Episode 180: Synod 2024 Recap - Rebuilding on Confessional Foundations and a Culture of Discipleship

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We love the Christian Reformed Church; we want to see reformation in our denomination; and we recognize that reformation is typically messy. So, we’re having conversations with pastors throughout the CRC about what reformation might look like.
Intro Music by Matt Krotzer

[@History_Buff]

Another great episode. I do worry somewhat about the media coverage that has been popping up the last few days. Especially those who lift up those churches/councils/delegates as martyrs. However, I hope that the next couple years prove that we have chosen a path and that it is the correct path to walk down.
This was a landmark synod, especially for me. Only 1 year a deacon and yet I've gone to both Classis and Synod. As I told another delegate, God pushed me into office. I didn't desire. I expected to not get voted in and yet here I am. Again at Classis, I never expected to become a delegate to Synod. There were so many much more qualified men in the room but again I was selected. It was not my will to become a Deacon and then go all the way to Synod. If I had my will I would have been in my air conditioned basement playing video games with friends instead of slogging across Calvin in 80% humidity. This was a landmark synod for me because my eyes have been opened to the church around me. I am no longer blind to what happens outside the 4 walls of my small church. I have come into Synod with fresh eyes and what I saw caused me both pain and hope.
The pain came from a few different places. First, from our brothers and sisters who have decided to stray from the path. Those who have gone the way of the world and have no desire to change. I always think of a comic I ran across of Charlie Brown talking with Snoopy while he's typing "a theology book" saying he hopes he has a good title for his book to which snoopy says it's "Has It Ever Occurred to You That You Might Be Wrong?" This has always been my approach to education and theology. I never assume that I know everything and am always open to instruction and debate. I had always thought that it was a very common practice but I guess I was mistaken. The second place of pain came from the state of our church leaders. Those who are called to teach and lead the church. Pastors, Elders, and Deacons. Although there are many well versed in scripture and the confessions I fear they are few compared to those who are rather lacking. Multiple times throughout the week I was mistaken as being a minister. Understandably, I probably do look older than my age but I was baffled as to why they would think that. A few said it was because how well I spoke and the knowledge I possessed. I personally was disheartened that they thought me to be of the same caliber as a minister who has had at least twice as much schooling (actually focused on theology instead of history), possible years of experience, and actively perused that path. I feel that this pointed out one of the biggest failings we have had as a denomination. The failure to teach what it is that we actually believe and why we believe it. The HC was meant to instruct children and new believers. Why is it that we struggle so hard to even comprehend it now? My first inclination is that we have failed to bring our children up in the way that they shall go. So many from my generation and the one before have left the church. I think this is one of the reasons why.
On the opposite side, I was given hope for the future at this Synod. Shocking to me, I wasn't the youngest delegate there! There was a 26 yo and a 24 yo below me! I was able to talk with the youngest and he gave me hope for the future. If he is representative of what my generation has to offer the church then I don't fear for tomorrow. The church is strong. We saw that just in the few quick presentations from our brothers in Africa. It is truly amazing what the Lord has done for His church in Nigeria and Liberia. To be honest, I didn't even know there was a Korean speaking part of the CRC until coming to Synod. I had the honor of serving with 2 delegates on my committee who, even though English wasn't their mother tongue, brought a lot of wisdom. It is beautiful to see what God is doing in the church across the world. I hope to see that work continue. Like our Canadian sister "from the future" warned us, there are clouds gathering on the horizon and the storm will be fierce. The church must hold fast to its one foundation and I believe we have been placed more squarely upon it.

[@themessyreformation4834]

It's really encouraging to see the way that the global church is excited about what the CRC is doing and the trajectory we're heading AND the way this reformation is being led by the younger generation. We really believe God is on the move here.

[@jamssosv]

Hurt was not Caused by these decisions of Synod. Self-inflicted hurt is more appropriate

[@themessyreformation4834]

Yeah, that's a better way to put it. The point was to remind people that there is still hurt, even if self-inflicted.