General Synod Daily Recap: Monday, June 15, 2026

General Synod elects Brad Prince to serve as next president

As the sole nominee, Brad Prince was elected to serve as the next General Synod president. He has served as vice president over the past year. 

“I am so thankful and honored that I was nominated and elected last year and even more honored to continue in this process and receive your votes today,” shared Prince. “This year’s synod is showing how living into Revelation 7:9 and how engaging in good conversations—and maybe some good trouble—strengthens our denomination.”

Inspired by brave story sharing and reminders of God’s faithfulness that have taken place at this General Synod, Prince shared the story of his fall from a tree during a mission trip 23 years ago, in which he fractured and shattered three vertebrae.

“It started to sink in as I arrived at Mary Free Bed in Grand Rapids, Michigan. And I wondered, ‘Why did God do this to me? Why is he mad at me?’ My pastor and friend stopped me right there. He pulled out a verse to say God does not punish us, and he said, ‘God was with you in that moment [when you fell]. And he’s right here in the pain, and he has a plan for you,’” shared Prince. “I hadn’t been putting my full trust in God; in that moment, things shifted. I did everything I could do to get back in the classroom with God’s help. I’m pleased to say I was only away from the classroom for one year; I have been teaching now for 28 years.

“When you put your trust in God and follow his nudges, it takes you to some places you weren’t expecting. I’m in that place right now,” he added. “I am beyond honored to serve as your president over this coming year. I know that all is possible with God when we put our trust in God. I look forward to learning from you and hearing more of your stories as we continue the great work in the RCA. Our work is not finished. I ask for your prayers and help as we navigate the next year.”

Prince serves as an elder at Christ Memorial Church in Holland, Michigan, and will complete his second term on the Commission on Christian Action on June 30. He is a Hope College graduate and a teacher and coach at Hudsonville High School in West Michigan.

Rev. Dr. Kristin Brouwer named vice president-elect

On Monday evening, the General Synod named Rev. Dr. Kristin Brouwer as vice president-elect. Upon election, she shared words of appreciation with the delegation:

“One of the reasons I love the RCA and continue to feel called to lead and serve within it is because of the gift this denomination has been in my life. I was a little girl who used to read Bible stories to her stuffed animals, but never at that point did I have the imagination, encouragement, or sense that I could be a pastor,” she said. “Many of you in this room not only opened doors but you pulled up a chair and gave me a place at the table. For that I am deeply grateful. With what’s going on in other places right now, I’m also incredibly thankful to be part of a denomination that affirms, calls, and supports women in ministry. I believe in this season ahead that we get to continue to worship with joy and boldness with tambourines in hand, declaring that our King is king-ing. Thank you. I am grateful to serve as your vice president.”

In the coming year, Brouwer will serve at the pleasure of or in the absence of the president, then will likely preside over the denomination’s first virtual meeting of the General Synod in 2028.

Rev. Dr. Ron Rienstra appointed as new General Synod professor

On Monday morning, Rev. Dr. Ron Rienstra was declared and installed as the newest General Synod professor. Delegates, including former students, spoke overwhelmingly in favor of this recommendation, many expressing personal notes of thanks for the personal and corporate influence and care of Rev. Dr. Rienstra. 

The recommendation was approved with an affirmative “yes” and a standing ovation.

“Thank you, all. Listening to people say generous things about you is a bit like Tom Sawyer listening to his funeral liturgy—it’s moving, it’s awkward, and one hopes a bit premature,” shared Rienstra. “But I receive it as an honor and a trust. This denomination has shaped me all my life—its worship, its theology, its pastors, and its people. For 20 years at Western Theological Seminary, it has been a privilege to teach many of your pastors. I will try to serve with humility and conviction and compassion and curiosity. I ask for your prayers that my gifts might be useful to the church and that where I fall short, I will be met with grace.”

Rienstra is professor of preaching and worship arts at Western Theological Seminary and was recommended for appointment by Western’s Board of Trustees. He was ordained as a minister of Word and sacrament by the Classis of Holland in 1993 and holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy (University of Michigan), a master of divinity (Princeton Theological Seminary), and a PhD in theology with a concentration in Christian worship and a minor in homiletics (Fuller Theological Seminary). Rienstra’s career credentials include serving as a chaplain at Central College and Calvin University and as the director of worship life at Western Theological Seminary.

Rienstra joins the four other General Synod professors: Rev. Dr. James Brumm, Rev. Dr. Jaeseung Cha, Rev. Dr. Micah McCreary, and Rev. Dr. Chad Pierce. General Synod professor is the fourth office of the church in the RCA, alongside minister, elder, and deacon. The role includes representing “the living tradition of the church in the preparation and certification of candidates for ministry,” as well as exercising “the ministry of teaching within the RCA as a whole” (Book of Church Order, Chapter 1, Part IV, Article 8). General Synod professors are nominated by a theological agent of the General Synod, then elected and installed by the General Synod.

Following Rienstra’s installation and declaration as a General Synod professor, the delegation rose to sing the doxology together.

Updates from the RCA’s theological agents

On Monday morning, the delegation heard from each of its theological agents.

New Brunswick Theological Seminary updates bylaws
Following the report of Rev. Dr. Micah McCreary, president of New Brunswick Theological Seminary, General Synod voted to approve revisions to the bylaws of the seminary. The revisions reflect the RCA’s restructuring and reality as a smaller denomination, such that the Board of Trustees will also have at least 12 but no more than 18 members (a reduction from 24), and a majority of the trustees must be RCA members in order to preserve the historical relationship between the seminary and the denomination; in addition, dedicated board seats will now be filled with representation from at least five middle assemblies instead of representation from regional synods. The changes also permit remote meetings, reflect current board committees, and provide clarity and consistency in terminology. The seminary’s report can be read in full here.

Ministerial Formation Certification Agency to continue operations as-is
The Ministerial Formation Certification Agency (MFCA) carries out its commitment to developing faithful, educated, and Reformed leaders through the granting of certificates to RCA candidates graduating from non-RCA seminaries or pursuing an Approved Alternate Route. In its report, the MFCA highlighted a milestone it achieved this past year: the awarding of over 600 certificates (the former Certificate of Fitness for Ministry and the current Certificate of Readiness for Examination) since its inception 1986. Director Kelly Talsma, who took on this role on January 1, 2026 after decades of MFCA and TEA involvement, reported that when she first started on General Synod Council (GSC) staff, most of the MFCA’s students were white men; now, she is pleased to report that students range in age from their 20s to 70s, more than 40 percent are women, and they represent various racial and ethnic backgrounds.

After a handful of hard years for the MFCA with an uncertain future and significant operating reductions, the Pastoral Formation Oversight Board—a team of representatives that gives advice concerning oversight of the formation of ministers and commissioned pastors—advised no changes to the operation of the MFCA. The MFCA board and staff see that conclusion as an affirmation of its ongoing good work to equip women and men to serve God and the church in ordained ministry.

Western Theological Seminary honors Rev. Dr. Jim Brownson
Dr. Felix Theonugraha, president of Western, presented the seminary’s report, which outlines a robust number of recent activities and publications from its staff and faculty. He also took time to honor Rev. Dr. James V. Brownson, James and Jean Cook Professor Emeritus of New Testament and General Synod Professor Emeritus, who passed away in January. Theonugraha shared a testimony from Dr. Keith Starkenburg, Brownson’s former student and current Academic Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs, who said that Brownson was “passionately committed to the implications of the cross for the life of the church. He carried himself as a servant to the church at all times.”

“Jim, may you rest in peace and rise in glory.”

General Synod responds to Christian Action items

On Monday, the General Synod picked up unfinished work from Saturday evening regarding immigration and refugee care. The president-appointed committee drafted a statement denouncing immigration enforcement–related actions and policies and brought it to the synod for approval on Monday afternoon. The statement, which was approved, “acknowledges the truth that every person is made in the image of God,” calls the church to love the stranger and show hospitality to foreigners and prisoners, and confesses and laments “our role in supporting such a system and [recognizes] any and all such actions as sin.” Read the adopted statement here.

The synod proceeded to discuss the conflict in the Middle East and how the RCA can be an active participant in pursuing peace in that region. The Advisory Committee on Overtures and New Business named concern for many diverse opinions on the complex matter and called for discernment and dialogue, particularly before significant actions like divestment—as recommended by the Commission on Christian Action (CCA)—took place. Ultimately, the General Synod approved an amended recommendation calling for the general secretary to write a letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu with concern over expansionism and the lack of equal treatment for Palestinians; calling upon RCA members to “contact senators and representatives demanding that funding for Israel be stopped until Israel stops its expansionism”; and instructing the GSC’s Office of Finance to study potential divestment strategies and policies, for report to General Synod 2027.

General Synod affirms the value of disability ministry and explores new possibilities

On Monday afternoon, the General Synod deliberated over disability concerns and a potential new two-branch structure that includes both a mental health ministry and an accessibility and mobility ministry. Taking the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Overtures and New Business, the delegation adopted an amendment, which takes into account the RCA’s existing Disability Concerns ministry and instructs the general secretary to ensure that the ministry includes both branches. 

The funding aspect of disability ministry sparked heartfelt conversation as the delegation considered the commission’s recommendation to increase covenant shares by 0.3 percent in order to fund two part-time GSC staff positions and a modest budget for both branches of ministry. Given that the General Synod had not voted to establish two new coordinated branches, the conversation focused on how to best move forward to equip RCA congregations to welcome and include people with mental and/or physical disabilities. Delegates considered staff position(s), a commission, and an advisory committee.

“I’m really passionate about this … and I think this issue is so vital. Mental health is [being discussed] all around our world,” said Rev. Dr. Patricia Simmons. “As a church, I would hope we would embrace it and find a way to address it. We can find a way if we look at it. I do believe we should find a way to power this and make sure that it moves forward so that all God’s people can be included, especially when we think about Revelation 7:9.”

Upon invitation, general secretary Rev. Eddy Alemán provided an update on staffing for disability concerns after it was announced at this synod that Rev. Dr. Laura Osborne would be concluding her part-time role as coordinator for disability concerns.

“RCA churches should be places where everybody belongs and everybody serves. Our churches should be places of full inclusion for people with disabilities,” affirmed Alemán. “This is something that Jesus modeled for us, and this is a really important conversation that we need to have. Where we are right now—we have something in the budget for disability concerns because it is really important work. And we know that Western Theological Seminary has a really wonderful disability ministry center. We are in the process of conversation with Western—no decision has been made about how we are going to do this moving on—but we are having the conversations.”

“What I think I have heard in this room and around tables and in talking to people is that we have a wealth of resources in this room and in our church,” said Rev. Dr. Edie Lenz. “We have Odyssey Church and Friends to Friends. We have other places and spaces. We have advocates. We have passionate people who are teachers, therapists, pastors, counselors. It strikes me that we have wealth in this body that does not ask our churches—who are struggling to pay their pastors and to make sure they are cared for and have insurance and who are maybe not going to make it—to pay more. Surely there is a third way.”

After multiple amendments, the delegation approved a recommendation to instruct the GSC to explore the creation of a Commission on Disability to support both mental health and accessibility and mobility ministries.

The CCA also called attention to the Access for All Fund, which was created at the commission’s initiation in 2022 to support congregations in creating environments where people with physical disabilities, mobility limitations, sensory differences, cognitive disabilities, and mental health challenges can participate fully in the life of the church. The General Synod voted to instruct the general secretary to research the funding and other resources needed to develop a coordinated fundraising strategy for the Access for All Fund. An initial contribution was generously given to the fund from Middlebush Reformed Church in Somerset, New Jersey. By the end of the night, that gift was generously matched—a “sign of God’s generosity in the church” as president Palsma said.

General Synod affirms the work and recommendations of two task forces

During plenary on Monday, the General Synod heard from two task forces that were called for by previous General Synods: the International Church Planting Task Force and the Task Force to Study Race- or Ethnicity-Based Middle Assemblies.

International church planting is celebrated and will be revisited in the future

Rev. Dan Beyer presented an enthusiastic report on behalf of the International Church Planting Task Force, which was formed to “study the opportunities and implications of having Reformed Church in America assemblies beyond North America” (Minutes of General Synod, p. 43). Beyer described the work as not a decision about whether this should or should not happen—since that is the responsibility of classes (middle assemblies)—but to “explore how this might happen to the best of the RCA’s ability.” He described this as an Acts 15 moment for the RCA and said the task force aimed to “undergird the work already in motion … and to create a framework for better understanding so that we may celebrate and embrace what God is doing.”

Acknowledging that the report “cannot possibly answer every question or eventuality that may arise as the RCA tries to keep in step with the Spirit,” the task force outlined considerations like the difference between global partnership and covenantal relationships, possible outcomes of the current work, benefits and care for clergy beyond North America, and whether the RCA would be an international denomination or a denomination that plants and adopts churches internationally. The report concludes with a detailed overview of current classes (middle assemblies) that are involved in international church planting or adopting—primarily in countries in Central and South America, but also in Europe and East Africa.

In response, the General Synod adopted the three recommendations of the task force: to celebrate and encourage the RCA church multiplication team and classes (middle assemblies) actively engaged in this work and to pray for new congregations joining the RCA from around the globe; to commend this report to middle assemblies for their use; and to direct the General Synod Council (GSC) to reconvene an International Church Planting Task Force in three to five years to consider the work and further explore and share best practices.

Forming middle assemblies around race or ethnicity would be in conflict with antiracism policy

In response to a referral from last year’s General Synod, the GSC appointed a task force to study “whether the formation of classes or middle assemblies on the basis of race or ethnicity is in conflict with the RCA’s antiracism policy adopted by General Synod 2022” (Minutes of General Synod, p. 204). The task force found that, despite the RCA’s long-term commitment for reconciliation and against racism, there has been a consistent tension of “honoring cultural identity and protecting marginalized voices while resisting structural separation that undermines reconciled unity.”

Ultimately, the task force found that forming middle assemblies organized around race or ethnicity would be in conflict with the antiracism policy. However, “race- or ethnicity-based networks within existing middle assemblies, when clearly defined as non-governing, supportive, and advisory, are consistent with the RCA’s history of racial and ethnic councils and align with antiracism commitments. Such networks can foster belonging, mutual support, and advocacy without creating parallel or segregated structures” (2026 General Synod Workbook, p. 92).

This task force also offered three recommendations to the General Synod: one that encourages middle assemblies to establish race and ethnicity-based networks that support belonging, advocacy, and accountability; a second that urges middle assemblies to provide translations of materials and for the general secretary and GSC to share best practices and learnings around translation efforts; and a third that instructs the Commission on Race and Ethnicity to “articulate and steward” denomination-wide definitions of “race” and “ethnicity.” All three items were adopted with a large majority.

Read the full report of this task force.

Meet the vice presidential candidates

Cal Brouwer is an elder serving Slayton Reformed Church in Slayton, Minnesota. He also serves as the vice moderator of the General Synod Council and on the Implementation and Student Care Team with Reformed Global Assembly and a joint team of the Minnesota Classis. He says these experiences have taught him “how important it is to listen well, and how to work with people that may have different ideas.” Cal values integrity, empathy, and service, which he says “makes it much easier to stay grounded and in alignment with God’s plan for [his] life.” He is passionate about finding new and better ways to revitalize and excite people to serve others as a way to show God’s goodness. He is married to Cheryl, with three sons, two daughters, and eleven grandchildren.

Rev. Dr. Kristin Brouwer is a specialized minister and claims Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa, as her home church. Previous positions include pastor of children and family and pastor of young adults and community engagement, and she has also served on the Commission for Women, as president and clerk of East Sioux Classis, and on the classis’ Student Care Team and Middle Assembly Implementation Team. She holds a bachelor’s in elementary education, an MDiv from Western Theological Seminary, and a doctorate of ministry in leadership and spiritual formation. “God has given me a passion for shepherding people as they grow, know, and experience Jesus more deeply,” she shares. “I am especially passionate about discipleship, leadership development, supporting the next generation, and helping churches flourish as they participate in God’s mission. I seek to create spaces where people know they are seen, valued, and loved by God, while leading with consistency and a calm, non-anxious presence. Above all, I desire for my leadership and ministry to flow from a life rooted in Christ.” She resides in Orange City with her 9-year-old Maltese named Bonhoeffer.

Rev. Marisol Ferrer Malloy currently serves as a transitional minister and considers Reformed Church of Bushkill in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, to be her home church. She holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, a master of science in school counseling, and an MDiv from New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Marisol has served on the Commission on Race and Ethnicity and currently serves on the Committee for Pastoral Care and Congregational Care in the Classis of Delaware-Raritan. She says her teaching and counseling skills “serve well in ministry and help shape the essence of leadership in a ministry setting.” Marisol says she has “fine-tuned the gift of listening for a prophetic word and then responding.” She values “the process of inquiry in a way others can open up with trusting intent” and believes that being culturally sensitive to those present is very important. She is married to Paul; together they have a blended family with three sons and four grandchildren.

Rev. Dr. Edie Lenz is a transitional leader for the Mid-America Middle Assembly, executive director for Churches Learning Change, and a coach for The Leader’s Journey. She resides in Floyds Knobs, Indiana, and regularly provides pulpit supply for local congregations. Edie holds a BA in theology, an MDiv from Western Theological Seminary, and a doctorate of ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary; she has previously served three churches as a solo pastor. “I have stood in hard places and listened well,” she shares. “I have pursued the learning and work of adaptive leadership for over 15 years. This moment of change in the RCA is such a moment. I am called to help in the work of mourning in community so that together we are able to welcome and embrace the resurrection and new life where God is already at work.” She and her husband, Brian, are celebrating 25 years of marriage this year, and have one college-aged son, Caleb.

Rev. Al Plat serves as minister of Word and sacrament at Athabasca Reformed Congregation in Alberta, Canada, and also as the president of the Regional Synod of Canada. He has previously served as a classis executive, as part of the General Synod Council and the Commission on Nominations, and he is currently a trustee with New Brunswick Theological Seminary. He values relationships, open dialogue, transparent communication, integrity, and authenticity. He shares: “My passions are meeting and connecting with people where they are at. I love to visit folks and let them know they are cared about and matter. I have a big heart for the unchurched and thus I do many more funerals and weddings for persons outside my congregation than within. I view these as opportunities for seed planting and relationship building. Telling others, and more importantly, showing others the love and grace of God in Jesus Christ is a true passion of mine.” He and his wife, Jeannette, have two adult children.

Rev. Grace Rim is the co-pastor of The Lamb of God Reformed Ministries in Nanuet, New York. She is also currently the clerk of the Classis of Rockland-Westchester and has served as vice president with the Regional Synod of New York, where she mostly recently served as the chair for the Restructuring Sub-Committee. She earned degrees in psychology and child family studies, as well as an MDiv from Alliance Theological Seminary. Through her life experiences, she has learned to listen, understand, pray, serve, collaborate with others, and adapt to changes and transitions in life. Grace values surrender to God’s call, Spirit-led prayer and discernment, and humility and listening with love and mutual respect that enables collaboration. She shares: “I want to be faithful to the call to plant, water, and allow God to grow the ministry and global mission of Jesus Christ, while reforming and transforming into middle assemblies, extending the table to others who do not have a voice.” Grace is the daughter of hard-working, first-generation parents, who immigrated from South Korea.

Pastor Jael Serrano lives in San Jacinto, California, and is currently pursuing a master of arts in theology at New Brunswick Theological Seminary, along with an associate degree in social behavior. She has held various leadership roles as a pastor, mentor, and community servant, which have taught her to listen well, lead with compassion, build relationships across diverse communities, and remain faithful to God’s mission, even in challenging circumstances. Jael shares that “these opportunities have equipped me to serve the RCA with wisdom, humility, and a heart for collaboration.” She values faithfulness, servant leadership, and unity, and is passionate about discipleship, leadership development, and reaching communities with the gospel of Jesus Christ. She is the mother of three daughters and part of a family that has profoundly shaped her faith, character, and calling.

Other business:

• A new data policy is encouraged for RCA assemblies, institutions, and boards in response to the 2024 General Synod request for a GSC small group to “develop a policy for the denomination’s collection and use of personal data, including gender data and honorifics, that could include an option not to disclose this information” (MGS 2024, p. 159). The policy, which is non-constitutional and thus is not binding on other RCA assemblies, states: “When collecting demographic information (including but not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, and language), the [name of assembly, institution, or board] whenever possible, shall either (1) provide an ‘other/prefer not to answer’ option, or (2) not require an answer to the question” (2026 General Workbook, pp. 101-102). The General Synod voted to encourage RCA assemblies, institutions, and boards to adopt the policy or one similar regarding the collection of demographic information.
• General Synod approved a $7,000 full Partnership-in-Mission (PIM) share for 2027. The amount, reflecting no increase from last year, was recommended by RCA Global Mission. Scott Engelsman, the RCA’s chief mission officer, also addressed the General Synod, sharing compelling stories of individuals across the globe whose lives have been transformed by the love of God and partnerships in mission. The synod also gave thanks for mission partners ending their service through RCA Global Mission, including Rev. Chuck and Jean Van Engen, who retired from a 25-plus-year mission career in Latin America. The Van Engens were present and addressed the synod with gratitude.
• Classis of Cascades, including all its churches, transferred to the Regional Synod of the Heartland from the Regional Synod of the Far West, as approved by this General Synod. Both regional synods, the classis, and all four consistories within the Classis of Cascades affirmed this transfer. This is the last transfer across regional synod lines that required approval by a General Synod.
• The General Synod voted in favor of BCO amendments that adjust terms of office for members on the Commission on Nominations to remove a loophole that could prevent the equitable representation of middle assemblies. Any partial term will now be considered a full term; a full term is four years, and a person cannot serve consecutive terms. These amendments need the approval of a subsequent General Synod in order to be declared effective.
• Pursuing an equitable representation of middle assemblies, the General Synod voted to instruct the GSC and the general secretary to establish an initial equitable rotation of middle assemblies by randomly sorting and ordering middle assemblies into a list. (An approved amendment adds that synod officers will provide an additional check to ensure balances, such as geographical diversity of middle assemblies.) The GSC, general secretary, Commission on Church Order, and Commission on Nominations will work to develop a clear policy for the implementation and maintenance of the equitable rotation. The rotation order will be published and communicated to middle assemblies, contained in the Minutes of General Synod, and readily available to clerks.
• Commissions will be reduced in size at the recommendation of the GSC’s Committee on Commission Size and following an initial adoption by the General Synod. Most commissions are receiving a reduction of one member in order to right-size volunteer requirements for a smaller denomination. The reductions are within the “effectiveness range” identified by each commission, such that they can continue their work effectively with a smaller number of members. The changes will need to be approved by General Synod 2027.
• The General Synod commended the Commission on Church Order and recommended its continuation, citing that “its work is important to keep our denomination in order, in compliance, and able to adapt” especially as restructuring unfolds.
• Thirty-four recently retired ministers of Word and sacrament were recognized for their faithful service and dedication by the General Synod, with a resounding, “Thanks be to God.”