Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1993

130 1993 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEto the start of the meeting to allow sufficient time to secure the lowpossible fares.3. That the congregational travel fund assessment for the 1994 Synod beset by the Committee on Finance.4. That the delegates be paid by check.5. That Synod thank Miss Judy Linhart, Mr. Louis Hutmire, and thepresbytery travel agents for their help.Respectfully submitted,Wade R. Mann, ChairmanAndy McCrackenThe report of the Presbytery Review Committee was taken up,approved and is as follows:REPORT OF THE PRESBYTERY REVIEW COMMITTEEAs we consider the "State of the Church," we are reminded of thepromise of Jesus Christ, "I will build my church, and the gates of Hadesshall not overpower it" (Matt. 16:18). We are also reminded of the goaladopted by the Synod of the "health, growth, and multiplication ofcongregations." Two questions which immediately come to mind are, "IsJesus Christ building this church in our midst?" and "How well are wedoing in terms of the health, growth and multiplication of congregations?"As we look at the reports of presbyteries, we have the sense that indeedJesus Christ is using us in the building of His church. We see indicationsof health, new growth, and multiplying of ministries. In the reports we findphrases such as "a number of events and developments during the past yearoccasion thanksgiving,...Atlantic Presbytery has established two missionchurches...give thanks to the Head of the Church for His continued graceand favor...have a significant ministry to youth in the community...continuesto see the Spirit of God break down barriers...for the fifteenth consecutiveyear, St. Lawrence Presbytery experienced a growth, in membership."Thus, we look at the HEALTH of congregations. We see congregationsand presbyteries concerned for prayer, discipleship, evangelism, youthwork, and leadership. Godly leadership is a key to the health of congregations.At last year's Carleton Conference, much concern was voicedabout the number of vacant congregations. We note this number has beenreduced as the Lord has raised up men to fill some of these vacancies.Several pastors have been received from other denominations. We further