The Banner

Rev. Peter Azuana, General Secretary of the Universal Reformed Christian Church in Nigeria, brought greetings to the Christian Reformed Church at Synod 2016.

“I wish to extend our warm Christian greetings to all officials and distinguished delegates to 2016 Synod,” said Rev. IraRimam Mathias of the Reformed Church of Christ for Nations (RCCN) in Nigeria.

Synod 2016 designated the Presbyterian Church in Ethiopia as a “church in dialogue,” a relationship that allows the CRC to explore ways to be of service to other churches.

When Shiao Chong was interviewed by Synod 2016 to become the new editor of The Banner, he was quick to exhibit his penchant for precise wording—and his sense of humor. The Banner is the official publication of the Christian Reformed Church.

With very little discussion, Synod 2016, the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church, agreed that the CRC needs to do more about religious persecution and liberty.

The Christian Reformed Synod, the general assembly of the denomination, paused in its work to share greetings electronically with the synod of the Reformed Church in America.

Synod 2016 rejected the 2 percent increase in ministry shares funds proposed by the Christian Reformed Church’s Board of Trustees, instead holding the line at the current amount of $339.48 per active adult member. Ministry shares are the monies collected to support the denomination’s shared ministries.

“With thanksgiving, we acknowledge our bonds,” Rev. Douglas Rollwage, moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Canada (PCC), told Synod 2016. “[Our denominations] both have a strong commitment to mission in Canada and around the world. We look forward to developing together new horizons of ministry.”

Rev. Caleb Ahima brought greetings to the Christian Reformed Church in North America from the Christian Reformed Church in Nigeria.

Rev. Rafat Fathy thanked Synod 2016 for inviting him to share the story about the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Egypt, Synod of the Nile.

The ethnic advisors to Synod 2016 are Darleen Litson, John Lendein, and Sheila Johnson.

Pastoral care is not about solving problems but rather listening, according to Dr. Danjuma Gibson.

Recognizing the need and importance of properly trained ministers, the Christian Reformed Church requires that each classis “maintain a student fund” in order to financially assist those preparing for ministry.

Synod 2016 approved a far-reaching new initiative for continuing education for pastors.

Seven women advisors were invited to Synod 2016: Linda Ryks, Melissa Van Dyk, Karen Knip, Emily Ulmer, Jenny Douma, Elaine VanLaare, and Sarah van Breda.

Synod 2016, the general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church, encouraged its various ministries to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation is traditionally dated 1517, when Martin Luther published a protest against the church as it then existed.

Cooperatively and responsively, leaders have been resetting the direction of the Christian Reformed Church. That was the report to Synod 2016 from Kathy Vandergrift, president of the Board of Trustees.