There is something markedly noble when the church’s teachers and preachers convene in one place to confer on her collective confession, witness, and labor for the kingdom of Christ. As “the apostles and elders” did in Acts 15, the ruling and teaching elders of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America gathered to seek the mind of the Holy Spirit for this branch of His Church.

This year marked the 178th assembly of the Reformed Presbyterian Synod, a practical reminder in itself of Christ’s enduring faithfulness to this branch of His Church (by contrast, 2009 marked the 76th assembly for the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and the 37th assembly for the Presbyterian Church in America). The RPCNA Synod was held June 22-26 at its denominational college, Geneva College, in Beaver Falls, Pa.

Synod began with the a gospel-centered address from retiring moderator Dr. Dennis Prutow (professor at the RP Seminary) on the theme “Preach Simple Truths That Strike Hearts and Change Lives.” There followed a memorial service for eight teaching and ruling elders of the court who were promoted to their heavenly home in the past year. Then the court was introduced in a celebratory way to ten new delegates, five seminary students serving as pages, and one missionary family returned from the field.

The preaching of the Word of God and biblical worship were once again centerpieces of Synod’s gatherings. Teaching elders expounded the Scriptures on “Conversations with Jesus” each morning, including Pastor Stephen Work (Quinter, Kan. RPC), Pastor Titus Martin (College Hill [Beaver Falls, Pa.] RPC), Pastor Jeff Kingswood (fraternal delegate of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church), and Pastor James Faris (Southfield, Mich., RPC). Each session of Synod closed with lively prayers offered on behalf of Christ’s church.

There once was a moderator Hemphill, Who always wanted to be Buffalo Bill. Yet taking the hat off his head, Like a shepherd he then led, Guiding Synod to seek the Lord’s will. —Barry York

Under the leadership of newly elected moderator Dr. Bruce Hemphill (pastor of Covenant Fellowship [Wilkinsburg, Pa.] RPC) the Synod of 2009 saw the accomplishment of several longer-term objectives. With minor revisions, chapters 4 and 5 of the updated Directory for Public Worship were adopted by the Synod. This completed a full revision of the current directory, which was adopted in 1945. Following Synod’s approval the revised directory has now been sent down in overture to each local session for review and final approval in the next year.

A second major accomplishment was the presentation of The Book of Psalms for Worship, a modern-language psalter more than 10 years in development. The first printing (5,000 copies) of this psalter nearly sold out before it was released. There has been keen interest in this psalter far beyond the RPCNA as God’s people rediscover psalmody, even as long-time psalm-singers venture to learn many new psalm arrangements and new tunes.

Throughout each year, the work of the RP Synod goes on through a variety of institutions, boards, committees, and agencies. During her deliberations, the Synod reviews the work of the denomination’s institutions including the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Geneva College, and the Reformed Presbyterian Woman’s Association (overseeing the RP Home). Delegates were pleased to be able to purchase The Whole Counsel of God: God’s Mighty Acts in the Old Testament, the first of a three-volume theology by RP Seminary professor Richard Gamble, recently published by Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing Co.

Of particular concern this year was the projected budget shortfall of the RP Global Missions Board, even as the Lord of the harvest seems to be opening new doors for gospel labors (see 1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12; and Col. 4:3). The board is finding increased opportunities in both Sudan (where five worshiping assemblies are convening each Lord’s Day) and Japan, where a call has been laid upon a full-time missionary. The impact of these decisions is that the RP Global Missions Board is asking local congregations to take part in raising $240,000 in support over the next year.

On the home missions front, the church has been active in supporting new church-planting efforts, including budding churches in Gibsonia, Pa., Providence, R.I., Laramie, Wyo., and Endicott, N.Y. This board reported that the resident-in-training program is growing, currently supporting potential church planters at Southside Indianapolis, Ind. (Pastor David Whitla), Ridgefield Park, N.J. (Pastor Jim Pellegrini), and Stillwater, Okla. (Pastor Noah Bailey). The stated clerk reported 40 theological students under the church’s care. Pray that these men would find manifold opportunities for service and ministry within God’s kingdom.

After deliberation and debate, the RP Synod voted to withdraw its membership from the National Association of Evangelicals, citing disturbing trends within the executive leadership of the organization, such as high-level dialogue with certain Muslim groups.

The court also grappled with a judicial complaint asserting irregularities in the action of one presbytery. Synod reversed a portion of the presbytery’s action.

We can praise the Lord for His presence and guidance throughout this important convention of Christ’s church. He continues to fashion and solidify bonds of friendship and love among your leaders. The Lord Christ is building a band of brothers laboring to preserve, maintain, and proclaim the whole counsel of God in this portion of Christ’s harvest field. Let us continue to proclaim the Magnalia Dei­—the great deeds of the God who has secured our eternal salvation.

—Brad Johnston

Brad Johnston is pastor of Walton, N.Y., RPC and is a member of the RPCNA Board of Education & Publication.