God Is Still With Us

There are two competing narratives about Synod 2024. According to one narrative, this is the culmination of a godly revival; the Christian Reformed Church chose to stand firm on biblical truth, even when it was painful—but necessary and overdue—to discipline erring churches and officebearers. On the other side, this was seen as a purge by hardliners in the denomination of all those who disagree doctrinally; a denomination that used to be more open to intellectual curiosity and exploration has become punitive and policing people’s thoughts. As is often true, reality is probably messier than either of those narratives suggest. As the Canons of Dort remind us, “blemishes cling to even the best works of God’s people” (Fifth point, Art. 2).

I trust that most, if not all, Christians on both sides of the divide are wrestling and acting out of a genuine desire to faithfully follow Christ as best they know how. It would be harsh to attribute bad motives to any side and not heed synod president Buikema’s plea to be gentle. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,” not against our brothers and sisters in Christ, “but against the powers of this dark world” (Eph. 6:12). If we give in to our dark inclinations, we will lose the struggle.

I do believe, however, that the outcome of synod’s cumulative decisions, intended or not, is the disaffiliation, voluntary or otherwise, of a sizable number of churches. Many members also will leave the denomination, causing sorrow and divisions within churches, families, and circles of friends. How many? How soon? I am not sure. Therefore, this will be a time of upheaval and uncertainty, maybe even crisis, for the Christian Reformed Church in North America.

I believe God is sovereign and in control. I might not understand why God allows crisis and upheaval, but I trust the promise that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). And that promise is not qualified by the quality of our love. All of us love God imperfectly. We all struggle with sin in our lives. None of our theologies is perfect. But none of that disqualifies us from God’s promise to work, in all things, for our good, us who love him imperfectly and know him imperfectly.

“God with us” is the theme for this year’s synod. Even in crisis and upheaval, God is still with us. God might not prevent the crisis, but God will be with us in and through the crisis. Whichever side you may be on—whether traditional, affirming, or “not sure”—God is still with you in whatever emotional, spiritual or intellectual state you might find yourself in currently.

Some of you might be rejoicing and others might be in tears. Still others might be uncertain and undecided. Some might even be angry. Let us be kind and considerate to one another. Do not rub salt into wounds. Refrain from judging each other’s character. Remember that each of us has to answer to God who knows our hearts and minds.

Above all, through the coming collective and individual uncertainties, whoever you are, whatever you may face, cling to this truth: God loves you. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39).