The Synod was convened this year by the consistory of the First Christian Reformed Church of Jenison, Michigan, where on the evening preceding the beginning of synod a service of prayer was held. The service was well attended and was marked by a spirit of reverence and praise.

The pastor of the First Jenison Church conducted the opening devotions of the first session of synod on Tuesday morning, June 11. The delegates proceeded to the election of officers. The Reverend Calvin Bolt, pastor of the 12th A venue Church of Jenison was elected president on the second ballot. On succeeding ballots the Reverend Peter Brouwer, pastor of the First Church of Edgerton, Minnesota was elected vice-president, the Reverend William Buursma, pastor of the Third Church of Kalamazoo, Michigan was elected first clerk and the Reverend Jack Westerhof, pastor of the Willowdale Church of Toronto, Ontario, was elected second clerk.

It is always an impressive moment when the delegates to synod are requested to arise to indicate their agreement with the three forms of unity. The delegates were then dismissed to begin their work in the various advisory committees which had been appointed by the officers of the preceding synod and the stated clerk of the denomination. The men who make committee appointments exercise a great deal of power and can often influence the outcome of the dealing with issues which the synod considers. This year there had been much concern in regard to the composition of the committee which was to study the fifty—plus overtures and appeals against the 1984 decision which opened the office of deacon to women. An attempt from the floor to add two members who were known to support the historic position allowing only men in the offices of the church was defeated by a vote of 88 to 71.

Liturgy Committee

Wednesday, June 12

Much of this day was spent in committee work. It is here that the delegates often exercise their greatest influence. A decision which may have far reaching consequences was, however, taken on this day. Synod approved the plan of the Board of Publications by which the Liturgical Committee ceased to be a standing committee of synod and became a standing committee of the Board of Publications. Membership on the committee will be determined by the Board of Publications. Thus a committee which deals with a very important part of the church’s life which is directly under the supervision of the elders in the local church will now be determined by an agency of synod rather than by synod itself Along with this decision, synod also adopted a recommendation making the position of music and liturgy editor a continuing position with the Education Department of the Board of Publications. Another executive position has been created. It will be interesting to observe how long it will take before an assistant is needed.

De Wachter

Synod also took note on this day that the final issue of De Wachter will be published on December 31, 1985. After 118 years of existence it now has less than two thousand subscribers. The first clerk of synod had prepared a beautiful tribute to De Wachter which he read on behalf of synod. The present editor, Dr. Sierd Woudstra, responded.

Candidates for Ministry

Thursday, June 13

Sy nod concerned itself on this day with the declaration of candidacy of forty-one young men for the ministry of the Word in the Christian Reformed Church. Each delegate is confronted with a statement of faith and a declaration as to why he desires to enter the ministry. As the delegates dealt with this material and sought the answers to various questions which arose from the written material, this reporter became more convinced of the mistake that was made when the examination of candidates was removed from synod and assigned to an agency of the church. Synod may save time assigning the examination to someone else but it removes from the delegates the opportunity to question the candidates and to hear personally from them what they believe and what they propose to do.

These candidates and their families were presented to synod later in the week and appropriately addressed by the president of synod. A brief litany was read, a prayer of thanksgiving was offered and the delegates and visitors present arose to sing all the stanzas of “God of the Prophets.” May these young men go forth indeed as prophets to proclaim the Word of the Lord. May they be blessed and may they be caused to be a blessing.

Synod interviewed Dr. Raymond Van Leeuwen who has been teaching at Calvin College and who was being recommended to succeed Dr. Martin Woudstra who is retiring from Calvin Seminary as professor of Old Testament. An interview was also conducted with Dr. John Cooper, another member of the college faculty who was being recommended to occupy the chair in the seminary vacated by Dr. Henry Stob several years ago. Both men gave a good account of themselves and were elected by synod to serve in the seminary. It is a matter of concern that neither man has had pastoral experience and so the number of faculty members in the seminary who have never served a church or whose experience in the pastorate is of very brief duration continues to grow.

The delegates authorized the Board of World Missions to expand its ministry to the Dominican Republic into adjoining Haiti. Synod’s president observed, “I find this one of the exciting times to be at synod.” And such it was.

Psalter-Hymnal

Synod began its review of “Proposed Hymns and Bible Songs” which are being recommended for inclusion in the new Psalter Hymnal which has been in preparation since the appointment of a revision committee in 1977. Next year the section on the Psalms will be presented for approval. Synod was assisted in its review of the new material by Dr. Emily Brink, Dr. Harvey Smit and Rev. Jack Reiffer. Much time was spent during the sessions of synod either listening to new tunes being played or in singing new texts. The committee has done much work. Not all will appreciate what is being recommended. The members of the committee were very receptive to comments and suggestions.

Volunteer Resource Bank

Friday, June 14

The Volunteer Resource Bank was established by the Synod of 1979 with the mandate to encourage volunteerism within the Christian Reformed Church and to coordinate the services of volunteers with needs of denominational boards and agencies. The VRB has rendered a valuable service but came now with the request for a full–time director plus support personnel and a growing budget. Synod chose not to grant the request but rather dismissed the committee and encouraged the growth of volunteerism on the local level. The church was spared the establishment of another agency with its attendant administrative and office staff.

Use of the Lot

Classis Central California noting the growing use of the lo1 in the selection of elders and deacons requested synod to provide guidelines thereby legitimatizing the use of the lot. In the discussion appeal was made to Acts 1 and the use of the lot in selecting a successor to Judas. It was the Reverend Paul Redhouse who reminded the delegates that the only use of the lot mentioned in the New Testament occurred before Pentecost. Synod did not accede to the request but the strong feeling on the part of some for the use of the lot prevailed and there was an attempt to interpret synod’s decision to mean that those who are using the lot may continue to do so.

Friday afternoon the Reverend Harold Bode presented representatives of the sixty military, industrial and institutional chaplains who serve in the name of the church.

World Missions

Dr. Eugene Rubingh in presenting the world missionaries who were present reminded the delegates that there are three hundred missionaries working in twenty-three countries. There are over one hundred twenty preaching stations among the Haitian cane cutters in the Dominican Republic. Twenty thousand baptisms were performed in Nigeria last year. Three hundred fifty thousand souls gather for worship among the churches with whom we work in Nigeria. The church m China today is thirty times larger than it was in 1950 when our missionaries were forced to leave. So we were reminded the Lord is carrying on the work of His church and in the work He is pleased to use the Christian Reformed Church. May we be faithful to the task which He has assigned to us.

Concurrent Synods

The joint Christian Reformed–Reformed Church in America Committee proposed concurrent synodical meetings. Synod adopted the proposal and invited the Reformed Church to hold its 1989 synod on the campus of Calvin College at the same time our synod meets. A joint committee will plan mutual worship, opportunities for the exchange of ideas and for fellowship. Synod also approved a joint work in Bangladesh for one year.

Banner Editorial Policy

Saturday, June 15

Classis Florida without a dissenting vote had adopted an overture requesting of “the Rev. Andrew Kuyvenhoven, editor of The Banner, according to the terms of the Form of Subscription, a further explanation of his understanding of the Confession of Faith, Articles V and VII” in view of what the editor had written in the January 23, 1984 issue of The Banner. It should be noted that Classis Florida was not bringing charges but was rather asking for further explanation. Synod became involved in a discussion of proper procedure and never faced the issue raised by the overture. The overture was quickly declared out of order and so another matter that has caused unrest in the church was swept under the carpet.

South Africa

A discussion highly charged with emotion which was to consume approximately nine hours of synod’s time began on Saturday. Voices including that of SCORR had been raised asking for severance of ecclesiastical relationship with the Reformed Church of South Africa. Here was an instance where synod was not swayed by the lengthy, inflammatory speeches of several delegates who lost all consciousness of time as they spoke. Many were rather influenced by the reasoned speeches of the Rev. Ezekiel Mataboge and Dr. Victor d‘Assonville, fraternal delegates from South Africa who both pleaded for continued dialogue. Rev. Motaboge said, “Three times, I say, please let us talk, don’t isolate us.” Synod finally decided to continue our ecclesiastical relationship with this church of 150,000 members of whom 50,000 are black with the note that the relationship will be reviewed in 1989.

Monday, June 17

On Monday afternoon Dr. Joel Nederhood addressed synod on behalf of the Back to God Hour whose radio ministry continues to grow. Dr. Nederhood was congratulated as he completed twenty–five years of service with our denomination ‘s radio ministry.

Rev. Louis Tamminga was reappointed as Director of Pastor-Church Relations Services. The committee’s request for a committee to study the church’s calling system was also adopted although not without considerable discussion. Members of the new committee are: Rev. W. Buursma, Rev. L . Dykstra, Rev. R .C. De Vries, Mr. Fred Visser, Mrs. Carol Van Drunen and Rev. L. Hofman.

The new translation of the Canons of Dordt was referred to the churches for study and reaction with final approval to be sought at the synod of 1986.

World Missions and Relief Organization

Monday evening saw the beginning of the discussion of the report submitted by the “great commission” as it had come to be known. The 1982 synod had appointed a five member ad hoc committee to study the relationship between the Christian Reformed Board of World Missions and the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee and to seek for an easing of tension between these two agencies and their personnel as they carry on their work. The members of the committee are Rev . H . Dekker , Mr. G. Berghoef, Mr. N . De Graaf, Dr. J . Kromminga and Dr. W . Spoelhof. Mr. Gerard Berghoef, a member of the “commission,” had submitted a minority report in which he indicated agreement with the plan of reorganization , but differed in regard to “principles, guidelines, and mandates” proposed by the majority. Mr. Berghoef wrote, “Therefore , synod must lay down guidelines so precise, and so clear, that both board and agencies will immediately recognize the priority of the Word preached in creating faith and the role of the deed in authenticating that proclamation. This perspective of unity, diversity, and priority is the key to a harmonious relation in the future.” The need for the emphasis of the minority report was demonstrated clearly when the chairman of the commission in response to a question concerning what was meant by the centrality of the official proclamation of the word responded by saying that it must be understood that included in the official proclamation of the word is not only the preaching of the Word by the minister but also the benevolent deeds performed by the deacons. Synod adjourned and returned to this matter on Wednesday.

Racial Pastors’ Training

Tuesday, June 18

Much time was spent on Tuesday discussing educational requirements for new pastors from multi-racial groups. The church has always insisted on maintaining high educational standards for her clergy called to proclaim the Word of God. That is now changing. As a news release stated, “Entrance and degree requirements at Calvin Seminary were changed, procedures for ordination into the Christian Reformed Church were modified and continuing education tracks for Asians, Blacks, Hispanics and Native Americans were approved.” As one delegate observed, he was against it because no provisions had been made for Frisians. Students from multi-racial groups may now be licensed for all pastoral duties, including preaching and the administration of the sacraments, when they have completed half of their seminary requirements. One wonders what concessions will be sought next.

Wednesday, June 19

Wednesday was an especially busy day. The morning session was devoted to a continued discussion of the report of the commission on world missions and world relief. The motion to establish a single Board of World Ministries was adopted by a vote of 82 to 73. This board composed of twenty members all elected by synod will regulate and supervise the work of world missions and world relief. There will also be two committees of the board, the World Missions Committee and the World Relief Committee each consisting of one representative from each classis, elected by classis and confirmed by synod. Synod established the position of executive director of world ministries. The closeness of the vote confirms the fact that many questions and reservations remain in regard to the establishment of a “super board.” One cannot help but wonder if more could have been accomplished to bring harmony by listening to and adopting the principle enunciated by the minority report of the commission. The church’s work must go on. The prayers of the church are needed.

Women in Office

Wednesday afternoon witnessed the beginning of the discussion of an issue which was foremost in the minds of many throughout the denomination, namely the women in office matter. Over fifty overtures, protests and appeals had been submitted in regard to the decision of the synod of 1984 which opened the office of deacon to women. The advisory committee dealing with this matter came with a majority report and two minority reports. The following decisions of the majority report were adopted:

1. That synod not sustain the protests and appeals which had been submitted.

2 . That synod declare that the biblical “Headship Principle” as formula ted by the Synod of 1984, namely, “That the man should exercise primary leadership and direction setting in the home and in the church” implies that only male members of the church shall be admitted to the offices of minister and elder.

3. That synod declare that the decision of 1984 “That pastors are not expected to participate in the ordination of women if it is against their conscience” be declared in conflict with articles 13 and 24 of the Church Order.

4. That synod request the officers of synod to write a pastoral letter dealing with the effects of the 1984 decision in regard to women in office. The letter is to be sent to consistories and congregations.

One of the minority reports signed by a minister and two elders recommended that synod declare that only confessing male members of the church who meet the biblical requirements for office–bearers are eligible for the office of deacon. The second minority report signed by one elder supported the majority position except for its statement that women are barred from the offices of elder and minister and also requested that the “conscience clause” not be dropped.

Much could be written about the matter. It is difficult to understand how communications from thirteen classes and so many consistories could be so easily set aside, especially when so many of them included careful studies of the Scriptures and of the Confessions. As one observer of synod commented, “It was disturbing that so little time was devoted on the floor of synod to a study of what the Bible has to say about the matter.” One delegate eloquently expressed the burden of many at sy nod and throughout the church when he asked, “Where do we go now?” The applause from the audience which was quickly ruled out of order spoke volumes. Later after synod had decided that the position of “adjunct office–bearer” is contrary to the law and spirit of the church order the question was again painfully asked, “Where do we go now?” This reporter could not help but reflect upon the hurt and pain that is caused when a church is no longer united in her view of Scripture and its authority within the church.

Role of Deacons

Thursday, June 20

A decision was made to appoint a study committee which will determine the authority and functions of elders and deacons, and their inter–relationships in the assemblies of the church, addressing these specific matters:

1. Define the work of elders and deacons in such fashion that the local churches will be assisted in carrying out the decision of Synod 1984, that “the work of women as deacons is to be distinguished from that of elders.” 2. Address the question of delegating deacons to the assemblies of the church. 3. Recommend such changes in the church order as are necessary to implement the findings and recommendations of the study committee.

The results of this committee‘s study will be significant also in regard to the women in office issue so it ought to be watched carefully. The members of the committee are: Dr. J. De Jonge, Dr. R . De Ridder , Rev . N . Kloosterman, Rev. J. Nutma , Mr. J . Van Groningen, Mrs. Eunice Vanderlaan , Mr. J. Lane and Rev. H. Samplonius. The attempt from the floor to remove one name because his presence would cause “polarization” failed.

Liturgical Dance

The church had been confronted with a recommendation that congregations be allowed to introduce and make use of the liturgical dance in the worship service. A colleague commented that the poverty of the report was indicated by the weakness of the arguments to which the committee resorted in seeking to support its case. It was fortunate that in spite of the committee’s effort to support its report little time was devoted to it. It was received as information and referred to the churches where it ought to experience a hasty demise. The tragedy as one delegate observed is that “The churches that are practicing it will continue to do so.” One can’t help but wonder if its practice is indicative of what seems to be a growing lack of confidence in the power of the preached Word.

Belgic Confession

Synod approved the new translation of the Belgic Confession which is the result of eight years of work by the committee. The committee had made a significant change in article 30 which at present uses the word “men” in a paragraph dealing with the offices of the church. The Committee’s recommendation to use the phrase “faithful persons” was adopted. A committee of two elders had prepared a minority report asking for the continued use of the word “men.” They ably defended their position but their report went down in defeat.

Denominational Student Fund

The Board of Trustees of Calvin Seminary recommended in synod the establishment of a denominational student aid fund which would replace the student funds on the classical level. This recommendation was referred to the churches and particularly to the classes for reflection and evaluation. There is definitely a danger present here. The classis would be deprived of control over the money which its churches give for the support of men preparing for the ministry of the Word in the Christian Reformed Church. Who knows what the money would be used for if control is placed on a denominational level?

Building Expansion

Thursday night synod gave approval for an addition to the denominational building in Grand Rapids which will cost 3.5 million dollars. The purchase of office and warehouse space in Canada to cost no more than $500,000 was also approved. As administrative personnel and support persons grow in number the need for more offices also increases. It was much easier to get quota support for a building than it was for the support of the men and women who carry on the work of the church on the various mission fields of the world.

Finances

Friday, June 21

Friday was devoted to a discussion of the report of the committee dealing with finances. The committee was very conscious of the fact that there is economic hardship in various parts of the church and that a growing number of our churches are not meeting the quota requests for 1985. The committee’s recommendation that quota increases be restricted to 4. 5% was adopted. The 1985 quota is $381.05, the 1986 quota request will be $398.05 plus the $4.50 which was approved for the denominational building project.

Efforts to secure more detailed information in regard to salaries of denominational executives were once again frustrated. It is a sensitive area but the speculation which now exists cannot be healthy for the church and her continued financial support.

Conclusions

As I reflect upon Synod 1985 various thoughts come to mind.

1. It was marked by good leadership. The officers fulfilled their responsibilities capably and as Christian gentleman. The president informed the delegates that he had prayed each day that he might be fair. That prayer was answered.

2. It was a synod marked by active participation on the part of the elders. The elders both in committee and on the floor of synod are becoming increasingly articulate.

3. I was encouraged especially in the advisory committee meetings of which I was a part to observe the concern to appeal for support to the Scriptures, the Confessions and the Church Order.

4. As synod entered into the discussion of the reports of her deputies and found difficulty in some instances to understand what they had done, or to concur with their decisions, I was reminded of the importance of the work of these men and the importance of their knowing the Church Order and having the courage to act in accord with it.

5. It became apparent to this delegate that decisions often are not based on principle but on emotional appeal.

Synod is not of a mind anymore to enter into substantive discussions and debates.

6. It becomes increasingly evident that the church is no longer united. One heard the comment made again and again that we have to work to keep the church together.

Synod 1985 is past. Her decisions remain. The president of synod in his closing remarks used the words of his father to exhort the delegates “to love the church.” Many members of the church will find that increasingly difficult to do because of some of the decisions that were made at the synod of 1985. The decisions which are difficult to accept ought not to precipitate hasty action but ought rather to call for searching of heart and earnest intercession as to how “reform” can best be brought to the church.