Historic it is; impulsive it is not.” Rev. Jamie Hunt, moderator of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, used those words to describe the concurrent Synod of the ARP Church and the RPCNA on June 8-12 at the ARP’s Bonclarken conference grounds in Flat Rock, N.C. He pointed out that both denominations have roots in Scotland, and that joint talks and increased cooperation have been occurring for a decade. The concurrent Synod had taken more than two years to plan. It was, he said, a family reunion.

The spirit of a family reunion permeated the sessions and fellowship. I heard many comments about the blessing of two denominations worshiping together, learning from God’s Word together, and eating meals together. A number of ARPs said they had a greater appreciation for their heritage of psalmody singing after singing psalms a cappella with 500 voices lifted in praise to God.

The ARP Church made significant sacrifices to host the RPCNA at their conference center. They gave us their best for the week, including their newest hotel-like residence and meeting facility. The RPCNA had to sacrifice, too, with most delegates traveling farther than usual for a Synod. Many carpooled to save costs to the church.

That spirit of cooperation was also evident in joint workshops, where boards and institutions of the two denominations spoke of similar challenges and of ways that we are cooperating or could cooperate in the future.

If there is one message from the week, it is that we can accomplish much by cultivating our family relationship. In a world where our churches and missions face increasing persecution, we need to know our family and friends and to stand with them. Given that we even share some mission fields with the ARPs, we need to coordinate efforts and ensure joint nurture.

Perhaps the biggest blessings of this concurrent Synod are yet to come, as denominations and congregations get to know one another better. Some RP and ARP pastors have already testified of the rich blessings of exchanging pulpits for a Sabbath, and other congregations have “adopted” a congregation in order to pray for and support them. Certainly when Jesus said “that they may be one, as We are one,” He had in mind not unity on paper but unity in action. By God’s grace we saw a little of that unity June 8-12.

clockwise from top left: ARPs and RPs sing psalms together at a joint worship service of the concurrent Synod; delegates Marty Wilsey and Mike McDaniel from Salt & Light RPC in Longmont, Colo., eat ice cream provided by Erskine College & Seminary; ARP and RP delegates at a dining hall that provided a southern twist on conference food; and RPs James Faris and Shawn Anderson flank Stephen Jordan (ARP) and display their common style sense [this photo and home mission photo, above, provided courtesy ARP Magazine].