Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - June/94

Contributor - Unknown

Title - Launched at Surrey, BC

Topic - Regional Synod Of Canada

The inaugural meeting of the Regional Synod of Canada was held from April 28 to 30 at Grace Community Church of Surrey, B.C. Twelve delegates from the three Canadian classes met to seek the Lord's guidance for the Reformed Church in Canada and to develop programs for the future. In the midst of a busy agenda, time was set aside for praise and worship, and also for the joy of laughter (as the welcoming greeting on the sign of Grace Community Church encouraged).

Among the actions of the synod, several stand out. The Synod unanimously adopted a ten-year CP&D plan, including emphasis both on new church development and on vitalization of current ministries, and a rigorous biblically-based Sexual Ethics Policy, which requires firm discipline of any who drift from biblical norms. Future plans include more effective linking of RCC youth and youth leaders and a three-year program emphasis on "Drawing Near to God". The "Draw Near to God" committee is exploring regional rallies calling individuals and churches to repentance and renewal.

In the midst of the joy of birth of the new Synod, the Synod felt the sorrow of the departure of the Executive Secretary, the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Gerstner, who had accepted a call to begin serving this fall as a Professor at Knox Theological Seminary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He shared his personal struggle in accepting this call to new ministry, his observations about the present and future of the Synod, and his confidence that the Lord will continue to lead the Synod into the future. A special time of appreciation was set aside in the worship service to acknowledge Dr. Gerstner's accomplishments, during which a hand engraved oil lamp was presented as a gift from the Synod. Later in the meeting, the Synod surrounded Jonathan in a circle of prayer seeking God's blessings on him, his family and his future ministry in the Lord.

The Synod Executive Committee has been called-to serve as search committee for the next Executive Secretary. It will begin the process with a detailed exit interview with Jonathan, followed by study and possible revision of the job description. Applications and nominations will then be sought, and when a final candidate is located, he or she will be presented to the full Synod for consideration.

Rev. Ron Sikkema serves the Synod as President and chaired the gathering. Rev. Jim Moennan is Vice President and will become President on January 1, 1995. Rev. Alvin Honken of Whitby, Ontario was elected as Vice President Elect to become Vice President in the coming year.

The meeting sought to do its business in a spirit of prayer and worship. The agenda included ministry and worship experiences. The B.C. Classis hosted a vibrant worship celebration in which the Rev. John Opmeer preached to the Synod concerning the way in which the church sits at the crossroads and needs to chose anew the everlasting way. The delegates received a tour of the ministry of new Life Community Church of Burnaby, B.C., learned more of its ministry to the community, and prayed for continued blessing on the ministry and its leaders. The Lord was present and the Synod remains confident that He will guide the Reformed Church in Canada into a future which glorifies His Name.

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