Episode 175: Prepare for Synod - Equipping Joyful Warriors - Jason Ruis
"The spirit works as you're reading the agenda for synod. And the spirit works in you as you're going through the overtures of your committee, the spirits working in you as you're having conversations with other believers trying to figure out how to understand these overtures and how to do that." -Jason Ruis
Summary of this Episode
The Messy Reformation guys are back this week to continue their synod preparation conversation. On this episode, we get Jason’s top 10.
Immerse yourself in the work of synod. Synod is 1 week out of the year and it should be your 1 job to do. It’s easy to be distracted by outside things, but try to keep your energy and focus on the tasks before you as a delegate. Willy also points out, delegates have been sent and entrusted by their classes to deliberate on their behalf.
Enjoy Sunday as a day of worship and rest. Join with some other delegates for worship. If you can, eat together and talk about life and ministry–it’s a great opportunity to not talk about synod. Willy reiterates that Sunday, the Lord’s Day, should be viewed as the Christian Sabbath–a day of rest and relaxation to get ready for the week ahead.
Take care of yourself holistically. Use your time outside of meetings very intentionally. Eat well, get as much sleep as you can, exercise, to daily devotions of reading and prayer. He believes the fatigue that can set in on Wednesday or Thursday is in part due to delegates not taking care of themselves. Willy offers the wise advice: don’t go out every night during synod–fellowship is good, but so is rest.
Understand the Holy Spirit is at work in you already prior to Synod, so prepare well! Some people have pushed the idea in the past that delegates should come to synod ready to listen to the Spirit together–as if the Spirit isn’t at work prior to the meeting. However, we trust the Holy Spirit has been working forever, including in our studying and preparations. Delegates should study the whole agenda with a special mindfulness to their advisory committee’s work, especially if you’re on one of those with weighty work. If you know there’s potential for division, try to be aware of the other side(s) and arguments. Jason also offers some exhortation on Acts 16:6-10 on how the Spirit can be at work to stop us from things that are not in God’s plan and showing us where to go.
Figure out your role. The greatest impact for most delegates will be with their advisory committee. When you’re in those committees and when you come to the floor, listen well, including to those you disagree with as a matter of respect and with a greater ability to engage their concerns. Don’t be afraid to disagree and debate, though–that’s why you’re there; don’t be a jerk, though. Willy encourages advisory committees to come to as much consensus as possible.
Know Rules of Synodical Procedure and Church Order. These two documents define what you/we can and can’t do. Delegates can download them as PDFs, and should be familiar with how to word search (Ctrl + F). Jason advocates having each of the different delegate webpages as open tabs (e.g. speaker queue, voting, floor motion, etc.). Know how to and utilize your synod email, which allows you to communicate with other delegates and advisors. Willy offers to not be afraid if you have to change your vote or want to make sure it worked–the system only counts your last vote.
When making a floor speech, think about the elders and deacons. After providing some direction about how to begin your speech, Jason makes the point that this isn’t about elders or deacons not being as smart or wise, but many of us pastors have invested in the ins and outs of synod material more than the average person.
Use God’s Word and confessions wisely. They are of great benefit, but be concise so as to not get cut off.
Take control of the meeting as delegates. If officers or fellow delegates are doing something wrong, say something. Remember, you’re addressing the procedure, not attacking the person.
Go to synod as a “joyful warrior” (R.C. Sproul). Jason wraps up by encouraging delegates to be ready to fight well, even on day one or at the online convening session depending on what may come up. Don’t be afraid to say hard things, but also don’t be too easily offended. Enjoy your calling for this time and do your work “with a twinkle in your eye.”