George Cottenden, who has served for four years as stated clerk, is retiring from this position at this assembly. Rev. Ross Graham, former associate general secretary of Home Missions and Church Extension, has been appointed to succeed Mr. Cottenden. Mr. Graham assumed this position immediately after Mr. Cottenden gave his stated clerk’s report. The assembly... Continue Reading

The delegates gave consideration to a nomination for the position of a mission coordinator.  After careful discussion concerning the role of and nomination for this position, Synod moved to an interview of one nomination for the position, Rev. Richard Bout. After the interview and deliberation, Synod, by significant majority, elected Rev. Richard Bout to be the first missions coordinator... Continue Reading

In 2013, the GA dealt with part two of the study committee’s report. This report was a 163-page in-depth study of the history of missions and the Insider Movement, interaction with Scripture and Reformed theology, with recommendations for churches to help them in their evangelistic and mission outreach. There was also a 65-page minority report... Continue Reading

Do the CanRCs and URCs have a common covenant theology? If the two presentations made in this colloquium are truly representative of both the Three Forms of Unity as well as our ministers, then I believe the answer is yes on the main outline, while in terms of the details, expressions, nuances, and practicality of... Continue Reading

Rev. Craig Troxel, pastor of Bethel Presbyterian Church in Wheaton, IL, was elected as moderator of the 81st General Assembly. Rev. Archibald Allison, pastor of Emmaus Presbyterian Church in Ft. Collins, CO, had also been nominated. Mr. Danny Olinger, who had nominated Mr. Troxel, escorted him to the podium and then led the assembly in... Continue Reading

The delegates adopted “the submitted Psalm Proposal to be the psalter portion of the new songbook” without dissent. They also took note of the dates of May 1, 2015, for the completion of proposed hymn collection in preparation for the publishing of a new songbook in cooperation with the OPC in 2016. In light of the mutual laboring... Continue Reading

Jennings: I wish we were able to interact with “Insider Movements” and other Christian phenomena in categories in more nuanced ways than by asking the single, seemingly straightforward question – one that for us is intertwined with Greco-Latin-European linguistic-conceptual categories – “Is it faithful to the Bible or not?” Garner: On the basis of careful... Continue Reading

The election of officers seated the Rev. Bradd Nymeyer as chairman, Rev. John Bouwers as vice-chairman, Rev. Doug Barnes as first clerk and Rev. Greg Lubbers as second clerk.  As Synod began her work, the men representing the churches were reminded of their task to serve with humility the cause of the churches and the... Continue Reading

Does the Insider Movement contradict Jesus at this point, if it advises converts to sublimate their public profession or to remain as hidden believers or to hide their light under a bushel? To make things crystal clear, Jesus then gives a summary comparison: “Anyone who loves his father and mother more than me is not... Continue Reading

I am personally persuaded that a change in our practice as a denomination is necessary. I am well aware that bringing all the disciplinary cases that rise to the denominational level before the General Assembly could become unwieldy, to say the least. However, according to our own constitution, the General Assembly shall have the power... Continue Reading