Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa, is contributing above and beyond at Synod 2023.
Classis Heartland, a regional group of churches, sent the midsized congregation’s pastor, an elder, and a deacon as delegates for this year. As if that weren’t enough, two church members are serving in special positions: Luke Nieuwendorp is a young adult representative and Loren Veldhuizen is on the Ecclesiastical Marriage Task Force, a committee assigned by Synod 2019 reporting to this year’s synod.
The five guys from Calvary CRC have enjoyed their time together. “It’s like going to college with my pastor,” said Nieuwendorp. “It’s been good to get to know these guys better.”
Calvary’s pastor, John Klompien, said the willingness of his church members to serve reflects the attitude of his congregation, which has a history of deep denominational involvement. Klompien encourages his churchmates to commit to two to three years at synod so as to lessen the learning curve and provide continuity. Klompien has served on the committee that is addressing the overtures on human sexuality. “There’s been an incredible amount of understanding, open communication, and heartfelt dialog,” he said.
Synod 2023 is meeting June 9-15 at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich. Find daily coverage from The Banner news team at thebanner.org/synod. Visit crcna.org/synod for the synod schedule, webcast, recordings, photos, committee reports, and liveblog. Synod is the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church.
About the Author
Roxanne VanFarowe is a freelance writer who claims both Canadian and American citizenship and grew up in the Christian Reformed Church. She is a member of Blacknall Presbyterian Church in Durham, North Carolina.
