This is a brief summary of the 222nd General Synod meeting. For my full report, subscribe to The ARP Magazine. (arpmagazine.org)
Rev. Myers McKinney led the Opening Worship, followed by communion with Rev. David Walkup and Rev. Brooks Pipher. Principal Clerk Kyle Sims confirmed a quorum and presented the previous year’s overture report. Retiring Moderator David Walkup delivered his address, and Vice Moderator Beard McAulay received the Moderator’s shield and presented his Moderator’s Challenge, “Knowing Jesus, Growing in Grace, from 2 Peter 3:18. The report of the Special Moderator’s Committee on Kinism and Race Realism was referred back for further clarification, corrections, and additional work on definitions, familial amor, and related issues. A two-page summary will be sent to all churches. Stewardship Chair Trent Gazzaway presented the allocation of Synod funds, emphasizing transparency, support for the Denominational Ministry Fund, and faithful stewardship.
Tuesday Evening Business
Tuesday evening business began with worship led by Rev. Neil Stewart, who preached from Hebrews 1 and Luke 5, emphasizing Christ as God’s final word and the one who cleanses sinners. ARPC Canada gave its first fraternal delegate report, noting 12 congregations and four missions. World Witness announced World Focus 2027 with Ian Hamilton and recognized Frank and Emily van Dalen’s retirement after 40 years of mission service.
Synod then discussed a motion to form a Special Committee concerning the Nancy Fulwood Hospital Society, with concerns raised about property title and funding. The approved motion read, “That a special committee appointed by the Moderator be formed to examine World Witness and its relationship to the work of the ARP mission in Pakistan and the work of Christian Hospital, Ltd and the NFHS. The scope of this examination will include, but not limited to, the oversight and accountability of World Witness representatives, NFHS, and mission society employees, accounting for funds and financial protocols, and issues related to the titles, ownership, and management of mission property, including all hospital facilities and equipment, and the facilities associated with the Christian Hospital Nursing School. Upon completion of the examination, this committee is charged with making any recommendations it deems necessary or helpful regarding personnel, authority, structure, and property. The committee will report and bring any recommendations in a report to the 2027 meeting of the General Synod.”
Erskine College and Seminary reported enrollment and endowment growth, including an expected class of 900 students. Business also included a debated motion related to assets from Tucker ARP Church, complicated by legal issues and the current use of the former church building by an Islamic Study Center. The session ended without resolution on the Tucker motion and closed in prayer by Rev. Warren Harvey.
Wednesday Morning
On Wednesday morning, worship was led by Rev. David Winburne from Luke 13, focusing on the Kingdom of God as small, slow-growing, and often unnoticed, yet powerful in God’s timing. Synod opened business with a season of prayer and received greetings from PCA fraternal delegate John Bise. Debate continued regarding the disposition of Tucker ARP and Second Presbytery funds, including discussion about church planting, missions, and the possibility of creating an endowment for future ministry efforts. Erskine Seminary Dean Seth Nelson expressed enthusiasm for collaboration with Outreach North America and World Witness, noting the seminary’s ability to begin a Doctor of Ministry program in church planting.
The Board of Benefits reported that it is authorized to use available reserves from the former health plan claims fund to cover retirement plan liabilities as needed, while continuing to focus on financial stewardship and sustainable benefits. OPC fraternal delegate Peter VanDoodewaard reported that the OPC has established 43 new churches. Synod paused for a presentation by Dr. Keith Ackerman of Christian Hospital Sahiwal, and Rev. Drew Severance closed the session with prayer for physical and spiritual healing for those served by the hospital.
Wednesday Afternoon
On Wednesday afternoon, worship was led by Nick Napier, who emphasized that Christ is the source of wisdom and the center of the Christian life. Camp Joy participants joined Synod, and greetings were received from the Canadian Reformed Churches on their 75th anniversary. After extensive debate, Synod approved the following motion regarding the distribution of funds from Second Presbytery by a vote of 164–83. “That the General Synod direct its commission on Second Presbytery assets to disburse the funds held in a following manner:
- Direct $2 million to Outreach North America (ONA) for the purpose of church planting and strengthening.
- Direct $2 million to Erskine Theological Seminary to endow a new faculty chair – the “Associate Reformed Presbyterian Chair of Preaching and Church Planning,” for the purpose of training church planters, evangelists, and missionary church planting.
- Direct $2 million to World Witness (WW) for the purpose of global church planting.
- Direct $650,000 to the Tucker, Georgia PCA Church Plant building fund.
- For the remaining balance of the funds to be dispersed as the commission deems proper by the end of 2027.
Synod approved a week of prayer and fasting beginning September 13, 2026, asking God to raise up laborers for His harvest. Reports from Camps and Conferences, Inter-Church Relations, and the Committee on Investment were presented and approved. Fraternal greetings were received from the PRCC and the RPCNA.
Wednesday Evening
On Wednesday evening, Nathan Eldridge preached from Philippians 2:9–11, stressing humility, joy, and honoring Christ in confession and conduct. Synod approved a requirement that all boards, committees, and commissions submit updates, even when no recommendations are being made. The Board of Stewardship highlighted the importance of support for the Denominational Ministry Fund, and Synod voted for the 2028 meeting of General Synod to begin June 6 without the use of Founders Hall. Outreach North America shared ministry updates, and Synod approved quarterly days of prayer, fasting, revival, and reformation. The William H. Dunlap Orphanage reported assisting 17 adoptions and maintaining $70,000 in its adoption assistance fund, and Susan Tanner received a special resolution recognizing her service as interim executive director.
Thursday Morning
On Thursday morning, Rev. Joe Rolison preached from Matthew 1:18–25, emphasizing that Jesus saves His people from the condemnation, dominion, and ultimately the presence of sin. The Executive Board report was presented and approved, including adoption of the moderator’s theme, “Knowing Jesus, Growing in Grace.” Synod received updates from the archivist and approved Rev. Ben Glaser’s work to update ARP history in both book and booklet formats. The Brice Sanders ministry reported serving 229 campers across eight weeklong camp sessions and encouraged prayer for the new Camp Joy in Tennessee, scheduled to begin in summer 2027. The Nominations report was presented, with several positions still needing to be filled. Rev. Seth Philbrick highlighted renovations to the Bonclarken Youth Activities Building, noting that the project was funded by a single donor whose child had been impacted through the Horizon conference ministry. Retired minister Charlie Edgar then moved to adjourn the 222nd General Synod.