The following article first appeared on rpwitness.org and is reprinted here by permission.
On Thursday morning of Synod, Pastor Kenneth Stewart preached from Acts 20:16-38 on the theme “Shepherd the Flock!” It was a rich and applicable meditation on Paul’s teaching to the Ephesian elders.
Today is to be a day of significant consideration of numerous judicial matters, so Synod turned its attention to a judicial matter involving a minister in the Midwest Presbytery who had been suspended. After lengthy consideration the complaints presented on his behalf were not sustained. Afterward, both parties met informally with members of Synod for discussion.
Next, the Board of Corporators of Geneva College presented the news that Fall 2024 brought 407 new students to campus for the largest incoming class in several years. Geneva’s “Tuition Promise” for Pennsylvania students with a family income less than $70,000 has generated significant publicity, and the resulting enrollment has been a great blessing. Freshman-to-sophomore retention was 78.5%, and the fall 2024 to spring 2025 retention was 86%. Dr. Zachary Kail has taken the position of Chairman of Biblical Studies, Philosophy, & Ministry. Construction is beginning soon on a much-needed Welcome Center. This Center will house many offices and provide a clear starting point for those visiting the campus. President Calvin Troup presented additional updates on Geneva College.
After this, Pastor Aaron Goener (Floyd, N.Y., RPC) presented as president of the RP Seminary board. RPTS conferred 15 degrees during the 2024–25 academic year. The seminary has five full-time faculty members: Rick Gamble, Jeff Stivason, David Whitla, C. J. Williams, and Barry York. Drs. Gamble and Williams have now served the seminary for 20 years. Mark Sampson has faithfully served the Seminary Director of Institutional Advancement for many years, and he is set to retire on Dec. 31. George Palombo will replace him.
Thank the Lord that the Theological Foundations for Youth (TFY) program was held in Pittsburgh from July 8-26, 2024, with a record 37 students in attendance. In October, the board approved the RPTS International Seminary Training Program (ISTP). ISTP will consist of RPTS online courses hosted on its learning management system and available as supplementary material for theological training in other nations. The seminary is examining its financial aid structure, and the board requests prayer that the Lord would raise up more students. The 2023-2024 academic year marked 100 years at the seminary’s current location. Improvements to Rutherford Hall continued over the last year. The board named the new entryway for Dr. Wayne & Mary Spear, in honor of their years of service to the seminary as faculty and staff.
Pastor Marcelo Sánchez (from Chile, member of Alleghenies Presbytery) presented the Central and South America (CASA) report. Since the committee’s trip to Bolivia, three ministers representing two congregations in two different cities have indicated their decision to petition the RP Synod to join the RPCNA, including their congregations as mission works of the RPCNA. The committee is currently working with the congregations to guide them through this process. Pastor Marcelo Sánchez also shared how he was recently fined by the Chilean government for his refusal to participate in mandatory voting for their national elections, which only take place on the Lord’s Day.
The Synod then turned its attention to a second judicial matter involving a complaint against the actions of the Pacific Coast Presbytery. Synod took time to hear both sides of the matter. There were many challenging issues, but as there were key records not available to court members the Synod finally decided to refer the matter to a five-man judicial commission.
Additional reports were presented, including:
Benefits Board
Each year the Benefits Board sets an annual required minimum retirement contribution to be made by congregations/boards on behalf of their pastors/employees. For 2025, that required contribution is $5,000. For 2026, the amount will increase to $5,100. We increased the retirement moving benefit to a maximum of $5,000.
Graduate Study Fund
A total of $27,500 was awarded last year to 8 persons. The committee is making a policy change that would make some funds a loan that would be forgiven over a five-year period of service to the institutions of the church.
