Synod 2015 (the annual gathering of the Christian Reformed Church) approved a way for candidates from the Reformed Church in America to receive a first call in the CRC.
Under a 2005 decision by synod between the RCA and the CRC, candidates were restricted from serving a first call outside their home denomination. However, some congregations have had an intern from the RCA and want to continue the relationship after the candidate graduates.
This new option allows RCA candidates, in exceptional cases, to accept a call in a CRC congregation. RCA candidates must complete the requirements in place for CRC candidates.
Synod 2015 is meeting at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, from June 12-18. For continuous Banner coverage, please 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, webcast, and live blogging, 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.