As I laid on the dorm room bed trying to find sleep, I wondered if arriving to Synod early really was the blessing it had once seemed to be. Because the extra time to read up on committee assignments and get familiar with surroundings also came with extra time to be anxious about what the expectations would be and how God might use me to contribute some small part to this gathering of pastors, elders, and deacons from the CRC.

I was tasked to be a member of the committee for Church Order and what a task it was to immerse myself in the inner workings of the document that governs so much of how Churches, Classis, and the denomination function. By God’s grace, much prayer, and intercession; meetings began, and many challenging discussions were had. More prayer and seeking the Spirit, guided further discussion and eventual consensus on the best path forward for our denomination, this small part of God’s worldwide Kingdom. And that has ended up being my main take-away from my time at Synod.  That we were all there, through the calling of the Spirit, seeking Gods will for this relatively small part of His kingdom that we call the CRCNA.

It really is incredible just how much we do as a denomination. Many times, I heard numbers and statistics that spoke to just how much we ‘punch above our weight’.  And that is something to take pride in and celebrate and take advantage of. For example, Thrive is a ministry dedicated to Church support and their priority is:

 to listen to your needs as church staff, volunteers, and members as you endeavor to cultivate a flourishing congregation in your local context. We are eager to walk alongside you and provide support, connections, and resources to equip your congregation to thrive. 

What a resource! Our denomination also supports so many other ministries that do important work both for our denomination and for the world around us. So, if this interests you at all, be encouraged to explore the CRCNA website and discover the vast ways that our denomination seeks to impact the world for God.

By the end of Synod, I was exhausted. But also inspired to bring back to Living Hope the excitement that I felt about the future of the Church and our Denomination.  I want you all to know that people all over the continent are passionately seeking God and His kingdom.

And if, in the future, if someone taps your shoulder to be involved in the leadership of the church – whether Elder, Deacon, or otherwise – I hope that you will take on the challenge, trusting in God to guide you, because He does.