The 201st Annual Meeting of the General Synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church was held at Bonclarken in Flat Rock, NC. Tuesday June 7, 2005 through Thursday June 9, 2005.

What follows is a digest of news and information relevant to Presbyteries, Sessions and Pastors of ARPC congregations, for attention and action. Please ensure that these matters are brought to the attention of the appropriate body and add them to your agenda as required.
For more complete details please review the Minutes of the 201st Meeting of General Synod (PDF). (Listing of Contents)

Mr. Frank M. Hunt, Retiring Moderator, informed the court that he had thoroughly enjoyed his year of service as Moderator, and that he had experienced the work of almost all the Boards and Committee's of the church, and had attended several other meetings as speaker and participant, and is convinced that we are achieving "new life in the new millennium." Mr. Hunt expressed his appreciation for the support and encouragement he has received from many, including Rev. James McLurkin, his Vice-Moderator, his wife, Margaret and family, and the administration.

Rev. William B. Evans, Moderator, challenged the court to share in the Retiring Moderator's optimism and enthusiasm as we look to the future. In addition he reminded us that we are not to "rest on our laurels." He related the good news of statistical changes pointing to the present number of presbyteries, churches, members, the geographical spread of the church, and to ethnic and cultural diversity, while recognizing that "numerically we are not at this time experiencing decisive growth." Mr. Evans further challenged Synod to consider its organizational structure, leadership, and theological identity in pursuit of the "mission of the church." Further, the Moderator reminded the court of the theme for his year of office … "Nurturing and Equipping God's People."

Moderator Evans introduced Vice-Moderator J. Paul Bell to the court, who presented the program for the 2005 meeting of General Synod.

1.The recommended allocations of Synod's Unrestricted Funds for 2006 are based on the pledged and/or anticipated receipts for the current calendar year. Anticipated commitments from churches total $2,838,372, added to which is $25,083 from earnings of the ARP Foundation Endowment, $12,581 from the Betts Endowment and estimated interest of $2,500, for a grand total of $2,878,535. This represents an increase of 2.28%. Denominational Ministry Fund allocations reflected in the reports of boards and committees must be adjusted to reflect these allocated amounts.

2.The Committee on Lay Ministry reported on their history and purpose in seeking to encourage and mobilize the laity of the church. They informed the court that there are limited funds available to assist presbyteries, clusters of congregations or individual congregations desiring to sponsor events for laymen, and that they also offer to assemble work-teams to assist congregations and agencies with special projects. The committee asked for help in its search for a Director for the Cornerstone Conference.

3. The Committee on the Minister and His Work made reference to the importance of maintaining accurate ministerial records and data at the ARP Center, and the procedures governing the use of same; the annual review of a minister's service and the terms of his call; the encouragement to new ministers to attend General Synod's Orientation Program, and presbyteries to insist on this; preventive maintenance for ministers and the avoidance of tragic occurrences in the life of the minister; the recommendation that presbyteries adopt a statement on sexual harassment; the existence of, and the encouragement to presbyteries to make use of, the uniform written ministerial examinations; and the importance of first giving consideration to Associate Reformed Presbyterian Ministers and Students when extending a call. The work of the Presbyterian Council on Chaplains and Military Personnel was especially commended and the court rose to express its appreciation to Randall T. Ruble for his exemplary service on the council, and to pray for all our chaplains. A memorial recommending a change from the Presbyterian Council on Chaplains and Military Personnel to the Presbyterian and Reformed Joint Commission was defeated.

4. Mrs. Patsy Ratchford, President of the Woman's Synodical Union, informed the court that with effect from September 2005, the name ARP Women's Ministries will be used, overwhelming approval for this change having been made. A Transition Team is continuing to work on the implementation of all the changes recommended by the Board of WSU. A statement identifying the relationship of ARP Women's Ministries to General Synod is proposed for inclusion in the Form of Government, (see the report of the Executive Board of General Synod) as follows:

ARP Women's Ministries is an organization which encourages and equips the community of Associate Reformed Presbyterian women to minister together for God's glory and purpose, functioning under the ecclesiastical leadership of the General Synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

ARP Women's Ministries accomplishes its purposes through its Board and presbytery and local church organizations. ARP Women's Ministries shall report to the General Synod on an annual basis.

In addition the President stated that an Administrator to help "fulfill the purposes of education and communication … and as a resource person", is shortly to be appointed. The court rose to express its appreciation to Mrs. Ratchford and to honor the work of the WSU.

5. The Committee on Inter-Church Relations reported on relations with our sister synods in Pakistan and Mexico. The latter relationship is fragile at best. The committee is intent on doing everything possible to engage in dialogue with Mexico and to pray for them. Frank Van Dalen and Jack Whytock are to represent the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church at the International Conference of Reformed Churches in Pretoria, South Africa in October 2005. We are also a member church in the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council and are regularly represented at its annual meeting. The Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America, which shares common roots with the ARP Church, is seeking a closer relationship with us. Talks have already taken place and will continue, though, in spite of "striking similarities" we also have differences in geographic distribution and worship distinctives. The committee also recommended that Synod approve the application of the United Reformed Church in North America for membership in NAPARC and this was sustained. The Principal Clerk of the General Synod is now a member of the ICR committee by approval of Synod.

6. The Committee on Theological and Social Concerns brought three recommendations to Synod; the first concerned the status of infant children of communicant members, prior to their baptism. Should they or should they not be included in the non-communicant roll of the church? This matter was recommitted to the committee for further study. The second recommendation to adopt a Memorial from Second Presbytery regarding the "Role of Women in the Church" was sustained. The third recommendation was a response to a Memorial from First Presbytery which asked that the committee "develop a position paper on ways that members, Session and Courts, of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church might encourage neighbors, communities and our nation to high moral standards as expressed in the Ten Commandments and other Scripture passages." The response recommended that "all members of our church" address themselves to the historic Confessions and Catechisms and to their statements on "moral law" in particular. This recommendation (more detailed than reported here) was sustained.

7. There were six initial recommendations from the Board of Erskine College and Seminary, to which the Moderator's Committee added two more. Erskine asked that thanks be given to God for His mercy in the past year and that prayer be offered for continued wisdom for the future. Finances requested included $650,000 for Erskine's operating budget; $500 for the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Student Union; and, $50,000 for Facilities Building. A request was further made that congregations set aside special days to feature the work of the College and Seminary, that church communications include information about events at Erskine, and that participation in the annual special offering of which Erskine is a part, be encouraged. Reminders were given that Erskine is glad to make representative staff available to attend conferences, retreats and special events, and to encourage ministers to be aware of other spiritual and educational opportunities available at Erskine. Upon review of the Erskine Report the Moderator's Committee added two further recommendations; the first that Synod rise in an expression of appreciation for the service of John and Sarah Ellen Carson; and that Synod encourage presbyteries and congregations to be in prayer for the Search Committee as they seek a new President for Erskine. All of the above recommendations were sustained by the court, which rose in an overwhelming gesture of love and appreciation for Dr. and Mrs. Carson, following which John Carson addressed the court. The full text of his address is contained in the Minutes of Synod.

Following Dr. Carson's address a motion from the floor that "the Moderator appoint a "vision committee" to prayerfully reflect upon the comments made by Dr. Carson in his address, the current state of the ARP Church in the present day setting, and to report ideas to the 2006 General Synod on ways that the ARP Church can be more proactive in impacting society with the Gospel." The framer of the motion specifically recommended that the committee be comprised of both visionary and practical people so as best to identify issues and propose responses. The motion was seconded and prevailed.

8. The Moderator's Committee on Memorials returned two recommendations not to approve proposed changes to the Form of Government. The first, from Catawba Presbytery, asked for the inclusion of the words "shall include provision for the General Synod's Life, Health and Dental Insurance Plan for the minister and his family," in Chapter 10; Section E; Paragraph 11. This matter, however, was referred to the Committee on the Minister and His Work. The second, from Florida Presbytery, sought an amendment to the rules governing the nature of a quorum for congregational meetings. This recommendation was sustained.

9. The Moderator opened the floor for nominations for the office of Moderator of the General Synod 2006. Mark E. Ross nominated Tom Patterson. James A. Hunt seconded the nomination. Mr. Patterson was elected by acclamation and escorted to the podium by Vice-Moderator Bell. Reverend John E. Hill was elected to the office of Vice-Moderator-Elect by acclamation.

10. The Committee on Nominations presented a comprehensive slate of individuals to fill positions on all Boards and Committees of General Synod. In doing so it was disclosed that the committee has experienced considerable difficulty in finding nominees since there has been a shortfall in nominations from sessions and individuals. The committee recommended that a special effort be made to identify and nominate qualified people to serve on Synod's Boards and Committees, using the official form provided in the packet. Sessions were asked to consider making recommendations for service during their November and December meetings. A further special request to presbyteries asked that they appoint a substitute representative, in the event that the Chairman of Presbytery's Nominating Committee is not available to attend the committee's meeting and to consider making recommendations for service during their Fall meeting.

The Nominations packets for 2006 are to be mailed in September 2005 with a deadline for submissions of January 1, 2006. The committee meets February 13, 2006

11. The Report of the Special Committee on Organization was presented by Committee Chairman; C. Ronald Beard. The mode of presentation was by section. Recommendations accompanied each section. The report was circulated to members of the court prior to the meeting of General Synod. It is comprehensive and detailed. It is not appropriate to attempt to deal with all its findings in this report but the following may be of some assistance.

All recommendations were approved by Synod with the exception of the recommendations related to the Board of Publications, which were not approved. In some other cases minor adjustments and editorial changes were made.

The report is reproduced in full in the Minutes of Synod, together with a summary of proposed changes to the Form of Government. Of particular note to presbyteries and congregations (to be overtured to presbyteries with a request that they vote section by section) are the following abbreviated statements:

a) Presbyteries are to note that the procedure for calls to ministers other than those involving a pastoral relationship shall be essentially the same as for calls to the pastorate. In the event of such calls the presbytery is to retain primary jurisdiction for the ministers involved.

b) Presbyteries, Sessions and General Synod all have the authority to appoint boards, commissions or committees, to institute and supervise the general work in its jurisdiction.

c) FOG XIII Section B.2.b. is amended "To institute, create operating rules for, and supervise the agencies necessary in the general work of the Church."

d) Newly elected members of any Committee must give satisfactory evidence of their belief in and adherence to the basic doctrines of evangelical Christianity as adopted by the General Synod and as set forth in the Manual of Authorities and Duties.

e) FOG XIV B.2 regarding an Ecclesiastical Commission on Judiciary Affairs is amended by changing "b" to "c" and adding the following "b" … "An ecclesiastical commission may be formed to interpret, construe, and apply the constitution and laws of the church to all matters involving constitutionality referred to it by the appointing court."

f) The previously related proposal (see page two of this report) regarding the Ministry of Women is to be included in the FOG by adding a Section D to Chapter XIII having the title THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN. ARP Women's Ministries will henceforth report to General Synod on an annual basis.

Additional items of special interest include:

I. Boards are asked to study their composition and frequency of meetings and to present any recommendation for change to General Synod.

II. Presbyteries are to be represented at all board meetings with both voice and vote.

III. Central Services, for the purpose of shared expertise, administrative and financial activities, equipment and personnel, as far as is feasible, are to proceed. A task force to prepare implementation steps is to complete its work and report to the October 2005 meeting of the Executive Board of Synod.

IV. Nominations to Boards, Committees and Commissions are to be accompanied by comprehensive and precise information about the nominee. Guidance for such information is to be contained in the Nominations Packet, and published in the ARP magazine.

V. The Special Committee on Organization is to continue its work for a further year.

12. The Report of the Committee on Worship's recommendations were approved. Of particular note are the changes in the form of revised purposes and duties, and the revision of the committee's membership, approved for inclusion in the Manual of Authorities and Duties.

13. Synod's Special Committee on Worship reported excellent progress in its revision of the Book of Worship and asked for an extension of its work for one year prior to presenting its proposed revision of the Book of Worship to General Synod 2006, to be overtured to Presbyteries.

14. The Ecclesiastical Commission on Judiciary Affairs made recommendations already incorporated into the report of the Special Committee on Organization. They concerned presbytery representation and rights of voice and vote on boards and committees of General Synod. However, in addition, the court approved a recommendation that presbyteries consider appointing committees equivalent to the boards and committees of General Synod and to familiarize themselves with their work, and also to appoint representatives to those boards and committees as provided for in the Manual of Authorities and Duties. A fourth recommendation having regarding to smaller presbyteries sharing representation on boards and committees was not adopted.

Following the report, a motion from the floor "that the Ecclesiastical Commission on Judiciary Affairs study and report to the 2006 General Synod on the issue of Presbytery's authority according to the Form of Government to categorize ministers without a call into Presbytery-inactive-membership," was seconded and prevailed.

15. In commending Chairman of the Board of Benefits Paul Bell and Director of Administrative Services Ed Hogan for their excellent leadership and additional assistance to the Moderator's Committee, all eleven recommendations of the Board of Benefits were approved. Also a further recommendation "that churches which enroll full-time employees in the employee life, accidental death, and long term disability plan also budget and pay for the plan for each enrolled employee;" was approved. The court expressed appreciation for the hard work of the board.

Recommendations of the board include encouraging congregations to be attentive to the needs of retired employees and widows of former employees, and to especially continue the Christmas Benevolent Fund to be taken at Thanksgiving. Churches that have not done as requested are asked to follow the initiative of the Minister and His Work Committee found on page 16 of the 1995 Minutes of Synod. Effective January 1, 2006 all eligible full-time employees are to be automatically enrolled in the employee life, employee accidental death, employee long term disability insurance and dependent life if the employee has dependents. Presbyteries are requested to ensure that all calls to ministers serving in the pastoral ministry include the provision for contributions to the General Synod in support of the ARP Retirement Plan. Presbyteries are asked to give consideration to including in their manual of procedure guidelines for addressing the issue of Social Security exemption with students, during the ordination process, if this has not already been done.

16. All recommendations of the Board of Bonclarken were approved by Synod. They include the continuation of support for the ministries of Bonclarken by allocation and special offerings, and a request that all presbyteries, boards and church organizations continue to make use of Bonclarken's facilities. The Manual of Authorities and Duties is to be amended to reflect changes to "Membership:Advisory" by removing a representative of the Lay Ministry Committee and the Worship Committee, and adding the Chairman of the Bonclarken Board of Advisors; and "Stated Meetings" to read "In the spring, fall and winter of each year, provided that the winter meeting may be canceled by the Executive Committee if there is no substantial business to be conducted." The Moderator's Committee on Bonclarken recommended that the staff of Bonclarken be commended for their excellent work and that minister and their wives and ruling elders be encouraged to attend the Bonclarken Ministers' Retreat to be held September 19-22, 2005 at Bonclarken.

Applications for attendance at the Ministers' Retreat, at which the speaker is to be Dr. Steve Brown, of Key Life Ministries, are available on the www.bonclarken.com website (download brochure), or by mail from Bonclarken. We hope for excellent attendance.

17. The Board of Covenant Discipleship asked the court to approve recommendations in support of the board's Transition Committee (now the Executive Director Search Committee) and the formation of Central Services at the ARP Center. The Moderator's Committee on Covenant Discipleship asked the court to commend the staff for their excellent work and to be in prayer for the board as it seeks a new Executive Director. All recommendations were approved.

18. The Board of Outreach North America asked that Synod affirm its stated goals for the next 3-5 years and encourage churches to broaden their vision in seeking ways to be actively involved in church multiplication. Further recommendations included churches being involved and aware of the ministry to Muslims, presbyteries aiding in the selection of men appropriate to the ministry of church extension and that Synod, presbyteries and Erskine Seminary encourage students of theology to become educated in church planting and revitalization. The board also asked that Synod endorse the development of an internship fund to encourage individuals and churches in the ministry of church planting. A request was added that Synod change the annual statistical report to include a breakdown between professions of faith through adult conversion and through covenant children professions. The Moderator's Committee for ONA asked that the court pause to pray for the staff of ONA, which it did. All recommendations were approved.

19. The Board of Dunlap presented its report, asking that the Palmer Home for Children and the Collins Home and Family Ministry be recognized as "Cooperative" Ministries, and that the "Policy Guidelines for Overseas Ministry" be printed in the Manual of Authorities and Duties. The Moderator's Committee on Dunlap recommended that Synod commend the Board of Dunlap for their diligent use of funds and service in ministry. All recommendations were adopted.

20. The Report of the Executive Board of Synod was accompanied by six recommendations that were variously addressed by the Moderator's Committee on the Executive Board. Recommendations that the budget for Administrative Services, the ARP Center and the Executive Board were all approved, as was the recommendation that the start date for the regular meeting of General Synod be June 6, 2006 and that the meeting be held at Bonclarken. A recommendation that all changes in previously published dates for Synod-wide activities be coordinated through Administrative Services was approved. A proposed change to the Manual of Authorities and Duties regarding the Translations Committee was not approved as presented but was amended to add the words "be copyrighted and", to be inserted between the words 'will' and 'bear' in the original text. A recommendation that the request of the Woman's Synodical Union to form a committee to plan and run the Family Bible Conference was rejected and in its place the Moderator's Committee proposed, and General Synod approved, a recommendation that a joint endeavor of the WSU and the Lay Ministry Committee produce a plan for a "single-leader" Family Bible Conference, such plan to be presented to General Synod 2006.

21. The Board of Publications presented five recommendations all of which were approved. They included a request to churches to consider participating in the Church Club Plan for the ARP Magazine, or alternatively consider ordering bulk subscriptions for distribution to members. Promotion of the magazine in churches is further encouraged by the appointing of church agents to coordinate subscriptions and distribution and by regularly reporting church news to the magazine. General Synod was asked to encourage all of the above. The Moderator's Committee recommended that the Editor and Associate-Editor and the Board of Publications be commended for their excellent work, and concurred with the concerns of the board to continue in its present form. These last two recommendations were also approved.

22. The Board of Stewardship and the Board of the ARP Foundation have amalgamated. Thus in its report to General Synod the Board of Stewardship recommended that the restructuring be approved for inclusion in the Manual of Authorities and Duties and that the position description for a new officer position, the Stewardship Counselor, be approved. The boards asked that the position be filled as soon as possible. A position paper "Financial Support and Fund-Raising in the Local Church" is to be prepared and Synod approved the process for producing it. Board and committee requests for allocation for 2007 are to be submitted following the Board of Stewardship's guidelines. All agencies, excluding Erskine College, are to submit proposed line item budgets for the ensuing fiscal year as a part of their official report to Synod, with the salary (to include housing allowance) of the chief administrative officer shown as a separate item. Salaries of other personnel may be shown in total.

Sessions are asked to determine the level of giving through the Denominational Ministry Fund and to jointly decide, with the Board of Deacons, at the beginning of the budgeting process, precisely what their intentions are for the coming year, and then to commit to a planned process attempting to attain Synod's established DMF goal.

Presbyteries are asked to ensure that all new ministers entering the ministry or transferring from another denomination attend General Synod's orientation for New Ministers, preferably within the first year of ministry in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Presbyteries are further encouraged to establish their own procedures for monitoring and encouraging the reporting of statistical data by churches in its Presbytery. All recommendations were approved.

23. The Report of the Board of World Witness expressed appreciation for the prayers and encouragement and financial support of congregations participating in the Denominational Ministry Fund and asked that the interest of Synod in the work of foreign missions be further encouraged and emphasized throughout presbyteries, congregations, and in conferences and publications. Of particular note was a recommendation from the Moderator's Committee on World Witness that brought to the attention of the court the fact that giving to World Witness has been negatively affected by the designated-giving to Tsunami-relief that has diverted some support from regular World Witness operating needs. A reminder to pray for retired missionaries was recommended and appreciation for the ministry of the Woman's Synodical Union's support and encouragement was expressed. The needs of the several World Witness fields of ministry were described in an additional document and presbyteries and sessions were asked to take note of them and aid in recruiting for them. All recommendations were approved.

A special moment of appreciation for John Mariner, retiring Executive Director of World Witness was observed, and a memorial plaque was presented to him. Synod rose to express its gratitude. Also prayer was offered for Mr. Mariner. Incoming Executive Director Frank van Dalen was welcomed to his office and prayer was offered for him. In addition prayer was offered for the retired missionaries of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.

24. The Coordinator of General Synod, on a motion from the floor, was charged with the responsibility to plan a Commissioning Service to be conducted at General Synod 2006 for Sabrina Cooper, Alan Avera and Frank van Dalen, and any other new agency directors appointed before the 2006 meeting of Synod. The motion was seconded and prevailed.

Wilfred A. Bellamy, Ph.D.
Coordinator of General Synod
July 2005