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The 91st General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church is meeting from June 4–10, 2025, at Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, Illinois. This running daily report will be written by Rev. Todd Smith and edited by Linda Foh. Questions or comments may be addressed to Hank Belfield, stated clerk. Click one the following links to go directly to the report for Thursday morning; Friday.
Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois (near Chicago) is the location for the 91st General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Commissioners spent most of this first day traveling to the Chicago area.
Prior to the beginning of the opening worship service Trinity’s Vice President for Academic Affairs Jerome Douglas greeted and welcomed the Assembly.
According to the usual custom, the Assembly began at 7:00 p.m. with a worship service held at Ozinga Chapel. The moderator of last year’s assembly, Rev. John V. Fesko (Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, MS) led the Assembly in worship, preaching a sermon on unity from Psalm 133 entitled, “Why Are You a Christian?” The offering was designated for the Obadiah Fund, which provides diaconal assistance to retired ministers and their wives and for widows.
Following a brief recess, the Assembly reconvened in the gymnasium at 8:15 p.m. Rev. Fesko opened in prayer. The roll call was taken by stated clerk, Rev. Hank L. Belfield (Providence OPC, Chilhowie, VA). Non-commissioned committee representatives were seated as corresponding members and granted privilege of the floor, meaning they can speak on matters of business but are not allowed to make motions or vote.
Elder David Mahaffy (Sovereign Grace OPC, Oak Harbor, WA) gave a report for the Committee on Arrangements. He introduced the members of the committee and gave instructions to the commissioners regarding information they will need this week. At this point, the Assembly tested the voting devices with various statistical questions with the following results:
The final group was asked to stand to be recognized and the Assembly gave them a round of applause.
The stated clerk presented the minutes of the 90th General Assembly, noting that the PDF version was posted on OPC.org on August 27, 2024, but due to delays from the print company, hard copies were not available until October 23, 2024.
On behalf of the Committee on Ecumenicity and Interchurch Relations, Elder Mark Bube (Calvary OPC, Glenside, PA) introduced the fraternal delegates present, who were seated as corresponding members.
Election of a moderator for this year’s Assembly was the next item of business. The Rev. Brian L. De Jong (Grace OPC, Sheboygan, WI) was nominated by Rev. Danny Olinger (General Secretary for the Committee on Christian Education). With no other nominations, he was declared elected. The newly elected Moderator led the assembly in prayer.
The stated clerk presented overtures, communications, complaints, and appeals to the Assembly. He noted that there was 1 overture, 10 communications, 4 appeals in judicial cases, and 3 complaints on appeal.
Times for convening, recessing, and reconvening were set. The stated clerk pointed out the exceptions to the scheduled times. The Assembly convenes each morning at 8:30 a.m. and recesses each day at 8:30 p.m. In addition to mealtimes, there are two short breaks for refreshments each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. At 11:40 each morning the Assembly pauses its work for a daily devotional. On Saturday, the Assembly recesses after the afternoon session so the commissioners have the evening to prepare for the Lord’s Day. Area churches will host commissioners for worship on Sunday morning and provide lunch. The evening service will be held at Ozinga Chapel back on the campus at 6:30 p.m.
The docket was adopted with exceptions and special orders of the day noted by the stated clerk. The clerk assigned items of business to the various advisory and temporary committees, which were then adopted by the Assembly.
Mr. David Mahaffy, chairman of the Committee on Arrangements, presented three requests for excused absences of commissioners which were approved by the Assembly.
The Moderator declared the Assembly in recess until 3:35 p.m. on Thursday for advisory committee work. Mr. Olinger closed the Wednesday evening session with prayer.
At 8:30 a.m. the Assembly met in advisory committees. All members of the Assembly, except the moderator, clerks, and commissioners who give presentations in advisory committees, are assigned to an advisory committee, which typically meet for a half day. Advisory committees help the Assembly with its work. They are tasked with meeting with representatives of all the standing committees of the General Assembly (such as the Committees on Christian Education, Foreign Missions, Diaconal Ministries, etc.) to review their reports and recommendations. They also meet with knowledgeable parties with other business before the Assembly such as appeals, complaints, overtures, etc. This allows members of the Assembly more intensive time overseeing the committees than would be practical on the floor with the whole body. When an advisory committee reports that it is “silent” regarding the work of a committee under its review, this silence is understood to convey approval of the committee’s work and concurrence with its report and/or recommendations.
However, an advisory committee may bring recommendations to the Assembly that might differ from a committee’s report or recommendations under its review. But they may not do so without conferring with at least one member of that committee present at the Assembly. This structure allows for a greater “plurality” of sorts, with one group of ordained men (an advisory committee brought together just during the Assembly) reviewing the work of another group of ordained men (a standing or other committee of the GA) to advise the whole body as to how it should act when the Assembly gathers throughout the week.
Each year some of the commissioners and fraternal delegates bring their wives and families to the General Assembly. While the commissioners are in their advisory committees, the women meet. This morning, the Committee on Ministerial Care invited the commissioners’ and fraternal delegates’ wives, local OPC ministers’ wives and other women who serve the OPC to a time of fellowship, refreshment, and prayer hosted by Anneke Fesko, CMC’s Care Coordinator for Ministers’ Wives.
At 11:40 a.m., commissioners gathered in the gymnasium for morning devotions. Rev. Harrison Perkins (Oakland Hills Community, Farmington Hills, MI) spoke from Mark 8:22-30, delivering a message on seeing Christ more clearly. The Assembly then sang #446 in the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, “Be Thou My Vision.”
The Moderator declared the Assembly recessed for lunch at 12:00 p.m. Following lunch, the commissioners returned to advisory committee work.
The Assembly reconvened at the call of the Moderator at 3:35 p.m. with the singing of Hymn #378 in the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, “Look, Ye Saints, The Sight is Glorious.” Elder E. Wesley Reynolds (Midland, MI) prayed for the work of the assembly.
The Moderator received common consent to seat Rev. Charlie Dey (Presbyterian and Reformed Commission on Chaplains, PRCC and PCA Pastor) as a corresponding member and give him privilege of the floor. Rev. Dey presented the work of the Presbyterian and Reformed Commission on Chaplains (PRCC), which seeks to care for, credential, cover, call, and connect each of the endorsed chaplains. There are currently 12 OPC chaplains endorsed by the PRCC.
The Moderator appointed Rev. Archibald A. Allison (Emmaus OPC, Fort Collins, CO) as parliamentarian and Rev. Andrew E. Davis (Emmanual OPC, Kent, WA) to write the resolution of thanks for the Assembly, which would be presented for approval near the end of the Assembly meeting.
Mr. Belfield presented the report of the stated clerk. This Assembly marks the completion of his second term in office. He serves under the arrangements and oversight of the Trustees of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and works a yearly average of 24 hours per week in addition to serving as full-time pastor in Chilhowie, VA for 24 years. He thanked his staff, Mrs. Charlene Tipton, Mrs. Linda Foh, and Mrs. Jackie Oftedahl. He reported that Rev. John W. Mahaffy (Trinity OPC, Newberg, OR) is serving his twenty-sixth consecutive year as the Assistant Clerk of the Assembly. He noted that the OPC Statistician Mr. Luke E. Brown is retiring after 40 years of service to the OPC.
The Assembly approved the following recommendations from the clerk: (1) A proposed amendment to the GA Standing Rules. (2) Appoint Advisory Committee 8 to draft a resolution of thanks for the faithful service of Mr. Luke E. Brown as Statistician of the OPC. (3) That the Assembly instruct the stated clerk to request each recipient of the hard copy of our Minutes/Yearbook to consider a voluntary contribution of $20 per copy.
Mr. David Mahaffy for the Committee on Arrangements, presented a request for an excused absence of a commissioner which was approved by the Assembly.
Rev. Stephen L. Phillips (retired minister, Quarryville, PA) gave the report of the Trustees of the OPC. Each year the Trustees remind the Assembly that the Employer Identification Number (EIN) is only to be used by the Trustees, not by individual congregations in the OPC. The Trustees nominated Mr. Belfield to be re-elected to serve a third term as Stated Clerk of the General Assembly. The Assembly concurred with that nomination and elected him to another three-year term. Rev. Richard N. Ellis (retired minister, NJ) and Elder John E. Hearn (Orlando, FL) were re-elected to the Board of Trustees. Mr. Reynolds prayed for the work of the Trustees.
Rev. John Keegan (Grace OPC, Fair Lawn, NJ) chairman of Advisory Committee (AC) 8 spoke to the printed report from Statistician Mr. Luke Brown as reviewed by the AC. It was noted that during 2024 the number of local churches declined by five to 300. Unorganized mission works increased by five to 41. Total membership grew by 179 persons (0.54 percent) to 33,566 members. Morning worship attendance increased by 695 persons (2.70 percent) to 26,441 in November. Total offerings of $85.7 million represented an increase of 4.24 percent from 2023. The church welcomed 20 new ministers last year. We praise God for blessing the church with 703 professions of faith, 1,147 new members by reaffirmation of faith, 780 covenant children by baptism, and many others by membership transfer.
The Assembly approved a recommendation by Advisory Committee 8 that the Statistician add the following question to the annual statistical report sheet: “Do you have an evening service? Yes or no.” Rev. Keegan prayed for the work of Mr. Brown and the election of a new statistician. Elder Mike I. Hammons (St. Augustine, FL) was elected to serve a one-year term as the new Statistician.
The President of the Committee on Foreign Missions, the Rev. John D. Van Meerbeke (Living Hope OPC, Gettysburg, PA) introduced the Committee’s report. General Secretary Rev. Douglas Clawson delivered the report. He pointed the Assembly to Revelation 5. In many ways the work done in 2024 was preparation for ministry that is now taking place in 2025.
Rev. Heero E. C. Hacquebord, missionary to Ukraine, was given privilege of the floor. He spoke of his ongoing ministry in Ukraine and the struggles due to the war in that nation. He reported that Sunday services continue at area churches, despite ongoing attacks. In L’viv, where the Hacquebords reside, life is relatively normal. It is a safe place to minister. He stated that the Crates for Ukraine humanitarian outreach saved many lives. He asked for continued prayers for peace and an end to the war and for Christians serving and living in hostile areas.
Mr. Clawson reported that between last year’s Assembly and this Assembly, two missionaries have come off the field and two more missionaries have gone to the field.
Rev. Benjamin K. Hopp, Regional Foreign Missionary in Africa and Haiti, addressed the Assembly. His work with Reformed denominations in South Sudan has served to build the church. He encouraged men to consider serving as missionaries.
The Assembly recessed for dinner at 5:15 p.m. with prayer led by Rev. Elijah K. DeJong (Concho Valley OPC, Concho, AZ).
The Moderator reconvened the Assembly with the singing of Hymn #430 in the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, “Salvation unto Us Has Come.” Elder Mark Rebhan (Farmington Hills, MI) prayed for the work of the Assembly.
Mr. Bube introduced fraternal delegate Rev. Benjamin Glaser of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARPC). Rev. Glaser brought greeting from the ARPC. He asked for prayers for wisdom as their Synod meets next week. He asked for prayer as a new Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church in Canada will be formed. Erskine College is doing well, and he asked for prayers for the labors of the ARPC. Elder Bruce A. Stahl (Wentzville, MO) prayed for the ARPC.
Rev. Eric Hausler (Christ the King OPC, Naples, FL) delivered the report of the Special Committee on Criminal History and Officer Qualifications. He reminded the assembly of the statement adopted by the 90th General Assembly that leaves final jurisdiction on the ordaining of officers to the local session. Rev. Andrew Miller (Regional Home Missionary for the Presbytery of Central Pennsylvania) highlighted portions of the report. The committee’s recommendations that the report be distributed to the presbyteries and their candidates and credentials committees for study and make the report available to interested parties who wish to study it; and that the 91st (2025) General Assembly dissolve the committee with thanks were adopted. Rev. Michael S. Borg (Providence OPC, Bradenton, FL) prayed for the special committee.
The report on the Committee on Foreign Missions continued as Mr. Hopp discussed the ministry in Haiti. He asked for prayers for the church and the Delfis family. Elder Donald J. Grimsley (Concho, AZ) spoke of his time serving in Africa. Mr. Clawson concluded the report, asking that prayer and fasting for Foreign Missions and Missionaries not cease, and requesting prayer that God would raise up more missionaries from the OPC to go into His service.
Ministers James T. Lim (Faith OPC, Long Beach, CA), Philip T. Proctor (Sterling OPC, Sterling, VA), and John D. Van Meerbeke (Living Hope Presbyerian, Gettysburg, PA) and Ruling Elders John S. Emmett and Hayo Jager were re-elected to serve on the Committee of Foreign Missions as the class of 2028. Rev. Everett Henes (Hillsdale, MI) prayed for the work of the committee.
Rev. Craig Troxel introduced the report of the Committee on Christian Education (CCE). Rev. Olinger discussed examples of service and teaching in the history of the OPC. Elder John Dunahoo, Interim Executive Director of Great Commissions Publications, was granted privilege of the floor for the purposes of the report. He shared a video about the 50th Anniversary of Great Commissions Publications, a joint venture of the OPC and PCA.
Dr. David M. Van Drunen (WTS, California) addressed the Assembly regarding the CCE’s work on the Modern English Study Version (MESV) of the Confession of Faith and Catechisms of the OPC, including appendices containing all changes between the constitutional text and modern English Study Version text. The MESV will be posted on opc.org following the Assembly.
The stated clerk notified the Assembly of receiving Communication 11, a fraternal greeting from the PCA.
The Assembly recessed for the evening at 8:30 p.m. with prayer led by Rev. Daniel S. Schrock (Bethel OPC, Wheaton, IL).
After breakfast, the Assembly gathered at 8:30 a.m. The Moderator led in singing #447 in the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, “Christ, of All My Hopes the Ground.” Rev. Robert T. Holda (Resurrection OPC, Oshkosh, WI) prayed for the work of the Assembly.
Mr. Bube introduced fraternal delegates Rev. Shawn Anderson and Joshua Smith of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in North America (RPCNA). Rev. Anderson brought greetings from the RCPNA and spoke of their hosting the 50th Anniversary of the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council (NAPARC) later this year. He asked for prayers for the 193rd Synod in three weeks as they deliberate pressing matters in the denomination and for the work of church planting. He ended his address encouraging greater unity in our denominations. Rev. John Shaw (Grace OPC, Columbus, OH) prayed for the RPCNA.
The Assembly resumed discussion of the Christian Education report. The recommendation to propose to the Ninety-Second (2026) General Assembly an amendment to Standing Rule X.2.C., regarding electing members of the committee, was adopted. The Assembly adopted Advisory Committee 2’s recommendations that (1) the General Assembly direct the stated clerk to send the MESV to each Church/Federation with which the OPC has relationships and to the International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC) and NAPARC, for their information, comments, or advice; and that (2) the committee prepare a printed version of the MESV to be made available to all ministers and sessions of the OPC who request a copy. Elders John R. Muether (Reformation OPC, Oviedo, FL) and Luke Shannon (Bethel OPC, Wheaton, IL) were elected to the class of 2028. Mr. Perkins was elected to the class of 2026. Ministers David M. VanDrunen (WTS, California), Alan D. Strange (Mid-America Reformed Seminary), and Stephen J. Tracey (Lakeview OPC, Rockport, ME) were re-elected to the class of 2028. Elder David Winslow Jr. (Westminster, CA) prayed for the work of the committee.
Rev. C. Steve McDaniel Jr. (Calvary OPC, Glenside, PA) introduced the report of the Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension (CHMCE) and introduced General Secretary Rev. Jeremiah Montgomery. This is the oldest standing committee of the OPC which was established at the first General Assembly on June 12, 1936. At the end of 2024, the denomination had 305 established congregations and 36 mission works. In 2022, 9% of congregations were mission works; in 2023, 10.6% congregations were mission works; in 2024, 12% of congregations were mission works. In 2024 the committee supported six new mission works, twenty-four continuing mission works, twelve regional home missionaries, two church planting interns, and five special evangelistic projects. Church planter, Rev. Christopher Drew (Faith OPC, Grand Forks, ND) spoke of his service in North Dakota. Rev. John R. Nymann (All Saints OPC, Suffolk, VA) spoke of his service in Virginia. Regional Home Missionary (RHM) for the Presbytery of Wisconsin and Minnesota, Rev. James T. Hoekstra shared the work of church planting in the presbytery.
Rev. Zecharias A. Weldeyesus (Redeemer OPC, Doraville, GA) closed the session in prayer before the mid-morning break at 10:00 a.m. After the break, the Assembly gathered at 10:20 a.m. singing #22C in the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, “Amid the Thronging Worshippers”. Rev. Joseph Wan (Providence OPC, Madison, WI) prayed for the work of the Assembly.
Mr. Bube introduced fraternal delegate Rev. Sun-Min Hong of the Independent Reformed Church of Korea (ICRK). He shared how the OPC and the ICRK began Ecumenical Contact in 2008, entered Corresponding Relations in 2010, and entered full Ecclesiastical Fellowship in 2014. Twelve students have graduated from their Theological Academy since 2010. A project to translate the Westminster Confession into modern Korean began in 2019 and is now ready for publication. Mr. Clawson prayed for the work of the ICRK.
The CHMCE report continued with a discussion by Mr. McDaniel regarding revitalization efforts in existing churches. Mr. Montgomery spoke of the financial challenges that are coming. Due to more requests than funds, the committee has adopted several new policies for new mission works seeking field support in 2026 or beyond. This included the following: (1) New mission works shall normally have at least 20 committed adults and $20,000 in reserve funds prior to applying for field support from the committee. (2) Support schedules will be linked to cost-of-living. (3) Financial support from the committee will be set at 200% of support from within the presbytery, up to the maximum level specified in the approved schedule for that work. Ministers James J. Cassidy (South Austin OPC, Austin, TX), Jeffrey M. Scott (Covenant Grace OPC, Roseburg, OR), and Mark A. Winder (Wolf River OPC, Collierville, TN) were re-elected to the class of 2028. Elders Michael C. Cloy and Stephen S. Vanderwey were re-elected to the class of 2028. Mr. Shaw prayed for the work of the committee.
Chairman of the Committee on Coordination, Rev. M. Scott Johnson (Mount Rose Reformed OPC, Reno, NV) delivered the report. The committee’s work focuses on recommending to the Assembly a combined budget for the three Worldwide Outreach Committees of Christian Education, Foreign Missions, and Home Missions and Church Extension. The committee also provides accounting services and support for the Committee on Diaconal Ministries and the Committee on Ministerial Care. The committee helps pastors and sessions regarding the stewardship of the church. Elder Keith A. LeMahieu (Bethel OPC, Oostburg, WI) spoke of his visits to presbyteries and shared the ministry of planned giving through the Barnabas Foundation which provides estate planning for members of congregations at no charge. By common consent, Mrs. Melisa E. McGinnis (Committee on Coordination Controller) was given privilege of the floor for the purpose of this report.
At 11:40 a.m. Rev. Damon A. Young (Grace and Peace OPC, California, MD) led the Assembly in the morning devotional. He led in singing #426 in the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, “How Vast the Benefits Divine”. He spoke from John 15:1-11, delivering a message on being united to Christ.
The Moderator declared the Assembly in recess for lunch at 12:04 p.m.
The Assembly reconvened at 1:15 p.m. singing #98A, in the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, “O Sing, a New Song to the Lord”. Elder T. Andrew Demana (Dayton, OH) prayed for the work of the Assembly.
Mr. Bube introduced fraternal delegate Elder Randall Taylor of the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) FCC. Mr. Taylor shared some background concerning the denomination. The denomination came into being in 2000. The denomination centers around experiential preaching. There are 43 congregations in the FCC with the U.S. Presbytery comprising 10 congregations. Rev. Iain A. M. Wright (Covenant OPC, Orland Park, IL) prayed for the work of the FCC.
The report on the Committee on Coordination continued with the approval of the following recommendations: The Assembly approved the committee’s proposed budget for Worldwide Outreach of $5,789,000. The Assembly adopted the Advisory Committee’s recommendation that the Assembly instruct the Committee on Coordination to allocate any 2025 Thank Offering receipts in excess of $1.6 million to the Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension. Mr. Johnson and Elder Ashraf Guirgues were re-elected to the class of 2028. Rev. Daniel R. Svendson (First OPC of South Holland, South Holland, IL) was elected to the class of 2027. Mr. Eric Kooi (Long Beach, CA) prayed for the work of the committee.
The report of the Committee on Diaconal Ministries (CDM) was introduced by Rev. Christopher B. Cashen (Trinity Reformed OPC, Lanham MD). He introduced Elder David Nakhla (Calvary OPC, Glenside, PA) who serves as the Administrator of the CDM. The CDM can receive designated giving for Refugee Ministry, The Persecuted Church, Medical Missions, and Special Relief—USA. Mr. Nakhla reported the National Diaconal Summit will be June 4-6, 2026, and urged the commissioners to encourage their local deacons to attend. Rev. John Ivy (PCA) was given privilege of the floor for the purpose of this report and spoke on the crisis in Ukraine. The committee shared a video on disaster relief efforts. Funds for Hurricane Helene relief reached $182,000 and funds for Hurricane Milton relief reached $166,606. The recommendation for support at the rate of $30 per communicant member passed. Rev. Adrian R. Crum (Harvest OPC, Grand Rapids, MI), Elder Peter R. Haines (Concho Valley OPC, Concho, AZ), and Deacon John J. Voss, Jr. were re-elected to the class of 2028. Rev. M. Jay Bennett (Grace OPC, Lynchburg, VA) prayed for the work of the committee.
Rev. James Clark (Garst Mill OPC, Roanoke, VA) prayed before the mid-afternoon break. The Assembly reconvened at 3:35 p.m. following the traditional General Assembly photo and afternoon break. The commissioners sang #244 in the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” and Elder James W. Onnink (Sheboygan, WI) led in prayer.
Mr. Bube introduced fraternal delegate Rev. Jose Barringa of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Peru (EPCP). Rev. Barringa spoke of church planting. The EPCP currently has 2 presbyteries and 19 congregations. The Free Church of Scotland (FCS) began missionary labors in Peru in 1916. The first Presbyterian congregation was established in 1921. The OPC entered into Corresponding Relations with the EPCP in 2019. The OPC is sponsoring them in the ICRC. Mr. Clawson prayed for the work of the EPCP.
Assistant Clerk Rev. John Mahaffy (Trinity OPC, Newburg, OR) had the Assembly approve pages 1-12 of the minutes.
The report of the Committee on Ministerial Care (CMC) was presented by Elder Gregory S. De Jong (Bethel OPC, Wheaton, IL) and Director of Ministerial Care, Rev. John Fikkert. The committee seeks to support the ministers of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church as they strive to be faithful to their calling. Financial planners volunteer their time to meet with ministers. The OPC Pension plan had 407 participants at the end of 2024 which represents 67% of eligible pastors. The David E. Haney Memorial Fund continues to give sabbatical grants and retreat grants to ministers. Mrs. Anneke Fesko continues to serve as Care Coordinator for Ministers’ Wives. The recommendation that the ministry of the CMC be supported at the amount of $25 per communicant member was adopted. Ministers Ronald E. Pearce (retired), and Brett A. McNeill (Reformation OPC, Olympia, WA) and Elder John E. Hearn (Lake Sherwood OPC, Orlando, FL) were re-elected to the class of 2028. Rev. John Shaw (Grace OPC, Columbus, OH) was elected to the class of 2026. Rev. Jay Bennett (Grace OPC, Lynchburg, VA) prayed for the work of the committee.
Mr. Wright introduced the report of the Committee on Ecumenicity and Interchurch Relations (CEIR). Mr. Bube shared the report with the Assembly. The OPC has ecclesiastical relationships with forty-eight other Presbyterian and Reformed churches. There are three different levels of relationship. Our full relationship is Ecclesiastical Fellowship. Corresponding Relations is a getting to know one another stage. Ecumenical Contact is establishing initial relationships with other churches. The OPC is also a member of NAPARC and ICRC. The Assembly adopted the following recommendations: (1) That the 91st (2025) General Assembly invite the Presbyterian Free Church—Central India (PFC-CI) into a relationship of Corresponding Relations. (2) That the Assembly invite the Reformed Churches of Brazil (RCB) into a relationship of Corresponding Relations. (3) That the Assembly clarify its understanding that the OPC’s ecclesiastical relationship with the Christian Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (CRCN) is more accurately reflected in a relationship of Corresponding Relations and requests the CEIR to adjust its Schedule of Current Ecclesiastical Relationships accordingly. (4) That the Assembly support the application of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Peru (EPCP) for membership in the International Conference of Reformed Churches (ICRC) and agree to serve as one of the two required Member Churches in sponsoring that application. The fifth recommendation regarding erecting a Special Committee to study the power of presbyteries to dissolve congregations was postponed until after the consideration of Overture 1.
Rev. Camden Bucey (Historian of the OPC) gave his report. He showed a memorial video of ministers who passed away in the last year. Two new books are about to be released, Anthology of OPC History and a second edition of History for a Pilgrim People. Mr. Keegan prayed for the work of the Historian.
Elder Peter E. Onnink (Covenant OPC, Orland Park, IL) prayed for the close of the afternoon session. The Moderator declared the body to be in recess for dinner from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m.
Following dinner, the commissioners reconvened at 6:45 p.m. singing #408 in the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, “For All the Saints,” and Rev. David Noe (Reformation OPC, Grand Rapids, MI) led in prayer.
Rev. John V. Fesko, Moderator of the previous Assembly, assumed the chair for the report of the Committee for the Historian. Mr. Olinger gave the introduction to the report and reminded the Assembly that it was only 11 years away from the 100th anniversary of the OPC. Mr. De Jong spoke on the project of a video history of the OPC prior to 2036. This video project will be broken up in short episodes that can be used in Sunday school class and small group studies. The committee played a video sharing an overview of this project and providing a preview of one of the episodes. Following the report, Mr. De Jong was re-elected to the class of 2028. Mr. Keegan prayed for the work of the Historian and the Committee for the Historian. Mr. De Jong resumed the chair.
Rev. John W. Mallin III gave the report of the Committee on Appeals and Complaints. There are four judicial appeals and three complaints on appeal presented to this Assembly.
The Assembly took up complaints 2 and 3, which are closely related. These complaints were filed by a member against the actions of his session relating to their interpretation of Genesis 1:28.
Having reached the order of the day, the Moderator declared the Assembly to be in recess at 8:00 p.m. Mr. Troxel closed the evening session in prayer.
This report was written by Rev. Todd Smith, Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Coeur d'Alene, ID.
© 2025 The Orthodox Presbyterian Church
