1. Why is it called Synod?

Synod comes from two Greek words—syn (together) and hodos (a way). A synod is a meeting of people on the way together. More technically, for presbyterians, it is a church assembly above a presbytery. As the “Directory for Church Government” in the Constitution of the RPCNA says, “The Synod… is the highest court of the church, and is the bond of organic union, cooperation, and mutual helpfulness, between the presbyteries” (chap. 7, section 1).

2. Who officially participates in Synod?

According to the “Directory for Church Government,” delegates to Synod are “a teaching elder and a ruling elder [from each congregation], but where a congregation has called other teaching elders to serve on its staff they should also be certified as delegates. Congregations with more than 100 members shall he entitled to an additional delegate. Teaching elders who are retired or who are serving the church under oversight of boards of Synod or are certified by a presbytery are also delegates to Synod” (chap. 7, section 2). Each presbytery also sends a deacon delegate. Deacon delegates are permitted to address Synod just like elder delegates, hut are only permitted to vote on matters of finance. Deacon delegates are automatically members of Synod’s finance committee.

3. Can anyone attend?

Anyone who is interested in attending Synod may sit in on all the meetings, unless Synod chooses to go into executive session. “The court may sit with closed doors on matters which, in its judgment, should not become common knowledge” (“Directory for Church Government” chap. 8, section 21). During meetings open to the public, those who are not delegates may not vote; they also may not address Synod unless granted special permission to do so.

4. Who pays for Synod?

Travel of delegates to Synod is paid by Synod’s travel fund. The travel fund is supported by an annual assessment paid by each congregation according to its membership. Each delegate must pay a registration fee, normally covered by the congregation the delegate represents, for facilities and accommodations at Synod.

5. Do ministers from other churches attend?

Normally, denominations which have fraternal relations (an official term signifying close doctrinal and ecclesiastical ties) with the RPCNA send a delegate. Observers are also some-times sent by denominations interested in forming a fraternal relationship. Delegates are given a brief period of time to address the Synod, bringing greetings and news from their denomination. At the 1999 Synod, there were seven fraternal delegates, from the American Presbyterian Church, the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, the Presbyterian Church in America, the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Australia, the Reformed Church in the United States, the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland, Trinity Christian Community Fellowship, and the United Reformed Churches of North America.

6. What does the moderator do?

The moderator of Synod, according to the “Directory for Church Government,” is to “preside over all meetings of Synod during his term of office… He shall see that the business of Synod is conducted in an orderly manner” (chap. 7, section 8). The moderator may not be involved in the discussions of Synod. If he wishes to give his opinion on an issue, he must temporarily relinquish his position as chairman. He also can break a tie vote of the Synod.

7. How is the moderator appointed?

The moderator from the previous year officiates at the election of a new moderator. Any member of Synod may be elected moderator. A candidate must be nominated, and delegates vote on the candidate. Once the moderator is elected, he assumes his post immediately. His term lasts throughout Synod and until the next meeting of Synod begins and a new moderator is elected.

8. What kinds of things are discussed at Synod?

One of the most important roles of Synod is discussion of issues relating to the doctrine and testimony of the church. Only Synod can make changes to the Constitution of the denomination. Synod also hears reports from boards and institutions of the denomination, such as the Home and Foreign Mission Boards and the RP Seminary, and from each presbytery. Synod sets the budget for the denomination for the next year. Time is also spent on judicial cases or other matters referred from presbyteries.

9. Is Synod all about business and court matters?

Although Synod spends much of its time on the business of the church, the assembly also takes time for worship. Synod must begin with a worship service, including a sermon by the moderator from the previous assembly. Each day begins with devotions including the reading of the Word, prayer, and psalm singing. The assembly prays together (and often sings) when each session is convened or recessed. In recent years a larger portion of time has been devoted to prayer for the church, including an entire evening session of the Synod. Sometimes there is cause for official recognitions or celebrations at Synod meetings, such as the retirement of a missionary or the anniversary of an institution. There is also time during the week for much fellowship with RPs from across North America and around the world. Synod varies its location in order to facilitate the attendance of different delegates, to provide an opportunity to visit different congregations, and to provide an opportunity for members of different congregations to observe the Synod.

10. What should Synod consider of utmost importance?

“The glory of God, the welfare of the church, and the best interests of all its members shall he the ruling motives in all the actions of the courts of the church” (“Directory for Church Government,” chap. 8, section 21).