From the Regional Synod Executives: What You Should Know About the Restructuring Process

The Reformed Church in America is moving to a new structure of middle assemblies by combining existing regional synods and classes, as approved by General Synod 2025. Regional synods, which have the authority to form and disband classes within their bounds, have been tasked with this restructuring work. Each of the eight regional synods are in different phases of discernment and implementation as of February 10, 2026. This update provides perspectives from each of the regional synod executives in the midst of this restructuring process.

As anticipated, middle assemblies will vary in size and mission focus, much of which is still in development and subject to change. The initial formation of middle assemblies will not remain permanent; pastors and churches will continue to have the flexibility to transfer assemblies should they choose to do so at a later time. Middle assemblies will become effective on December 30, 2026. 

Read frequently asked questions about transitioning to middle assemblies.

Updates on middle assemblies that are forming

At this time, approximately 24-25 middle assemblies are in the process of forming. Here is the breakdown as reported by the regional synod executives.

• Regional Synod of Albany is forming two middle assemblies: North Eastern Middle Assembly and Abiding Middle Assembly. Consistories in the regional synod will soon begin the discernment process of choosing a middle assembly; those decisions are expected by October 1.
• Regional Synod of Canada will become one middle assembly.
• Regional Synod of the Far West is anticipating four middle assemblies coming out of Classis of the Americas, California Classis, Central California Classis, and a merger of Southwest Classis and Rocky Mountain Classis (this proposal is pending final approval by all ministries and both classes). Cascades Classis is joining the Reformed Global Assembly coming out of the Heartland. The synod aims to have all of the plans in place for the new structures by the end of April.
• Regional Synod of the Great Lakes has consolidated into three classes that are currently working together and will become middle assemblies at the end of the year: Holland, Great Lakes City, and North Grand Rapids. The merger of Muskegon, Northern Michigan, and Zeeland into the Great Lakes City Classis will be effective July 1, 2026.
• Regional Synod of the Heartland is forming two middle assemblies: Reformed Global Assembly and Middle Assembly of the Midwest.
• Regional Synod of Mid-America continues to gain clarity. The synod’s implementation team recently concluded an in-person meeting and series of town hall meetings for information and to seek feedback. Classis de las Naciones will become a middle assembly. At least one middle assembly will form out of the other existing classes, with one classis still working to discern a path forward.
• Regional Synod of Mid-Atlantics is turning each of its five classes into middle assemblies. The steps to the legal, financial, and structural dissolution of the regional synod are on the way to being clearly outlined.
• Regional Synod of New York has approved four middle assemblies.

Regular updates about the transition to middle assemblies will be posted on the RCA’s website with information as it becomes available.

Hope and opportunity emerge amid challenge and uncertainty

As the Vision 2020 Team wrote in the prologue of their final report five years ago, this chapter of significant change in the Reformed Church in America contains both “great joys and great sorrows along the way,” undergirded by the comfort that “God has also been with us each step of the way.” Now, with middle assemblies going into effect at the end of this calendar year, the regional synod executives report that mixed feelings of both grief and hope, as well as anxiety and opportunity, continue to exist in the denomination. In their own words, here are synopses of how the restructuring process is having effect in the denomination’s regions.

Related resource: How to meet anxiety, fear, and grief in the midst of change

Albany

“Within the Regional Synod of Albany, there is a sense of loss in leaving behind our known structures and relationships from the classes and the regional synod as we now know them. However, there is also a sense of excitement and possibility for what the new middle assemblies will bring through new relationships and ministries, new structures and processes, and the bringing together of resources.” —Rev. Lindsey De Kruif, synod program coordinator

Canada

“We are becoming one Middle Assembly of Canada, and are working on the proposed structure of the new organization, while soliciting legal counsel to make sure we have all of our t’s crossed and i’s dotted. Things seem to be progressing quite well.” —Rev. Al Plat, president

Far West

“The remaining ministries in the Far West are exploring ways to remain connected. The two primary challenges are geographic distance and smaller numbers of churches. Each classis recognizes the strong relationships that are present and want a way forward that sustains those ties. In the transition time, the fewer number of churches stretches the human resources for strong middle assemblies and for meeting denominational appointments. Many in our region have a strong sense of optimism and hope for a new day and a new future. Some are lamenting the loss of fellowship and opportunity resulting from churches that have left.” —Rev. Phil Assink, interim facilitator

Great Lakes

“Church leaders in classes too small to continue grieved deeply the reality of moving from a smaller, more intimate community from a similar geographical area to a new community that would require time and effort to foster a similar sense of belonging. Some grieved the separation from colleagues they had been collaborating with to alignment with a classis whose statements were better suited for their congregation. However, all churches and classes were cooperative and intentional to move into a hopeful future trusting God’s leading in this new season.

“All three of the classes evolving into middle assemblies are also receiving leaders and churches from outside the RCA. This adds another layer of newness and excitement to the emerging season in the life of the Regional Synod of the Great Lakes. We are in eager expectation of what God is doing and how to be responsive to it moving forward.” —Rev. Tom Grabill, executive director

Heartland

“Both middle assemblies of the Heartland synod are hard at work designing their procedures for how their work will be accomplished. There have been face to face meetings of both assembly leader teams to expand the number of those involved in the actual planning. Churches are doing their due diligence to discern which middle assembly they feel best fits their needs and mission. There is both excitement and fear of the unknown within the minds of many leaders. Most of all, there seems to be a sense of hope for the future as we journey through these uncharted waters of transition.” —Rev. Dale Assink, regional synod executive

Mid-America

“There is hope and encouragement coming out of our conversations. We are dreaming about the sort of networks and systems we want to be a part of to add value and learning to our ministries. We are working to increase communication and build trust. The emerging middle assembly is built around healthy congregations and healthy pastors, with particular attention being paid to encouragement and support of congregations and pastors serving in all capacities within the middle assembly.” —Rev. Dr. Edie Lenz, synod executive

Mid-Atlantics

“What is important to the transition team at this juncture in their work is ensuring the existing synod staff are treated well. With long-serving synod staff, some of whom have worked well beyond the scope and responsibility of their original positions, the team and, indeed, all the member congregations of the regional synod wish to see that staff treated well. As is surely the case for the other RCA regional synods and classes, the Regional Synod of the Mid-Atlantics understands that the road to restructuring has a human cost.” —Rev. Corstian Devos, president

New York

“This process is sensitive in nature and, for some, a source of frustration or concern as changes are considered. At times, it may also be viewed as controversial. Nevertheless, the regional synod remains committed to providing a faithful and transparent report on our progress. The transition continues to be a work in progress, involving all classes.” —Rev. Dr. Micheal Edwards, synod executive minister