Ten people attended this Synod for the first time as delegates. The Witness asked a few of those delegates to relate their experience by answering the three questions below:

*1.) What did you expect to experience at Synod, and how were you surprised?

2.) What conversation, devotional, proceeding, etc., most blessed you as a pastor or elder?

3.) What insight from Synod are you most excited to share?*

1.) I expected some emotional outbursts and direct conflict by some delegates. I was surprised that delegates prefaced their rebuttals with an agreement in principle to the stated problem or goal and then proceeded with an alternate proposal in a respectful manner.

2.) All the devotionals helped remind us of the importance of, and what is, real servant leadership.

3.) I was greatly encouraged by the amount of good work being done in our denomination around the world and the desire to work together where we can with other Reformed denominations.

—Mike Stewart, ruling elder Manhattan, Kan., RPC

1.) I thought that there would be much more deliberation with possibly some “fireworks,” but disagreements were handled graciously and respectfully. I am grateful for Phil Pockras, newly elected moderator, and for the way he handled the court proceedings. It brought to mind the scriptural admonition found in 1 Cor. 14:40:  “all things should be done decently and in order.”

2.) I was greatly blessed by Bruce Backensto’s sermon on John 13: Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. The theme for the week was humility, and I thought he did a very good job of exhorting us to follow Christ’s example of service, specifically as a court of His church, and in our interactions with one another during the week.

3.) I am thrilled with our global vision, as a denomination, to reach the world for Christ! It was a blessing to hear reports from around the world of what Christ is doing to establish His kingdom on earth.

—Kevin Dennis, ruling elder Shawnee, Kan., RPC

1.) I found it funny that people always complain about the financial report, but the committee made it “as fun as financial reports can be.”

2.) Synod is always a great time to catch up—for many men to see friends once a year and have the opportunity to fellowship.

3.) The most surprising and encouraging thing is that, in all six inhabited continents, we are hearing how Christ is advancing His kingdom and is pleased to use a small, insignificant denomination.

—Shawn Anderson, pastor Sycamore (Kokomo, Ind.) RPC