Episode 183: Synod 2024 - Leading with Clarity and Compassion - Derek Buikema (Part 1)
"I think that the church is benefited by clarity…I wanted to avoid the uncertainty that would pervade if we were kept putting that off. Psychologically, it's more difficult to deal with uncertainty than it is to deal with bad news…Synod acted with really decisive majorities all throughout and providing so much clarity about the processes that classes and churches are obligated to follow now…My hope and trust is that the fact that Synod is provided so much clarity around this is…that it might genuinely create more peace across different Classes as we live into these decisions." -Derek Buikema
Summary of this Episode
This week, the Messy Reformation podcast features a return of the first guest ever as Rev. Derek Buikema, pastor at Orland Park CRC and president of Synod 2024, joins Jason to reflect on this year’s meeting. Derek shares a similar sentiment to Dan De Graff—he didn’t think much when it came to letting his name stand. He had served Synod 2022 as the vice-president and was aware there were not many delegates nominated who had previous officer experience. Considering the ages of the officers, he and Jason agree that this is the next generation stepping up.
When Derek was elected, he shifted his focus in preparation to how he could best preside. He shares how he committed himself to learning the Rules for Procedure and thinking through various scenarios in order to best get the work done. Part of that preparation included reaching out to people who previously served in the role and who are leaders of institutions as well as Rev. W. Robert (Bob) Godfrey, who was a mentor of his in seminary and since. Godfrey left the CRC in the 90s during the Women in Church Office (WICO) split. Derek was struck by the pain that people like him continue to feel, which isn’t just loss but a sense that the other side “changed the rules to get their results…clearly contravening the ordinary ways that synod was supposed to operate.”
Derek shares that he didn’t want a repeat of that at this synod, that people a generation from now express hurt because the conservatives changed the rules. This was largely behind the decision to declare the motion to unseat some delegates at the beginning as out of order. While that’s been a hot issue among some, Jason recognizes the principle and the practical application aren’t exactly easy to apply the same. As synod did its work, it gave clarity and put rules in place that answer the question for future synods. Derek also testifies to what he felt was integrity and a building of trust by those who came and talked to him and the officers on the first day. He’s glad for how things worked out. d.
The most surprising thing about Synod 2024 for Derek was the salvation issue deliberation. He appreciated actually getting to hear the Confessions being quoted and sees delegates thinking confessionally as “Synod at some of its best.” Describing how discussion and voting went on that, he shares, “I think that it was so interesting because…the motion to table the majority and move to the minority at the very beginning failed. So, you would assume that then the majority would pass but enough people changed had their minds changed by the deliberation…to go with the minority report…I think…the sticking point seems to be that it didn't want to enter into like a Marrow Controversy, like the Presbyterians…[We want to be] really clear…that salvation is based upon God's action. It's contingent on God's action in election and…not…upon our repentance, but our repentance is the fruit of God's election…It seems to me the majority report isn't as clear about that as we would like.” They also talk about the value of what Dr. Mary Vanden Berg provided, and especially pointing out that “salvation issue” is an unclear term.
As the episode wraps up, Derek shares that he was encouraged by synod providing clarity to the churches and denomination, which will be of benefit. He also believes the denomination benefits from the size of the majority votes. It’s clear that we aren’t split by razor thin majorities.