The Synod of the Christian Reformed Church met from June 10 to June 19, 1986, at the Fine Arts Building on the campus of Calvin College in Grand Rapids. This was preceded by the Prayer Service for Synod in the Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church the night before, conducted by the Rev. Wilbert M. Van Dyk. The delegates of 41 classes (soon to be 42) gathered, with only a few alternates taking the place of the originally elected persons, to be constituted the 1986 Synod of the Christian Reformed Church.

After electing the Rev. Jacob Eppinga president on the first ballot, and the Rev. Bastiaan Nederlof vice-president, and the Rev. Milton Doornbos and the Rev. Lugene Bazuin first and second clerk respectively, synod began its work. Although there were some important decisions to be made by synod in 1986, it was not a synod that had a large emotional issue on its agenda which would engage it in discussion for an entire day and fill the auditorium with interested listeners. From a certain point of view this was a housekeeping synod, but a somewhat impatient one, inasmuch as the most frequently made motion was the motion “to call the question”, or “cease debate.” It was a synod composed of some 90 first-time delegates, plus an additional 30 delegates that had attended 1 previous synod. It was a synod whose committees were methodical and thorough, although some matters were referred back to committee. It was a synod that assumed (or at least conducted its business as if) all things were normal in the denomination and the entire church was completely united on all issues and in all respects. It was a synod that appeared to have determined beforehand what it was going to do, and that was meeting to accomplish just that. It was a synod, therefore, that was, from a certain point of view, pleasant to attend, although the undersigned attended with a certain sense of unease and pressure, conscious of the tensions in the denomination.

In view of the fact that synods are more completely reported on in more than one publication available to the churches than was formerly the case, we will give a rundown on some of the important things that happened at synod without going into a great deal of detail. A number of significant appointments were made by this synod which will have influence in and on the denomination for years to come. We will enumerate them first of all:

Andrew Kuyvenhoven was reappointed to another four-year term as editor of The Banner. The matter came up early in the deliberations of synod, and even though some discussion had been held with Rev. Kuyvenhoven in the advisory committee about his style of editorship, nothing was said on the floor of synod, and the recommendation for reappointment was adopted without any comment.

Harvey Smit and Gary Mulder, each for four-years, as Theological Editor and Director of Education and Executive Director of Christian Reformed Publications respectively, insuring that the present policies being followed by the Board of Publications will continue.

Wilbert M. VanDyk, as Academic Dean of Calvin Theological Seminary, for a period of three years, with a concurrent academic appointment as Assistant Professor of Homiletics. This was easily one of the more emotional appointments that synod made. The Grand Rapids Press reported, in a front page article, that “Much of the discussion revolved around the 56-year-old minister’s views on the controversial issue of whether women should be ordained to preach in the 305,000 member CRC.” “Also part of the debate, and one of the reasons for a half-hour executive session, was the fact that Leanne VanDyk, the minister’s daughter, was reprimanded last year by the Calvin Seminary officials for preaching before a congregation in Los Angeles.” From the same article: “‘I am unhappy with what my daughter did. She knows that. I sent her a long and vigorous letter. What she did was obviously against church rules,’ VanDyk said.” Again quoting from The Press: “‘I don’t believe it is a sin for women to preach, although it is against our regulation . . . .’” “‘If I were all by myself on a desert island and reading scripture, I would see there is evidence on both sides of this issue …As I say , ifI was alone, I think I’d come to the conclusion that the scripture moves toward more openness, beyond master and slave, beyond men and women. It leads toward men and women both using their gifts.’” The vote was 136-24 to approve his appointment.

John Rozeboom, as Executive Director (formerly Executive Secretary) of Home Missions. In his interview before the entire synod, Rev. Rozeboom stated he is optimistic about future growth in the Christian Reformed Church, and will continue to promote the work of evangelism in new and established churches. His appointment was for an initial two-year period.

Dirk Hart and Alfred E. Mulder, for 4 years each, as Director of Evangelism and Director of Field Ministries respectively, for the Board of Home Missions. Each is already serving in that capacity for the Board, the Rev. Hart for a longer period than Rev. Mulder.

Harold Bode and Peter Niewiek, one for a four-year term, the other for a two-year term, as Executive Director and Assistant Executive Director respectively, of the Chaplain’s Committee. These men promote the chaplaincy in various areas as hospital chaplaincy, military chaplaincy, industrial chaplaincy, keep contact with the men and their families that serve in this capacity, and endeavor to serve them in various circumstances of need. This is an area of ministry that has and is growing, and more persons are serving in this way.

Bing Goei, as Executive Director of the Synodical Committee on Race Relations (SCORR), which, as a News Release of the 1986 synod said, is a denominational agency whose purpose is to challenge the churches to minister effectively in the racial diversity of North American society. Mr. Goei, a native of Indonesia, has lived in America since 1960, and currently owns a wholesale florist business in Grand Rapids. He has served as chairman of the Committee for Race Relations since 1982. In his interview before synod, Goei said he believes it is important for the CRC to strive for multi-racial diversity in our local congregations . . . “I believe that when opportunity affords itself to invite and to witness to the community that is multi-ethnic in diversity, (the church) must do so.” Mr. Goei, his wife Jean, and their five children are members of the East Leonard Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. His appointment is for two years.

William Van Tol, as Executive Director of World Missions. Rev. Van Tol previously served as secretary for African missions in the Board of World Missions. In his interview before synod Rev. VanTol stated: “I see in the Christian Reformed Church an enormous desire to announce the gospel to the world through our agency as well as others. It is my responsibility to inspire missionaries by encouraging them to be men and women of God, committed first of all to the high calling of evangelization.” This initial appointment is for a period of two years, beginning September 1, 1986. Rev. VanTol has been serving as acting director of the Board (Committee) of World Missions.

Roger Greenway, as Executive Director of World Ministries, from a nomination which included the Rev. Peter Borgdorff. As Executive Director of the church’s new Board of World Ministries, Dr. Greenway will try to bring peace to a pair of church mission agencies that have in recent years been at odds with one another over a variety of matters. He is quoted in The Grand Rapids Press, of Wednesday, June 18, 1986, as saying, ‘“I hope to restore confidence in the church’s mission outreach, a confidence that has been deteriorating. People have been disturbed by what has been going on in the agencies. I will work hard at rebuilding trust.’” Dr. Greenway is presently professor of missions at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, the author of nine books on missions, and a former missionary to Sri Lanka and Mexico. His initial term is for three years.

These appointments covered a wide spectrum of the denominations’ life and activity, although they will all, with the exception of Rev. Van Dyk, be serving in the denominational building, most of them directing programs which involve the church in our own land and around the world. They will influence these programs, and the confidence the church has in them.

We list some ofthe more significant synodical decisions, without regard to the chronological order of synodical action. They are significant in the effect they will have on the denomination for years to come.

Children and the Lord’s Supper: synod was asked to consider the question of admitting children and youth to the Lord’s Supper. After two years of study by a special committee, which resulted in three reports with differing recommendations, and two hours of discussion on the floor of synod, it was decided to refer the report back to the committee for further study. All three reports move in the direction of earlier participation of covenant children at the Lord’s Supper, although the majority report recommended that profession of faith be made before participation at the Lord’s Supper is allowed. The advisory committee stated in its report to synod that the fact that there were three reports is evidence that there are differences about the nature of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper and what the biblical requirements are for participation and that that in itself supports the need for a further study. It was decided a continued evaluation of the issue of covenant children partaking of the Lord’s Supper should be made, taking into consideration the relationship of the Lord’s Supper to the Passover, the history of children’s participation in the Lord’s Supper, a study of certain scriptural passages, biblical requirements for participation in the Lord’s Supper, the relationship of the Lord’s Supper to the covenant, and the relationship of the Lord’s Supper to public confession of faith. It appeared that synod was happy to be able to take care of this particular issue without making a decision that would arouse strong feelings either pro or con.

Use and Abuse of Alcohol and other Drugs: This was easily an issue that caused as much discussion and debate at synod as any other. A long and complete report on the issue was presented to synod by a committee that has been working on the matter for a couple of years. No one disagreed with the committee’s conclusion that the problem is much more pervasive than many recognize or are willing to admit. Hesitation arose when synod as asked to decide, with the committee, that alcoholism is a disease. Most often alcoholism has been equated with drunkenness. And in view of the fact that the Bible sets forth a clear prohibition of drunkenness (I Cor. 6:10), it is understandable that the church has viewed alcoholism basically as a moral issue. The committee says, “It is not true that alcoholism is the same as drunkenness and that drunkenness is the same as alcoholism.” And again, “Alcoholism is a primary disease. It is not a symptom of another problem. It is a progressive disease characterized by distinct stages and specific recognizable symptoms” (Agenda of Synod, pp. 386, 387). Again, “While he (the alcoholic) is morally culpable for the behavior he manifests as a consequence of his drinking, he is not morally culpable for the development of the disease alcoholism” (p. 388). It was over this that synod hesitated for a time, but it seemed that the weight of evidence was in favor of the study committee’s position, and synod finally adopted the entire report. Whether the study committee’s position is biblically warranted will be discussed further.

Translation of the Canons of Dordt: synod seemed to have little difficulty in proceeding to adopt the new translation of the Canons of Dordt. The advisory committee had numerous changes in form and titles which were recommended to synod and adopted, but no questions as to the new translation itself. Synod adopted this translation, with a new introduction, and decided to continue the translation committee “until this translation has been published in the liturgical materials of our denomination.” They are given the privilege of close consultation with CRC Publications in the various stages of production in preparing this translation for publication because of the importance of this document and the concern and competency of the committee in this aspect of their work. This was one of the easier decisions that synod was called to make.

Contemporary Testimony: It was observed by the advisory committee that it was obvious that this document is of great interest to the churches. The committee which prepared it received a high number of responses to their work, three overtures were addressed to synod about the testimony, and delegates to synod expressed their comments to the advisory committee. The advisory committee concluded that the revisions that had been made were mostly improvements, but that the basic themes, style, and format of the material in the testimony have been left intact, and that the revisions did not substantively alter the 1983 draft of the documents which had been provisionally approved by the synod of that year, and for that reason there were no good grounds to delay further the adoption of the Testimony as had been requested in the Overtures. After a number of editorial changes were adopted by synod, suggested by the advisory committee, the motion was:“That synod give final approval to the Contemporary Testimony ‘Our World Belongs to God’ as a testimony of faith for our times, subordinate to our creeds and confessions.” The grounds are as follows:

a. Current society, becoming pervasively secular, presents both dangers and challenges to the church . . . dangers and challenges not focused on in the Reformed creeds. Acts of Synod 1977, p. 89.

b. A contemporary testimony can guide and direct the church in remaining truly Reformed, and in speaking to the current world situation. Acts of Synod 1977, p . 89.

c. The Synod of 1983 gave provisional approval to a version of this testimony which was substantially the same as this document. The churches have had three years to evaluate this testimony. The document as now presented includes a number of changes and improvements in response to the many suggestions received.

d. This document is true to the Scriptures and our confessions, and is helpful in expressing our faith in a contemporary manner.

This motion was adopted by synod. The biblical and confessional references were also approved, and will be placed in the margins next to relevant lines in the Testimony. The “Commentary on Contemporary Issues” prepared by the Testimony committee is to be presented to the church as a helpful guideline for the discussion of current issues in the church. Although a number of “improvements” were made to the Testimony in response to suggestions received by the committee, the language, in many instances, is less than precise, and the word choice unfortunate. But it seemed that synod had made up its mind that this was the year for the adoption of the Testimony and it was not to be deterred from doing so.

Psalter Hymnal Revision: One of the major items on the agenda of synod was the revised Psalter Hymnal which is to be released in May 1987. Synod spent a considerable amount of time during the second week singing the proposed selections as the delegates were asked to approve both new and revised texts and tunes. Almost all of the proposed selections presented by the Revision committee were approved. Synod voted to retain nine hymns for the present Psalter Hymnal which had been scheduled for deletion. So this year synod approved the 150 musical setting for the biblical psalms and approximately 80 additional hymns and Bible songs. These psalms and hymns, along with the 450 hymns and Bible songs approved by last year’s synod, will comprise the new Psalter Hymnal. Numerous items were referred back to the Psalter Hymnal revision committee and, in view of the fact that publication is scheduled before the synod of 1987, final approval to the book and the changes mandated by this synod will have to be given, by decision of synod, by the Synodical Interim Committee. I think this is a mistake. I think that synod itself, which is responsible for the song book that is used in the churches, should have a final look at the book before it is published. And even though two synods have gone through the process of approving the songs to be included, in reality it is a book of the revision committee, and it is they who have determined what the church will and will not sing for the next generation. I am fearful that many of the psalms will not be sung, especially in the American sector of the denomination.

In 1984 CRC Publications requested and received permission to review and edit the liturgical materials to be included in the back of the new Psalter Hymnal. Several changes were proposed and adopted in 1985. Subsequent to that time, the CRC Publications Board came to the realization that no systematic examination of the liturgical materials had been undertaken and that prior to the publication of the new Psalter Hymnal such an examination would be advisable. It also became apparent that the final opportunity for such an examination and editing would be in 1986 since the Psalter Hymnal is scheduled for publication in 1987. It was felt by the CRC Publications Board that a closer scrutiny of all the liturgical materials would provide more uniformity in them. It was further realized that, while no group had been mandated to do this work, this was not only the final opportunity for it to be done, but CRC Publications was the appropriate agency to do it. The first recommendation was: That synod consider updating the language used in the Apostle’s Creed and Nicene Creed so as to make it conform to the standards of vernacular (non-archaic) language that have been used in revising the psalms and hymns and the liturgical forms. And “for the sake of consistency within the new book,” the creeds were “updated,” a committee was appointed to “update” the language of the Heidelberg Catechism (so as to make it conform to the standards of vernacular (non-archaic) language that have been used in revising the psalms and hymns and the liturgical forms), that the liturgical forms approved in 1985 be reconsidered in order to make further changes, that the NIV be used for all Scripture quotations in the Heidelberg Catechism and liturgical forms as well as the edited version of the Apostle’s Creed, and that additional editing changes be made in all the liturgical forms used in the churches to modernize further the language. And to the request that liturgical forms #1 (i.e., the “old” forms) be included also, synod said “no.” Nothing in the church is outside the pale of CRC Publications! Nothing is to be spared from its mania for “update”! And this synod was not even willing to take the time to go through the items one by one. After a few of the items had been considered, a motion was made to approve the remainder of the items in one action. And this was done eagerly. The denomination is being pushed into the 21st century rapidly!

Constitution of the Board of World Ministries: Since 1983 the World Missions and Relief Commission has been at work to unify and coordinate the work of two denominational agencies, the Board for World Missions and the World Relief Committee. Coordinating the programs of both agencies on the field has proven difficult in recent years when members of both agencies work together in the same locale. The commission recommended a unifying structure of one Board of World Ministries, under which the two independent agencies would become committees for missions and relief. The World Missions and Relief Commission presented to synod this year a proposed constitution for the Board of World Ministries and synod spent a considerable amount of time on the first Saturday morning discussing that constitution. Controversy centered on whether the constitution should require one director to be in charge of an overseas field, or whether two directors, one from World Missions and one from World Relief, should supervise a field of work. Synod amended the proposed constitution to allow the Board of World Ministries and its Director Dr. Roger S. Greenway, to determine the number of field directors, and then adopted the constitution. This does not promise, however, that all the disagreements on the various fields where the two agencies work will be resolved. We understand that there is an undercurrent of dissatisfaction among the personnel of the two agencies because of the structure that has been imposed on them, and the number of persons to whom they must now answer. A great deal of time, effort, and expense has been expended in seeking a solution to this problem of disagreement between the two agencies, but whether we have found the best solution to this problem remains to be seen.

Service Committee for Ministry with Retarded Persons: This committee dates back to 1978. The committee was reappointed in 1979, 1982 , and 1983. This committee requested Synod 1~86 to change its status from that of a service committee, which depends on periodical renewal for its existence, to that of a standing committee which would continue its work year after year. Dr. Thomas Hoeksema, chairman of the committee, argued that the needs and opportunities for ministry to persons with mental impairments has increased substantially, and that these needs require the ongoing attention of a more permanent standing committee. Synod decided that this committee should be granted the status of a standing committee, gave it permission to engage a full-time director or administrative coordinator, but did not grant the request for a quota of $1.25, but gave them only $.25 for the year 1987.

World Literature Committee: Since 1982 this committee has translated and published church-related literature in five major languages. In recent years the work of the committee has expanded to include five subcommittees and a budget of $350,000.00. The Committee requested that their work be reassigned to CRC Publications for a period of five years, and then be reevaluated as to the effectiveness of the merger. Synod also approved the appointment of a committee to provide the necessary translations (in a bilingual, English/non-English format) of our confessional standards and the Church Order for the non-English speaking congregations of the Christian Reformed Church. This committee would arrange for such translations by working with small satellite committees of the various linguistic groups to produce these translations. Priority is to be given to the translation of the Heidelberg Catechism and the Church Order into Navaho, Spanish, Korean, and Chinese, with the committee being authorized to determine future priorities.

Clergy Silence: This has to do with confidential information received by those who serve the church in an official capacity as pastors, chaplains or elders. They are sometimes made aware of information that might be used in court against them and/or their counselees. Those who serve the church in an official capacity are increasingly vulnerable to challenges concerning their right to silence regarding certain communications which transpire between them and another person. The possibility of legal action is growing due to .the litigious mind-set of Western society. So synod decided to appoint a committee to study the legal and ecclesiastical ramifications of clergy receiving confidential information and remaining silent about that information.

Reformed Churches in South Africa: The issue of apartheid and the Reformed Church in South Africa, a major issue for last year’s synod, also claimed considerable time for this synod. The previous synod had informed the RCSA that the official relationship between that denomination and the CRC was in “grave danger” of being disrupted because of the support which the South African Church gave to apartheid. Synod of 1985 called for the relationship to be reevaluated by the synod of 1989. The committee appointed to communicate with the South African church, however, expressed frustration with the South African church for not responding to the committee’s actions and communications. Synod therefore mandated the Joint Committee on South Africa to “quicken and intensify the pace of discussions” between the CRC and RCSA in order that the South African church will recognize that without meaningful change it would be almost impossible to maintain an official fellowship between the two churches after 1989. Representatives of the Interchurch Relations Committee expect to visit South Africa this fall.

Clayton Libolt: Among the names of the seminarians presented to synod for declaration of candidacy was the name of Clayton Libolt. As has been pointed out before, Mr. Libolt requested candidacy from the synod of 1981, and after examination by synod itself, was refused this candidacy. This year his name again appeared among those requesting candidacy, and being assured by the advisory committee that Mr. Libolt has satisfied them concerning those matters on the basis of which his candidacy had been withheld previously , the candidacy was approved along with 38 others.

The Use of the Lot: Although most CRC congregations use the majority vote to elect elders and deacons, in recent years some congregations have used the method of casting lots to select elders and deacons . Synod was asked to consider two matters concerning the use of the lot. First, synod was asked to make a judgment concerning an appeal made by three members of the Mayfair CRC of Grand Rapids. The three members objected to the use of the lot for the selection of elders and deacons in their congregation. Neither the local church council nor a broader church body (Classis Grand Rapids North) sustained the objection of these members, although two study committees of Classis recommended that Classis should sustain their objection against the use of the lot in their congregation. Synod, however, after examining the matter, did sustain the appeal of the three members of Mayfair CRC. Secondly, synod was asked to declare that the method of selecting elders and deacons be left to the discretion of the churches. This would have allowed a greater degree of freedom to local congregations in the methods used for choosing elders and deacons. Synod, however, on the last evening of their deliberations, refused to make a decision on the matter, but referred it to the Church Polity Committee of the Synodical Interim Committee for a report to the synod of 1987.

Overture 23, Classis Zeeland: There were two references at synod with respect to the decisions of 1984 and 1985 opening the office of deacon to qualified women. This one was a protest of Bethel Church, Waupun, Wisconsin, concerning the amendment of Church Article 3. Synod simply took note of the protest and received it for information in view of the fact that synod 1984 left the implementation of its decision concerning women deacons to the judgment of the local consistories. The other was the overture of Classis Zeeland concerning the grounds given by the synod of 1985 in rejecting the protests and appeals that had been. addressed to that synod, requesting that synod sustain those protests and appeals and declare that the office of deacon is not open to women. The matter did not reach the floor of synod until8:30 p.m. on the last night of synod. The recommendation was not to accede to Overture 23. Synod discussed the matter very briefly, without a due consideration, and someone “called for the question.” And that was that. Synod did not desire to discuss the matter; it is, as far as synod is concerned, a settled issue. We go on from there. It was compared to the discussion at one time between the individual cup at communion over against the common cup, and it was stated that it was merely a matter of practice.

Summary: Much more business than is described in this account was transacted at synod. Some decisions were made without any discussion at all. But it was not a synod characterized by theological precision; it appears that the interest is in the broader life of the denomination. But whether this augers well for us as a Reformed denomination, maintaining creeds and confession, is difficult to see. We pray that God will enable us to be faithful to our heritage!

Edward J. Knott is pastor of the Forest Grove Christian Reformed Church, and a delegate to the 1986 synod from Classis Zeeland.