Pastor David Karoon of the RP Church of Scotland led this morning’s devotions. His topic was “The Path of Suffering” from Isaiah 53. He drew attention to the shocking violence of the passage—toward the suffering servant of God. The vicariousness is shocking–one person suffering for many. The voluntariness is shocking—He went willingly, without objection. If forgiveness involves suffering for us as sinful humans, how much suffering must the perfect Son of God have experienced in providing for our forgiveness? “The path of Christian discipleship is the path of suffering,” he said.

As the day’s business began, the RPCNA Pension Trustees gave a reminder to ministers about the real and hidden costs for those who opt out of Social Security and therefore also must pay for Medicare. The Trustees provided counsel for those managing their pension assets.

The RPCNA Trustees of Synod and Synod’s Finance Committee gave thanks for the generosity of congregations to Reformed Presbyterian Missions & Ministries last year. The allocations for denominational agencies and committees were approved. Concern was expressed over possible mileage reimbursement factors that could impact ruling elders negatively, and the matter was referred to the Business of Synod Committee for further study.

Another discussion carried over from yesterday, coming from the committee to define and clarify the relationships between Synod and the RP Woman’s Association, was about whether Synod should establish a study committee to explore the feasibility of a diaconal ministry associated with the courts of the church. The recommendation garnered a good amount of discussion but passed unanimously.

The denomination is seeing a continued trend of very modest increases in membership, congregations, and giving. That slow increase in membership, though, has amounted to 10 percent in 10 years. To illustrate the importance of church planting, one-third of the membership of the RPCNA is in congregations of 25 years or less. Concern was expressed that weekly worship attendance is lower than membership, but praise was expressed for the large number of theological students. Prayer was requested that God would raise up men strong in evangelism.

The International Conference Advisory Committee announced RP Seminary professor Barry York as keynote speaker for the 2016 RP International Conference to be held July 23-29, 2016. “Being Salt & Light” is a possible topic.

The Business of Synod Committee has been researching ways to encourage attendance of more ruling elders at Synod meetings. A five-person study committee was appointed by the moderator to consider further action steps. The next Synod will be held June 23-27, 2014, in Marion, Ind.

Its agenda completed, Synod adjourned a day early with the singing of Psalm 133.

–Drew Gordon, editor, Reformed Presbyterian Witness