Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Jan/94

Contributor - Fred Algera

Title - "Mission And Task"

Topic - Regional Synod Of Canada

The Regional Synod of Canada, R.C.A., seeks to boldly proclaim our crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ as both fully God and fully human and the only way of salvation; and-to present this good news of the gospel from a biblically sound and reformed perspective to all people of Canada.

This ecclesiastical council (Synod) is a regional unit of the Reformed Church in America. Serving under the direction of the Holy Spirit, it is subject to the Word of God, adheres to the doctrinal standards of the Reformed Church in America, and functions according to that denomination's government.

Looking at the Preamble of the Rules of Order for the Regional Synod of Canada (R.S.C.) one may readily conclude that the main purpose and task of this assembly is to proclaim and to serve our Lord Jesus Christ. Each member of this Synod has been given the mandate to serve under the direction of the Holy Spirit! Wow! What a task! Many years of prayerful discussion, planning and organizing of the emerging of a Regional Canadian Synod came to fruition at the General Synod meeting held in Vancouver, B.C. June 1993. The status of the Emerging Synod of Canada also known as the C.R.C.C., will officially come to an end as of December 3l,1993 and the Regional Synod of Canada, R.C.A. will start as of January 1, 1994.

By reflecting on the major task and mission of the Synod, we cannot help but become anxious about the magnitude of the responsibilities that go with these awesome tasks. If it were not through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, one might throw up one's hands in despair. However, like Moses' experience with God's help we shall tackle the task of rendering service to all Reformed churches in Canada on Jesus Christ's behalf

What Services will the R.S.C. render?

(a) Congregational Redevelopment and Renewal

i. Assist Classes with congregations facing declining membership to develop strategy for possible changes.

ii. Provide long range planning and goal setting expertise to assist Classes in preparing churches for changing needs.

iii. Assist Classes in encouraging congregations in leaming and applying church growth principles in their geographical area.

(b) New Church Development

i. Provide Church Planning and Development Committees of Classes with up-to-date research of potential new church development sites.

ii. Assist Classes in establishing new congregations, including help with leadership, selection of worship site, land and buildings.

iii. Assist Classes in providing support mechanisms, both financial and spiritual, with the goal of becoming self-supporting in five years. iv. Provide assistance for New Church Development with all people and locations including creative thinking about financial, physical and leadership.

i. Plan events to meet several needs of Synod clergy and lay-leaders.

ii. Distribute publicity and dates of other spiritual uplifting events which can help our clergy and lay-leaders.

iii. Encourage participation in clergy training.

(d) Counselling

i. Encourage Classes to provide opportunities for professional and personal counselling for clergy and family.

ii. Remind Classes of their responsibility for providing pastoral care to enrolled ministers and their families.

iii. Provide resources for career assessment for clergy and spouse.

(e) Support

i. Facilitate Classical gatherings of clergy and spouses to provide encouragement and share needs with one another.

ii. Facilitate development of a pastoral care program for clergy and spouses in each Classis.

iii. Provide oversight and encouragement of Synod Youth, Educational Consultants and Reformed Church Women.

(f) Communication and Publication

i. Oversee the management and production of Pioneer Christian Monthly.

ii. Inspection of Classical minutes.

(g) Financial Management

i. Receive, review, evaluate and coordinate all Synodical budgets, and set askings and assessments for recommendations to the assembly of the Regional Synod.

ii. Make recommendations on applications for Placement in Denominational Plan. iii. Make recommendations on C.B.F. loan applications.

iv. Approve applications for financial aid from the Canadian Church Growth Fund.

v. Annually recommend a minimum salary and support scale for pastors of the Synod, as well as prepare guidelines to assist churches to determine pensions, insurance, benefits and allowances.

(h) Overtures and Judicial Business

i. Deal with business relating to overtures, and matters of legal or judicial import for study, advice and recommendation.

How is the R.S.C. organized?

The R.S.C. will consist of elders and installed pastors chosen by each of the three Classes. (Classis of British Columbia, Classis of Ontario, Classis of the Canadian Prairies) The number of delegates a Classis may have shall be according to active communicant membership within each Classis. (B.C. Classis 4, Ont. Classis 6, and Classis of the Prairies 2)

The regular annual R.S.C. meeting will be from Thursday afternoon to Saturday afternoon commencing on the fourth Thursday in April. These meetings will be held in locations chosen with good stewardship in mind and visiting different classes.

The Executive Committee consisting of the President, Vice-President, Chairperson of the Church Planning and Development Commission, Chairperson of the Support Service Commission, Chairperson of the Financial Commission will act for the Regional Synod between Regional Synod meetings with the support of the Stated Clerk, the Treasurer and synod staff executive.

The Commissions are the working arms of the regional synod. The Commissions are: Church Planning and Development, Financial, and Support Services. Commissions will meet at the annual Regional Synod meeting and one additional time each year if necessary, and if the budget allows.

What will be the anticipated cost of the R.S.C. in 1994?

The budget calls for an expense of approximately $140,000.00. Since we have a total membership of approximately 4200, the assessment will be $33.00 per communicant member which translates to $0.65 per communicant member per week!

Conclusion

With the help of God each member of the R.S.C. has made a commitment to provide a service in building up God's Kingdom in Canada. The challenge is issued to each member of the Reformed Church in Canada to pray for strong God fearing leadership in the Regional Synod of Canada and to become involved in being the mouth, hands and feet of our Lord Jesus Christ in each of your congregations. Let's Serve!

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