PRC Synod 2018, agenda
Russell Dykstra explains the proper ecclesiastical manner in which Reformed synods conduct their business, contrasting it sharply with secular legislative procedures. The article emphasizes that synodal decisions are guided by faithfulness to Scripture and the confessions rather than political compromise, voting tactics, or expediency, with the goal of achieving substantial unanimity on matters of truth.
In the Reformed system of church government, the synod is the broadest gathering. These ecclesiastical assemblies are assigned the duty to transact "ecclesiastical matters only" and that "in an ecclesiastical manner." Synods do the work which for various reasons cannot be "finished in the minor assemblies, or such as pertain to the churches in common" (Church Order, Art. 30). In an ecclesiastical manner? What does that mean? From a negative point of view, it means that the work is not...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org