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 Transformed and Transforming, the fifteen-year goal of the denomination.
Information and Resources
Minutes of General Synod Council meetings are posted once they have been approved by GSC, which normally occurs at the next regularly scheduled GSC meeting. GSC meeting minutes from the past 10 years are posted here; minutes that are more than 10 years old are held in the RCA Archives.
- Policy Document (October 2019)
- October 18-19, 2019: Summary
- June 11, 2019: Minutes
- June 6, 2019: Committee of Reference Minutes
- March 2019: Minutes
- October 2018: Minutes
- June 12, 2018: Minutes
- June 7, 2018: Committee of Reference Minutes
- April 2018: Minutes
- March 2018: Minutes
- October 2017: Minutes
- August 9, 2017: Minutes
- June 13, 2017: Minutes
- June 11, 2017: Minutes
- June 8, 2017: Committee of Reference Minutes
- April 2017: Minutes
- March 2017: Minutes
- October 2016: Minutes
- June 2016: Pre-Synod Minutes, Post-Synod Minutes
- April 2016: Minutes
- March 2016: Minutes
- October 2015: Minutes
- June 2015: Pre-Synod Minutes, Post-Synod Minutes
- March 2015: Minutes
- October 2014: Minutes
- June 2014: Pre-Synod Minutes, Post-Synod Minutes
- May 2014: Minutes
- March 2014: Minutes
- October 2013: Minutes
- June 2013: Pre-Synod Minutes, Post-Synod Minutes
- March 2013: Minutes
- October 2012: Minutes
- August 2012: Minutes
- June 2012: Minutes
- April 2012: Minutes
- March 2012: Minutes
- February 2012: Minutes
- October 2011: Minutes
- June 2011: Minutes
- March 2011: Minutes
- January 2011: Minutes
- October 2010: Minutes
- September 2010: Minutes
- July 2010: Minutes
- June 2010: Minutes
- March 2010: Minutes
- October 2009: Minutes
- June 2009: Minutes
- March 2009: Minutes
- October 2008: Minutes
- May 2008: Minutes
- March 2008: Minutes