From September 29 through October 1, I had the privilege of representing Holy Covenant Church at the fall meeting of Knox Presbytery and attending the broader Council meeting of the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), held in Nashville, Tennessee.
For those unfamiliar with our denominational structure, a presbytery is a regional gathering of churches represented by their elders and ministers, while Council brings together representatives from the various presbyteries throughout our communion. These gatherings provide opportunities for mutual accountability, cooperation, encouragement, and deliberation on matters affecting our churches. I wanted to share a few highlights from both meetings.
Highlights from Knox Presbytery
One encouraging aspect of our presbytery meeting was witnessing the continued growth and geographical reach of our communion. We welcomed Veritas Church in Preston, England, into full membership and recognized Christ Church in Spokane as a mission church under the oversight of Christ Church in Moscow.
Of particular interest to our congregation is Christ Covenant Church in Sandpoint, Idaho, which continues as a mission church under the sponsorship of Holy Covenant Church. This reminds us that our responsibilities extend beyond our own congregation as we labor together to see Christ’s Church established and strengthened.
Another significant portion of our meeting was devoted to examining two men for pastoral ordination: Andrew Sies of King’s Cross Church in Wenatchee and Jeremiah Jasso of King’s Church in Spokane Valley. Following their examinations, the presbytery unanimously recommended both men to their respective churches for ordination.
Presbytery also considered several important matters, including sacramental cooperation, marriage and divorce, baptismal practice, and church governance. Among its actions, the presbytery approved forwarding a proposed memorial on marriage and divorce to Council for its first reading. It also authorized further work on sacramental cooperation and appointed a committee to consider possible changes to presbytery boundaries.
Highlights from the CREC Council
Following our presbytery meeting, representatives from across the CREC gathered for Council, where matters affecting the entire communion were considered.
One significant development was the formation of Boniface Presbytery in Canada, reflecting the continued growth and organization of our churches.
Council also adopted a Memorial on Nations, affirming the unity of mankind in Adam and the reconciliation of the nations through Jesus Christ, while repudiating ethnic and national hatred.
Several other proposed doctrinal statements, known as memorials, received their first readings. These addressed child communion, marriage and divorce, and doctor-assisted suicide. While approved as drafts for further consideration, these memorials have not yet received final adoption.
Another significant development was the first reading of the proposed New Westminster Confession, which will undergo further examination and consideration before any potential adoption as an additional confessional standard within the CREC.
Council also addressed sacramental cooperation between churches with differing baptismal convictions, adopting amendments to the Book of Procedures while referring other proposed revisions for further discussion.
Finally, Council elected Bill Smith as its new Presiding Minister, succeeding Uri Brito, whose service was recognized with thanksgiving.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
Our next spring presbytery meeting is scheduled for April 19–21, 2027, in Coeur d’Alene, followed by a fall meeting in Spokane Valley on October 11–13.
Beloved, while meetings like these may seem far removed from the ordinary life of our congregation, they are an important expression of our fellowship with the broader body of Christ. We are not an isolated church, but one congregation laboring alongside many others for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom.
These gatherings also remind us that faithful church government requires careful attention to Scripture, patient deliberation, mutual accountability, and brotherly cooperation. As we consider these things, let us give thanks for what the Lord is doing beyond our own walls and continue praying for the faithfulness, unity, and fruitfulness of His churches.
If you are interested in learning more about any of the matters discussed or decided at Presbytery or Council, or have questions about our denomination and its work, please reach out to one of the elders. We would be glad to discuss these things with you.