General Synod 2008 HighlightsHere are a few of the highlights of General Synod 2008. To learn how synod voted on all of recommendations that came to the floor or to read the reports to synod (the General Synod Workbook), visit the General Synod page. Blogs and ReflectionsNearly ten General Synod past presidents attended this year's synod as delegates, staff, or golf-cart drivers. Read some of their thoughts. President Speaks on Innovations in Growth, Prayer, and Giving
In his report to General Synod delegates, synod president John Ornee remarked that his experiences this year as president of General Synod have reinforced his optimism that the RCA is alive and well. "It is growing and prospering in new and innovative ways," he said. "It is persevering in old tried and true ways; it is responding to challenges across the country and around the world." Ornee praised the Houses of Prayer Equipping (HOPE) team for working tirelessly to promote and advance prayer in RCA churches, classes, and synods. He presented a proposal to delegates aimed at providing funding for the HOPE team and a denominational minister for prayer. Ornee also proposed that the General Synod Council form a task force to study current giving patterns, funding needs, and the assessment system in order to discover alternate ways to generate the revenue needed to support the life of the RCA. General Secretary Reflects on the RCA of Today and Tomorrow
In his address to delegates, general secretary Wes Granberg-Michaelson rejoiced in the fresh vision many RCA congregations have for planting new churches. Synod recognized nine newly organized churches; 92 emerging churches have submitted new congregational plans, and 111 are either in the planning stage or already meeting in some form. He acknowledged that multiplying congregations has also multiplied concerns that new churches will be connected to RCA tradition, mission, and culture. He celebrated the fact that the racial and ethnic makeup of the RCA is changing. He also announced that over the next five years the denomination will extend the resources and processes that sustain pastoral networks to consistories and congregational leaders to help them experience a deeper sense of God's call and a renewal of vision for ministry. Carol Bechtel Named New General Synod President
In her opening speech to delegates, General Synod president-elect Carol Bechtel said, "Help me to understand your joys and your challenges, and I will do my best to listen and learn and love." Bechtel is professor of Old Testament at Western Theological Seminary and attends Hope Church in Holland, Michigan. She has served on the Commission on Christian Worship and is a General Synod professor of theology; she preaches and teaches widely and has published several books and Bible studies. Bechtel, who is the first female ordained minister of Word and sacrament to serve as president, told delegates that in her presidential year she will focus on education, worship, and reconciliation. General Synod Elects James Seawood as Vice President
Delegates elected James Seawood vice president of General Synod. Seawood is the RCA's second black vice president, and the first since 1988. His election coincides with the Reformed Church's emphasis on becoming more multiracial, which is an important component of the denomination's goal to revitalize congregations and plant new churches. "The same God that was able to raise Jesus from the dead, that God is able to take us from where we are now to where we want to be," Seawood said as he addressed delegates for the first time as an officer-elect of synod. Seawood is pastor at Brighton Heights Reformed Church in Staten Island, New York. He has served as dean of students at New Brunswick Theological Seminary; as pastor of Cambria Heights Community Church in Cambria Heights, New York; and as a United States Army chaplain. He is a past president of the Classis of New York. He has served on the executive committee of the Regional Synod of New York, as chair of clergy relations for the Classis of New York, and as chair of the Education Committee for the Council of Churches. Seawood holds a master of divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a master of social work degree from Rutgers University. Inclusivity Added to 10-Year Goal
Delegates voted to add inclusivity as a sixth element to Our Call, the RCA's 10-year goal to renew existing churches and plant new churches. The other five elements are revitalization, multiplication, leadership, discipleship, and mission. Delegates instructed the General Synod Council to develop objectives, goals, and strategies for implementation and measuring outcomes as the RCA works toward a multiracial future freed from racism. RCA to Encourage Broader Diversity among Future Synod Delegates
Delegates approved appointing a task force that will study how to increase the participation in the life of General Synod of people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, women, and young people so that their voices may be more fully heard and welcomed. Synod instructed the task force to consider expanding the category of corresponding delegate to General Synod as a means to accomplish this end, as well as other strategies. Per-Member Assessment
Synod approved an assessment for 2009 of $ 39.91 per confessing member. Posted 06/11/08
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