This article was first published on https://rpwitness.org – shared with permission
On the final day of Synod, the court found itself in good shape timewise.
Pastor Barry York preached the Word before the court.
https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/61926123521078
The church heard a report on the matter of sexual abuse, and were given resources to help them in their ministry.
The Finance Committee brought an encouraging report on the generous giving of the denomination. We as a denomination are financially stable.
Delegates are now departing to our homes, churches, and presbyteries with many matters to think about, consult with fellow elders about, with the purpose of encouraging the church. Jesus Christ reigns regally upon his throne. We, his church, are once again called to follow him!
State of the Church Report – Synod 2026
The 194th Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America testifies to the faithfulness of the Lord Jesus Christ in upholding us, guiding us into all truth, and sustaining us amid trials and testing. Many difficult issues were addressed at Synod this year, yet respect and mutual affection were evident among the brethren as differences were strongly expressed on multiple matters. We concluded our meetings with unity and peace in Zion.
Empty Pulpits
The increasing number of vacant pulpits remains a concern. In many cases, pastors may need to take on additional employment to provide for themselves and their families. Some congregations remain without a pastor for several years. No easy solution appears to be on the horizon for many smaller congregations.
The number of students under care is also a continuing concern. Less than ten years ago, the RPCNA had approximately 100 congregations; today, we number 84. (One reason is the departure of Canadian churches to become their own denomination.) We pray for strong commitments from seed families and church-plant members, that they would not lose heart but continue faithfully sowing unto the Lord, trusting Him to bring a great harvest of souls.
Many of our very small rural congregations have closed. We thank the Lord for the long history of gospel ministry and faithful preaching that took place in those communities. Only the Lord knows the full impact of those labors over many decades—and in some cases, centuries. We look forward to hearing the Lord’s own report concerning His church in glory.
Kinism
The promotion of Kinism led one presbytery to file charges against a teaching elder, conduct a trial, depose him from office, and ultimately excommunicate him. His appeal to Synod was not sustained.
Kinism, along with antisemitism, continues to exert influence within some Reformed circles. We would be naïve to think that youth within the RPCNA are entirely immune to the attraction of such teachings. Determining how best to address these issues within our membership and before the watching world remains an important challenge.
Reading
The report of the Board of Education and Publication highlighted a growing societal trend: people of all ages are increasingly disinclined to read entire books. Ours is becoming a less literate culture, and our churches must continue to exhort members to read the Bible diligently, rightly divide the Word of God, and engage the ideas of the age with the sword of the Spirit. Sadly, many people—especially younger generations—prefer to receive information through video platforms such as YouTube. We must continue cultivating a love for reading, particularly the reading of printed books.
Disabilities
The RP Home in Pittsburgh is now under new Christian ownership. We rejoice that this ministry continues and thank the Lord for its faithful service to the infirm, the elderly, retired pastors and their wives, and missionaries.
The RPCNA is also seeking ways to strengthen ministry to individuals with disabilities, both believers and unbelievers. This work offers significant opportunities to glorify the Lord by serving those in need and supporting their families.
Global Missions
New opportunities for gospel expansion continue to emerge around the world. Two nations in Asia currently have established presbyteries, though growth has been rapid in one nation and more challenging in the other. In other parts of Asia, new areas for ministry receive blessings from ongoing translation work by various faithful servants and the Reformation Translation Fellowship. The Reformed and Presbyterian influence we pray will establish churches in three additional countries in Asia, which are being explored as potential mission fields. We are encouraged by these prospects and pray that the Lord will extend His kingdom greatly for His glory.
Geneva College and RPTS
We give thanks for Geneva College and continue to pray for its faithfulness to Scripture and its commitment to Christian higher education. As fewer young people consider attending college, Geneva faces challenges shared by many colleges and universities regarding finances and enrollment, but its mission, whether small or large, is to maintain its commitment to a Christian education for its students.
Changes in the seminary’s staff show that the Lord has raised up faithful and competent professors who thoroughly engage students and equip them for ministry. The administration and staff work very well together and continue the legacy of faithful commitment to the authority of Scripture and training the under-shepherds of Christ.
RPM&M Giving
We rejoice in the generosity of the RPCNA in supporting Reformed Presbyterian Missions and Ministries. The Lord has enabled His people to exceed giving goals and provide for the church’s various ministries. We pray that this pattern of generous stewardship will continue as the Lord supplies the needs of His church.
Faithfulness
Among the strengths of the RPCNA are a deep concern for souls, both saved and unsaved; faithful and biblical preaching; zeal for the worship of God; and robust doctrinal teaching. We praise the Lord for His covenant faithfulness to His church.
Let us continue to pray for peace in Zion, for the advancement of the gospel, and for the faithful proclamation of the whole counsel of God.
—Kent Butterfield, Chair; Bob Bibby; Steve Rockhill
Resolution of Thanks of the 2026 Synod
The 194th Synod is resolved:
We thank you, Lord, for your wisdom, power, grace, and pray for continuing increase of wisdom, faith, and grace for this court.
Thank you, Herb McCracken, for your years of service to this body. Thank you, Joel Wallace, for volunteering to take up the mantle of service. Thank you to the RP Home and RP Women’s Association for your service to the elderly and vulnerable for over a century.
Thank you to Indiana Wesleyan University for your years of hospitality and care for us. Innumerable people and groups have worked hard in providing food preparation, cleaning crews, logistics, audio and video set up, and most certainly others.
Thank you to RPGM and RPM&M for graciously providing refreshments during breaks.
Thank you to the Moderator and moderator pro-tem for your leadership through turbulent waters. Thank you to the clerk for going above and beyond in your service to the church beyond what you were elected for.
Thank you to the assistant clerk, and clerks pro-tem for your administrative service.
Thank you to the parliamentarians and parliamentarians pro-tem for your help keeping this body’s word done decently and in good order.
We praise the Lord for great brotherly love and charity towards one another in the court during this week of Synod.
