Blog from the Floor #1

Well, o.k., we're not in session on the Lord's Day (even after one day it was a welcome break - what'll we do by Thursday!), but we'll be blogging about the events from the floor of Synod. After orientation for the new delegates (57% of the delegates are first-timers) on Friday evening, Synod met Saturday morning for its first plenary session. We spent a couple of hours going through introductions and trying to figure out the electronic voting system - which as the I.T. folks said is about 120 years old in technology years, but seems to work o.k.

The only signficant action was the election of officers. Several were nominated but Joel Boot from Ridgewood CRC in Jenison, MI, was elected president and Thea Leunk from Eastern Ave CRC in Grand Rapids, MI, was elected vice-president. Les Kuipers and Laryn Zoerhof were elected 1st and 2nd clerk respectively. Elections went quite smoothly - except the fact that there were cheers after Thea was elected V.P. I understand the "historic" nature of this synod, but it's always good to reverse situations like that to see how "rub-it-in-your-face" it can be. Suppose a staunch conservative who was vocally opposed to the ordination of women was elected an officer and there was cheering - more than a few would be hurt or even offended. Now I know, people are going to go on about how long they've waited for this moment. I understand that fully... but the fact is, we say there are two equally valid interpretations of Scripture on this issue. That fact that clapping only occurred after her election makes the motivation clear (I do have to take that back a bit - after Les Kuiper was elected 1st clerk there was some clapping... but that may be because his name was listed as Leslie Kuiper...hmmm). It is out of place, immature and rude to celebrate it knowing people are, as a matter of biblical principle, grieving this time. With that said, most of those who are not comfortable with this say they are making every effort to work with all of those who have been delegated to Synod and I've seen nothing contrary to that. It just makes for some awkward situations that we're going to have to learn to deal with.

The rest of the day was filled with advisory committee meetings - that will produce more action over the coming week. A few evangelical and more conservative delegates met Saturday after the day was concluded for mutual support and encouragement. This was a blessed time - as was this day of worship! It is good to be re-rooted in why we are here - to serve the Lord and His Church! So pray that we all sense the joy that surely comes with that task.

Chad Steenwyk
delegate for Classis Holland