General Synod 2026 Concludes with Focus on Change, Gratitude, and Biblical Reflection

The 219th General Synod of the Reformed Church in America convened at the Sheraton Music City Nashville Airport in Nashville, Tennessee, from June 11 to 16. Delegates gathered to engage in worship and discern the mind of Christ together, marking the last General Synod where regional synods and classes contributed delegates. Middle assemblies will take over this responsibility starting December 30.

The synod took place in “Music City USA,” where worship was heartfelt, and the assembly expressed emotional appeals and even dance breaks. A spirit of collaboration characterized the gathering as the denomination continued its commitment to living into Revelation 7:9, a vision of diverse worshippers from every nation, tribe, and tongue.

Leaders and delegates acknowledged the grief of a challenging season and the uncertainty of the future. Yet, they also expressed gratitude for God’s goodness in the past and confidence in God’s ongoing shepherding of the denomination. Rev. Sarah Palsma, General Synod president, shared the collective wrestling with change, noting both grief and gratitude. She emphasized the importance of depending on God’s daily faithfulness amid uncertainty.

The General Synod concluded with a multilingual worship service on Tuesday morning before adjourning. Rev. Dr. Ron Rienstra, newly installed General Synod professor, preached on Psalm 107, describing it as a liturgical song praising God’s steadfast love. He highlighted the psalm’s structure of trouble and rescue, urging the congregation to add their own stanzas of wilderness and turmoil met with God’s redemption.

Rienstra’s message resonated with the synod’s journey, reflecting a call to trust in God’s faithfulness amid change. The denomination’s commitment to unity and mission remains a central theme as it moves forward.

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