Episode 189: Restoring the Foundations - Equipping CRC Leaders for a Confessional Future

"The heavy lifting of these decisions actually has to start now. It doesn't start at Synod. Synod is where these things are kind of passed down and given to the churches…We need to keep living into this. And so one of the real practical things [is that] we should all start working hard to incorporate some kind of confessional training for our officebearers, whether training them before they become office bearers or incorporating it into your monthly meeting." -Jason Ruis

Summary of This Episode

Jason and Willy sit down this week to begin reflecting on conversations that have been happening post-Synod 2024. Jason invites Willy to kick it off with what he’s heard. Willy shares how most of the feedback in his local church and classis has been encouraging and grateful. People are genuinely pleased with what Synod has done, and he reminds them and us—now the work begins. We have to live into our confessional identity.

That said, both Willy and Jason recognize there is a small fraction of people and churches in the denomination who are also struggling. Jason shares how part of his time spent reporting on Synod for his local church and Council has also included prayer for them. Willy agrees that we should do that as we truly want to see their repentance and moving into conformity with Synod’s decisions.

The work and aftermath of Synod 2024 hasn’t just received in-denomination coverage. Jason highlights the differences in reporting from Sarah Zylstra at The Gospel Coalition (https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/curious-case-crc/) and several people across the CRC on Reformed Journal (https://reformedjournal.com/what-now-after-synod/). He wrestles with what can appropriately be called a progressive/revisionist echo chamber of mourning and grieving over Synod and what they view as the loss of their denomination. Yet it’s clear that those who are truly dissatisfied with recent synods are beginning the process of disaffiliation. Both Jason and Willy point out that while it’s necessary, it is still sad, and it hurts to see them leaving. Because we’ve been in covenant, Willy brings up the image of marriage and how it should be painful if a spouse has chosen to live outside of or leave the covenant made.

What changes are being seen after Synod 2024? Jason sees a greater willingness among members to be and keep informed on denominational matters as well as consideration of stepping into roles beyond just the local congregation. Drawing again from the Reformed Journal post, he highlights one of the biggest problems needing work is that pastors have to step up to the job of teaching their churches what the confessions say. Yes, individuals can (and should be able to) read the confessions on their own, but pastors should preach and teach them in a way that members, especially officebearers are without excuse. If pastors are faithfully teaching from them, then those in their flock can’t just ignore them.

Willy highlights how this was the value of second services that most of our denomination’s churches have gotten rid of. He commends those who still have them to utilize that time for guiding their congregations through. For those that don’t, Willy and Jason propose considering adding that on. Even if you don’t, find ways to teach in the morning worship service or in a class. Willy shares how he’s been asked if this is expecting a bit much from Council members and his reply is correct—not any more than it’s ever supposed to have been.

Jason closes out the episode reminding us that this doesn’t mean people can’t have difficulty with our teachings or have to have every last word of the confessions committed to memory. Opportunities for discipleship and confessional difficulty gravamina still exist for appropriate use where someone has a difficulty that arises and needs help working through a doctrine. Pastors, elders, and leaders in the churches must be willing to carry-through on teaching.