General Synod Council
Mindful that the purpose of the Reformed Church in America, together with all other churches of Christ, is to minister to the total life of all people by preaching, teaching, and proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, Son of God, and all Christian good works (Preamble to the Book of Church Order), the General Synod Council exists to encourage spiritual growth in the life and ministry of believers, to uphold good order and unity in the church, to enlarge, encourage and promote the mission of God in each continent and seek peace, justice and a healthy environment for all creation.
In carrying out its mandate under the direction of the General Synod, the General Synod Council is organized in a spirit of servanthood related to the needs of Reformed Church congregations, assemblies, agencies, and institutions. It carries out its responsibilities through such structures as are judged to be most appropriate and helpful in the fulfillment of its mandate.
It is guided by three RCA-specific documents: the Preamble to the Book of Church Order (referenced above), the Statement of Mission and Vision, and Our Call, the ten-year goal of the denomination.
Information and Resources
- Biography of General Secretary Tom De Vries
- March 2014: Summary, Minutes (PDF)
- October 2013: Minutes
- Policy Document (April 2013; PDF)
- June 2013: Pre-synod Minutes, Post-synod Minutes (PDFs)
- March 2013: Minutes (PDF)
- October 2012: Summary, Minutes (PDF)
- August 2012: Minutes (PDF)
- June 2012: Minutes (PDF)
- April 2012: Minutes (PDF)
- March 2012: Minutes (PDF)
- February 2012: Summary, Minutes (PDF)
- October 2011: Summary, Minutes (PDF)
- June 2011: Minutes (PDF)
- March 2011: Summary, Minutes (PDF)
- Tom De Vries selected as candidate for General Secretary
- General Secretary Search Process
- January 2011: Minutes (PDF)
- October 2010: Summary, Minutes (PDF), Appendix A (PDF)
- September 2010: Minutes, Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C (all PDFs)
- General Secretary Search Committee Named
- July 2010: Minutes (PDF)
- June 2010: Minutes (PDF)
- March 2010: Summary, Minutes (PDF), Appendix A (PDF)
- October 2009: Summary, Minutes (PDF), Appendix A (PDF), Appendix B (PDF), Appendix C (PDF), Appendix D (PDF), Appendix E (PDF)
- June 2009: Minutes (PDF), Appendix A (PDF), Appendix B (PDF)
- March 2009: Summary, Minutes (PDF), Appendix (PDF)
- October 2008: Summary, Minutes (PDF), Attachment A (PDF), Attachment B (PDF)
- June 2008: Summary
- May 2008: Minutes (PDF)
- March 2008: Summary, Minutes (PDF), Appendix (PDF)
- Fall 2007 GSC Meeting Focuses on Dialogue; Minutes (PDF); Appendix A (PDF); Appendix B (PDF)
- GSC Actions and Decisions, June 2007 (PDF)
- Summary of GSC Actions and Decisions, March 2007; Minutes (PDF)
- Summary of GSC Actions and Decisions, October 2006; Minutes (PDF)
- GSC Actions and Decisions, June 2006 (PDF)
- GSC Actions and Decisions, March 2006
- GSC Actions and Decisions, October 2005
- GSC Actions and Decisions, June 2005 (PDF)
- GSC Actions and Decisions, March 2005
- GSC Actions and Decisions, October 2004; Pastoral Letter
- GSC Actions and Decisions, June 2004 (PDF)
- GSC Actions and Decisions, March 2004
- GSC Actions and Decisions, November 2003
- GSC Actions and Decisions, March 2003
- GSC Actions and Decisions, November 2002
- GSC Actions and Decisions, April 2002
- GSC Actions and Decisions, November 2001