Disclaimer: I realize that not everyone is equally intrigued by reports on deliberative assemblies of overseas churches, but for those who are…

The 27^th Synod of the Reformed Churches of New Zealand convened in Bucklands Beach this evening. The synod was relocated from Christchurch due to the devastating earthquakes that have affected the South Island throughout this year. The change of location allowed Bucklands Beach its first opportunity to host a Synod since its founding in 1953.

Chairman pro-tem Rev. Dirk van Garderen read from John 15:1-14 reminded the delegates of the need to abide in God’s love. Rev. van Garderen also gave a rousing reminiscence of five ministers who have passed away during the time between the last synod and the present.

• “I think of the Rev. J.W. Deenick who came to NZ with his family in 1951 and became the founding pastor of our denomination-specifically constituting the first congregations of the RCNZ in Christchruch, Wellington and Auckland. Deenick served the Auckland congregation from its founding in 1953 till his departure for Australia in 1961. I recall his last visit to NZ on the occasion of our 50th anniversary in 2003 with special joy.
• The Rev. H Hoving who came from the Netherlands in 1958 and served four of our churches in the founding years: Hamilton (1958-60), Wellington (1965-67), Silverstream (1967-71) and Invercargill (1971-75).
• The Rev. G.W.H. Kroon and early NZ migrant who felt the call to the ministry and after studies at Geelong, served two churches: Kerepehi/Tokoroa (1966-70) and Wellington (1970-81).
• The Rev. P.G. van Dam, another NZ migrant who felt the call to study for the ministry (Grand Rapids), ending up serving in the southern city (1966-70).
• With respect to the next person I was tempted to say ‘Rev,’ because he often received letters addressed thus. I refer to br. Dirk Govert Vanderpyl-a founding member and for many years, the Stated Clerk of our denomination. His tireless work as Stated Clerk, as an enthusiastic writer (Trust and Obey, 1994, and the Church Order Commentary, 1992) remain a lasting legacy. We salute and honour these men and remain thankful to God for the way he used them in the life of our denomination.”

The Synod selected for its officers Rev. B. Hoyt (chairman), Rev. P. Kloosterman (vice chairman), P. VanderWel (first clerk), Rev. M. Willemse (second clerk).

After some discussion, Synod adopted a weighty agenda consisting of 22 overtures, 22 reports, several communications and two appeals (most of these documents are available here). In my opinion, two of the most notable of these agenda items for foreign observers will be Report 13: Guidelines for dealing with sexual abuse and the several matters dealing with questions relating to the suitability for use in worship of the 2011 NIV.

Pre-advice committees were formed to consider the hymn selections for the proposed new denominational hymnal, for the adoption of forms and confessions, and for the questions relating to Bible translations for use in the churches.