This article was first published on https://rpwitness.org – shared with permission
The 194th meeting of the RPCNA Synod convened at Indiana Wesleyan University Tuesday with an air of efficiency.
Retiring moderator Ed Blackwood (Springs [Colo. Springs, Colo.], RPC) led the court in a preaching series for the week entitled “Preaching Christ in the Assembly.” He led delegates to consider the Apostle Paul’s zeal for Christ Crucified from 1 Corinthians 1:17–2:5.
https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/616261256296769
Shortly thereafter Pastor Vince Scavo of the Manchester, Pa., RPC was elected as Synod’s next moderator.
Early in the day it was clear delegates came ready to press through early business – even complex judicial decisions and appeals.
A judicial commission was appointed in 2025 to investigate actions of the Pacific Coast Presbytery regarding a Phoenix elder’s ordination. The commission found no proof of slander, and it declared that the man may rightly take up the exercise of the office of ruling elder.
Next up was the Business of Synod Committee, which made recommendations for administrative changes to the Directory for Church Government. A major recommendation came regarding the excommunication and deposition of former RP minister Sam Ketcham. The committee’s motion to not hear the appeal resulted in a tie vote that was then broken by the moderator. The ultimate decision was that a judicial committee of the day would recommend a procedure for Synod to hear the appeal on Wednesday morning.
In the afternoon, it was time for the six North American presbyteries and Japan Presbytery to meet. The meetings were just 1.25 hours long, long enough for presbyteries to conduct urgent business. After Synod reconvened, each presbytery clerk reported on happenings within their bounds: church plants, discipline, and oversight of students under presbytery’s care. (See an article on presbytery highlights here.) One sad note was the closing of the Sparta, Ill., congregation after 206 years of service, but also the good news of two functioning preaching stations in Celebration and Gainesville, Fla. A repeated theme across the presbyteries is the need for more men to step forward to serve as leaders in the Lord’s kingdom.
Another interesting part of day was the recommendation from the RP Seminary board of trustees to Synod elect Dr. Jeffrey Stivason (currently New Testament professor at RPTS) as systematic theology professor beginning in 2027. Dr. Rick Gamble plans to retire after many years of service as systematics professor. Delegates had opportunity to interview Dr. Stivason in the afternoon, then after dinner to attend his model class lecture on justification. We learned that Dr. Stivason would use Louis Berkhof’s Systematic Theology in his classes. He explained many aspects of his approach and emphases in systematic theology. Later in the evening, Dr. Stivason was approved as the RP Seminary’s systematics professor by a nearly unanimous vote.
The RP Global Missions Board also presented throughout the day, bringing engaging reports from formal mission fields in South Sudan, Central and South Asia. Representatives of the East Asia Commission reported on plans to assist the East Asian RP Church to begin standing on its own in the next couple of years. Please pray to the Lord that he would continue to call missionaries, and equip them with gifts to be used around the world for his kingdom.
The Central and South America (CASA) Committee report was presented by Pastor Edgar Ibarra. This Synod committee is responsible for facilitating and establishing relationships with already established congregations and denominations. In the past year representatives made a fruitful trip to Peru to foster a relationship with the Iglesia Evangélica Presbiteriana de Perú. A trip was also made to Costa Rica to give lectures on the Reformed faith. Please pray for continuing efforts to produce a quality Spanish psalter.
Former RP home director Bill Weir reported details about the RP Home being acquired by Concordia Lutheran Ministries on May 15 with the approval of numerous Pennsylvania state agencies. Poignantly, this brings to a close 129 years of this Reformed Presbyterian ministry. However, the Home had accumulated significant liabilities and only a few RP residents remain in the home. Synod rose to thank God for His gracious physical and spiritual care of so many seniors over many decades through the ministry of the Reformed Presbyterian Home.
Another “full court press” of the day was the unanimous approval of a 10-page paper supporting a proposed change to the RP Testimony testifying against abortion. New, more detailed language was approved by the Synod, and will now go down in overture to individual sessions for ratification. The new statement is to read:
Unborn children are living persons made in the image of God. From the moment of conception to birth, they are attended by God’s providence as they are being prepared by Him for the responsibilities and privileges of living before Him in this world.
Unborn children are to be regarded and treated as human persons in all decisions and actions involving them. The deliberate and elective termination of the life of an unborn child is murder. In cases of pregnancy in which the life of the mother or the unborn child is threatened, all medically reasonable measures should be taken to honorably care for the lives and bodies of both mother and child. (Ex. 20:13; Ex. 21:22-25; Ps. 71:6; Ps. 127:3; Ps. 139:13-16)
This was a busy, full-court-press day, with over 25 reports heard. Wednesday will be slower and more deliberate as the Synod hears a judicial appeal. Please pray for wisdom all delegates.
Early in the day, memorials were presented for elders, pastors and their wives who served faithfully throughout the life of the church and who have gone to glory in the past year. Pastor Pete Smith prayed for the gifts of grace to the church. They were called out of darkness and into light, and now they have entered into their rest to await the resurrection.
Here is a roundup of other business accomplished in the day:
- In recent years the RPCNA has had two churches in two different presbyteries depart from the denomination. The Committee on Departing Congregations has gathered feedback and crafted recommended procedures that ought to direct such steps. During the year, this work will be discussed in each presbytery for input.
- We heard about 15,000 RPs in Asia who express their love for the RPCNA.
- The RPCNA has undertaken the major project of revising its Book of Discipline. Little writing was completed this year, but the revision committee has crafted some plans, including an in-depth study and application of Matthew 18 to the judicial processes.
- Synod delegates encouraged the RP International Conference Advisory Committee to pursue with vigor a 2028 International Conference. Unique requirements make it very difficult to find a suitable facility. Suggestions included Liberty University, or even a conference venue in Las Vegas, where there is an RP Church. Pray that the Lord opens doors for the conference in 2028.
- If you would like to see some of the many fruits of the RP Church history committee, visit reformedpresbyterianarchives.com.
