Episode 155: Synod 2023 - A Turning Point for the Christian Reformed Church - Steve Bussis (Part 2)

“I think there was a recognition…what had happened before set us down a trajectory and put a stake in the ground, saying this is where we stand…Particularly for those that wanted to see us move a different way, [they’re] trying to preserve a place in the denomination for those [who have been made uncomfortable and beginning to feel pushed out.]” -Steve Bussis

Summary of this Episode

Jason and Willy are back with Rev. Steve Bussis, a pastor at Bethel CRC in Churchill/Manhattan, MT. We jump into the conversation about Steve’s Synod experiences. He noticed that 2022 brought a change in the feel of the meeting—there were more personal appeals to emotion and persuasion contrasted with factual speeches in the past. Even comparing 2022 to 2023, he noticed an increase in intensity. “I think there was a recognition…what had happened before set us down a trajectory and put a stake in the ground, saying this is where we stand…Particularly for those that wanted to see us move a different way, [they’re] trying to preserve a place in the denomination for those [who have been made uncomfortable and beginning to feel pushed out.]”

Jason cautiously characterizes Synod 2023 as a D-Day moment. “If we win this battle, things will change.” So looking forward, he share his belief that Synod 2024 “will be less intense on the emotional level, and it’s going to be more logical, trying to figure out where do we go from here.” The path he’s speculating about is gracious separation. Steve agrees that some likely hoped Synod 2023 was going to be a repeat of the 1990s when Synod would jostle back and forth every year regarding women in office. The matter is decided, though, and now it’s time to have clear path conversations.

Looking ahead to Synod 2024, Steve’s primary focus is that we take care of the business that needs to be taken care of. In order to do that, we need “delegates who are faithful and Scripturally-sound serving.” Jason adds that we should also be looking at “what types of delegates…would be good [officers] at Synod, to serve as president, vice-president, clerk, and second clerk, because that plays a significant role in how the conversation goes and…how quickly the issue of gravamen comes up on the schedule.” To go a step further, Steve proposes the idea of each classis creating a “pool of…biblical, faithful people who would be willing to serve on various study committees or task forces.” Those are difficult to identify people for and assemble. If classes would have that at the ready, it would benefit the process.

When it comes to the future of the CRC, Steve’s encouragement is that we don’t necessarily need to be looking for the fresh, new, or unchartered ideas. He points to Harry Reeder’s “From Embers to a Flame,” which supports “keeping central what God has made central.” What is that? The gospel! Steve says, “Treasure the Scripture, study it, meditate on it, preach it. Be diligent, consistent in prayer, and look to the power of the gospel and the power of the Spirit at work in his people.” He also alludes to Michael Horton’s “Ordinary,” which directs believers to see God working through ordinary things like preaching, sacraments, discipline, times of worship, and fellowship. Steve also encourages the CRC to figure out where accountability comes from the other 51 weeks out of the year when Synod is not in session. If the Council of Delegates says it’s not their job, and no one else picks it up, then we need to figure out who holds churches accountable. Jason supports clarity here, too, referencing that church order speaks to discipline in a timely manner—we shouldn’t have to wait so long that matters become “old news.”

Steve’s final word is one of reflection and encouragement. He’s in the fastest growing county in Montana, which has provided opportunities for Bethel CRC to grow. “What’s been really exciting for me and for our church is to see people coming to us because we’re a Reformed church…Not necessarily because of the programs we’re offering…but because of our biblical, confessional foundation and identity.” While people who’ve only ever known the tradition may think it’s boring or take it for granted, newcomers are showing, “It’s not boring at all. It’s exciting to recognize and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ…There’s something really exciting and powerful about the heritage that we’ve been given, not to be ashamed of or apologetic about.”