Wednesday Afternoon Business
Pastor of Huntersville ARP Church, Nick Napier, opened the worship service by reading 1 Corinthians 1:30-2:2. Napier used the example of a doctor who has all the credentials but is a podiatrist, not a cardiologist. “Christ is everything. He is the beginning, middle, and end. He is not an example but He is the source,” Napier said. Napier referenced verse 31, “Let the one who boasts, boast in
the Lord.” He said we get our wisdom from God. “The problem with the world is they are looking everywhere but Christ,” Napier said.” Do you draw into Him? Christ must be our all and all.” Camp Joy campers and staff joined Synod for a time of sing-
ing. Jeff Lesslie, director of Camp Joy, gave a brief presentation, followed by a prayer from Rev. Jon Oliphant. Fraternal delegate Jeff Temple of the Canadian Reformed Churches brought greetings as they celebrate their 75th anniversary. Business continued with the previous motion to divide the
money from Second Presbytery. One delegate said, “Do this now, don’t wait.” After more than three hours of discussion and amend- ments, the motion passed 164-83 in favor of dividing the money among three agencies and the Tucker PCA church, with the re- maining funds left for the commission to divide. Leo Markwat of- fered prayer for the decision, “Seeing how much time we spent on this, I pray we make decisions that glorify you!” A motion was approved for a season of prayer and fasting during the week of September 13, 2026, for the purpose that the LORD of the Harvest would raise up laborers that we so desperately desire. The Camps and Conferences report was discussed. Delegates
were encouraged to attend or send youth to Quest (Middle School Conference), Horizon (High School), Family Bible Conference, and/or Appalachia. The Inter-Church Relations Committee report was presented
and approved, sending delegates to represent the ARP at other de- nominations.
The Committee on Investment report was accepted. This com- mittee meets quarterly to review portfolio performance and asset allocations and makes any necessary changes in investment man- agers or investment strategies as needed. For the Committee on the Minister and His Work, Chaplain Mike Hendrick read greetings from Jim Carter, the PRCC presi- dent. “The CIA Chaplain is part of the PRCC. This is historic so please be in prayer,” Carter said. Fraternal delegate Drew Gordon of the RPCNA presented a Psalter to the moderator. “I hope we can work together even more in the next year Gordon said.” Rev. David Vance closed the session with prayer, “Make our Synod, as it seems small like a mustard seed, to grow to spread branches wide.”
Wednesday Evening Business
Rev. Nathan Eldridge, pastor of Redeemer ARP Church in Alabama, led evening worship from Philippians 2:9-11. “Our con- moments, our initial response isn’t always the path of humility,” Eldridge said. “The path of humility is listening more than speak- ing. Even when we disagree, we can walk together in humility.” Eldridge said our confession is also a joyful confession. “Our God is not distant or aloof. He is our God,” he said. Our confession is a God-honoring confession, he continued, pointing to verse 11: “And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” “If we are striving to outdo each other, we don’t need that. The world doesn’t need help tearing down the kingdom. We have one Lord, one faith, and one Gospel. We have a confession that encourages us, gives shall bow,” Eldridge said.
Business continued with a motion to ensure that, going for-
ward, all boards, committees, and commissions of Synod submit an update even if they have no recommendations. The Board of Stewardship report emphasized the need for giv- ing to the Denominational Ministry Fund. Every agency, board, and committee depends upon the free-will giving of every con- The Bonclarken Conference Center report followed. Synod voted for the 2028 meeting of General Synod to begin Tuesday, June 6, without use of Founders Hall. The Outreach North America report was presented by Execu-
tive Director Morrie Lawing. “We invite the denomination to pray toward a goal where every presbytery commits to starting one church per year for the next ten years.” Rev. James Ritchey of the newly organized River City ARP Church shared how the church reaches the community through festivals and farmers’ markets. “Keep praying, don’t lose heart,” he said. Synod approved setting aside one Friday per quarter for prayer, fasting, revival, and refor- mation: August 7, November 6, February 5, and May 7. The William H. Dunlap Orphanage report followed. Chair- man Robbie Bell reminded Synod that Dunlap does not receive funds from the DMF. To date, Dunlap has helped with 17 adop- tions and has $70,000 in the adoption assistance fund. A special resolution was presented to Susan Tanner for her work over the past year as interim executive director. Rev. Harper Price closed the session with prayer.
July/August 2026
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