The first prayer meeting of Synod delegates is meeting this week. There are less than 2 months before the first strike of the gavel. There is a lot of work to do.
For those of you who are wondering about next steps. Perhaps you find yourself in a meeting of peers or one of the different groups focusing on Synod strategy. Maybe you’re a delegate or you’re wondering what you, a lone individual, kilometres away from Grand Rapids can do to help. I’m going to bullet point some of the practical things that need to be done between now and then:
Are you a delegate?
Diet, sleep, exercise. Synod is gruelling in terms of the schedule, the work, and the mental cost that it will demand. Train for Synod so that you will be able to handle the long hours.
Keep positive throughout. Don’t take losses personally. Don’t let Abide get under your skin. (They can be arrogant, abrasive, passive-aggressive, and creepy. Be prepared for them to try to demoralize or demonize you.)
Know the material. Know the church order. Know the rules for Synodical procedure. Perhaps consider a small group to help you prepare.
Connect with other delegates beforehand - form friendships early.
When you get to Synod relationships are everything. Start making friendships right away. Eat and drink with other people. Invite delegates to your table. If you are an introvert give it up for Synod Lent. Abide’s success last year was isolating moderates at mealtimes.
Make sure to have a social plan for every evening and invite people along. Canadian Bible Studies must be a priority.
Prepare your questions and comments in advance. You’re going to have 3 minutes max. Use them well. Do tell stories. Ignore any direction not to tell stories. Calmly remind the chair that Scripture uses stories and that as a delegate you have the right to contribute to deliberation as you see fit. If the chair rules you out of order challenge the chair. Do it every single time if the chair insists.
Figure out beforehand who you want the chair of Synod to be. Abide was successful because they were working behind the scenes to vote for one candidate and moderate votes were scattered.
Do you live in the area?
Please consider hosting the Canadian Bible Studies. By the authority invested in my by the Governor-General I bequeath to you honourary Canadian status for the purpose of planning these events. At a restaurant, at a home, at a church - there needs to be a social event each evening where Abide cannot exert social control. I’d suggest coordinating together so that the work can be done by many.
Be as present as you can. I don’t know whether they will open the gallery or not. If they do - be there. If not - join the group outside praying and singing.
If they don’t let the public into the meeting - consider bringing some technology to broadcast the meetings for those who gather there.
Arrange some early morning activities. Perhaps a hike or a prayer walk before breakfast.
Are you a bit farther away?
Connect with your delegates. If they are affirming offer your support, offer to buy them a coffee and pray for them. If they are moderate offer to buy them a coffee, share your testimony and pray for them. If they are Abide consider sending them pages of notes, Scripture verses, and books they might want to consider so that they can repent from their folly, allow yourself a chuckle for the indulgence of fantasy, don’t actually do that, then offer to buy them a coffee and pray for them.
Think about a vacation: Michigan is quite pleasant that time of year.
Use social media for good: the hashtag on twitter is #crcsynod between now and then link to articles, videos and stories that demonstrate the fruits of inclusion and solid Biblical resources for why embracing our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters is the pure preaching of the gospel.
Consider a Synod watch party and prayer group in your home or church. I think one of the most important things for this Synod is that as many people as possible bear witness to what is happening. It’s one thing to read the sanitized version in the Banner. It’s another to watch delegates speak. I believe that if our members see Abide for what they are in 2023 and hear the stories of good news among affirming Christians it will lay a good foundation for the next 5 Synods.
There are other things that can be done. You all are far more creative than I. The key is relationship, encouragement, preparation, and prayer. Let’s get to work!
A small aside. I am out and about and read what you post in various places. A couple quick thoughts: 1. Thank you for reading. 2. Rev. Lebowski is all of us and not me. 3. If you have a question - put it in one of those comments and I’ll see it. 4. If you’d like to take a turn as “the Dude” - if you get your article to the moderator of one of those little corners of the internet - it has a good chance of getting to me - I’ll gladly post your thoughts and keep your anonymity.