Each year the Christian Reformed Church assembles in a synodical session.

To it four delegates (two ministers and two elders) are elected by each of the forty classes. These men represent the churches in their respective area. And what they decide—in harmony with Scripture, the three Forms of Unity and the Church Order—is to be considered settled and binding upon all.

For a man to be so delegated is a high honor. It is also a grave responsibility.

The CRC is constituted by congregations properly organized with consistories; not by individuals. And no congregation, minister or elder may “lord it over another” by means of an exercise of undue influence of power. Our synods are intended to be deliberative assemblies; every word tested by Holy Scripture and every vote taken before the face of the Lord of the church.

That responsibility should weigh heavily on every delegate. Here we do not ordinarily attempt to bind our delegates by means of previous decisions of consistories or classes. At the same time every church member has the right to ask where a proposed delegate stands with respect to all the major issues. No one has the moral right to vote without due regard for the true welfare and unity of the churches which he represents. He attends not as an individual believer; he is an accredited representative. Altogether too often this seems to have been disregarded by some.

No doubt one of the greatest obstacles to proper reflection and deliberation on the issues to be decided has been the lateness with which official agendas have been forwarded. Especially elders are unable to acquaint themselves thoroughly with the agenda. Even consistories receive little time to reflect on the numerous reports with their recommendations. The resulting pressures on men who would act conscientiously have sometimes become quite unbearable.

As long as our churches insist on holding annual synods, with agendas appearing but few weeks before sessions, this difficulty cannot be overcome. Nor will the churches with their members ever attain to a measure of quiet reflection and rest. We seem to be moving from one “crisis” to another. How much better for the CRC to return to the pattern of Dordt, proposed several times among us but rejected, which requires regional synods held annually with a general synod once every three years. Our present system gives, often without full realization, altogether too much influence and power to boards, standing committees and study committees. Too much opportunity is now afforded for garnering votes before and especially between synodical sessions, which bodes ill for the welfare of the congregations.

One danger is focusing on a single issue. Does it surprise you, then, that at times other equally important issues are decided too casually, perhaps even quite thoughtlessly and yet with serious consequences for the peace and unity of the churches?

Synod 1985 again faces the “women in ecclesiastical office” issue. Some fifty or more protests, appeals and overtures will be on the synodical table. Dissatisfaction with previous decisions is now rife. Many are unalterably opposed to what was decided; some would seek modifications if possible; still others openly choose for opening all such offices to women. Perhaps more time will be spent by synod 1985 on deciding “technicalities” (points of order) than even on the issue itself. Delegates do well to listen sharply and decide clearly on every motion, lest the churches be led where they do not in good conscience want to go.

But more, many more issues will have to be decided.

Do you as a delegate know how you will vote on, for example , the proposed revision of our Belgic Confession? Against the majority recommendation the Rev. Leonard Verduin has sounded a much-needed warning; he has also presented a minority report.

What do you think about the report on the “liturgical dance”? Do you agree with the principles which it urges? Are you and especially are the churches willing to have the Liturgical Committee prepare literature and organize demonstrations, so that such forms of worship may be introduced into churches which confess to be Reformed?

We trust you have acquainted yourself thoroughly with the report of the Inter-Church Relations Committee , including its recommendation that the CRC join the World Alliance of Reformed Churches. Against this Prof. Martin Woudstra has raised in print some serious objections. This could well be another step in the direction of joining the World Council of Churches. If we join the one with all its “weaknesses,” why not also the other?

Do you agree with the recommendations of SCORR, especially with those seeking to dissolve our relations with the Reformed Church in South Africa, and that while maintaining such with the Reformed (Gereformeerde) Churches in the Netherlands despite their serious doctrinal and ethical deviations?

Did you already work through the report and recommendations dealing with the proposed revision of our PsalterHymnal? Here, too, there is much more than meets the casual eye.

Only a few of the many important issues facing synod 1985 have been mentioned here. More, much more demands the careful and prayerful consideration of every delegate. None should dare participate in the coming synodical deliberations and decisions, unless he with pen in hand has “crept through” the agenda while burning the midnight oil. And this will have to be done also during the days when this synod is in session.

For the propriety of synodical assemblies our Reformed churches have always appealed rightly to Acts 15. Such sessions can be a tremendous blessing for the congregations; they can also, especially when decisions are reached by slim majorities, create increasing confusion, distress and even discord. It cannot be denied that this has been happening with growing frequency.

Let us pray much , also in our churches, for all the delegates to synod 1985 . Much of their work will determine the direction in which the CRC will be going. For some our churches are much too narrow and straight-laced; for others much too lax in loyalty to the Bible and the creeds. During the past fifteen years (and more) hundreds have left for more “liberal” churches. More recently hundreds have departed to unite with what they are convinced are churches more faithful to God and His holy Word . And many, many more are on the verge of leaving, be it often with heavy hearts and wounded spirits. Increasing numbers are also convinced that they can no longer in good conscience before the Lord contribute some or even all of the proposed quotas. Whatever one may think about all this, delegates do well to bear in mind what has been happening throughout the CRC.

Dare we still hope that every delegate to synod 1985 will be able to say of their decisions what the apostles and elders in Acts 15 said of theirs? “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.” (RSV)

Peter Y. De Jong is a retired C. R. minister and professor living at Sioux Center, Iowa.