Synod 2026, held June 12–18, 2026, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, resulted in several significant operational, ecclesiastical, and structural decisions for the Christian Reformed Church.
Here is a summary of the key actions taken:
Ecclesiastical and Doctrinal Decisions
Ministry Definitions: Synod amended Church Order articles to explicitly include "prayer" in the description of a minister's call and function, emphasizing the necessity for ministers and elders to be devoted to prayer for the congregation.
Covenant for Officebearers: Delegates recommended removing the contemporary testimony "Our World Belongs to God" (2008) from the Covenant for Officebearers, a change that requires ratification by a future synod.
Online Ministries: Synod decided that exclusively digital ministries cannot be designated as "churches," though this does not impact online extensions of existing churches (such as livestreams).
Ecumenical Relations: The CRC voted to exit the World Communion of Reformed Churches. Additionally, the assembly chose to continue its "in cooperation" status with the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk (NGK), while adopting instructions to guard that relationship and reaffirm the CRC’s position on human sexuality.
Candidacy: Synod approved 36 new candidates for ministry, nearly double the number from 2025. It also clarified that ministers ordained outside the denomination must apply through the Candidacy Committee.
Operational and Administrative Changes
Synodical Procedures:
Parliamentarian: The position of parliamentarian will be retained annually.
Committees: The distinction between "study committees" and "task forces" was removed; all such groups will now be "study committees."
Reporting: The deadline for distributing study committee reports to churches was moved from November 1 to December 1.
Learning: Synods will no longer host ministry-related learning sessions.
Yearbook & Communications: The requirement for a printed annual Yearbook was eliminated in favor of electronic distribution.
Financial & Organizational:
Synod requested more financial transparency regarding ministry shares and recommended churches contribute 6–12% of their budgets toward shared expenses.
A task force will be created to develop recommendations for the potential restructuring or consolidation of classes by 2028.
The transfer of the Orange Korean Church from Classis California South to Classis Ko-Am was approved.
Safeguards and Conduct
Abuse Allegations: For cases involving allegations of abuse against church leaders, classis delegates are now mandated to participate in a 60-minute "safe church" orientation and training on due process and response before handling the appeal.
Accountability: Synod declined to require all denominational employees to be professing members of a CRC congregation, noting existing structures for accountability.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6
