Gratitude was the theme of an address to Synod 2017 by the outgoing president of the Christian Reformed Church’s Board of Trustees, Chris Van Spronsen. Van Spronsen urged delegates to approach their work with gratitude. He referenced disputes at previous synods over small matters that became polarizing, urging Synod 2017 delegates to “come to the microphones with gratitude, listen with gratitude, and vote with gratitude.”
Van Spronsen’s speech, in part, marked the conclusion of the Board of Trustees era in the Christian Reformed Church. The Board of Trustees over the past years had become an increasingly important presence in the life of the denomination. It began as a committee entrusted to do the work of synod when synod was not in session—the synodical interim committee. Its role increased as it was entrusted by synod to oversee the agencies and ministries of the Christian Reformed Church. The Board of Trustees is slated to give way to the new Council of Delegates.
Van Spronsen noted that the Board of Trustees in this, its last year, had focused on gratitude for the many ways that God has blessed and continues to bless the Christian Reformed Church. He urged the same on his audience and on the denomination in general.
Synod 2017 is meeting at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Ill., from June 9-15. For continuous coverage, download the Banner app on your mobile device or follow The Banner Magazine on Facebook or @crcbanner on Twitter. You can find more tweeting by following hashtag #crcsynod. News stories will be posted at thebanner.org several times daily. For CRC Communications releases and the webcast, please visit crcna.org. Unless noted otherwise, all photographs are by Karen Huttenga.
About the Author
Clayton Libolt was the long time pastor of River Terrace Church in East Lansing, Mich. Since his retirement, he has served in a variety of interim positions. He is presently serving as the interim senior pastor of Sonlight Community CRC in Lynden, Wash.