Synod 2024 FAQs Available

For the past few years, as a service to the churches and classes of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, the Office of General Secretary has published a “frequently asked questions” document after each synod. The questions in these documents draw from synodical delegates, churches, and interactions with CRCNA members and leaders, and the responses aim to provide clarity and advice on how to apply the decisions within the congregational and classis settings. The 2024 version of Frequently Asked Questions is now available. 

“As has been the case in the past few years, Synod 2024 dealt with weighty issues arising out of the 2022 decisions on human sexuality,” said general secretary Rev. Zachary King in the introduction to the FAQ document. 

“This year those issues included gravamina, protests about confessional positions, and discipline matters. Synod 2024 also addressed a host of forward-looking, ministry, and mission-related topics, including the CRCNA’s global vision, its support of bivocational pastors, its Code of Conduct for Ministry Leaders, and multisite congregations.”

The FAQ document is considered a work in progress. Staff who worked on it acknowledge that the concerns of many leaders and members of our churches may run deeper than the document is able to reach. It is also likely that some of the responses may be updated and new questions and responses may be added in the coming months.

Readers who wish to provide feedback on the document or to request answers to additional questions are asked to email [email protected]. 

In addition to sending out the FAQ document, King also recorded a video message in which he summarized the decisions of Synod 2024 and reflected on the future of the CRCNA.

“Synod had both hope and joy, and lament and loss. Yet I am certain that God is growing our small denomination despite our upheavals,” said King in the video. 

“The vision I’m sharing about the future of the Christian Reformed Church does not depend on the wisdom of its pastors or even the faithfulness of its leaders,” he later added. “It depends on God. God is faithful. God is good to his people. And God makes seeds grow.”