but a subsequent synod must approve that change before it can take effect.)
Third Wave Pentecostalism
It might seem odd for a synod of a Reformed church to be discussing a Pentecostal movement, but as Rev. Peter Hoytema pointed out in his article "Riding The Third Wave" (May 2007 Banner), this movement has had a greater influence within the CRC than many people realize.
Synod 2004 appointed a committee to study it. That committee is reporting to Synod 2007 with two reports, one from the majority of the committee and one from the minority.
The two groups could not agree on the biblical basis or the place in the CRC of practices such as prophesying, healing ministries, spiritual warfare and deliverance ministries.
The majority of the committee, while cautioning against spiritual elitism, found that the Third Wave movement has much to offer the CRC. However, the minority group said that some of the dangers cautioned against by the majority are so serious that they could not agree with the positive assessment.
Synod 2007 will have to make its own judgment.
Children at the Lord's Supper
This was last year's sleeper issue, making its way onto synod's agenda by way of a single overture from Classis Holland asking for a study committee.
Synod declined to appoint a committee and decided instead to open communion to all baptized members of the church of whatever age, declaring the practice to be consistent with the church's covenant theology.
It asked the denomination's Board of Trustees to draft a report proposing the necessary changes in the Church Order, which must be adopted by synod before implementation can take place.
That may not happen easily. As Syd Hielema writes in the June issue of The Banner, changing the way Christians practice communion touches something deep within. There are overtures asking Synod 2007 not to adopt the change.
Infant Baptism
With some churches already offering infant dedications for families that do not believe infants should be baptized, Classis Alberta North is asking for a committee to study and make recommendations about what churches should do. This could be the sleeper issue of 2007.
What Not to Watch For
This year's agenda was supposed to contain proposed revisions to "Our World Belongs to God: A Contemporary Testimony" and a revised version of the denomination's Form of Subscription - the form church office bearers must sign, promising to uphold the church's doctrinal standards.
However, neither committee was able to complete its work in time for this synod, so look for those items in 2008.
Time to Celebrate
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the CRC's birth. Devotional times, presentations and other events will carry the anniversary celebration themes.
The synodical service of prayer and praise will be held this year in the Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids, with up to 12,000 people attending.
A full orchestra led by Grand Rapids Symphony associate conductor John Varineau and a 300-voice choir directed by Anton Armstrong of St. Olaf's College will be among the highlights.
For more stories about the Christian Reformed Church and Synod 2007, visit www.thebanner.org
................... Henry Hess Director of Communication Christian Reformed Church 800-730-3490 mailto:hessh@crcna.ca
To learn more about the Christian Reformed Church visit us at www.crcna.org