General Synod president Rev. Dwayne Jackson addressed the General Synod in his report to the assembly, sharing stories about his travels over the past year, connecting with RCA leaders, witnessing the life-changing work of missions abroad, and praying with many others in the RCA on a monthly basis.
Jackson noted three significant discoveries that were unveiled by God’s Spirit during those prayer sessions with RCA leaders. He noted:
- On moving from separation to celebration: “We found ourselves celebrating the fact that we have the joy of being united in Christ! Beloved, we are not now or will never be separated from one another so long as we remain anchored, heart, mind, and soul, to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
- On moving forward: “So let us focus our energy on doing what God has called us to do, and what we will discover is that we can take comfort in knowing that God will provide. We may have to make a few changes along the way, we know that, but this in no way changes the work that God has called us to do today.”
- On recovering from a loss of identity: “…we never lost our identity so long as we remember who we are and whose we are. We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, and as we may declare the promise of God who called us out of darkness into God’s wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).”
From the joint racial and ethnic council gathering in Chicago, to meeting with the leadership of local congregations, he witnessed gatherings of RCA leaders who were actively engaged in innovative ministry in their communities, committed to the work of dismantling racism, and were actively seeking ways to live out those values in their specific context.
He met with General Synod Council staff members to learn more about their work. As he listened, he heard apprehension for the future of denominational staffing as the denomination considers a path of restructuring. Even as that was expressed, the staff also exhibited a clear love of serving God, as they remain faithfully dedicated to their work. As he met with many regional representatives of classes and Regional Syonds expressed concern about the coming proposal from the restructuring team, but did not express defeat. Each assembly is working in their own way to live into a new future with different resources and relationships.
A transformational experience for Jackson this past year was a mission trip to South Africa, witnessing the continued effects that apartheid had on the communities he visited. He was able to see firsthand the amazing work being done by Setshabelo Family and Child Services. “I had heard about Setshabelo and all they were doing, but it’s something different when you have the opportunity to experience it first hand.” Jackson designated half of the General Synod offering to go to Setshabelo.
Jackson also joined others in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the RCA. He noted the significance of working alongside ordained women as he stated, “In the past six years I have learned to appreciate the blessing of having an ordained woman by my side as my co-pastor, particularly when we find ourselves in situations where her unique gifts, her guidance, her counsel, and her love of the Word of God is able to reach those whom I can’t. But together we make it whole.”
He concluded by offering the assembly this call to action:
- If you are ever blessed with the opportunity to take a mission trip, go. And When you return, share your experience with someone else in the RCA family to inspire them as well.
- Though many people are not fond of change as we await the final report of the restructuring team, don’t allow this to distract you from the work that God is calling you to do now.
- Faithfully devote yourselves to a time of prayer. Pray for yourselves, pray for your family, pray for your church, for the Reformed Church in America, pray for our leadership, pray that God will put all these things in place, as he has placed them in our heart.
EN 
ES 
KO 
PT