Prayer Points for Synod 2024

General Prayer Items

●      For courage, love and Christ-likeness as we seek integrity and alignment

●      For biblical fidelity, orthodoxy and discipline for the CRCNA

●      For God to be glorified through Synod 2024

Prayers for Delegates - to be… 

● Abiding in and resembling Christ Jesus – his humility, his righteousness, his wisdom, gentleness & joy, his compassion without compromise

~ Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked. 1 John 2:6

●      Guided by the fear of the LORD

~ He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. Isaiah 33:6

●      Showing the fruit of the Spirit

~ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22,23

●      Equipped in and availing of God’s Word

~ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17

●      Readied in spiritual armor; disciplined in spiritual fitness; bearing the cost

~ Put on the full armor or God, that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Eph 6:10ff

~ No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 

●      Repentant and surrendered to the Lord of the Church, Jesus Christ

~ Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Rev 3:19

~ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 1 Peter 3:15 

●      Steadfast in peace and trust

~ The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. Isaiah 32:17

●      Courageous and persuasive in speech

~ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

~ The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. Proverbs 16:23

●      Prayerful for God’s discernment in decisions and His wisdom in actions    

~ So give your servant a wise and discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours? 1 Kings 3:9

Aspects of Synod 2024 to Pray Over

1. Delegates

• First-time

• Elders, Deacons, Pastors

• 187 delegates in total from 49 classis

2. Advisors

• Youth: Ireland Bosworth, Verity Johnston, Eric Katerberg, Lain Martinez Vaquez, Iain Monroe, Gavin Schaefer, Samantha Sebastia

• Ethnic: Patrick Lin, Joao Trabbold

• Seminary Faculty: Dr. Wilson Cunha, Dr. Danny Daley, Dr. Scott Hoezee, Dr. David Rylaarsdam, Dr. Mary Vanden Berg, Rev. Kathy Smith

• Parliamentarian Kathy Smith (alt William Koopmans) & Staff Consultants

3. Officers

• President – Derek Buikema

• Vice President – Stephen Terpstra

• First Clerk – Josh Christoffels

• Second Clerk – Daniel De Graff

4. Advisory Committee Work (& Chairs and Reporters)

1)    Synodical Services and Structure I

2)    Synodical Services and Structure II

3)    Church Order and Related Matters

4)    Education and Candidacy

5)    Congregational Care and Justice

6)    Global Mission and Ecumenical Matters

7)    Financial and Administrative

8)    Discipline Matters

9)    Gravamen

5. Synodical Services

• Joel VandeWerken, Ashley Medendorp, Cassie Beadle – Synodical Services

• Zach King – General Secretary

• Other CRCNA Leadership & Staff Consultants

6. Worship Team & Worship Times

7. Technology & Technical /Support Staff

8. Agency heads/ Ecclesiastical representatives

9. Observers, Protestors, Reporters & Reporting – also on social media

10. Prayer-teams: Jon Hoekema, CRC Prayer Shepherd

CRCNA Senior Leadership 2024 to Pray Over

Zach King                                       General Secretary  

Al Postma                                       Executive Director - Canada 

Michael Ten Haken                          Council of Delegates Chair

Shirley De Vries                              Chief Administrative Officer  

Susan LaClear                                Director of Candidacy  

Kurt Selles                                      Director of Reframe

Lesli van Milligan                            Director of Thrive

Chris Schoon                                  Director of Thrive

Dan DeKam                                     Director of US Ministry Operations

Kristen deRoo VanderBerg              Director of Communications

Carol Bremer-Bennett                      Director of World Renew - USA

Jamie McIntosh                               Director of World Renew - Canada

Kevin DeRaaf                                  Director of Resonate

Joel Vande Werken                         Assoc. Director of Synodical Services  

Ashley Medendorp                          Administrator - Synodical Services

Shiao Chong                                   Editor of The Banner  

Julius Medenblik                             President of Calvin Theological Seminary  

Greg Elzinga                                   Interim President of Calvin University