The Authority of the Synod
Sunday, June 19, 2011 at 1:43PM Yesterday we voted to approve the selection of Tom DeVries as the RCA's next general secretary. Most of you know that, but I state it in case some (from my congregation, for instance) are following only my blog.
I am fully in support of that action. I think Tom is a warmhearted, generaous, wise, and gifted follower of Jesus. I believe this selection is worthy of our approval.
Some might question that. For yesterday, I offered a motion to amend that would have put in place the requirement that the General Synod review and approve Tom's employment in six years.
I did this for a very simple reason.
It was not because I questioned Tom.
It was because of the authority of the Synod.
I believe that over the years, Synod has given away so much of its authority to the General Synod Council and to the general secretary. The indeterminate term of this position, with little or no consultation with the Synod, seems to have lead to an expanding scope of the position.
Some may point to Carver Policy Governance as justification for the methods of employment and contract review. I would offer, however, that although the GSC is bound by Carver, the Synod is not. Furthermore, the GSC is to be accountable to the Synod, not the other way around.
The motion to amend was defeated. But the issues I was trying to raise will not go away. I am glad that they at least received an airing.
Reader Comments (1)
I support a term limit & periodic review for the General Secretary, no matter who fills that position. A term limit allows a logical opportunity for both the General Secretary and those appointed by the General Synod to discuss opportunities for growth, and opportunities to stay the course or change direction. It is better to have this mechanism built into the system rather than to have to create it if dissention occurs. I would envision this review to be a mandated step before a subsequent term is approved - a subsequent term would then be a positive affirmation not only of the General Secretary's work but also of the denomination's shared ministry.